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Harin Fernando Takes Key Role in Opposition’s Anti-NPP Campaign!

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Harin Fernando Takes Key Role in Opposition’s Anti-NPP Campaign!

The common opposition is gearing up to launch a massive political offensive against the current National People’s Power (NPP) government, with former Minister Harin Fernando assigned a pivotal role within the United National Party (UNP) to lead the charge.

Fernando is set to assume duties as the Deputy General Secretary for New Political Mobilization of the UNP next Monday at the Sirikotha party headquarters. This new position is expected to further strengthen his political campaign against the government as an active member of the opposition.

Furthermore, Fernando has decided to actively participate in the “Maha Jana Handa” (Great People’s Voice) rally, organized by the common opposition for November 21st in Nugegoda. His presence as a strong voice within the opposition is believed to inject new life into the anti-government consolidation effort.

NPP Councilor Linked to Notorious Drug Lord Kosgoda Sujee, Raising Concerns of Political-Underworld Nexus

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NPP Councilor Linked to Notorious Drug Lord Kosgoda Sujee, Raising Concerns of Political-Underworld Nexus

A major controversy has erupted across the island following revelations that the family of Disna Niranjala, a Municipal Councilor representing the National People’s Power (NPP) in Peliyagoda, maintains close family ties with Kosgoda Sujee, a notorious underworld leader and major drug trafficker hiding in Dubai. Ms. Niranjala, the wife of a principal recently arrested with a large consignment of heroin, is at the center of these accusations.

Information has emerged indicating that the councilor was present at the hotel when the kilogram-plus heroin consignment was seized. Public outcry and questioning from various quarters have arisen over the police’s decision to merely record a statement from her and then release her. Critics suspect that this course of action, allowing a close relative of a drug trafficker to be present during an arrest without further detention, deviates from standard legal procedures.

Further investigations have revealed that Ms. Niranjala is a close relative of underworld leader Kosgoda Sujee. Accusations are mounting that the National People’s Power initially attempted to suppress the incident, despite the presence of a political representative with such serious underworld connections. This revelation further intensifies suspicions that the councilor’s position was used as a “protective shield” to maintain the illicit trade through political influence.

Furthermore, it is suspected that family connections were extensively utilized in this trafficking operation. Investigations have revealed that Shashi, the son of the arrested principal’s elder brother, had previously been arrested and remanded in connection with heroin trafficking.

This highly serious chain of events has led the entire country to question whether accusations of a political party being systematically linked with drug traffickers through black money networks to build its large-scale party funds are true. Public opinion is pressuring NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva and other party leaders to issue a clear statement to the nation immediately regarding this matter.

Pradeep Nilanga Dela Elected Diyawadana Nilame for Third Term

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Pradeep Nilanga Dela Elected Diyawadana Nilame for Third Term

Pradeep Nilanga Dela was re-elected as the Diyawadana Nilame (lay custodian) of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy for a third term, following a landslide victory in a recent election. His term of office will be 10 years.

Dela secured an overwhelming majority of votes, returning to the position after having served two previous terms totaling 20 years, with his last tenure concluding in August. He was among eight candidates who vied for the prestigious role, including the acting Diyawadana Nilame.

The election results were as follows:

  • Pradeep Nilanga Dela: 195 votes
  • A.M. Daminda Bandara Udurawana, Basnayake Nilame of the Kandy Sri Maha Kataragama Devalaya: 50 votes
  • A.W. Sarath Bandaranayake, Basnayake Nilame of the Kandy Sri Natha Devalaya and Embekke Sri Kataragama Devalaya: 13 votes

Details regarding the number of votes received by the remaining candidates – Roshan Priyadarshana (custodian of the historic Sonuttara Rajamaha Viharaya), Inidika Ruwan Pathirana, Gamini Kaluhelandiwela, Professor Thilak Subasinghe, and retired Colonel Nanda Madugalle – were not immediately reported.

With this decisive victory, Pradeep Nilanga Dela will continue to serve as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa for another decade.

NPP Faces Second Wave of Local Power Erosion as Budgets Defeated

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NPP Faces Second Wave of Local Power Erosion as Budgets Defeated

Political analysts are pointing to an intensifying “second wave” of the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s grassroots power erosion, following the record defeat of budget proposals in two local councils under its control. The latest local council to see its budget defeated is the Soranathota Pradeshiya Sabha, where the budget was rejected by a margin of three votes.

In the Soranathota Pradeshiya Sabha, the opposition holds 10 council seats while the NPP has 5. During the vote, 8 opposition councillors voted against the budget. Four NPP councillors and the chairman voted in favour, but the absence of three opposition councillors was not enough to prevent the budget’s defeat. This outcome signals a significant political shift, especially given that the NPP had previously secured control of the council when two opposition members voted in favour of the NPP candidate during the chairman’s election.

