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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.

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 Department of Examination says that the results of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination are expected to be released within 40 days.

Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara said that the evaluation of answer scripts will begin tomorrow.

The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination was held today at 2,849 centers island-wide.

323,879. sat for the scholarship examination this year.

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.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that his primary objective is to ease the burden on the lives of the people.

He emphasized the importance of upholding the agreements made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and moving forward with them. The President noted that it is not feasible to alter these agreements, contrary to the claims made by Sajith and Anura.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe pointed out that Sajith and Anura’s proposals lack the approval of the IMF. The IMF’s support is firmly behind the government’s current program. Julie Kozak, the IMF’s Communications Director, has officially confirmed that protecting Sri Lanka’s progress under the IMF program is crucial for future advancement.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the “Ranil ta Puluwan” (Ranil Can) victory rally held at the Horana Public Stadium this afternoon (15).

In his address to the public, President Wickremesinghe further elaborated:

My primary goal is to ease the burden on people’s lives. We must continue to uphold our agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as we have no other source of support. The IMF has facilitated aid from 18 countries and provided us witha $10 billion advantage in managing our debt interest payments.

We need to transition to an export-driven economy. We cannot sustain borrowing indefinitely, especially when our import expenses exceed our export income. To keep our economy strong, we must focus on building an export economy and modernizing our economic practices. Providing subsidies alone will not advance our country; we need to develop a robust economy together.

People are enduring hardships for the sake of their children’s future. We must build a prosperous nation for them. Sajith and Anura are promising everything for free, but this is not feasible. They are misleading people to secure votes. Despite their claims of negotiating with the IMF, no such discussions have taken place.

The IMF has emphasized the importance of achieving the objectives of our current program to help Sri Lanka emerge from its severe economic crisis. They have stressed the need to continue implementing economic reforms, which means I must carry on with the program I initiated. I am the only one capable of advancing this program.

The decision on the next presidential election rests with the people of Sri Lanka.According to the IMF, our program has made significant progress, and it is crucial to protect the gains we have achieved to fully recover from this crisis.

Neither Sajith nor Anura will receive support from the IMF; that support is for our program. Therefore,the choice is whether to fall for their misleading promises or to continue with the path we’ve set.

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 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is scheduled to be held tomorrow (15th September), with 2,849 centers set up across the country.

The department of examination has announced that 320,879 students are expected to participate in these examinations

Meanwhile, the Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara, has advised presidential candidates to refrain from engaging in campaign activities near examination centers tomorrow morning to avoid disruptions.