News

Complaints lodged over PM’s statement

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2025

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The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of encouraging election campaigning during the legally mandated silent period.

The complaint was filed after the PM had allegedly made a statement that could be construed as a violation of electoral regulations. The incident had occurred during a National People’s Power (NPP) election rally held in Thelawala, Moratuwa, on May 03.

We have monitored that Prime Minister Amarasuriya has made a remark which could be seen as encouraging her supporters to engage in campaigning even after the silent period from May 3 2025. The Premier’s remark is an act of encouraging her supporters to violate electoral law while she has neglected the law herself,” PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hetiarachchi said in his letter.

“The encouragement to campaign during the silent period is not only a disregard for election regulations but also a serious blow to the culture of clean and fair politics we are trying to build,” Hettiarachchi has added.

PAFFREL has urged the Election Commission to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and take the necessary action to maintain the integrity of the upcoming Local Government Election.

Meanwhile, the Smagi Jana Balawegaya too has lodged a complaint with the EC over this event.

Speaking to media after lodging the complaint, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman has said that this statement was serious and as an independent commission, the EC will take measures to nullify all NPP nominations on this grounds.

(Video : VoiceTube)

News

NPP wins Tangalle Urban Council in first LG election results

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2025

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The Election Commission has released the first official results from the 2025 Local Government polls, with the National People’s Power (NPP) claiming victory in the Tangalle Urban Council, Hambantota District.

Tangalle Urban Council Results
National People’s Power (NPP): 2,260 votes (9 seats)
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): 1,397 votes (5 seats)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): 795 votes (3 seats)
United National Party (UNP): 265 votes (1 seat)
Sarvajana Balaya (SB): 177 votes (1 seat)

The JVP-led NPP’s strong showing in this southern urban council marks a significant shift in the region traditionally dominated by the SLPP.

Political analysts note this could signal changing voter sentiments amid economic pressures.

Voting concluded at 4:00 p.m. today after a largely peaceful process.

Counting continues for 338 other local bodies, with results expected through the night.

News

LG polls : voting concludes peacefully

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2025

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Voting of the 2025 Local Government elections concluded at 4.00 pm today (May 06).

The Election Commission has stated that the voting process was peaceful overall, with no incidents of violence reported during the polling period.

Voting ended with varying turnout in various districts as most districts have reported turnout of about 50% or less as at 3.00 pm.

Meanwhile, police say that special security arrangements are continued even after voting is concluded.

Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, has urged the public to remain calm and peaceful during the post-election period as well.

A total of 75,589 candidates are contesting from various political parties and independent groups at this year’s Local Government election.

News

World Bank group President to visit SL tomorrow

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2025

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World Bank group President – Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (May 07).

It is the first visit by the head of the multilateral lender in 20 years, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake last year.

“The visit comes at a critical moment, as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive, and private sector-led future,” the World Bank says.

Banga will meet President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and senior government and private sector leaders.

“These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially,” the World Bank added.

The World Bank Group currently maintains a portfolio of projects in Sri Lanka valued at $2.2 billion, encompassing both public and private sector investments. While recent reports have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress, the Bank continues to emphasize the need for poverty reduction and reform continuity to ensure sustained recovery.