Two State Ministers to retain portfolios

The President’s Media Division (PMD) has issued a statement on the state ministerial portfolios previously held by MPs Piyal Nishantha and Lohan Ratwatte.

Thereby, the two parliamentarians will continue to serve in their state ministerial portfolios.

According to the PMD, Lohan Ratwatte will continue his tenure as the State Minister of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries.

Rambukkana Protest: Youth arrested for attempted arson released on bail

The youth who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for attempting to set ablaze a fuel bowser during the Rambukkan protest on Tuesday (19) was released on bail this afternoon (23).

The suspect, identified as a 27-year-old resident of Rambukkana, was arrested by tehe CID last night, and was produced before the Kegalle Magistrate’s Court today, wand was released on two surety bails of Rs.100,000 each.

Didn't order to shoot at protestors - IGP

The Inspector General of Police, and several other senior police officers have been summoned to appear at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (22), with regard to the investigations taking place on the Rambukkana shooting.

At this inquiry, the Police Chief has noted that he did not give instructions to open fire at public protests.

Basil Rajapaksa spotted in Parliament today

Former Finance Minister and Parliamentarian, Basil Rajapaksa was spotted in Parliament today.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Basil Rajapaksa was seen attending a meeting of the Party Leaders at the Parliamentary complex.

Mahanayake Theros issue strong statement over present crisis

The Mahanayake Theros of the three main Buddhist Sects in Sri Lanka in an open letter have held the President, and every single member of parliament responsible for the crisis that the people have to face due to their insensitive actions towards the people who are dying while waiting in queues day and night.

The letter was addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and all political party leaders represented in Parliament.

World Bank stands ready to provide emergency support to Sri Lanka

The World Bank says it is ready to provide emergency support to Sri Lanka and protect the vulnerable people amidst the unprecedented economic crisis in the country.

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Hartwig Schafer said he held talks with Sri Lankan Finance Minister Ali Sabry and Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe in Washington on Tuesday (19).

He said they discussed actions to address the economic crisis, support stabilization and recovery, and protect the vulnerable people in Sri Lanka.

Three MPs say they will no longer support govt

SJB parliamentarians Faizal Cassim, Ishak Rahuman and M.S. Thowfeek, who had previously extended their support to the government, today informed the parliament that they will no longer support the government.

Delivering a brief statement in Parliament, MP Faizal Cassim said that the three MPs including himself have decided to withdraw their support to the government with effect from today.

Cardinal condemns Rambukkana shooting

The head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has strongly condemned the shooting of protestors in Rambukkana by Sri Lankan law enforcement personnel.

He also expressed sorrow to all the families for the loss of life and those injured during the unrest in Rambukkana.