President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Ebrahim Raisi & his delegation arrived at the Mattala Airport a short while ago (April 24).

The Iranian President was warmly welcomed by PM Dinesh Gunawardane upon his arrival.

During his one-day official visit, President Raisi will inaugurate the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project.

The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (23) has said he cannot join a debate with the National People’s Power (NPP) leader – Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the dates proposed by the NPP due to prior commitments.

Speaking at a public event in Weeraketiya, Mr. Premadasa has expressed his readiness not only for a debate between the two party leaders, but also for one between the economic committees of the two parties.

Previously, in a letter dated 22nd April, the NPP had said it was prepared for a debate between the two party leaders on either 07, 09, 13, or 14 May.

Replying, the SJB has said it had initially proposed a public debate between the Economic Councils of the two parties, to which the NPP has not responded in its latest letter.

Urging the NPP to confirm whether or not the debate between the Economic Councils of the two parties will take place, the SJB has further invited the NPP for a discussion on either on April 25th or 26th to finalise the dates for both public debates.

Weerasena Gamage of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament today (April 24).

He took oaths before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena soon after the parliamentary proceedings commenced.

Weerasena was named to fill the parliamentary seat that was left vacant following the demise of SLPP’s Anuradhapura District MP H. Nandasena, who passed away on April 05 due to a sudden illness.

Accordingly, Weerasena was next in line on the SLPP list for the Anuradhapura District after securing a total of 38,242 votes upon contesting the 2020 Parliamentary Elections. He managed to place 9th in the preferential votes list.