The Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP)-led administration of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) suffered a devastating defeat today (December 22nd). The budget proposal for the year 2026 was defeated by a majority of 03 votes, creating a serious crisis regarding the governance of the city of Colombo.
In the crucial vote held today, only 57 votes were cast in favour of the budget, while 60 votes were registered against it. Significantly, the opposition collectively acted to defeat the budget, citing the arbitrary conduct of the Malimawa administration. Reports indicate that following the news of the defeat, citizens in many parts of Colombo celebrated by lighting firecrackers.
A Wave of Malimawa Budget Defeats Across the Country!
This trend is not limited to Colombo; over the past few days, Malimawa-led administrations have been defeated in several key local government bodies across the island.
The Malimawa, which came to power promising a “system change,” has now clearly demonstrated its administrative weakness and the public’s disapproval by failing to pass budgets even in the Municipal Councils under its own control. This situation suggests that the administrative affairs of several institutions, including the Colombo Municipal Council, are likely to face severe instability in the coming period.
Despite being elected on a promise of “System Change,” the current government is facing serious scrutiny as several incidents reveal that injustice to ordinary citizens and honest officials continues unabated.
Celebrity Accident Exposes Flaws in the Justice System
Just two months ago, a prominent teledrama actress, Ayesha Dissanayake, was involved in a serious accident at the Waters Edge car park in Battaramulla on October 20, 2025. The luxury vehicle she was driving hit a woman while reversing, causing severe injuries. The victim, who suffered broken and permanently incapacitated legs, has now made a deeply emotional revelation via her Facebook page. She alleges that due to the influence of money and power, the actress has yet to face any punishment and remains free.
The victim laments that she has been confined to her bed for two months, unable to even hold her child, and questions if the law in the “New Sri Lanka” only applies to the powerful. The accident also injured two Waters Edge employees. The actress was initially arrested and later released on bail.
Corruption Scandals Plague Romanian Embassy
While internal governance appears to be failing, a letter sent to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya by over 40,000 Sri Lankans residing in Romania alleges that the country’s foreign missions have become hubs for traffickers.
The appeal highlights serious allegations regarding the Sri Lankan Embassy in Romania:
Links to Traffickers: A corrupt ambassador is accused of collaborating with human traffickers, misusing state files, and leaking confidential embassy information.
Misuse of State Assets: Embassy vehicles and official residences have allegedly been used for private affairs and human trafficking activities beyond their authorized limits.
Illegal Detainment: A couple arriving from Dubai was reportedly held illegally inside the embassy, given access to official files at night. The community claims the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) possesses video evidence of this incident.
Transfer of Honest Officers: The letter states that services at the embassy have been severely hampered after Miss Priyanthi Jayasundara, who spoke out against the corruption, was recalled to Sri Lanka and replaced by an official named Kaushalya, who is reportedly close to the Ambassador.
Government’s Silence Questioned
Public outrage is mounting over the government’s failure to initiate any disciplinary inquiry into the Ambassador’s serious anti-state activities, particularly as she was scheduled to retire on December 18. Citizens are asking whether the rulers, who promised “equal application of the law for all,” are now reverting to the old ways of protecting the corrupt.
United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Harin Fernando has issued a stark warning, predicting that Sri Lanka will face a severe economic crisis by the Sinhala New Year (April 2026) due to the new government’s inefficiency in managing the aftermath of the ‘Dithwa’ cyclone disaster.
Mr. Fernando claims that the government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is endangering the country through a lack of transparency and a proper plan for national disaster management.
Economic Blow and “Arrogance”
The opposition alleges that even 18 days after the disaster, the government has failed to provide accurate information on the extent of the damage. Quoting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s previous warnings, Harin Fernando stressed that if the government lacks a correct plan, program, or economic projection for post-disaster recovery, the country is heading towards a massive economic catastrophe by April.
Criticism is also mounting that the President’s appearance before Parliament resembled a “Santa Claus,” attempting to conceal deeper issues by presenting minor details. Furthermore, the government is being criticized for its “arrogance,” choosing not to seek assistance from experienced officials who have handled such crises or from the opposition, a move deemed detrimental to the country’s future.
Human Rights Concerns and IMF Shackles
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed grave concerns over the emergency regulations introduced following the ‘Dithwa’ cyclone. Journalists and civil society groups fear these broad laws could be used to act against critics of the President or the government.
