News

The daughter of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen, who was at the centre of a high-profile false sterilisation allegation in 2019, has secured entry to a medical faculty after achieving outstanding results at the 2024 GCE Advanced Level examination.

Despite being forced to leave school due to the intense public scrutiny and mental pressure faced by the family during the controversy, she displayed remarkable courage and resilience by sitting for the exam as a private candidate.

She obtained 3 As in the Science stream, achieving a district rank of 12 and an island rank of 357, securing a place at a state medical faculty.

Earlier, she had excelled at the GCE Ordinary Level examination as well, securing 9 As, and had publicly expressed her dream of becoming a doctor like her father to serve the people.

The case against Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen was later dismissed after investigations found no evidence to support the allegations. His daughter’s achievement stands as a testament to her perseverance in the face of immense adversity.

(Newswire)

All schools across Sri Lanka will be closed on 05 and 06 May in view of the upcoming 2025 Local Government Elections.

According to the Education Ministry, schools are expected to resume academic activities on 07 May.

The move follows a request by the Election Commission to use school premises as polling centres, counting centres, and for the distribution and collection of ballot boxes and other election-related materials.

The circular states that schools used as polling centres must be handed over to Grama Niladharis by 04 May and be ready with desks, chairs, halls, and necessary facilities. Education directors and principals have been instructed to coordinate accordingly.

Despite resuming, institutions requested for post-school hours may still be used for election purposes after regular school hours, as specified in the official instructions.

Veteran singer Saman De Silva, a renowned and popular Baila artist, has passed away, family sources confirmed.

Saman De Silva was widely celebrated for his contribution to Baila music.

Among his popular songs are ‘Niyare Piya Nagala’, ‘Punchi Kurulu Kuduwe’, ‘Suroopi Viroopi’ (Epa Epa Rewatenu), ‘Santhosa Wenna Preethi Wenna’, ‘Thana Nilla Dige’, and ‘Pura Handa Neguna’, all of which remain favorites among audiences.

Throughout his musical career, Saman De Silva travelled extensively, performing in many countries around the world.

He was an alumnus of Nalanda College, Colombo.

(Ada Derana)

The marking of postal votes for this year’s Local Government (LG) elections commenced today (24), and the Elections Commission states that the postal voting is proceeding smoothly, with no issues reported.

The Commission also mentioned that postal votes can be marked today, as well as on April 25, 28, and 29.

Postal vote applicants from all institutions, including government bodies, the police, the armed forces, schools, corporations, and statutory boards, will have the opportunity to cast their votes during these four days.

The Elections Commission stated that 648,495 applicants are eligible to vote by post in connection with this year’s LG elections.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath attended the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis today (26 April 2025) at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City, representing the Government of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the murder of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) local council candidate Dan Priyasad. The suspects are currently being questioned by the authorities.

According to police reports, investigations into Priyasad's murder are being conducted by four separate teams.

The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the Salmulla area of Kolonnawa, where Priyasad was shot by two unidentified assailants. He sustained severe injuries and was admitted to Colombo National Hospital last night.

Despite receiving medical treatment, Priyasad succumbed to his injuries. He was 39 years old and a resident of the Meethotamulla area in Wellampitiya.

Police stated that the suspects arrived on a motorcycle and fled the scene after shooting Priyasad with a pistol.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the government will take the necessary actions to safeguard farmers who have fallen victim to multinational corporations.

The President made these remarks while addressing a public gathering organized by the National People’s Power (NPP) in Puttalam, as part of their campaign for the upcoming local government elections.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake further highlighted that:

“We must secure victory for the ‘Malimawa’ symbol on May 6 and we can. On September 21, the citizens of this nation brought an end to 76 years of dynastic governance and renewed Parliament. With high expectations and confidence, they handed over power to us. That victory marked the greatest political transformation in recent history. You courageously supported that change. In 2019, our party received just 3% of the vote. Today, we lead the government with the largest representation in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the party that secured 6.9 million votes in 2019 was reduced to 2.5%. Is that a normal decision? Today, there is one political movement and one political leadership in the country. Other parties have fragmented, failed and lost public trust. The future of this country and its people rests with us. What did you expect from us? To revitalize the economy, eradicate corruption, hold fraudsters accountable, ensure equal enforcement of the law, and enhance healthcare, education, and transportation wouldn’t you agree? This is precisely what we are achieving, even in our brief time in office.

