News

High-level committee to oversee security arrangements of presidential candidates

Published

6 months ago

July 17, 2024

editor

In the wake of the attempted assassination of former US President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed appointing a committee to oversee the personal security arrangements of candidates contesting the upcoming presidential election.

The committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and will also include the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief of National Intelligence and the Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police in charge of Elections.

President Wickremesinghe, in a Cabinet Paper, has noted that there is a pressing need to ensure the personal security of the candidates for the forthcoming presidential election in light of the recent attack on Mr Trump, who suffered injuries to his right ear when an assassin opened fire during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The committee that Mr Wickremesinghe has proposed will oversee the security arrangements of presidential candidates as well as former Presidents based on threat assessments, once nominations are accepted.

The President has further proposed to direct the IGP to nominate a police officer, not below the rank of DIG to coordinate all matters related to the personal security of presidential candidates and the former Presidents during the presidential election.

The aforementioned committee and the designated police officer should work closely with the Election Commission to ensure seamless coordination of security arrangements, the President adds in his Cabinet Paper.

(sundaytimes.lk)

(This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Cultural celebration held to mark Chinese New Year (Pics / Video)

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

To mark the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly hosted a cultural celebration last night (Jan. 19) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the Chinese New Year.

The celebration was also attended by former President – Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister – Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning – Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Prime Minister’s Secretary – Pradeep Saputhanthri as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.

Impressive Kungfu performances, colourful dances and musical performances graced the evening as well as traditional Chinese art forms such as paper cutting, calligraphy and sugar crafting.

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team has also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations. In addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wood snake. The Snake is known for qualities such as grace, intelligence, and intuition.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara / Video – Kelum Shivantha)

News

UNP – SJB talks to kick off tonight

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has given the green light to initiate discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on the possibility of uniting for the upcoming elections.

The Working Committee of the UNP convened this afternoon (Jan. 20) at the party headquarters to deliberate on the matter.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said that the first discussion regarding the potential unification of the UNP and the SJB for the upcoming elections will take place in Colombo tonight (Jan. 20).

News

Schools in North Central & Eastern Provinces to reopen tomorrow

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

All government schools in the North Central Province which had remained closed today (Jan. 20) due to adverse weather conditions will also reopen tomorrow (21), the provincial education authorities said.

Earlier today, it was announced that all government schools in the Eastern Province will also be reopened from tomorrow.