Amidst the disaster, activists, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, have urged the government to immediately revise the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. They argue that the program’s stringent financial discipline is hindering efforts to provide relief to the affected population.
The opposition’s final demand is for Parliament to be immediately convened to debate the disaster and disclose the information that has allegedly been concealed from the public for the past 18 days.
Dr. Hemakumara Nanayakkara, a figure often described as a ‘revolutionary’ in Sri Lankan politics and a former Minister of Agriculture, has announced an “historic decision” to withdraw from the senior leadership of the Sarvajana Balaya political alliance. He has further resolved not to join any political party henceforth, choosing instead to dedicate his full-time efforts to the “dignity, pride of the nation, and the upliftment of Buddhism.”
His decision was publicly revealed during the launch of his biography, Perilikara Hemakumara (Revolutionary Hemakumara), authored by Jagathchandra. The event was attended by a host of political heavyweights, including former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, as well as the Maha Sangha (Buddhist clergy) and other dignitaries.
‘Not a Time to Remain Silent’
Elaborating on his decision, Dr. Nanayakkara stated that his analysis of current political activities and the views of certain leaders suggests that the Sri Lankan nation and Buddhism are facing serious threats.
“This is not a time when we should stand silent, with our hands tied,” he declared. “It is with the feeling that I, too, must take the lead for this that I have decided to act as a free individual, no longer beholden to a political party.”
He further expressed his hope for the blessings of the Maha Sangha and the support of intellectuals for his new mission.
Championing Democracy
Dr. Nanayakkara also voiced his strong opposition to actions damaging democratic values. Stressing that protecting the country’s democracy is everyone’s responsibility, he asserted that no one has the right to forcibly overthrow a democratically established government through protests or ‘Aragalaya’ movements.
He pointed out that the procedure for changing a president or a government is enshrined in the Constitution. He also warned of the presence of “direct interventions” by certain foreign countries in these anti-democratic activities, reiterating that it is the duty of all to protect the country and the nation from such threats.
Book Proceeds for Buddhist Federation
In another decision announced at the event, all proceeds from the sale of the biography, Perilikara Hemakumara, will be donated to the fund of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress.
The Sarvajana Balaya is a political alliance comprising the National Freedom Front (NFF), Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya (MJP), Democratic Left Front, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, and the Independent Parliamentarians’ Forum. Its main constituent party was the Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, founded by Dr. Hemakumara Nanayakkara.
However, recent reports indicate that Dr. Sarath Amunugama, who was appointed as the chairman of the Sarvajana Balaya by the outgoing senior leader Hemakumara Nanayakkara, has also withdrawn from the alliance. Furthermore, key stakeholders, the National Freedom Front and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, are also reported to have left the alliance.
The Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari Union has leveled a severe allegation against ruling party politicians, accusing them of forcibly interfering in the process of distributing relief to victims of the recent severe disaster and pressuring state officials.
The accusation highlights a worrying trend where, even as the nation faces a catastrophe, political forces within the ruling party are allegedly attempting to arbitrarily exploit essential relief meant for the innocent public to gain political advantage.
Sumith Kodikara, Convenor of the Grama Niladhari Union, emphasized at a media briefing in Kandy that there is no legal circular or directive compelling officials to obtain approval from ‘Community Development Committees’ for distributing disaster relief. He pointed out that official government circulars on disaster relief (e.g., Ministry of Finance Budget Circular No. 08/2025) clearly mandate that relief work must be channeled through Grama Niladharis and the Divisional/District Disaster Management Committees. The forceful intrusion of politicians into this legally defined process is deemed a dangerous situation.
‘Political Committees’ Operating Outside the Law
Mr. Kodikara noted that historically, no political committees were involved in recommending relief during past disasters. However, he stated that ruling party politicians are now severely pressuring state officials.
“In some places, they are distributing various forms. A certain female councilor in a Divisional Secretariat area in the Kandy District has given forms to everyone in her village for a Rs. 25,000 allowance. You can’t distribute it like that. There is no proper standard in that distribution. The President said the Rs. 25,000 is for a clearing-up site, it must be a place affected by the disaster. You can’t give it to everyone in the village or to your political associates,” he asserted.
