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A vote of no confidence against the Speaker was initiated today by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

The motion cites various reasons, including the Speaker's failure to appropriately present the amendments proposed by the Supreme Court for the Online Safety Bill before its passage.

The motion also accuses the Speaker of violating the Constitution, Parliamentary Standing Orders, and the privileges of Parliamentarians, among other charges, said a post on Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa's Facebook page.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kieirella, Professor G. L. Peiris, Tissa Attanayake, Chandima Weerakkody, Shan Wijayalal de Silva, and others have signed the motion on behalf of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Samagi Jana Alliance.

In a recent discussion convened at the Presidential Secretariat, President Ranil Wickremesinghe articulated his vision for economic development and infrastructure investment, particularly focusing on the master plans for strategic tourism zones in the Eastern Province, the Colombo City & the Western Region and Greater Hambantota.

The President emphasized the economic potential of Hambantota, envisioning it as a pivotal hub for infrastructure development and connectivity. He highlighted plans to link Hambantota to the Myanmar port, with further extensions anticipated up to Chongqing in eastern China and down to Africa.

President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of leveraging the extensive investments already made in infrastructure in Hambantota, despite previous challenges.

“We have spent a significant amount on infrastructure here, and despite facing crises, it is imperative to capitalize on these investments,” remarked President Wickremesinghe. He disclosed plans for allocating thousands of acres of land for investment zones, with additional acquisitions sought in the Moneragala area.

Moreover, the President advocated for strategic expansion into new areas, including Avissawella and Eheliyagoda, to alleviate urban congestion and foster new city centres. Plans for a North Colombo port expansion and potential industrial and IT parks were also discussed, aiming to attract investments and spur economic growth.

“We must concentrate our efforts and funds on key infrastructure, particularly in Hambantota and Colombo,” President Wickremesinghe stated. He expressed confidence in attracting investors for heritage cities like Colombo once land availability is ensured. However, he acknowledged the need for continued investment in Hambantota to propel its development, highlighting it as the next significant hub after Colombo.

The development of Trincomalee as a major investment zone, in collaboration with India, emerged as a priority during the discussion. President Wickremesinghe announced plans for a joint working group to implement development initiatives in Trincomalee, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation in driving economic growth and regional stability.

President Wickremesinghe’s remarks underscored a strategic shift towards targeted infrastructure development, emphasizing the pivotal roles of Hambantota and the Eastern Province in economic growth and positioning it as a key player alongside Colombo in Sri Lanka’s development trajectory.

Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, ministerial secretaries, and Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga participated in the discussion.

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police and Acting Inspector General of Police, Deshbandu Tennakoon has been appointed as the new Inspector General of Police. He is now the country's 36th Police Chief.

This appointment, in compliance with the stipulations outlined in Articles 41C.(1) and 61E.(b) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has been made pursuant to the authority vested on President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake presented the official appointment letter to Deshbandu Tennakoon this afternoon (26) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Several parliamentary committees have decided to summon Central Bank officials to inquire into the legal basis of the substantial salary hike granted to its employees.

Recent media reports revealed that the Central Bank had increased the salaries of its employees by 70% and the move was heavily criticized by both parliamentarians of both the ruling party and the opposition.

In light of the situation that stirred much controversy in the country, Central Bank officials have reportedly been summoned by several parliamentary committees.

Chief Opposition Whip, MP Lakshman Kiriella also recently requested Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to call the Central Bank officials to the parliament to question them about the matter.

The Ministry of Education has issued a circular on the precautions to be taken for school students in light of the prevalent dry weather conditions across Sri Lanka.

The circular consists of a list of instructions related to possible heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, and precautions to mitigate their impact.

The ministry has also provided instructions related to outdoor activities, limiting sports and other outdoor activities during high temperatures.

The school authorities have also been requested to provide necessary and frequent water breaks for students during this period.

The United Republic Front, led by Member of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka, presented President Ranil Wickramasinghe the ‘One Step for the Country’ common minimum program at a discussion today (24).

During the meeting, discussions were held between President Ranil Wickramasinghe-led United National Party leaders and United Republican Front leaders. The focus of the conversation was on the contributions to be made for the country’s development through this collaborative humanitarian alliance.

United National Party General Secretary Palitha Rangebandara, Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena and United Republic Party Political Committee Chairman Karu Paranavithana, Senior Vice-Presidents Lawyers Shiral Lakthilaka and Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe, Youth Division Chairman Thikshan Gammanpila joined the occasion.

The presidential polls will take place in October this year and incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe will contest as a non-party candidate, UNP leader in Colombo Ravi Karunanayake said.

