News
Trump abandons attack mode as Minneapolis shooting backlash grows
The Trump administration has quickly abandoned its familiar "deny and attack" playbook after initially using it when federal agents shot dead Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday morning.
Within 24 hours, as various videos of the shooting circulated online, it became clear that the White House was out of step with public opinion and what Americans could see with their own eyes.
Since then, the administration – and the president himself - have changed tack, blaming Democrats for what happened and focusing less on the actions of the American nurse who was killed.
Democrats, meanwhile, have increased their criticism of the president's mass deportation policy and the aggressive tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leaning into a political fight that could result in a new government shutdown on Friday.
On Monday morning, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the situation as a "powder keg". While he blamed the Democrats, many on both sides of America's political divide will agree that the current situation is fraught with peril.
The initial administration response to Pretti's death was straightforward. The 37-year-old was portrayed as a domestic terrorist bent on bloodshed.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that Pretti wished to "inflict harm" and was "brandishing" a weapon. US Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said that it "looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement".
Senior presidential adviser Stephen Miller called Pretti a "would-be assassin".
This White House has typically been quick to push back when criticised. "Deny and attack" has long been a bedrock Trump strategy for handling adversity.
But, perhaps tellingly, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to echo Miller's comments herself on Monday when pressed on whether the president agreed with his senior adviser. Instead, she said a full investigation would be carried out.
It was a notably more muted tone than that struck immediately after the shooting.
That initial response had echoed the path the administration took three weeks ago, when federal law enforcement shot and killed another Minneapolis resident, Renee Good. They said Good was a terrorist who had "weaponised" her vehicle in an attempt to injure ICE agents.
As with Good's case, the federal government's version of events has been challenged by local officials, eyewitnesses and the victim's family.
In a statement on Sunday, Pretti's parents asked for the truth to come out, adding: "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting."
Multiple videos of Saturday's deadly encounter contradict many of the administration's initial claims. The footage shows Pretti filming ICE agents with his mobile phone and helping a woman who is pushed over before both are pepper-sprayed. Pretti is visibly not holding a gun when he is wrestled to the ground.
DHS says Pretti had a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines of ammunition. Local police have said Pretti was a legal gun owner. Under Minnesota law, citizens can legally carry a concealed handgun in public, if they have a permit.
This time around, the administration's initial response quickly had become difficult for the administration to maintain.
"People have had enough," Minneapolis Police Brian O'Hara said, noting that his officers made hundreds of arrests of violent offenders last year without resorting to shooting. "This is not sustainable."
Republicans in Washington DC and elsewhere have expressed growing unease with how the administration was handling the situation. Vermont Governor Phil Scott called the federal efforts in Minnesota "a complete failure of coordination of acceptable public safety and law enforcement practices, training and leadership" – at best.
At worst, he said, it was "deliberate federal intimidation and incitement of American citizens".
Utah Senator John Curtis criticised Noem's "premature" response to the shooting, which he said "came before all the facts were known and weakened confidence" in the law enforcement mission.
Homeland security chairmen in both the House and Senate say they plan to hold public hearings
Since Sunday night, there has been a marked change in tone from the White House. Veteran's Affairs Secretary Doug Collins offered condolences to the Pretti family. The president posted a message on his Truth Social website calling the death "tragic" and blaming it on "Democrat ensued chaos" – a message echoed by Vice-President JD Vance.
On Monday morning, Trump posted that he was dispatching "border czar" Tom Homan to Minnesota to direct law-enforcement efforts there. Homan, who handled deportations during Democrat Barack Obama's administration, is considered a more measured, politically attuned operator less prone to the kind of bombastic declarations recently made by Noem and Bovino.
"Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me," Trump wrote.
While Homan's assignment to Minneapolis may not necessarily reflect a change in policy – this administration has yet to show signs of backing away from its aggressive immigration enforcement – it could be a change in presentation, as the president tries to come to grips with a public mood that opinion surveys suggest is souring on how his immigration crackdown is being carried out.
In a CBS survey taken before the weekend's shooting, 61% of respondents said that ICE is being "too tough when stopping and detaining people", while 58% disapproved of his handling of immigration as a whole.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, when asked by BBC News about Homan's involvement, said that he may provide a new avenue to work with the administration.
