News

Govt. has turned SL into an ‘auction land’: Sajith

Published

2 years ago

April 24, 2023

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the government of making plans to sell even the profit-making institutions under the guise of restructuring loss-making government institutions.

Making a special statement over the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the opposition leader said the government has turned the country into an ‘auction land’.

“The government failed to get the best deal for the country and the people since it applied for an IMF programme at the last moment. It is clear that loss-making public institutions must be reformed.

“A bankrupt country has no ability to maintain loss-making institutions. However, due to the weak policies of the government led by the President, our country has become an auction land for the tycoons.

“The government is implementing the plan to sell profit-making institutions. The government should follow different models like in Singapore and Malaysia and prepare a model for our country; to increase the revenue of profitable organizations and to transform loss-making organizations into profitable organizations.”

News

NPP wins Tangalle Urban Council in first LG election results

Published

9 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

12 hours ago

May 6, 2025

editor

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.

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World Bank group President to visit SL tomorrow

Published

12 hours ago

May 6, 2025

editor

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.