7 points Statement from Ministry of Defence

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence on Saturday (7) issued a clarification on the State of Emergency.

The 7-point statement contained the following;

1. First of all, Ministry of Defence kindly request from all citizens of the country to assist in managing the current economic and social crisis and unrest in the country with the utmost intelligence and patience.

SJB to support BASL’s proposals

Sri Lanka’s main opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) says it has decided to extend support to the proposals brought forward by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to restore political and economic stability in Sri Lanka, which includes the abolishment of the Executive Presidency.

The party said in a statement that it would support a national program based on a series of proposals put forward by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to resolve the serious national crisis in the country.

Duminda Silva to leave for Singapore

The Housing Development Authority Chairman, Duminda Silva has arrived at Katunayake Airport to depart for Singapore. He is scheduled to depart for Singapore at 12.50 am tomorrow (7) from Katunayake Airport on Singapore Airlines flight SQ-469. Sources at the airport said that Duminda Silva had boarded the plane at the moment.

Siyambalapitiya as deputy speaker has resigned again

MP Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, who was re-elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament yesterday, has decided to once again resign from the position.

It is reported that he is expected to officially tender his resignation to the President shortly.

The SLPP parliamentarian was re-elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament yesterday (May 05) in a secret ballot held in Parliament.

Bangladesh sends medical supplies to Sri Lanka

Bangladesh has confirmed a donation of essential medicines worth USD 2.3 million (Rs. 830 million) consisting 56 types of essential medicines to Sri Lanka as the island nation faces one of the worst economic crises in its history.

Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana stated that the token handover ceremony for the emergency medical supplies was held in Dhaka.

President’s security increased

Two high ranking Police Officers have been appointed to provide increased personal security to the President with effect from yesterday (5), following instructions from the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security.

Accordingly, DIG R.M.N.G.O. Perera has been appointed in charge of the President’s Security Division. DIG Perera had been the DIG in charge of the Puttalam Division prior to his new appointment.

Airport VIP lounge will halt from tonight

The Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration Officers' Association has decided to suspend the duties attached to passenger clearance at the VIP Terminals (VIPs) such as the Silk Route (CIP) for special-care passengers and passenger clearance duties at airport terminals at the BIA and other airports in the country from tonight.

They said the decision was taken until the current rulers formulate a national program and provide a definite solution to the crisis in the country.

Ranjith Siyambalapitiya re-elected as Deputy Speaker

SLFP MP Ranjith Siyambalapitiya was today re-elected Deputy Speaker by a majority of 83 votes in a secret ballot. A total of 148 members voted for Mr. Siyambalapitiya and SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar obtained 65 votes. 

Three votes were rejected. SLFP MP Nimal Siripala De Silva proposed Mr. Siyambalapitiya's name while SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella proposed Bakeer Markar's name. Minister G.L. Peiris said the government would also support Mr. Siyambalapitiya. Deputy Speaker's post fell vacant after Ranjith Siyambalapitiya resigned as the Deputy Speaker recently.