Meanwhile, the first reading of the inaugural budget for 2024 in the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha, also under NPP control, was defeated yesterday (06), further solidifying this trend of power erosion. In the Kolonna council, opposition groups collectively hold 10 out of 19 seats, yet the NPP had won the chairmanship through a secret ballot. However, in yesterday’s budget vote, opposition groups leveraged their majority to defeat the budget.

These two local council budget defeats provide a clear signal that the second wave of the NPP’s grassroots power erosion has begun, following the initial wave of defeats in cooperative elections. Analysts suggest that these budget rejections raise serious questions about the NPP’s political power and governing capabilities for the coming year.

2026 Budget Sparks Debate: ‘Populist’ Measures Raise Economic Concerns

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2026 Budget Sparks Debate: ‘Populist’ Measures Raise Economic Concerns

The second reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Finance Minister today (November 7) at 1:30 PM, has ignited serious doubts among critics regarding the nation’s ability to manage its debt and tax burden. The budget includes a “popular” relief package that has drawn both support and skepticism.

According to high-level government sources, the budget proposes a 30% salary increase for all government employees, including staff officers, and aims to integrate all pensioners into the 2019 retirement year framework. These relief measures alone are expected to require an additional allocation of LKR 13 billion. Furthermore, a proposed additional 30% salary increase in 2027 has been criticized by analysts as an overly ambitious and unrealistic promise driven by political gain.

The budget anticipates a massive revenue generation of LKR 65 billion in the upcoming financial year to offset these substantial expenditures. This ambitious revenue target has fueled fears of further increases in indirect and direct taxes on the general public. Some political analysts suggest that the government’s attempts to provide relief are a strategy to mask the burden of tax hikes.

In a move that will significantly impact average consumers, while vehicle taxes have not been increased in this budget, the proposal to import used vehicles has reportedly been withdrawn. This indicates that, despite no direct tax increases on motor vehicles, an indirect import restriction has been imposed, denying middle-class citizens the opportunity to purchase affordable used vehicles.

While the allocation of LKR 24 billion for “Aswasuma” benefits for low-income earners and special relief proposals to encourage exports are seen as positive steps, concerns have been raised that the government has not definitively disclosed how these proposals will affect the nation’s overall debt burden.

The debate on the second reading of these budget proposals is scheduled to take place from November 8 to December 5. The opposition has stated that a broader discussion is needed on this financial plan, which they claim will devastate the country’s economy.

Harin to Address “People’s Voice” Rally Against Government

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Harin to Address “People’s Voice” Rally Against Government

Former Minister Harin Fernando, representing the United National Party as Deputy General Secretary for political mobilization, is slated to address the “People’s Voice” rally organized by the common opposition against the government.

The rally is scheduled to take place in Nugegoda on the 21st of next month.

This gathering marks the initial step in uniting the opposition’s voice against the current administration. Leaders of the common opposition parties have stated that following this rally, opposition parties will continuously consolidate and move forward with a strengthened program.

Premadasa Concludes India Visit, Emphasizes Regional Cooperation and 13th Amendment Implementation

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Premadasa Concludes India Visit, Emphasizes Regional Cooperation and 13th Amendment Implementation

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, has concluded a pivotal visit to India, marking a critical juncture in the island nation’s political and economic diplomatic relations. During his visit, Mr. Premadasa met with key Indian leaders, including the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Finance Minister, and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He underscored that Sri Lanka’s future hinges on regional cooperation and a pragmatic approach.

In a comprehensive address to the Indian Council of World Affairs, Premadasa reiterated his party’s commitment to the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and emphasized the importance of Indo-Sri Lanka bilateral cooperation amidst ongoing economic and political challenges.

Practical, Results-Oriented Relations

“At a time when Sri Lanka faces immense challenges, the Indo-Sri Lanka relationship must be free from narrow thinking. We must think anew and think far. Our relationship must be results-oriented and evidence-based,” Mr. Premadasa stated.

He presented a broad vision for cooperation across various sectors, including technology, investment, green energy promotion, and joint poverty eradication programs. He particularly stressed the need to revitalize micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to become engines of domestic economic growth.

Supporting India’s National Security

Commenting on Sri Lanka’s role in strengthening regional security, the Opposition Leader affirmed, “I would like to confirm that Sri Lanka will always work to ensure India’s national security interests. As a global power, India deserves its rightful place as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.”

13th Amendment and Provincial Council Elections

Clarifying his party’s stance on the 13th Amendment, Mr. Premadasa stated, “We firmly believe in the full implementation of the 13th Amendment. Provincial Council elections must be held. These elections, an essential component of a functioning democracy, empower communities that have been without power for a long time.”

He also addressed significant shortcomings in governance, stating that the country’s major challenge is the tendency for decisions to be made impulsively, without being based on evidence or science. Furthermore, he explained that recent ‘Aragalaya’ protests were triggered by economic hardships and the erosion of political power.

Inviting Investors

Addressing Sri Lanka’s future economic challenges, the Opposition Leader pointed out that the country will face a major hurdle in 2028 when foreign debt repayments resume. He emphasized the need for increased economic growth, export expansion, and the encouragement of foreign direct investment (FDI).

