News

SLPP to demand a General Election be held before April

Published

1 year ago

January 2, 2024

editor

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will propose to hold a General Election before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year in April, reports say.

Reports cite that the SLPP is to table this proposal to Parliament this month if discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to do so prove to be futile.

The measure follows the suggestion of several political bigwigs to seek the mandate of the public, reports say.

This mandate would be the decisive factor on whether the SLPP would contest the upcoming General Election alone or as an ally of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In a backdrop where the SLPP financial condition has deteriorated, an opinion has also been aired to select a presidential candidate that is a non-Rajapaksa who can fund a presidential campaign.

It is also reported that a strongman of the Rajapaksa family has already informed that he is against such a candidate, saying that the possibility of a Rajapakse becoming the president will be completely hindered in the face of someone who is going to run the presidential election using drug smuggling money.

Elections only after govt. is 100% successful – Nalin
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade – Nalin Fernando says that although some have claimed 2024 to be a year of elections, a Presidential election or a General election will be called only after the government has emerged 100% successful.

Speaking at a media briefing held at his office in Ja-Ela, the minister had pointed out that the government will not go for an election in a disadvantageous situation.

News

Heavy showers expected today

Published

1 hour ago

April 25, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (the zone where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) is affecting the island’s weather.

Accordingly, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, North-western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts today (April 25).

Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere on the island after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces and in Puttalam, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Ampara district during the morning.

News

President offers condolences at Vatican Embassy (Pics)

Published

13 hours ago

April 24, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid a visit to the Vatican Embassy this afternoon (24) to extend his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.

Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence, conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.

(President’s Media Division)