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Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down from the post of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and fled the turmoil-hit nation today, may not return to politics, her son and former Chief Advisor has said. Disappointed by the strong public sentiment against her government despite her efforts to transform the country, she has decided to quit, Sajeeb Wajed Joy said at BBC’s World Service’s Newshour program.

“She has turned Bangladesh around. When she took over power it was considered a failing state. It was a poor country. Until today it was considered one of the rising tigers of Asia,” Mr Joy said.

Over the last month, more than 300 people died in Bangladesh amid violent protests, which though started over quota, shortly transformed into a call for the Prime Minister to step down.

Sheikh Hasina’s critics accused her not just of corruption and nepotism but also high-handedness and curtailing of civil liberties. These, many alleged, overshadowed the economic progress and development she had brought about.

Her son rejected allegations that the government had been heavy-handed in dealing with the protestors as well.

“You have had policemen beaten to death - 13 just yesterday. So what do you expect the police to do when mobs are beating people to death?” he said. Sheikh Hasina had been considering resigning since Sunday and had left the country for her own safety after her family insisted, he added.

Source: NDTV

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says that he will support Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming Presidential Election.

Holding a press conference in Colombo today (03), Dayasiri stated that both the SLFP’s Central Committee and Executive Committee arrived at this decision to back SJB’s “Samagi Jana Sandhanaya.”

Speaking further he said: “This is a historic decision for the SLFP. We were in an anti-government ideology for the past period, so we cannot turn that back now… We are continuing with the decision that the party arrived at on November 11, 2023 to not join the government.”

Several members of the party including Thilanga Sumathipala and Rohana Luxman Piyadasa were also present at the occasion.

The deadline to accept postal voting applications, which was scheduled to end at midnight today (05), has been extended, the Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake said.

Accordingly, the relevant deadline has been extended until 12.00 midnight on August 09 (Friday).

The Elections Commissioner General said that this decision was made in consideration of the possible postal delays and several requests made by the public to the commission.

Furthermore, the election regulatory body highlighted that the deadline for accepting the relevant applications will not be extended further under any circumstances.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared the immediate initiation of the “River for Jaffna” project, which is designed to provide a comprehensive solution to the water scarcity issues in the northern region of Sri Lanka.

The President made these remarks while attending the opening of the Thalaiyady Seawater Desalination Plant, part of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, this morning (02).

President Wickremesinghe further stated that it has been 15 years since the end of the civil war in the north. He emphasized the need for everyone to continue working together on development and expressed his goal to transform the north into a developed province within the next 5-10 years.

The Thalaiyady Sea Water Desalination Plant, part of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, is managed by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Sri Lanka.

To address the drinking water needs of Jaffna and Kilinochchi, the Government of Sri Lanka launched the Jaffna-Kilinochchi District Water Supply and Sanitation Project (JKWSSP) in 2011 with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the French Development Bank (AFD).

Currently, there are 2.5 million water connections nationwide, and the Water Supply and Sanitation Project aims to add 60,000 new connections.

The main objective of the project is to provide safe drinking water to 300,000 people and improve sanitation facilities for 80,000 people in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

President Wickremesinghe revealed plans to renovate the port of Kankesanthurai in collaboration with India and that an investment zone will be established at the site of the former cement factory.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I have taken the necessary steps to implement the agreements we reached, and the signing of these agreements is currently underway. We are collaborating with Amul to enhance liquid milk production. We should focus on increasing the country’s income and continue this program. This will help improve the economy and transform Jaffna into a major economic hub," he added.

Ministers Douglas Devananda and Jeevan Thondaman, State Ministers Dr. Suren Raghavan, K. Kader Masthan, MPs Dharmalingam Sithadthan, Angajan Ramanathan, National Security Advisor and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake and former State Minister Vijayakala Maheswaran also attended.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe described Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thero as a great Sangha, noting his extensive religious and social contributions in various roles.

Emphasizing that the Thero never cared about caste or religion, President Wickremesinghe highlighted his dedication to the well-being of all people. He stated that the highest tribute to him would be to protect and advance the Dharma and the social centre known as Gangarama Temple.

The President made these remarks while attending the cremation ceremony of Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thero at Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo. The ceremony was conducted with full state honours today (05), at the temple premises.

