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The National Election Commission has informed that it is mandatory to provide leave for employees of private and public institutions to cast their ballots in the 2024 Presidential Election that will be held tomorrow.

Issuing a statement, the Election Commission said it had previously announced that leave must be provided for employees of state and private entities, especially factories, private-owned stores, and hotels for the election.

Stating that, however, it has received reports of some state and private entities refusing to grant leave for their employees, the Election Commission advised such entities to adhere to the Election Law and grant the mandatory leave.

The 2024 Presidential Election will be conducted tomorrow (Sep 21) in which 38 candidates are set to contest.

National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that his party was initially doubtful of receiving support from the North and East of Sri Lanka.

“Initially we were doubtful. We thought we would only get the support of the South,” Dissanayake said, adding this support was not sufficient to achieve the party’s political goals.

“We held rallies in areas like Ninthavur, Samanthurai, Akkaraipattu and Sainthamaruthu, where we received support from the Muslim communities just like this,” he said addressing an NPP rally in Kalutara.

“For the first time, we have a political movement where we can make the same statement in the North, East and the South,” Dissanayake said.

The Ministry of Education has announced that marking of the Grade 05 Scholarship Examination answer scripts will be temporarily suspended until the investigation into the exam paper leak is completed.

Education Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara told the media today, that paper marking will be temporarily halted until the conclusion of the investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Thilaka Jayasundara said that the Ministry together with the Examinations Department will take a final decision after taking into consideration the preliminary probe reports of the Examination Department and the CID in this regard.

The Education Ministry Secretary noted that if the investigations prove that the question paper had been leaked, then there was a possibility for the Scholarship Examination to be held again, but such a decision will only be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probes.

She revealed that the President and Education Minister have instructed the Education and Exam Department officials to act on the recommendations and findings of the two probes.

Thilaka Jayasundara added that based on the investigation findings stringent action will be taken against those involved in the alleged leak of the examination paper.

The Grade 05 Scholarship Examination was held last Sunday (Sep 15), but questions similar to those on paper one of the exam had been provided at a tuition class a few days prior to the exam and had also been circulated on social media.

Several parents had notified the Education Ministry in this regard after which probes were launched by the Examination Department and the CID into the matter.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced that it will distribute the uniforms necessary for 4.3 million school students and all the needed robes (Sivuru) for 825 ‘Pirivens’ for the upcoming 2025 school term.

Accordingly, the school uniforms and robes are to be distributed before January 20, when the 2025 new school term begins.

The school uniforms have been donated by the Chinese government, following discussions between the Education Minister, the Chinese Ambassador, and other relevant officials of the Chinese government.

According to the announcement, all school uniforms are being provided free of charge and will result in the government saving around Rs. 7 billion.

The Chinese government has confirmed that Sri Lanka will receive the first consignment of uniforms on November 13, the second on November 21, and the third on December 20.

Founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa left for Dubai from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (20), the airport Duty Manager said.

He left for Dubai on Emirates Airlines (EK-649) at 03.05 a.m.

He had reportedly paid USD 206 for access to this plane and had obtained the facility at the 'Gold Route' terminal in the BIA.

Sources at the airport said that Basil Rajapaksa will first go to Dubai and then leave for the USA from there, and that he always uses this flight route to leave for the United States of America.

(dailymirror.lk)

Independent Presidential Candidate and President, Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that IMF representatives are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in two weeks to disburse the next instalment of funds, as outlined in the agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the International Monetary Fund.

The President emphasized that on September 21, the public will have to decide whether to approve changes to the IMF agreement, which could result in losing the financial concessions currently on offer.

President Wickremesinghe made these statements while speaking at the "Ranil Can" (Ranil ta Puluwan) victory rally held at the Kalutara Public Stadium today (18).

“I ask the people if they can trust leaders who abandon their responsibilities at the first sign of trouble. Today, we have managed to steer our economy, which was once sinking like the Titanic, back on course. Now, the choice is whether to change the captain and alter our course while the ship is docked," he said.

"Currently, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake are preparing to reverse the progress we have made. In two weeks, representatives from the International Monetary Fund will arrive in Sri Lanka to provide the next installment of funding. If we decide to alter the agreement, the IMF will withhold the funds, potentially leading to another economic collapse. It is up to the people to decide if we want to risk this."

"Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged that the economy has improved under my leadership and suggested that the current system might need to continue. Yet, he claims he will step down in a year and a half if he fails to make progress. I question why he seeks to take over if he is not prepared to lead effectively. Sajith and Anura have demonstrated that they are not capable of leading this country forward," elaborated Wickremesinghe.

The National Security Council of Sri Lanka has met and discussed ensuring security for the 2024 presidential election and maintaining law and order during the post-election period.

The National Security Council, chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, met today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. 

They discussed ensuring security for the 2024 presidential election, supporting the Election Commission, securing candidates and polling stations and maintaining law and order post-election without disrupting daily life, the President’s Media Division said. 

President Wickremesinghe has also instructed the heads of the security agencies to take all necessary steps to maintain law and order in the country without disrupting the daily lives of the people during the post-election period, the PMD said.

Marking a significant milestone in the country’s automotive industry, President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (17) inaugurated the Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA) vehicle assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya. This $27 million facility is now the largest vehicle assembly plant in South Asia.

The first vehicle to be assembled at the factory, a 15-seater passenger van, is expected to enter the market by the end of the month. The factory, equipped with cutting-edge machinery designed by global automotive experts, will generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth. In line with international industry standards, the facility also houses a vocational training institute, offering young people the chance to gain skills that will qualify them for overseas job opportunities.