Also a former finance minister, Karunanayake told the media in Colombo today (25) that all would be committed for Wickremesinghe’s victory.

CBSL salary hike unreasonable

Karunanayake found the Central Bank (CBSL) to be wholly unreasonable when it treated itself to exorbitant and uncalled for pay hikes at a time when the state has ordered expenditure and financial control.

Karunanayake recalled his allegation that the CBSL is behind the country’s economic woes, with financial institutions in ruin due to its not having done its work correctly.

It is the CBSL, even without consulting parliament, that had declared the country to be bankrupt.

Furthermore, the PAYE tax revenue is less than 35 per cent, which means the imposition of taxes have gained nothing for the state.

The country had to go to the IMF on 16 different occasions due to an absence of financial discipline.

The bureaucracy should make a more planned intervention, which is not seen at present, if the country is to be taken forward by taking decisions in consideration of the public too, he said.

Karunanayake said the country has regained some sort of stability from its situation 22 months ago, with much more remaining to be done.

President Wickremesinghe has been able to fulfill the responsibility he accepted and to bring the country under a certain level of management, said Karunanayake.

He urged the people to understand the risky situation if the ongoing programme is sabotaged, with no short-cuts to normalcy.

A long-term programme is required if the economy is to be uplifted, he said, adding that a growth in production, an increase in dollar reserves and an export income of 20 billion US dollars are imperative.

Karunanayake asked finance ministry and other state officials to work towards achieving those goals.

Turning to the political front, he said those who strengthened the hands of Gotabaya Rajapaksa then are today trying to reinforce the opposition leader. Also, those who found Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka to be indispensable, now unleash an all-out attack against him.

In this situation, a programme suited for the country and a like-minded group to implement it are needed and that is happening now, Karunanayake added.

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has raised concerns over reports of people posing as doctors to treat patients in various parts of Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, the GMOA revealed that over 40,000 individuals are found to be posing as doctors, treating patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, kidney and heart ailments.

Pointing out that people from other sections of the health sector are found to be posing as doctors and prescribing medicine as well, the GMOA warned this poses a life threat to the patient.

The GMOA said that the matter has been raised with the Ministry of Health, with recommendations being provided to address the issue, but it was regrettable that the Health Ministry has failed to expedite action in this regard.

Calling on the Health Ministry to immediately address the issue of fake doctors, the GMOA said it was willing to provide its full assistance for this purpose.

In an effort to support the education of Sri Lankan children, President Ranil Wickremesinghe introduced the “Presidential Academic Scholarship Program 2024/2025,” the President’s Media Division reported.

This special scholarship initiative, launched through the President’s Fund, aims to provide financial assistance to 100,000 students from Grade 01 to Grade 11 across all 10,126 schools in the country, the statement said.

The program is designed to annually award scholarships to one hundred thousand (100,000) students spanning from Grade 01 to Grade 11, covering all 10,126 schools in Sri Lanka while a total allocation of Rs. 3,600 million has been designated from the President’s Fund to sustain this initiative.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the current economic climate, President Wickremesinghe hopes this program will ensure uninterrupted education for deserving students, particularly those with limited resources. By investing in the country’s future generation, the initiative aims to nurture talented individuals and contribute to the development of Sri Lanka’s human capital, the PMD said.

It said further details regarding the selection criteria and this program will be announced soon on the official Facebook page of the President’s Fund: www.facebook.com/president.fund.

US Deputy Secretary of State Commends Sri Lanka’s Economic Efforts The United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma, who called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for the efforts taken by the Sri Lankan Government to turn the economy around.

During the discussions, the President outlined the progress of the debt restructuring, along with several key economic reforms measures, including the agriculture modernisation program.

Commenting on matters related to global security, the Deputy Secretary thanked the Sri Lankan Government for their assistance in the on-going naval operations in the Red Sea. The President stated that Sri Lanka remains committed to Freedom of Navigation in the Indian Ocean, echoing solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Houthi rebels.

The President was accompanied by Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. U.L.M. Jauhar, Director of International Affairs, Dinouk Colombage, and Director of America’s Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chathura Perera.

A special political cabinet meeting is to take place in addition to the weekly cabinet meeting of government ministers.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his ministers will take part in this meeting without any state officials to discuss future elections and expediting development projects.

At its first meeting, president Wickremesinghe issued instructions for the cabinet’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects by July.

Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage, former Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army, has joined the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

He met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara this morning (23) to convey his support for the party’s future course of action.

According to a statement from the SJB, Maj. Gen. Liyanage has been appointed as the head of the party’s anti-corruption policy implementation unit and as a consultant to Premadasa in his endeavours to fight corruption.