"I don't want to foreclose the possibility that reasonable minds can prevail," he added, "but we are here exactly because the federal government had unreasonable positions."
Another potential thaw came when Trump announced on Monday that he had spoken with Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz.
"It was a very good call," Trump wrote. "We, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength."
That represents a marked cooling of what had been a series of heated exchanges between the two men in recent weeks – and could portend the kind of de-escalation in Minnesota that many politicians have been calling for.
That may not be enough for Washington Democrats, however, who have come under increasing pressure to draw a bright line against the Trump administration's rhetoric and policy.
Senate Democrats have announced they will now block that funding measure in their chamber, which would trigger a partial government shutdown on Friday night.
"I am voting against any funding for DHS until and unless more controls are put in place to hold ICE accountable," said Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii. "These repeated incidents of violence across the country are unlawful, needlessly escalatory and making all of us less safe."
Such a move is not without its own political risks, however. Democrats triggered a record-setting shutdown last autumn over health care subsidies but ultimately relented with little to show for it. And they will also be wary of pushing too far on immigration and law and order, two issues where they poll poorly.
At the moment, both Republicans and Democrats are grappling with how to handle what has become an explosive situation. At stake is the public perception of Trump's immigration policy, a core political issue for the president and one that helped him win back the White House.
(Source:BBC)
Power cut schedule from 18th- 21st October
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes from 18th – 21st October 2022.
Thereby, groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, and W will experience power cuts during this period.
A 1-hour power cut will be implemented during the daytime and a power cut of 1 hour and 20 minutes will be enforced at night
India-EU “Mother Of All Deals” will boost manufacturing, support services: PM Modi
As India and the European Union (EU) move closer to finalising a landmark free-trade agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the move, saying the trade pact will boost the manufacturing sector and support services between two of the largest economies.
The Prime Minister noted that the India-EU trade pact is seen as the “mother of all deals” by many across the globe and said it will complement the trade agreement signed with Britain last year.
“The India-EU agreement is being called ‘the mother of all deals.’ The India-EU Free Trade Agreement complements the India-UK trade deal. It will boost the manufacturing sector and support services,” he said while inaugurating the energy week earlier today.
India and the European Union (EU) have concluded negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at boosting two-way trade and strengthening economic ties. Both sides have described the deal-- which is likely to be announced today -- as balanced and forward-looking.
Source: adaderana.lk
ICTA and German company ENPACT eV to collaborate on start-ups
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany recently initiated and facilitated the signing of a MOU between the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka and ENPACT e.V. in Berlin, Germany, which represents the Berlin Senate’s start-up initiative “AsiaBerlin”.
Politicians and diplomats visit ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Wijerama residence
A group of politicians and diplomats have visited the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wijerama Road in Colombo this morning (11).
This comes in the wake of reports that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to vacate the official residence today.
According to the provisions of the new law titled ‘Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act’, former presidents are now required to return their state-provided official residences back to the government.
Former President Rajapaksa has been residing in an official residence up to now, but under the Act passed yesterday (10), he no longer receives the entitlement.
Accordingly, he is expected to leave the Colombo residence and move to his private residence, Carlton House in Hambantota, according to a spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
Additionally, political sources say that other former presidents, Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, will also be required to return their official residences to the government.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has stated that if the official residences are not handed over as required, written notice will be issued demanding compliance.
The Ministry further noted that it expects to act in accordance with the provisions of the new Act moving forward.
A spokesperson said the legislation is currently being studied in detail, and appropriate actions will be taken accordingly.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certification on the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill which was passed in Parliament yesterday (10). The Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament by a majority of 150 votes.
The debate on the second reading of the Bill began at 11.30 a.m. yesterday and was followed by a second reading vote at around 3.30 pm, with 151 votes in favour and 1 vote against.
This Bill, which was presented to Parliament on 7 August 2025 by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, was a Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986.
Accordingly, any residence provided to, or monthly allowance paid to, a former President or the widow of a former President in terms of the provisions of section 2 of the repealed Act; monthly secretarial allowance paid to, and official transport and such other facilities provided to, a former President or the widow of a former President in terms of the provisions of section 3 of the repealed Act; and monthly pension paid to the widow of a former President in terms of the provisions of section 4 of the repealed Act, will be abolished.