Preliminary we will defeat racism. In the past, elections in our country divided the people. Muslim voters chose leaders from Muslim parties, Tamil voters supported Tamil party leaders and Sinhalese voters backed Sinhalese party leaders. Isn’t that how it was? That was how racism was spread in our society. But for the first time, at the last General Election, people of all ethnicities came together and voted for the NPP, and have showed true national unity. We will not allow this country to be divided again. They are trying to stir up racism for political gain, fuelling Sinhalese-Muslim tensions, nurturing extremist groups and spreading division. But look around you today do you see racist propaganda thriving? No. Today, racism has been defeated. The NPP is building a government and a system of governance free from racism one that is inclusive and united for all Sri Lankans.

We are defeating racism through new legislation and through decisive action. What we need is a country where all communities live together in harmony. The government has stabilized the economy. Inflation is at a low level. Essential goods and services are being provided without interruption. Foreign-funded projects have resumed. To take the economy further forward, we need a strong and efficient public service. Massive amount has been allocated for road development in the Puttalam District. Now it’s up to the public officials to get the work done. For the first time in years, funds have been set aside in the national budget to recruit 30,000 new personnel into the public sector.

To rebuild the country, a skilled and capable public service is essential. After many years, the salaries of public servants have been increased. While efforts are underway to stabilize the economy, the government continues to provide uninterrupted assistance to the public. A government that genuinely cares for the people has now been established. In addition to economic recovery, steps are being taken to improve healthcare, education and transport services. Around Rs. 1.08 billion has been allocated to recommence the halted development work at Chilaw Hospital. Officials have also been instructed to identify shortcomings at Puttalam Hospital so that the necessary funds can be allocated in the next budget. Ensuring quality healthcare for the people remains a key priority.

From its very first budget, the government has prioritized addressing the needs of the people. In the past, the country was governed by an administration divided among those in power. Today, there is a government that shares its benefits with the people. For the first time in 76 years, a people’s government has emerged one that sets aside privileges traditionally enjoyed by rulers and instead redistributes them to the citizens. Steps have been taken to provide seeds to farmers to strengthen the agriculture sector. In previous seasons, paddy farmers were not given a fair price for their harvests. However, in this season, they have received a good price. Government paddy storage facilities have been renovated with the aim of ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation. A sustainable system has now been put in place to guarantee that paddy prices do not fall again. The government is committed to maintaining a mechanism that supports farmers and ensures price stability.

Farmers who cultivate vegetables are burdened by the high cost of pesticides, which many can no longer afford. Farmers should not be exploited by multinational companies. Therefore, the government has initiated a programme to import pesticides through state-owned enterprises and distribute them to farmers at fair prices. As a responsible government, steps are being taken to protect farmers from being victimized by large corporations. In addition, fuel subsidies have been provided for the fisheries sector and discussions are underway to remove taxes applicable to that industry. Plans are also being developed to make better use of the country’s deep-sea fishing resources for national development. We are delivering on the promises the people expected when they voted for us. Do you like it? or you don’t?. People are satisfied, they are supportive but there’s a small group making noise in the media. Were they the ones who voted for us? They complain, but we stay focused on our work. The people are with us.

Has there ever been a government in the past that didn’t steal or waste public funds? Previous governments not only misused public money from the Treasury but also extorted bribes from businesspeople. That era of extortion-based politics of stealing public property and funds is now over. Today, the government guarantees freedom for entrepreneurs, investors and all citizens. Investigations are underway into the illegal acquisition of lands in Aanamaduwa, and legal action will be taken against those responsible. The land will be returned to the rightful owners, the people. Has that ever happened before? Previously, there existed two distinct legal systems. That era has ended. A nation has now been established where the law is equally enforced for everyone. Individuals who commit crimes or partake in theft will face consequences, regardless of when the offense occurred. This is the commitment we are making and fulfilling.

