Category: Politics
New Administration Fails to Reverse Damaging Policies of Its Predecessor: Human Rights Watch
The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2023. During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed […]
Former British Prime Minister meets the President
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a personal visit to Sri Lanka, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (02). During a friendly discussion, Cameron extended his best wishes to President Wickremesinghe for the New Year. President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff, Sagala Ratnayake, […]
Romesh de Silva PC Opines on Ranil Wickremesinghe After 50 Years at the Bar (full speech)
December 8, 2022 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s leading Silk Romesh de Silva PC delivered a speech felicitating President Ranil Wickremesinghe at an event in recognition of the President’s 50 years at the bar. The full speech is reproduced below: Today we are felicitating our president and deservedly so. The stated purpose is his completion of […]
President assures solutions to land issues in NP; 8 committees to resolve provincial land issues
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that eight (8) committees would be appointed at the provincial level to resolve the land issues. He also pointed out that all the land-related issues in the North and South of the country would be resolved accordingly. President Wickremesinghe made these observations while participating in the District Development Committee meeting held […]
CCC hails passing of 21st Amendment; applauds consensual approach adopted by political parties
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to note the passing of the 21st amendment with an overwhelming majority in Parliament last week. While all measures proposed by the Chamber along with other likeminded professional bodies and civil society organizations may not be addressed by this amendment, it nevertheless considers this as a step in […]
Sri Lanka rejects resolution at the UN Human Rights Council
Sri Lanka categorically rejected resolution A/HRC/51/L.1 (Rev.1) titled “Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka” tabled by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States, which was adopted by a vote at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, today (06 October 2022). Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry delivered […]
National Council proposal passed in Parliament without division
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s proposal to establish a ‘National Council’ was passed in Parliament on 20.09.2022 without a division. The ‘National Council’ will be constituted to represent all the parties representing the Ninth Parliament from the recognized political parties of Sri Lanka. The consensus was obtained at three rounds of discussions under the leadership of […]
Reasonable justification required when appointing new Heads of Govt Institutions: President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee to oversee and grant prior approval for new appointments or changes to the existing positions of chairmen and directors of state corporations, statutory boards and state-owned enterprises. President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake will chair the committee including Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake and Cabinet Secretary W.M.D.J. Fernando. President’s Additional […]
Secretary of State reiterates United States’ support for people of Sri Lanka
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry today in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum. Secretary Blinken congratulated Minister Sabry on his recent appointment. He reiterated the United States’ support for the people of Sri Lanka, highlighting over $179 million in U.S assistance […]
Ceylon Chamber Cheers President’s Call to Form All-Party Government
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the call by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to initiate the formation of an All-Party Government, as a concerted and united effort is necessary to address the current challenges facing the country. Full Statement At this extremely crucial juncture for Sri Lanka, all political parties must join hands and put Sri […]
I am not like other politicians, says President presenting Govt. Policy Statement (Full Speech)
The ceremonial opening of the third session of the Ninth Parliament was held today (03) under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Following the ceremonial opening of the new session, President Wickremesinghe presented the government’s policy statement in Parliament in accordance with the powers vested in him by Article 33 of the Constitution. Following the […]
President emphasizes forming an all-party government to build Sri Lanka
President Ranil Wickramesinghe stated that his objective is to form an all-party government by bringing together all political parties and to commence a new journey in order to overcome the social, economic and political challenges facing the country. President speaking at the ceremony held at the Malwathu Maha Viharaiya Uposathagarya, said: After assuming the Office […]