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SRI LANKA SLIDES BACK ON WOMEN’S POLITICAL RIGHTS AS NPP-LED COUNCIL CHAIRMAN THREATENS SJB COUNCILLOR

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adminsp
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A recent incident involving a local council controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP) party reveals that Sri Lanka is regressing in safeguarding the political rights and dignity of women in local governance. This event raises serious questions about the treatment of female representatives in local councils, especially at a time when new political avenues are opening for women in India.

Mythili’s Triumph vs. Nikini’s Threatened Resignation Report from Bihar, India:

Mythili Thakur (25), a well-known folk singer and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Alinagar Provincial Council seat, secured an easy victory. Mythili has stated that entering politics was the best decision she has ever made. The growing political activity of women in India is further evident as, for the first time in Bihar’s history, more women than men cast their votes in the recent election.

Report from Arachchikattuwa, Sri Lanka:

In contrast, an SJB Councillor in the NPP-controlled Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha (Local Council) has decided to resign following threats from the Council Chairman.

Ms. Nikini Ayodhya, the elected SJB Councillor, stated that when she went to collect her identity card, Chairman Jayarathna Jayasekara threatened her, saying, “You are a ‘donkey’s den.’ I don’t want to see your unlucky face, and I won’t give you anything for three years.”

When asked for a response, the Chairman initially claimed he did not recall saying the word “donkey” (booruwa in Sinhala). However, he further commented vulgarly, saying, “It is a donkey’s den anyway, so I don’t need to call it a donkey.”

This incident vividly exposes the hidden violence in NPP politics against female representatives, highlighting a concerning rollback of progress made in women’s political empowerment in Sri Lanka.

NPP Faces Massive Defeat as 57th Local Council Budget Fails Amidst Unprecedented Opposition Unity

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adminsp
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The National People’s Power (NPP) government is reeling from a massive political setback as the budgets of the Uvaparanagama and Padiyathalawa Pradeshiya Sabhas (Local Councils), both controlled by the NPP, were defeated today (14th), bringing the total number of NPP-controlled local council budgets to fail to 55. This string of defeats is being heralded as the most significant political shift, highlighting the NPP’s faltering governance capabilities and the weakening of the central government’s authority nationwide, driven by growing solidarity among opposition councilors.

The recent failures follow the defeat of budgets in Soranathota, Kolonna, Dodangoda, and Naula councils in the past few days. The escalating count of 57 defeats is a clear indicator of the potent grassroots opposition to both the ruling party and its main alternative.

Opposition Unites in Uvaparanagama and Padiyathalawa

A notable feature of today’s defeats was the coordinated voting by all opposition parties in both councils:

1. Uvaparanagama Pradeshiya Sabha

  • The budget was presented by Chairman Dinadasa Ratnayake.
  • All 20 NPP councilors voted in favour of the budget.
  • However, the budget was defeated when all opposition parties—the United National Party (UNP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sarvajana Balawegaya, and the Frontline Socialist Party—voted together against it.

2. Padiyathalawa Pradeshiya Sabha

  • Chairman Anuradha Rajapaksa presented the budget.
  • The budget was defeated with 8 votes in favour and 12 against.
  • Though the NPP initially formed the council through a coalition, securing power with a 13-07 majority after the last election, today’s open vote saw councilors from the SJB, SLPP, Sarvajana Balawegaya, and the UNP collectively vote against the budget. This demonstrates the fragility of the NPP’s grassroots coalition governance.

Harin Fernando’s Influence Noted

These defeats occurred just after former Badulla District MP Harin Fernando officially assumed the position of Deputy General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) on Monday, focusing heavily on building a common opposition front against the current government. Political analysts view the unified opposition vote in the local councils as a practical outcome of Mr. Fernando’s publicly stated need for opposition unity.

This continuous stream of budget rejections sends an unambiguous signal that public confidence in the NPP’s capacity to govern and its ability to resolve the country’s financial crisis is rapidly eroding.

NPP Faces ‘Third Wave’ of Local Council Budget Defeats, Signaling Grassroots Erosion

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News Editor
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Sri Lanka's opposition People's Liberation Front (JVP) spokesman Anura Kumara Dissanayake addresses media representatives in Colombo on January 10, 2010. The opposition JVP said President Mahinda Rajapakse released 713 Tamil Tiger suspects on January 9 after his main opposition rival vowed to speed up discharging detainees. AFP PHOTO/Ishara S.KODIKARA (Photo credit should read Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Political analysts suggest a “third wave” of political power erosion has begun for the National People’s Power (NPP) and government-aligned forces at the grassroots level, following the defeat of budgets in two NPP-controlled local councils yesterday (13). This comes after previous budget defeats in the Soranathota and Kolonna NPP-controlled Pradeshiya Sabhas (local councils).

The budget for the Dodangoda Pradeshiya Sabha, which was under NPP control, was defeated by a single majority vote yesterday (13). The 12 NPP councilors voted in favor of the budget, but the opposition, led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), voted against it with 13 members.NPP Controlled Councils Crumble!

