Former MP Tissa Attanayake revealed that ten ex-Ministers from the previous government, who had not supported Sajith Premadasa during the Presidential Election, are now seeking nominations from the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJB) for the upcoming General Election.
These former Ministers are from districts including Colombo, Hambantota, Kurunegala, and Badulla.
Speaking at the inauguration of the SJB’s General Election operations office in Kandy, Attanayake confirmed that nominations are being finalized, with a focus on promoting long-time organizers.
The party also aims to allocate 25% of nominations to new faces, particularly youth, women, and professionals.
While discussions with the United National Party (UNP) are ongoing, Attanayake emphasized that no nominations will be granted to individuals facing corruption or fraud allegations.
He also reflected on the reasons for the Presidential Election defeat and highlighted the importance of proper law enforcement and anti-corruption measures for the country’s growth.
The Chinese embassy in Colombo reached another step in providing scholarships for children from low-income families.
Accordingly, Chinese Ambassador Scholarships for 100 students at the Badulla Keppitipola Maha Vidyalaya (National School) was handed over on Nov. 01, with the embassy pledging Rs. 2.5 million for the cause.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that the scholarship programme, which began in 2016, is now active in over 20 schools across Sri Lanka.
Noting that China donated 70% of the required school uniform material for Sri Lankan students in 2023, and 80% in 2024, the ambassador said that they hope to provide the full requirement of school uniform materiel for the 2025 academic year.
“In the 2025 academic year, we will donate 100% of the fabric for school uniforms, totaling 11.82 million meters, worth approximately 5.2 billion rupees, which will be shipped to Colombo in three batches before the end of this year,” he said.
The ambassador added : “In addition, the Chinese government, local governments, and non-governmental organizations have donated schoolbags, stationery, and other learning materials to thousands of students in remote areas, and plan to build 900 smart classrooms in 500 schools across Sri Lanka in the next few years, benefiting over 1 million students.”
Ambassador Qi expressed that China is not only a true friend but also a reliable partner of Sri Lanka, which is moving towards a new era under the strong leadership of current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Embassy staff, Uva Province Education officials as well as students, staff and alumni of the school attended the event.
Shashi Prabha Ratwatte, the wife of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, has been arrested and remanded after appearing before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.
She was arrested over the discovery of an unregistered car found at her house in Mirihana.
The Nugegoda Magistrate has ordered her to be held in remand custody until Nov. 07.
Her husband, Lohan Ratwatte, too is currently remanded.