“I would like to take this opportunity to invite Indian businessmen and investors. Your capital will help the people of Sri Lanka return to normalcy,” he added.

Regarding sensitive bilateral issues such as fishing disputes, he advocated for a permanent, proactive mechanism based on international law and cooperative frameworks.

NPP Faces Setback as Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha Budget Defeated

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NPP Faces Setback as Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha Budget Defeated

The maiden budget for 2024 of the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha, currently under the control of the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated today (06) in its first reading. Despite the NPP successfully forming the council, all opposition groups united to vote against the budget.

The monthly council session of the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha commenced today at approximately 10:00 AM, presided over by Chairman Sampath Gunasinghe. A vote was then held on the budget’s first reading.

Out of the 19 total seats in the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha, the National People’s Power held 9 seats, while the opposition, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (5), Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (3), United National Party (1), and Sarvajana Balaya Party (1), collectively held 10 seats. This gave the opposition a clear majority in terms of seat count. However, the NPP managed to secure control of the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha through a secret ballot during the election of the chairman.

Nevertheless, in today’s vote on the first reading of the maiden budget, the opposition groups leveraged their majority to defeat the budget.

Following this incident, critics are suggesting that a second wave of the National People’s Power’s grassroots power decline has begun. They point out that the first wave is already underway, as evidenced by defeats in cooperative elections. This budget defeat in the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha raises serious questions about the NPP’s political power and governance capabilities for the upcoming year.

NPP Councilor Resigns After Son and Husband Arrested on Drug Charges

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NPP Councilor Resigns After Son and Husband Arrested on Drug Charges

Disna Niranjala Kumari, a National People’s Power (NPP) Councilor for the Peliyagoda Urban Council, has resigned from her position after her husband and son were arrested on drug charges. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) announced her resignation, stating that Ms. Kumari was deeply shocked by the incident. Her decision was made in support of legal proceedings and to contribute to the “Malimawa’s” program for establishing a positive political culture in the country. She has submitted her letter of resignation to the Gampaha District Returning Officer.

Commenting on the incident, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa strongly criticized the government, emphasizing that the current administration must work to eradicate the drug epidemic from the country, regardless of political affiliation. He raised suspicions about whether the arrested principal, affiliated with the NPP’s teachers’ union, and his wife, the “Malimawa” councilor, were involved in distributing drugs among schoolchildren.

Namal Rajapaksa questioned who the government would accuse this time, given that in the past, the Rajapaksas were blamed every time drugs were found in the country. He urged that the arrested suspect be held under detention orders to uncover the politicians behind him. The MP also sternly warned the government that if MPs and others do not stop selling drugs and implement budget proposals, the country would inevitably fall back to a three percent approval rating.

National Leprosy Conference Kicks Off, President Attends

Meanwhile, the National Leprosy Conference commenced today (November 6) at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to eradicate leprosy. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the inauguration.

Organized by the Ministry of Health with the collaborative support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Sasakawa Foundation, the conference unveiled a roadmap for eliminating leprosy from Sri Lanka within the next 10 years.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that while leprosy was eliminated as a public health threat in 1995, the journey is not yet complete. The minister noted that new leprosy cases continue to emerge, with approximately 1500-2000 new patients identified annually. Alarmingly, about 10% of these are children under 10 years old. The minister further added that the current government plans to make Sri Lanka a leprosy-free country by 2035.

President Halts New Wind Power Projects in Mannar Over Public Opposition?

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President Halts New Wind Power Projects in Mannar Over Public Opposition?

The President has issued a directive to immediately halt the implementation of new wind power projects on Mannar Island without the explicit consent of local residents, despite the region being designated as a high-potential area for renewable energy expansion. This decision, communicated to the Cabinet by the Minister of Power and subsequently approved, reportedly stems from environmental and social concerns raised by the community.

However, critics are questioning the government’s stance, pointing out that the directive appears to allow the continuation of a 50-megawatt wind power plant project owned by Hayleys Fentons, a company associated with prominent businessman Dhammika Perera, who is considered close to the government.

Mannar was initially slated for three wind power projects due to its high wind potential. One of these, the Thambapavani Wind Power Plant, successfully began operations in 2021. The other two projects, a 20MW project by Windscape Mannar (Pvt) Ltd and the 50MW Hayleys Fentons project, were scheduled to commence operations in December 2025 and December 2026, respectively.

Under the new presidential decision, any future energy projects on Mannar Island will require the full participation and consent of the local population. The government states that this marks a policy shift towards prioritizing environmental and social factors in development projects implemented in sensitive island regions, as informed to the Cabinet by the Minister of Power.

Nevertheless, critics argue that far from highlighting the government’s concern for Mannar Island’s delicate ecosystems and the well-being of its local communities, this decision raises serious questions about preferential treatment for certain projects.

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