(adaderana.lk)
Tamils should freely exercise their franchise at the upcoming Presidential Election
The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) urges Tamil people from the North-East and throughout Sri Lanka to freely exercise their franchise at the November 16 Presidential Election, giving careful consideration to the political formations and agendas of the major contenders.
After playing a decisive role in the political change of 2015 and experiencing disappointments on the new government’s performance, a sense of cynicism has set in among the Tamil people. The refusal by all major Presidential contestants to engage with Tamil political leaders based on their collective positions is also disappointing, the GTF pointed out.
"All those negative sentiments however should not lead to political apathy and despondency. It is important that Tamil people take active part in this election, instead of giving into flawed thinking such as 'sending a message to the international community’ through ineffective voting strategies. Also important is that Tamil people should use their vote wisely for a candidate who has a realistic chance of winning. Any wasted vote could lead to the election of a candidate not to their liking," the GTF said in a statement.
In this context, the upcoming Presidential Election raises genuine doubts about whether Sri Lanka will restart and broaden its reform and accommodative agenda or change course, perhaps for the worse.
Sajith Premadasa’s election manifesto is progressive on furthering democratic reforms, which includes key Tamil considerations such as: continuation of the constitutional reform process, power-sharing and reconciliation commitments, and respecting international treaties and resolutions. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s manifesto, on the other hand, has strong national security focus, but no serious commitment to expand the fledgling democratic space.
A more democratic Sri Lanka that is respectful of human rights is a worthy goal to achieve for all its citizens. Though on its own it does not allay the fears and apprehensions of the minority communities, particularly the Tamils, such democratic framework offers more space and opportunities for furthering their interests. All these considerations need to be in the Tamil people’s mind when making their choice at the upcoming election.
We are also conscious of the appalling human rights, governance and rule of law record when Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the Defence Secretary – wanton violence and enforced disappearances, threats to media personnel, and intimidation and violence against Tamil, Muslim and Christian communities. Return to such an era, coupled with isolationist international policies, is the nightmarish scenario feared under a Rajapaksa Presidency.
Whether Sri Lanka should continue determinately to advance the stalled reform process, or follow a different political agenda, possibly losing recent democratic gains and perhaps even entering an era of authoritarianism, are matters the electorate must weigh carefully at this presidential election.
Most importantly, all eligible Tamil voters should cast their votes and be part of the democratic process of determining the country’s future political direction."
Sri Lanka Bans Sand Transport During School Hours
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has announced new restrictions on the transportation of mineral sand during school hours, effective from September 7, 2025.
According to GSMB Director General Deepani Weerakoon, mineral transport vehicles will now be prohibited from operating between 6:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., and again from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on school days.
During these hours, trucks must be parked in designated areas with adequate roadside space to avoid obstructing traffic and endangering students.
All licensed operators have been notified through GSMB’s regional offices.
The bureau has also given a three-week grace period for transporters to comply with the new conditions, which will be formally enforced from October 2025.
Anyone can freely express views now: Akila
Today anyone can express any opinions without fear due to the change brought by the 'Yahapalana' government, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said.
"It is like a stage drama when corrupt politicians of the past regime distort the facts through the media. They enjoy the opportunity to talk freely today due to the change created by this government,” he added.
He further said that people who rode bicycles earlier are now billionaires. People who defaulted from bank loans earlier are now speaking like saints.
He said only the Court can decide who is guilty or who is not guilty. Several Ministers in the government have resigned from their posts even though they have not yet been found guilty by any Courts of law.
"The previous regime had many issues with regards to media freedom, especially murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge and attacks on many journalists like Poddala Jayantha. Since the Yahapalana government had assured drastic changes, we have not witnessed any incidents related
to any attacks, assassinations, abduction, threatening of journalists and setting fire to media institutions,” he said. However, that media has not given adequate publicity for the massive social and development transformations achieved by the 'Yahapalana' government during past three years.
Minister Kariyawasam was speaking on the occasion of the opening of the new office of the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS), in the premises of the State Mortgage and Investment Bank in Kollupitiya.
He added that the State Mortgage and Investment Bank which was set up during the Donoughmore era is now occupying a leading role among Sri Lankan banks. The bank should further develop its branch network to provide efficient service for the people living in remote areas.
