Around 15 Opposition MPs  are ready to support a Bill that would include legislation related to rapid development of the country and the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Bill is to be presented to Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 08.

Speaking in this regard during the recent May Day celebrations of the United National Party, the President urged the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and National People’s Power (NPP) to support this.

Talks to seek support for the Bill within the Opposition ranks had also begun with 10 – 15 Opposition MPs willing to support it after considering it as a nationally important and valued draft.

It is reported that these MPs had also held a discussion with the President recently.

Although these Opposition MPs were prepared to join the UNP May Rally, the President had prevented this.

Meanwhile, speaking a fortnight ago. MP Thalatha Athukorala had also stated that 15 MPs of the SJB are taking a tough stance.

It was also notable that several MPs including Thalatha Athukorala, Rajitha Senaratne, Rishad Bathideen and Rauf Hakeem were absent from this year’s SJB May Day rally.

Sri Lanka overcame a spirited run-chase from United Arab Emirates in their Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier semi-final in Abu Dhabi, to seal their place in the main event in Bangladesh later this year, as well as a place in Tuesday’s final, where they will face fellow qualifiers, Scotland.

After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 149 for 6 in an innings that was well anchored by Vishmi Gunaratne, who top-scored with 45 from 44 balls.

Gunaratne added 52 for the first wicket with Chamari Athapaththu, who made a run-a-ball 21, and when she fell at 106 for 3 at the end of the 16th over, the middle order picked up the tempo to add 43 in the final three overs. Nilakshika Silva was stumped off the final ball of the innings after three fours in a 10-ball 18.

In reply, Inoshi Fernando gave Sri Lanka a huge lift by bowling Theertha Satish for a duck at the end of her first over, but UAE were not fazed, least of all Esha Oza, whose 66 from 44 balls included two fours and four sixes, and gave her team real belief that an upset was on the cards.

She was given vital support by Khushi Sharma (22 from 23) and Kavisha Egodage (16 from 20), but after Athapaththu had broken through to end Egodage’s stay, Udeshika Prabodhani bowled Oza in her next over, before the run-out of Heena Hotchandani completed a collapse of 3 for 7 in 12 balls.

Athapaththu added a second wicket to remove Samaira Dharnidharka for 5, and though Vaishnave Mahesh kept UAE fighting to the end with 13 not out from eight balls, the asking rate was already too much.

(espncricinfo.com)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by espncricinfo.com has not been edited by SLM staff)

The 2023 G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination begins today (May 06).

The exam will be held 452,979 candidates are expected to sit for the exam at 3,527 centres islandwide.

The Commissioner General of Examinations requests candidates to arrive early at their respective examination centres with their admission and valid identity cards.