During the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe unveiled a commemorative plaque and toured the factory, engaging in friendly conversation with staff. In his speech, the President emphasized that no one will be allowed to obstruct projects vital to strengthening the national economy, despite protests. He also noted that although the Western Automobile Factory was initiated in 2015, it lacked the necessary support for timely completion.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that his administration is committed to advancing development projects that will benefit the country, noting that significant job opportunities for youth were lost due to the 10-year delay in completing this project, which was initially expected to be finished in two years. He highlighted that the new factory will not only boost the local economy of Kuliyapitiya but also strengthen the national economy.

In his speech at the ceremony, the President stated:

“We approved the establishment of this factory in 2015, but it faced significant opposition and protests. Investigations were even conducted in Parliament. The project, which was scheduled to launch in 2019, was delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the economic crisis.

After assuming the presidency, I made the decision to restart all these stalled projects. Today, we have finally commenced operations at the Western Automobile Company. This factory has the capacity to produce 50,000 vehicles annually, which will strengthen our export sector.

Although the project was intended to be completed within two years, it took a decade. Many opposed it, focusing on political agendas rather than the country’s progress. This delay has cost us the opportunity to create numerous jobs. I am determined not to allow such setbacks in the future.

I am committed to taking this country forward by properly implementing these development programs. This factory marks just one step in the broader development of Kuliyapitiya. With its opening, we begin the journey of growth for this region. We are creating a 1,000-acre investment zone in Bingiriya, and 500 acres have been allocated in Iranavila for a tourism zone. These areas will become hubs for both tourism and production.

As we create new job opportunities, the demand for skilled workers will grow. To meet this, we plan to increase the number of engineers and skilled professionals. We’re establishing the Faculty of Engineering at Kurunegala University to ensure that we keep pace with the demands of the 21st century. We cannot afford to fall behind.

European companies are now joining Chinese companies in investing in these projects. They will remain engaged as we work through the process of officially exiting bankruptcy. We have had extensive discussions with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the 18 countries that have lent to Sri Lanka. We’re now in the final stages of negotiations with private contractors, and we are progressing according to these agreements.

I am determined to make the North West a hub of development, similar to the growth we’ve seen in Gampaha. This factory is just the beginning of that effort. I want to thank everyone involved, and I believe this company will play a vital role in strengthening our economy.

Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security Sagala Rathnayaka, former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and directors of Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited, Mr. Gerard Fernando and Michael Selvanayagam, along with many staff members, were present at the event.

The Colombo High Court has issued an order preventing the use of two luxury apartments in Colpetty purchased by Ramith Rambukwella, the son of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The said two luxury apartments in the Colpetty area have reportedly been purchased by Ramith Rambukwella for Rs. 80 million and Rs. 65 million.

The Colombo High Court issued an order preventing the use of the two luxury apartments after considering a request by the Bribery Commission.

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake shed light on the resurgence of his party after a significant setback in the 2019 elections, stating that people have eventually turned to his party upon realizing the truth.

The NPP, which garnered just 3% of the vote in 2019, has since mounted a well-organized political movement that Dissanayake believes will lead to a landmark victory on September 21st.

Reflecting on the party’s journey, Dissanayake said that despite their electoral loss, they remained convinced that the public, misled by various factors, would eventually come to realize the truth and turn to the NPP.

In the past two to three years, the party engaged in grassroots-level, well-planned politics across the country, distinguishing itself from its opposition, whom Dissanayake accused of perpetuating corruption, lawlessness, and authoritarian governance.

The NPP leader spoke of the party’s efforts to mobilize the public through village-level awareness campaigns, particularly in areas like Kandy.

The rise of the NPP had caught their opponents off guard, resulting in desperate attempts by rivals, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to spread conspiracy theories and false narratives against the party, Dissanayake charged.

Addressing the state of Sri Lankan politics, Dissanayake harshly criticized what he described as a “despicable” political culture devoid of policies.

Figures like Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Geetha Kumarasinghe, who have shifted their allegiances, exposes a lack of integrity among the country’s current leaders, Dissanayake said, vowing that an NPP-led government would rid the parliament of such corrupt politicians.

Dissanayake pledging to overhaul Sri Lanka’s economic policies, said that the country is in need for a people-centric economy focused on production rather than dependence on imports, contrasting Sri Lanka’s situation with India’s self-sustaining industries.

Describing Sri Lanka as a country in decline—rife with unemployment, a collapsing education system, and rampant crime— he assured that the NPP’s policies would lead to national revitalization.

Vino Noharathalingam, the Tamil National Alliance MP for Vanni District who represents Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK), announced his support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, citing strong backing from the northern population, President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s campaign said in a statement.

At a press conference held today (18) at the President’s Political Office in Flower Road,Colombo, Noharathalingam emphasized that he is honoring the will of the majority, stating, “The people of the North have decided to support President Ranil.”

Addressing the media personnel further, MP Noharathalingam stated;Political and economic stability is crucial for the country. President Ranil Wickremesinghe successfully guided us through an economic crisis, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized the need to maintain this hard-won stability. To sustain the progress made, it is essential for the current president to serve at least one more term.

We have completed half of this marathon; changing leadership now would mean starting over. If President Wickremesinghe is given another opportunity, he can effectively carry us the rest of the way.

Police have been permitted to use their firearms if unrest occurs at polling stations, during the upcoming Presidential election Public Security Minister Tiran Alles told Lankadeepa newspaper.

Firearms have been provided to the police and security forces for controlling such situations, the Minister said.

A special security plan has already been prepared to ensure national security on the day of the election and after, Lankadeepa reported.

Meanwhile, the Police Headquarters announced that a special security plan will also be implemented during the transportation of ballot boxes.

Around 54,000 police officers are expected to be deployed for election security.