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated,

Forty years ago, “Podi Hamuduruwo” and I organized the cremation ceremony for Vachissara Nayaka Thero. Today, I am here to attend the cremation ceremony of our Gnanissara Nayaka Thero. I am participating in this occasion as both the President of the country and a member of the Dayaka Sabha of this temple. Additionally, I represent the Wijewardene family, the oldest Dayaka family of this temple. Thus, I have many connections with Gangarama Temple.

I have known Ven. Devundara Vachissara Thero since my childhood. Rathanajothi Thero was also active during that time, and I met our “Podi Hamuduruwo” then as well. When I was about to attend university, he had left Vidyodaya campus and gave me advice about university life.

I was closely associated with him, and when I stood as a candidate for the Biyagama electorate, he offered me tremendous support and advice.

He once mentioned that Colombo needed a Perahera, and after discussions with President Jayawardena and Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa, we initiated those activities. Today, this Nawam Perahera has become a major event in the country, thanks to the boundless dedication of our “Podi Hamuduruwo”. Additionally, he worked tirelessly to support temples in remote provinces and the little monks residing in them. We owe him our gratitude for that.

Theros from all provinces were brought to Colombo to carry out this work, and a four-story building was constructed because the temple could not accommodate these activities. His educational mission extended beyond this, as he established connections with Buddhist countries worldwide. The King of Bhutan was invited to Sri Lanka, initiating relations with the Bhutanese government. Additionally, contacts were made with Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan.

Today, at Gangarama Temple, not only is Buddha’s Dharma shared, but Chinese and Korean Buddhism and other sects also have the opportunity to engage with each other. By constructing new buildings, he significantly contributed to the temple’s development, transforming it into a Buddhist centre—a truly challenging task.

He also established vocational training centres for youth from poor families in these areas. This initiative not only provided them with vocational skills but also encouraged companies to hire these trained youths.

He also contributed too many other societal activities, such as building houses for the poor and helping everyone in need. We should remember this admirable quality of his. He did not discriminate based on religion or caste. During the riots of 1983, when it was difficult to deliver food to refugee areas, our “Podi Hamuduruwo” instructed other theros to board every lorry, ensuring subsidies reached those in need. He later went to Vavuniya to assist the villagers there.

Our “podi Hamuduruwo” was a leadership figure with exceptional administrative talent and made significant contributions to political affairs. He worked closely with J. R. Jayewardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and me. When people faced problems, they would often approach the “Podi Hamuduruwo” to communicate their concerns to the president or prime minister.

We will never meet great characters like him again. He possessed unique qualities, and thanks to his talents, this temple has made significant progress today. Our challenge now is to continue the work he accomplished. Let us all commit ourselves to protecting and advancing this centre of Dharma and society known as Gangarama Temple.

The Trinitarian Maha Sangha led by Maha Nayaka Theros, Anu Nayake Theros, and lay priests, other religious leaders, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and local and foreign devotees were attend at the event.

The Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo Dr. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, also known as Podi Hamuduruwo has passed away at the age of 81.

Born on December 13, 1943, Podi Hamuduruwo has dedicated his life to the practice and propagation of Buddhist principles, guided by a profound commitment to compassion, equality, and service to humanity. Despite facing numerous personal challenges and adversities throughout his life, Podi Hamuduruwo’s unwavering faith and resilience have inspired countless individuals across Sri Lanka and beyond.

His teachings emphasize the importance of inner peace, selflessness, and the cultivation of virtuous qualities for the betterment of oneself and society.

Podi Hamuduruwo’s visionary leadership has transformed Gangaramaya Temple into a dynamic center of spiritual growth, education, and community empowerment.

Through his guidance, the temple has spearheaded various initiatives, including vocational training programs, educational workshops, and humanitarian projects, aimed at uplifting the lives of people from all walks of life.

(Daily Mirror)

The National Convenor of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena says that he will extend his support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential Election, bowing to the wishes of the people in his constituency.

Speaking at an event held today (04), Abeygunawardena also stated that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics.

“The true political rival we have, or the political enemy in your language, is the JVP and the SJB. So, we cannot stand for them or with them”, he added.

The National Police Commission has appointed Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Lalith Pathinayake to cover the duties of Senior DIG Administration.

This appointment comes as Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena has been sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect, until such time that the disciplinary investigation against him pertaining to the Easter Sunday terror attacks is concluded, the National Police Commission said.