Source : Daily News
Gnanasara Thero granted bail after defamation sentence
The Court of Appeal has granted bail for Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who had been sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment for making defamatory comments on Islam at Kuragala, until the hearing of the revision petition filed by him.
This order was issued when the revision petition filed by Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero was taken up for consideration this morning (18).
On March 28, 2024, the Colombo High Court sentenced Gnanasara Thero to four years of rigorous imprisonment while imposing a fine of Rs. 100,000, over the defamatory comments made against Islam during a 2016 media briefing convened on the Kuragala Buddhist monastery, causing damage to national and religious harmony.
The judge found the monk guilty of the two indictments filed by the Attorney General under the Penal Code. Accordingly, the accused was sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment for each indictment and was imposed two fines of Rs. 50,000 each. He also ordered that the two sentences be served separately.
Gnanasara Thero’s prison sentence was also ordered to be extended by two more years in the event of his failure to pay the fine.
However, the judge, delivering the verdict, ruled that the allegations levelled against Gnanasara Thero by the prosecution have been proved beyond reasonable doubt, adding it became evident during the trial that the statement in question was not ‘accidental’ but ‘deliberate’.
Pointing out that such statements disrupts the religious harmony and unity in the country, the judge emphasized that the accused failed to fulfil his responsibility as a religious leader who is entrusted with maintaining the inter-faith harmony.
Further, the judge informed Gnanasara Thero while delivering the verdict that he is allowed to appeal the verdict.
adaderana.lk
Sri Lanka has eliminated Malaria : Rajitha
With the last case of indigenous malaria-related death being reported in 2008, Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne has said Sri Lanka has now emerged as an example of what is needed to eliminate malaria. Sri Lanka was declared Malaria-free in September this year.
Noting the opportunities and challenges in remaining malaria-free Minister Senaratne said that several key factors among many others such as the government commitment, the dedication of health workers, highly technical and professional approach combined with the extremely effective surveillance system paved the way to reach the objectives two years ahead of the target year with the last case of locally transmitted case of malaria reported in 2012.
The National Strategic Plan was developed to eliminate malaria expected to reach zero local transmission by 2014.
Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne while addressing the Ministerial Roundtable on Accelerating Elimination of Malaria in the South-East Asia Region on November 29 in New Delhi said Government’s partnership with locally operating NGOs was an important factor which contributed to the successful control of malaria in conflict-affected areas during the civil war.
State Literary Awards Ceremony held under President’s patronage
The State Literary Awards Ceremony 2022, organized annually to give due accolades to the Sri Lankan literati, was held in grandeur at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo yesterday (Oct. 28) under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
A total of 40 State Literary Awards and 03 “Sahitya Ratna” Awards were presented at the 65th State Literary Awards Ceremony which was organized by the State Literary Advisory Council, the Sri Lanka Arts Council, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
Prof. Chandrasiri Palliaguru (Sinhala Medium), Senior Prof. Kamani Jayasekara (English Medium) and T. Gnanasekaran (Tamil Medium) were honoured by the President with the “Sahityaratna” Lifetime Award.
The award for the best independent Sinhala novel was received by Author Eric Ilayapparachchi for the ‘Nakula Muni’ novel, the award for the best independent English novel was received by Author Ms. Premani Amarasinghe for ‘Footprints’ while the award for the best independent Tamil novel was presented to Sivalingam Aruran for ‘Adurasalei’ novel.
The Souvenir released for the State Literary Awards Ceremony 2022 was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
State Literacy Board President Ven. Rambukana Siddartha Thera, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake, Secretary to the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Cultural Affairs Director Tharani Anoja Gamage, Professor J. B. Dissanayake, Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, Professor Praneeth Abeysundara participated in the occasion.
-PMD
Singaporean Premier, Indonesian President to visit Sri Lanka next week
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka next week on President Maithripala Sirisena’s invitation, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
Accordingly, the Singaporean Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive on January 22 and the Indonesian President is scheduled to arrive on January 25.
The two State leaders will hold bilateral discussions with President Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in order to strengthen ties, during their stay.
Furthermore, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that Singaporean Premier will sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka.
