News

This is not the right time for 13A expansion – Sagara Kariyawasam

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2023

editor

The Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) has decided to take the position that ‘this is not the best time to expand on the 13th Amendment’ to the Constitution.

The party’s general secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has told the Sunday Times that the position of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will be officially communicated to the government headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday.

The Sunday Times learns that the decision has been supported by the SLPP faction which is with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. At present, a majority of the SLPP are with this group.

He said the party had resolved to take the position on the grounds that the country could come under undue pressure if the government tried to expand on the 13th Amendment at a time when the government itself was already under pressure with a weak economic situation.

He said that they would suggest to the government that they could consider further expansion when the government was in a strong economic position.

News

A few showers expected today

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2025

editor

A few showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 01), the Department of Meteorology.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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

News

Fuel prices upped

Published

10 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (June 30).

The price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 12 to Rs. 305 per litre, while the price of Kerosene has been increased by Rs. 07 to Rs. 185 per litre. The price of Auto Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 15, bringing it to Rs. 289 per litre.

However, the prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged, according to Ceypetco.

The new fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92 – Rs. 305 (increased by Rs. 12)
• Auto Diesel – Rs. 289 (increased by Rs. 15)
• Kerosene – Rs. 185 (increased by Rs. 7)
• Petrol Octane 95 – Rs. 341 (not revised)
• Super Diesel – Rs. 325 (not revised)

Meanwhile, Lanka IOC has also revised retail fuel prices to match Ceypetco prices.

News

Ex-minister Gamini Lokuge passes away

Published

10 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

Former Minister and veteran politician Gamini Lokuge has passed away today (June 30) at the age of 82.

Commencing his political career in 1960 as a member of the United National Party, his first successful national-level campaign came in 1983, when he was elected by a clear majority to represent the Kesbewa District.

He served as Minister of Tourism during the UNP-led governments in 1989 and 2002. In 2006, following personal disagreements with then UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, he crossed over to the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In January 2007, Lokuge was appointed Minister of Sports and Public Recreation. He was re-elected to Parliament in both 2010 and 2015.

On 27 November 2019, he was appointed State Minister for Urban Development, and on 12 August 2020, he assumed duties as the Cabinet Minister of Transport.