These incidents, according to the Union, clearly demonstrate an attempt by politicians to misuse state funds to strengthen their political associates and vote base instead of properly assessing the genuine needs of disaster victims.
The Grama Niladhari Union further stressed that the immediate power-grabbing and pressuring of officials by Provincial Councilors, Municipal Councilors, and various ward leaders must cease. They warned that discouraging officials through political interference when they attempt to act according to the law will paralyze the entire relief mechanism.
The Union strongly emphasized to the ruling party that disaster relief is not a tool for political gain and made an urgent appeal to the President to immediately halt these political pressures and ensure an environment where relief distribution can be carried out transparently and legally.
A horrific road accident in the Denimala area of Sapugaskanda today (11) involving a jeep belonging to former Speaker and current Member of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala has raised serious questions about the conduct of politically powerful individuals.
The incident, which starkly illustrates how those with political influence operate with apparent disregard for the law, has resulted in a severe predicament for ordinary citizens due to the alleged negligence of a ruling party MP who has held high-ranking, responsible positions in the country.
The terrifying head-on collision occurred around 7:45 PM today (11) when the jeep, reportedly driven by MP Ashoka Ranwala, crashed into a ‘Maruti’ car traveling on the road. While specific details regarding the MP’s driving are yet to be definitively reported, the severe injuries sustained by an innocent mother and a young child in the Maruti car have fueled serious public suspicion regarding the consideration the politically privileged give to road rules and public safety.
The gravity of the injuries is clear, with the injured woman admitted to Kiribathgoda Hospital and the young child rushed to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo for specialized treatment. Reports indicate that neither the ruling party nor the MP’s office has yet issued any statement or sympathetic response regarding the injustice caused to the child and mother.
Negligence of a Controversial Politician
The actions of Ashoka Ranwala, who recently held the Speaker’s office for the shortest period in history and was embroiled in a major controversy over his educational qualifications, once again confirm the perceived irresponsibility of those in power. Although the MP was also injured and admitted to Ragama Hospital for treatment, the complexity of the accident is highlighted by the fact that the MP’s jeep, the Maruti car, and a third involved motorcycle have all been taken into police custody.
There is a growing public demand for authorities to conduct a swift and impartial investigation into incidents like this, where political power, privilege, and arbitrary behaviour endanger the lives of common people, and for the true facts to be disclosed to the nation. The paramount question arising from this incident is whether the law of the land is different for those in power.
While the current National People’s Power (NPP) government’s widely publicised ‘Disaster Relief Packages’ remain trapped in bureaucratic files and promises, reports indicate that Harin Fernando, a prominent leader of the United National Party (UNP), has provided direct relief to flood-affected residents in the Badulla District, the area he long represented.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had announced in Parliament that grants and compensation amounting to millions of rupees would be given to disaster victims. However, the sluggish start to these official bureaucratic processes has made meeting the daily and immediate nutritional needs of the affected a grave challenge.
Recognising this gap, Mr. Harin Fernando, regardless of holding an official position, returned to his political roots. His action of directly distributing aid among the flood-stricken people of Badulla has been widely appreciated, including on social media.
This proactive intervention by Harin Fernando is particularly significant as the current government appears heavily focused on political rival hunting and selective justice. The NPP government seems to be deploying state machinery and human resources for narrow political activities, such as expediting cases against Ranil Wickremesinghe, while failing to fulfil fundamental duties like public welfare and disaster management.
In a powerful demonstration of political stability and unwavering commitment to economic reform, the government of Sri Lanka, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, today secured a massive majority vote in Parliament to pass the 2026 Budget (Appropriation Bill). The victory comes amid ongoing economic challenges and the devastating impact of recent natural disasters across the nation.
Following this historic achievement, the President immediately took action, announcing a comprehensive relief and compensation package for the over 1.7 million people affected by the recent natural disasters.
Parliamentary Win Confirms Confidence
The 2026 Budget was passed on its third reading with an overwhelming 158 votes in favour and only one vote against. The government secured a two-thirds majority, garnering support from multiple parties, including the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs.
This robust parliamentary support sends a powerful signal of credibility to international financial institutions and foreign investors regarding the government’s economic policy and governance. It is expected to pave the way for the efficient implementation of plans to rebuild the nation’s economy.