The leader of Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera was named as the Presidential Candidate of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, a short while ago.

Executive member of ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ MP Wimal Weerawansa announced this during the alliance’s convention currently being held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.

Several key members of ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance including MP Wimal Weerawansa, MP Udaya Gammanpila, entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera, MP Gevindu Kumaratunga and several others were present at the occasion.

The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has also decided to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential Election.

Meanwhile, the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) recently expressed their unwavering support for President Wickremesinghe’s victory in the forthcoming presidential election.

Additionally, 92 Members of Parliament including Ministers and State Ministers recently met with Wickremesinghe and pledged their support for the President in the upcoming presidential election to ensure his victory.

Despite the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo deciding to field their own candidate in the upcoming Presidential election, a group of SLPP MPs and Ministers have expressed their support for President Wickremesinghe.

The SLPP’s electoral Bala Mandayala in Wariyapola has adopted a resolution in support of president Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Meeting today (03), its members agreed to further support the president in his nation-building and at the upcoming presidential polls too.

State minister D.B. Herath convened the meeting, attended by former Pradeshiya Sabha members, cooperative directors, party conveners and other activists.

Wariyapola comes under Kurunegala, whose district leader Johnston Fernando is yet to support Wickremesinghe.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his candidacy as an independent in the upcoming presidential election, emphasizing his commitment to advancing the country with a fresh vision and unbiased program. He plans to delegate responsibilities to all 10 governing bodies, including the 9 provincial governments and the central government, to carry out his initiatives.

He made these remarks during a meeting at the Waters Edge hotel, Battaramulla with former Provincial Council representatives from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the United National Party (UNP).

Former Chief Minister of the Western Province, Isuru Devapriya, proposed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory in the upcoming presidential election should be regarded as a significant achievement. This proposal was supported by 116 former provincial council representatives, including T.M.R. Siripala, who affirmed it with their endorsement.

The President further emphasized the importance of safeguarding and advancing the country’s growing economy. He asserted that the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must remain intact; highlighting that it is everyone’s responsibility to continue working toward economic progress, even during elections.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe strongly condemned the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and urged the government to take necessary measures to mitigate potential economic impacts arising from developments in Iran, the Middle East, and other regions. He assured that these precautions would be implemented.

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated,

“I thank everyone who has spoken on my behalf and come here to support me. We all came together in July 2022, a time when we lost our homes and many believed the country had no future. Some doubted whether it was possible to move the country forward and questioned why I took over this government. I told them I believed in the country’s potential for recovery. When asked about the experience of the SLPP members, I said that I can’t create new people unless I work with the existing ones, so we should continue this journey. Now, they say that I have a strong team.

Together with ministers, MPs, provincial councils, and local bodies, we first established stability in the country. There was great fear back then, with MPs being attacked in the streets, and we faced a dire situation. We have now taken steps to return the country to normalcy and free it from bankruptcy. Our work cannot end here. We must adhere to the IMF agreement, as breaking it would send us back into crisis.

They provide us with financial support under specific terms, which we have accepted and must follow. Currently, we have funds available only until December. We need to sign another agreement with the IMF in January to receive funds by January or February. If we start renegotiating now, it could take about a year to finalize, and we cannot continue without funding. Therefore, we must decide to accept the funds and proceed with the program.

Additionally, we need to address the challenges faced by young people by creating job opportunities, eliminating poverty, and developing the country. To achieve these goals, I am establishing 10 governments: 9 provincial governments and the central government, each with specific responsibilities.

I am running for the presidential election as an independent candidate because the country needs a fresh perspective and a new, unbiased program to move forward. Let’s embark on this journey together and advance collectively.

In 2022, the majority of the SLPP decided to support me, a decision that was crucial for the country’s current situation. I especially thank former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for making that decision, which helped save the country. Now, we need to move forward without dividing parties, preserving them as much as possible.

There are significant global issues today. The killing of the Hamas leader in Tehran this morning is something I strongly condemn. It was wrong and could have prevented a solution to the Gaza conflict. This action is likely to escalate problems in the Middle East again, which I do not support. As a nation, we must always uphold the right to life.

