News

Dr. Asoka Ranwala elected as Parliament Speaker

Published

7 months ago

November 21, 2024

editor

Dr. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

His name was proposed by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and seconded by Minister Vijitha Herath.

In his address, the Speaker expressed his commitment to safeguarding the independence and dignity of Parliament as the supreme legislative body of the nation. He pledged to uphold the Parliamentary traditions and procedures while striving to create a model, Parliament.

Furthermore, the Speaker sought the cooperation of all Members of Parliament to ensure the institution operates effectively embodying the new political culture expected by the public. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of a well-structured Parliamentary Committee system and called on all Members to conduct themselves with decorum and discipline during Parliamentary proceedings.

Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, represents the Gampaha District and entered Parliament following the most recent General Election. Beginning his political career as a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dr. Ranwala currently serves as a member of the National Executive Committee of the NPP. Dr. Ranwala completed his primary education at Yatiyana Primary School and his secondary education at Henegama Central College. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a doctorate in Biochemistry from Waseda University, Japan. Dr. Ranwala has also previously served as a member of the Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha and the Western Provincial Council.

News

Prisons Chief Thushara Upuldeniya before Colombo Magistrate’s Court today

Published

30 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

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The Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was arrested yesterday (June 9) over explosive allegations of illegally granting a presidential pardon to a high-profile inmate and is set to appear before Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took Upuldeniya into custody following a probe into claims that he abused presidential pardon powers to secure the early release of a prisoner under questionable circumstances.

A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that Upuldeniya had been questioned for three straight days before being detained. Investigators allege he bypassed legal protocols in facilitating the inmate’s release.

In a dramatic late-night development, the Cabinet—chaired by the President—moved swiftly to suspend Upuldeniya, citing concerns that his continued role could obstruct justice. “This decision ensures investigations remain impartial,” an official statement noted.

Nishan Dhanasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Judicial Ministry’s Prisons Division, has been named acting Commissioner General amid the unfolding scandal.

News

Poson Full Moon Poya day, today

Published

34 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

editor

Today (10) is the Poson full moon Poya day.

It is considered a very important day to Buddhists in Sri Lanka as it commemorates the arrival of Buddhism in the country.

Various religious programmes are to be carried out in Mihintale and the Atamasthana, Solosmasthana and Buddhist temples across the island.

After the third Dharma Sangayana held in India, Mihindu Thero and his group came to Sri Lanka from Mihintalaya with the patronage of King Dharmashoka.

King Devanampiyatissa, who was ruling the country at that time, also heard Dhamma from Mihindu Thero and took refuge in Sandaham, and with the arrival of Mihindu Thero, a cultural change took place.

Along with Mihindu Thero, Sri Lanka also received 18 caste craft grades.

Having education, literature, architecture, agriculture as well as a society full of values makes Poson Poya meaningful.

It is a custom of Sri Lankan Buddhists to celebrate Poson with a festival, putting culture first.

News

Ranil to appear before CID on June 11

Published

11 hours ago

June 9, 2025

editor

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 11.

He will appear before the CID to provide a statement in relation to a complaint made by former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella over the alleged importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vaccines.

Several ministers from the former government have already provided statements as part of the related investigation.