Currently, the nation is being guided positively across all areas by a government that is fulfilling your hopes and expectations. Isn’t that a good thing? To continue this progress, we need municipal and local councils that are aligned with the national government. The steps we have taken must move forward, not backward. Let’s strengthen the journey we began at the Provincial Council elections and move ahead with greater determination. Let’s fill every municipal and local council with representatives from the same movement that is building the nation.

In accordance with a resolution passed by Parliament, the Speaker of the House has appointed an inquiry committee to investigate allegations against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon. This action is taken under the provisions of the Removal of Officers Procedure Act No. 5 of 2002.

The committee will be chaired by Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, appointed by the Chief Justice as per the Act.

Additionally, retired Supreme Court Justice Neil Iddawela has been appointed as a member of the committee with the consensus of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Justice Iddawela currently serves as the Chairman of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Furthermore, Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman of the Police Commission, has been appointed to the committee by virtue of his official capacity.

The committee is tasked with investigating the allegations against IGP Tennakoon and reporting its findings. Following the committee's report, Parliament will need to pass a resolution to recommend the removal of the IGP to the President.

The Committee of Inquiry investigating Inspector General of Police (IGP) T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon over alleged gross abuse of power has formally requested the Acting IGP to nominate a police investigation team to assist with its proceedings.

This request was conveyed in a letter presented during the committee's second meeting, held today (April 25) in Parliament. The committee, appointed to inquire and report its findings on the matter, also discussed the structure of its upcoming sessions and the involvement of key stakeholders.

The Attorney General has appointed Additional Solicitor General (President's Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera to support the committee's work.

The committee is scheduled to convene again on April 28, 2025, to finalize decisions regarding the investigation's next steps.

The convenor of the “Nawa Sinhale National Movement” and political activist, Dan Priyasad, has succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalized following a shooting incident in Wellampitiya earlier today.

According to reports, he was initially admitted to the Colombo National Hospital with gunshot wounds, but passed away shortly after due to the severity of his injuries.

The shooting incident took place at the ‘Laksanda Sevana’ Housing Complex in Wellampitiya this evening (22), as reported by an Ada Derana correspondent.

Priyasad was reportedly shot four times—twice in the chest and twice in the shoulder. Additionally, another individual who sustained minor injuries during the incident is also currently receiving treatment at hospital.

It is reported that two individuals, who had arrived on a motorcycle, fired multiple gunshots using a pistol before fleeing the scene.

Wellampitiya Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake visited the Vatican Embassy today, where he extended his condolences on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.

Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence.

The President conveyed, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated that the UAE will prioritize the promotion of the energy, tourism, foreign investment and foreign employment sectors while further strengthening its longstanding ties with Sri Lanka.

The Deputy Prime Minister who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka accompanied by a high-level UAE delegation made these remarks during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (22).

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that this visit aims to further strengthen and expand the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations, with a focus on achieving mutual economic benefits through deepened cooperation for both countries.

Extending his best wishes on behalf of the UAE and its people to the new administration of Sri Lanka, the Deputy Prime Minister assured the UAE’s full support for the new government’s development agenda.

Furthermore, he praised President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s dedication, efforts and commitment toward rebuilding Sri Lanka, as well as his positive approach toward relations with the UAE.

In response, President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka has now established an investment-friendly environment. He assured that unlike in the past, the country would not allow the re-emergence of an unstable climate that discouraged investment. The President also stressed that there are now strong legal frameworks in place to protect investments.

The President also briefed the delegation on the government’s steps toward debt restructuring and achieving economic stability. Additionally, he outlined investment opportunities available in port terminal development, port city development, the tourism industry, the energy sector and transportation sector.

President Disanayake further emphasized that the new government’s objective is to position Sri Lanka as the region’s leading investment hub and premier tourist destination.

Among those present at the meeting were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Minister of State (UAE) H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh; UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs (UAE) H.E. Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs (UAE) H.E. Abdulla Balalaa, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the UAE, Ahmed Burhaima, Director of the Policy Planning Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE) Muath Alwari, Senior Media and Content Specialist at the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (UAE) Maitha Al Mansouri, Desk Officer for Asian Affairs and Pacific Department (UAE) Ms. Huda Al Abdali and several other officials. (PMD)