This international issue has led to other challenges. If a war breaks out, what will happen to fuel prices? If any issues arise, we might need to bring back everyone in the Middle East to Sri Lanka, similar to what we faced when Kuwait was invaded in 1991. This would result in a loss of revenue for the country, making it difficult for the emerging Sri Lanka to handle such a situation.

I instructed the foreign minister to engage with their counterparts from other countries to discuss a joint program to manage this situation. Our focus should be on these activities. Our speaker is currently in Tehran, and we are working to bring him back as soon as possible.

We must prepare for this situation now. To this end, a committee has been established under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Power and Energy, and the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment. Additionally, a committee composed of officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Power and Energy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been appointed under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser to assess the potential economic consequences.

The government is taking proactive measures to address any situation that may arise. There is no benefit in merely shouting from the stage; we must protect the economy and move forward. International agreements cannot be abandoned; they must be upheld and advanced. Even if elections are held, it is our responsibility to continue this work.

Provincial council elections are scheduled to take place after the parliamentary elections. I hope to conduct these elections under the 1988 system. I discussed this with MP Sumanthiran yesterday, and he is in agreement. We need to ensure greater representation of women and youth in these elections. Additionally, a Member of Parliament can run for a position in the Provincial Councils while retaining their current role. We must all work together as a government.

In addition to the President and Prime Minister, there is a committee of chief finance ministers under the government.

We are also proposing the creation of a Rajya Sabha, which would include the President, Prime Minister, party leaders, and chief ministers. As of 2017, the Chief Ministers of seven provinces are working according to the recommendations from the Constitutional Council report. The Tamil parties have also expressed their support. We have agreed to discuss police powers at a later stage, but we will proceed with the implementation of these activities now. There are significant areas of work, such as agriculture modernization, school education, and tourism responsibilities that should be entrusted to the provincial councils. We are committed to preparing for these changes and advancing the country with these 10 governing bodies.

Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse,

I served on the provincial council for twenty years, and our role is well-recognized. Provincial council representatives are dedicated to working with public consciousness.

Our contribution to strengthening the political machinery for the upcoming presidential election is crucial. Currently, the provincial council system feels disconnected from the people and is often perceived as ineffective. However, through the provincial council, we were able to make significant contributions to the public. Therefore, it is essential to restore the provincial council system in our country.

I had a brief working relationship with the current president, during which we gained confidence in his leadership. He provided strong support during critical moments in Parliament.

As a public representative of the Hambantota district, I worked with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Nevertheless, we must be sensitive to the needs of our country. It is important for everyone to support efforts to change the existing political culture and advance the country.

State Minister Shehan Semasinghe,

This moment marks a historic juncture for our country. Today, we have a diverse group of public representatives present, including members from the SLPP, the UNP, the SLFP and various independent groups.

During the crisis, President Ranil Wickremesinghe demonstrated an unexpected capacity to lead and develop the country. He steered the country in the right direction, stabilizing an unstable government mechanism and creating an environment where everyone could thrive within two years.

As we approach September 21, we must consider whether we want to risk destabilizing the country again or make a decisive choice to ensure stability. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader who can guide our country forward. In the upcoming presidential election, let us unite to secure his victory for the future of our country.

State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura,

Thank you all for coming on such short notice. At that time, it was nearly impossible to even step outside to cast a vote.

However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe embraced this challenge and delivered exceptional service to the people of this country within just two years. Under his leadership, we were able to rectify the errors of the past.

He safeguarded our democracy and restored the nation. Today, not just the President, but we too can effectively connect with the people. It is crucial for everyone to support him for a victory in the upcoming presidential election.

MP Wajira Abeywardana,

This is a historic moment. The provincial council system had a troubled history, but eventually, it evolved into a system that greatly benefited the public.

Today, we are joined by several influential national figures for this significant occasion. Although history did not allow us to elect our leader as president in the past, you all came together to make President Ranil Wickremesinghe the eighth Executive President.

You placed your trust in Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, and your belief in him has been unwavering. He alone did not guide the country onto the right path; your support played a crucial role.

Public representatives with varying political views are here today. However, we must unite for the benefit of the people.

There is no alternative path for our country. Traditional politics is no longer effective, and the era of misleading advertisements at road junctions is over. The only way forward is the path led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, State Minister D.B. Herath, Advisor to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Ashu Marasinghe, as well as former Chief Ministers, previous provincial council representatives, and a large number of people were present at the event.