Tag: Maithripala Sirisena

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In a move unprecedented in history, the Basnayake Nilame (Chief Custodian) of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya (Temple) has decided to auction off 70% of the gold ornaments piously offered to the Kataragama God by devotees. The proceeds from this grand auction, which is being conducted under the label of the "Fund for the Reconstruction of Sri Lanka," are reportedly slated for donation to the government. Critics point out that the JVP-led government's inability to manage the nation's economy post-election, resorting finally to using divine property to cover state expenses, is a serious precursor to a major religious and social crisis.

A serious "moral crime" involving the distribution of obscene website links to Grade 6 students through a National Institute of Education (NIE) module has exposed deep-seated political cronyism connected to the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) leadership.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Prasad Siriwardana has launched a scathing attack on the current Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)/National People's Power (NPP) administration, branding it as a "little men's government" lacking any vision or the strength to implement major projects. Despite the massive public mandate, Siriwardana asserted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is a "little man" who is simply "perched on the edge" of the "big chair" of the presidency, fearful of making decisive moves. The MP's comments, made during an interview with an online channel, have sent shockwaves through the political arena.

The National People's Power (NPP) government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is facing fierce criticism over its proposed "State Security (Counter-Terrorism) Bill" (PSTA), which opponents argue is an attempt to establish a repressive regime in the country. The collective "Dinana Dakuna" (Winning South) describes the bill, introduced under the guise of preventing terrorism, as a "double-edged sword"—an extremely dangerous and draconian legal framework. The organization highlights the profound irony (paradox) that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which protested against repressive laws like the PTA, CTA, and ATA under various governments since 1979, is now introducing a similarly restrictive legal structure after coming to power.

In a decisive move to halt the arbitrary advance of the National People's Power (NPP/JVP-led 'Malimawa'), which is currently burdening the public with excessive taxes and attempting to curtail civil liberties through repressive "PSTA"-like black laws, Sri Lanka's two main democratic forces, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP), joined hands yesterday (30) in Colombo. Political commentators hail the cordial discussion—held between Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, Deputy Chairman Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and Vice President Naveen Dissanayake—as the inaugural bell for saving a country currently sliding towards anarchy.

A lawyer from Kandy has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court, claiming that the failure of the National People's Power (NPP/JVP) government to prevent or minimise the severe destruction caused by Cyclone "Ditwah" has violated his basic human rights.