Concurrent with these defeats, the budget for the Naula Pradeshiya Sabha, also controlled by the National People’s Power, was defeated by one vote yesterday (13).

Several local councils previously under NPP control, including the Soranathota Pradeshiya Sabha and the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha, have now faced defeat.

Commenting on the situation, political commentators point out that these local council budget defeats serve as a clear signal, representing the second and third wave of power disintegration after the setbacks faced by the government and the NPP in the cooperative elections. These failures clearly indicate that serious questions are being raised from the grassroots level regarding the governance capabilities and policies of the National People’s Power, which is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s future political trajectory.

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa Donates Official Vehicles to Health Ministry in Opposition Move

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adminsp
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0

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa announced in Parliament that the opposition parties will unite to expose the government’s deceptive programs to the country.

Concurrently, he declared that the SJB is rejecting the state resources allocated to its Members of Parliament.

The MP stated that the three Members of Parliament from his party do not require the allocated official cab vehicles and that these vehicles will instead be donated to the Ministry of Health. He took this decision, refusing to spend public funds on MP privileges while the country is grappling with an economic crisis.

A United Opposition!

Namal Rajapaksa further asserted that all opposition members would unite this time to reveal the government’s misleading programs to the country.

In a critique of the government, he commented, “The President spoke about the budget for four and a half hours, and he expects to speak for the same four and a half hours next year as well.”

Harin Fernando Takes Office as UNP Deputy General Secretary, Unveils Revival Plan

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News Editor
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Former Member of Parliament Harin Fernando officially assumed duties as the Deputy General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) yesterday (10th), marking the launch of a series of new political and organizational programs aimed at revitalizing the party and building a united opposition against the current government.

Addressing the media after taking office, Fernando stated that his primary objectives are to modernize the party and engage the youth in politics.

“Learn from Ranil” Program for Youth

A key component of this new initiative is the “Ranilgen Igenagamu” (Learn from Ranil) educational program, which Fernando announced will commence on the first day of next month.

A Grassroots Call for Unity

Fernando’s statement heavily emphasized the need for opposition unity. He stressed that there is a strong grassroots demand for the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to reunite politically, regardless of the positions of leaders or officials.

He pointed out that UNP supporters initially formed the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and that if unity is not achieved, SJB voters may return to the UNP. He further expressed confidence that efforts led by the party’s General Secretary and Chairman would achieve a united opposition platform.

New Organizational Drive

To strengthen the UNP’s organizational structure, Fernando has been tasked with organizing 1,000 organizational meetings across the island. He stated that the goal is to “bring the truth to the country.” Furthermore, he aims to make the UNP the first fully digital political party in Sri Lanka by December.

Clarifying his upcoming schedule, Fernando stated that he would spend two and a half days a week at party headquarters and dedicate the remaining time to traveling across districts and provinces.

Through this new approach and youth-focused programs, Harin Fernando is clearly embarking on a mission to reunite the fractured opposition against the current inefficient government.

NPP Faces Scrutiny Over Disciplinary Issues and Candidate Selection Amidst “Clean Politics” Image

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adminsp
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Two recent incidents have cast a shadow over the National People’s Power’s (NPP) commitment to disciplinary governance and its carefully cultivated public image. The first involves the son of the Matara Pradeshiya Sabha’s Deputy Chairman, an NPP-controlled council, who was remanded until the 17th of this month for allegedly assaulting a school student.

The assault reportedly occurred in front of the Matara railway station. The victim, the son of a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Matara Municipal Council member, is currently receiving treatment at Karapitiya Hospital. The decision to remand the suspect was made after he was presented before the Matara Chief Magistrate. Political analysts suggest that such acts of violence involving the sons of local NPP representatives severely damage the “clean politics” image built by the party’s top leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Internal “Disappointment” Over NPP Candidates Revealed in Leaked Audio!

Adding to the party’s woes, an audio recording, believed to be a conversation between current NPP Minister Upali Pannilage and a group of party activists, has surfaced online. The recording reportedly reveals internal dissatisfaction within the NPP regarding the selection of candidates for local government elections, which were slated to be held before the 2024 Presidential Election.

According to the audio, party activists question Pannilage about the candidate selection process, expressing a clear lack of approval for certain local government candidates. The core reason for this disapproval is a serious concern among party members that such individuals could damage Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s image. Critics argue that the emergence of questions about the “purity” of selected representatives from within the NPP, a party promising a new political culture, clearly highlights the gap between the party’s stated policies and its grassroots operations.

PM’s Billion-Rupee Maybach Sparks Outrage as Central Bank Crushes Public’s Car Dreams!

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adminsp
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0

A massive debate has erupted over the government’s financial discipline after former Minister Chandima Weerakkody alleged that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya is now traveling in a luxury Mercedes-Benz Maybach, valued at approximately one billion rupees, at a time of severe economic crisis and vehicle import restrictions.