Extensive Relief Package for Disaster Victims
In the face of the grave disaster situation—where 5,165 houses were destroyed and 57,312 houses partially damaged—the government has put forward the following relief measures covering housing, livelihoods, and agriculture.
Housing Relief
Completely Damaged Homes: Affected families currently in camps will receive Rs. 25,000 per month for up to three months to rent a house.
Lost/High-Risk Land: Families who lost their land or are on high-risk land will be granted a government land plot or a maximum grant of Rs. 5 million.
Partially Damaged Homes: A maximum grant of Rs. 2.5 million will be provided for repairs.
All Displaced Households: Every household displaced by the floods will receive Rs. 25,000.
Compensation for Fatalities: Relatives of the deceased will receive Rs. 1 million per fatality.
Livelihood and Business Relief
Livelihood Support: A grant of Rs. 50,000 per month for three months will be provided until a livelihood can be re-established.
Business Buildings: A compensation grant of Rs. 5 million for damaged business buildings.
Registered Businesses: A grant of Rs. 200,000 for all registered businesses.
Animal Husbandry:Rs. 200,000 for registered animal husbandry farms.
Fisheries: A grant of Rs. 400,000 if any registered fishing boat is completely damaged.
Agricultural Relief
Paddy/Grain/Maize: Compensation of Rs. 150,000 per hectare for damage to paddy, grain, and maize cultivation.
Vegetable Cultivation: A grant of Rs. 200,000 per hectare for damage to vegetable cultivation.
Education Relief
School Students: A grant of Rs. 25,000 for school students affected by the disaster.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that the government’s priority is to provide relief to every citizen affected by the disaster through this extensive relief package.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), currently engaged in a robust campaign against alleged irregularities in the incumbent National People’s Power (NPP) government, has found itself in an embarrassing media muddle of its own making, distracting from its core political mission.
The opposition party’s leadership, specifically Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, has been placed in an awkward position after a distorted version of one of his speeches was first published by the ‘Mawrata’ newspaper’s website-a publication widely considered sympathetic to the SJB-before the same distorted story was picked up by the government-controlled ‘Dinamina’ newspaper. This sequence of events undermines the SJB’s claims that the ‘Dinamina’ paper was solely responsible for the distortion.
Media Mismanagement Exposed
The incident exposes significant chaos and a lack of professional cohesion within the SJB’s media management structure. The attempt to blame the state-run media after a ‘friendly’ media network first misrepresented the leader’s statement points to a severe lapse in responsibility and potential internal conflicts among those directing the SJB’s media operations.
This is not the first time the ‘Mawrata’ newspaper, which is reportedly controlled by the SJB, has published news that has embarrassed its own leader. Political analysts speculate whether these are recurring professional errors or, more seriously, the actions of internal factions working to destabilise the party leadership.
The inability of the SJB to control and ensure the correct messaging from a media operation loyal to the party raises a potent question about its suitability to govern the country. Political commentators urge the SJB to swiftly correct this media fiasco and ensure its leader’s message is accurately conveyed to the nation.
The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) has offered a vital “second chance” to students who, for various reasons, missed the opportunity to join a Humanities and Social Sciences degree program within the conventional state university system, as well as to working professionals seeking career advancement. This initiative underscores OUSL’s significant contribution to expanding access to higher education and developing the nation’s human capital through flexible learning methodologies.
Flexible Education Meets National Needs
As the pioneer in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Sri Lanka, OUSL provides a highly flexible educational experience to undergraduates through its network of regional centers. This system offers immense relief, especially to those currently employed or unable to attend traditional university classes. It provides an opportunity to earn a quality degree under the guidance of esteemed academics, essential for professional growth.
The three-year degree program offered by OUSL has been specially designed with a relevant, modern curriculum tailored to meet the current social, economic, and political needs of the country.
Focus on Four New Key Areas
Students have the opportunity to gain new knowledge across the following vital fields of study:
Politics & International Studies
Economic & Development Studies
Society & Culture Studies
Communication Studies
These subject areas are critical for understanding the nation’s economic reforms, community development, and international relations. Consequently, the degree will help create an informed human resource pool capable of taking on challenges and directly contributing to the nation’s development.
Those interested in seizing this valuable opportunity can register by visiting the Open University premises in Nawala or their nearest regional center on November 24, 25, 26, and 27, 2025.