Weerakkody revealed this information at a press conference held at his residence. He accused the Prime Minister of now using the country’s most expensive luxury vehicle, despite initial videos and photos circulating of her using a double cab. Political analysts point out that his further statement, “they are preparing to give double cabs to other MPs to shut them up,” confirms the culture of luxury within the government.

Central Bank Decision Dashes Hopes for Average Citizens!

While such extreme luxury prevails at the highest levels of government, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has taken a drastic decision, making it even harder for ordinary citizens to purchase essential vehicles. Despite vehicle import restrictions, the Central Bank has re-amended the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios for vehicle leasing facilities, a decision directly impacting the market.

According to the new amendment, the maximum loan amount available for all private vehicles, including cars, vans, and three-wheelers for personal use, has been further reduced to 50% of the vehicle’s total value. Previously, this ranged from 60% to 70%.

This clearly indicates that an average family will now have to pay half (50%) of the cost upfront to purchase an essential vehicle for their daily activities or work. Critics argue that this demonstrates the government’s double standard: while its leaders travel in billion-rupee vehicles, the Central Bank, an arm of the same government, restricts the basic needs of ordinary citizens.

Sri Lanka Faces Deepening Debt Crisis, Opposition Leader Urges India’s Continued Support

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adminsp
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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that Sri Lanka’s financial situation will remain precarious for the next few years, emphasizing India’s continuous support as essential to mitigate the country’s massive debt crisis. In an exclusive interview with Indian media network NDTV, Premadasa subtly but strongly criticized the current government’s foreign policy and economic management.

Premadasa highlighted that Sri Lanka’s financial stability in Colombo will become highly uncertain as debt repayments are set to escalate starting in 2028. He stressed that Indian assistance is “critically important” for the nation to overcome this economic challenge, expressing a strong belief that Sri Lanka’s future is intertwined with India. He likened the India-Sri Lanka relationship to the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom during the Reagan-Thatcher era.

Addressing the China Challenge and Trade Agreements

Responding to New Delhi’s concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, Premadasa affirmed that India has no reason to harbor doubts regarding Sri Lanka. He stated that Sri Lanka is keen to act as a “key player in building peace in the Indo-Pacific region” and is prepared to mediate in resolving suspicions between regional powers through dialogue.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader proposed that the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries should be developed to ensure “bilateral benefits.” He explained that Sri Lanka could gain significant advantages by accessing India’s market of over 1.4 billion people, and emphasized the need to renegotiate these agreements to provide “competitive advantages” for both nations. At a time when the public questions the government’s foreign relations management, Premadasa’s statements underscore the need for an alternative approach to gain the confidence of foreign powers in the country’s future.

SJB MPs Express Discontent Over Leader’s India Tour

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a group of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Members of Parliament are deeply dissatisfied with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for not including any MPs in his official visit to India.

Sources suggest that these MPs have severely criticized the leadership over this matter. Many in the party believe that if the Opposition Leader had included at least a few MPs with expertise in specific subjects, such as economics and foreign affairs, in such official meetings, it would have been highly productive.

It is reported that only businessman Lakshman Fonseka, a close associate of Premadasa, and Chamith Wijesundara, a Kotte Municipal Councillor and a relative of Premadasa, participated in the official tour.

Government Power Falters as Local Elections and Budgets Signal Widespread Decline

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adminsp
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0

Clear signals indicate a significant erosion of government power across the country, following a triple defeat in grassroots political battles, including cooperative elections and local council budgets.

Today’s (08) Matara District SANASA election concluded with a severe defeat for pro-government factions. Opposition-backed groups secured victories in 11 out of 14 SANASA zones in the Matara District, while the National People’s Power (NPP) supported groups managed to win only two zones. Critics point to these cooperative election losses as the first serious wave impacting the NPP’s grassroots power.‘Second Wave’ Begins as NPP-Controlled Councils Face Budget Defeats!

Meanwhile, the defeat of budget reports in two local councils controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP) marks a clear signal of the second wave of this power erosion.

The latest incident reported is the defeat of the Soranathota Pradeshiya Sabha budget yesterday (07) by three votes. Although the NPP managed to secure power in the chairman election with two opposition members voting in favor of the NPP candidate, eight opposition councillors voted against the budget during the budget vote. While the four NPP councillors and the chairman voted in favor, they could not prevent the budget’s defeat in the face of a united opposition.

Previously, the inaugural budget for 2024 of the Kolonna Pradeshiya Sabha, also under NPP control, was defeated on its first reading the day before yesterday (06). Despite opposition groups collectively winning 10 out of 19 total seats in the Kolonna council, the NPP won the chairman election through a secret ballot. However, during the budget vote, opposition groups leveraged their majority to defeat the budget, raising serious questions about the NPP’s governance capabilities.

Critics highlight that these defeats in cooperative elections and local council budgets raise serious concerns about the NPP’s political power and governance capabilities for the coming year, viewing this as a massive setback for the government’s authority.

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

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adminsp
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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.

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