The new Cabinet including the Prime Minister to be sworn in today…
The swearing-in of the new Cabinet including the Prime Minister is scheduled to take place today (24).Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Secretary General of the National People’s Power party, stated that MP Lakshman Nipunaarachchi, who was announced through a gazette, is also set to be sworn in as a new Cabinet Minister today.Accordingly, the new Cabinet will consist of 4 Ministers.Meanwhile, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Secretary General of the National People’s Power party, said that new Ministry Secretaries will also be appointed today.
Winning Trust of All Citizens is My Duty – AKD
In his inaugural address as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledged to win the trust of those who did not vote for him, emphasizing his commitment to upholding democracy and fostering a positive political culture. “The cornerstone of democracy in Sri Lanka is the people’s mandate to elect a President. However, democracy does not end with the casting of votes and the election of a president. To truly strengthen democracy in our country, we must enhance our mechanisms and laws,” Dissanayake stated. He assured the people of Sri Lanka that he is fully committed to upholding democratic values throughout his tenure. Dissanayake highlighted the historical precedent of peaceful power transitions in Sri Lanka, expressing gratitude to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for respecting the will of the people and setting a commendable example during the transfer of power. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Dissanayake noted the widespread negative perception of politicians and politics in Sri Lanka. He committed to taking all necessary steps to restore the respect and trust of the people in their leaders and political system. “The deep-rooted crisis we face cannot be overcome by a single government, party, or individual alone. As I have mentioned before, I am not a magician; I am a common man born in this country. There are things I can do and things I cannot. There are things I know and things I do not. My primary task is to absorb talents, collate knowledge, and make better governance decisions,” he said, emphasizing the need for collective effort. Dissanayake called for the collective responsibility of all citizens to end the crisis, expecting support from everyone in fulfilling these responsibilities. He pledged to demonstrate his commitment through his actions and conduct, ensuring proper execution of his tasks to overcome the challenges. He also stressed the importance of international support, stating, “Regardless of geopolitical divisions, we aim to maintain beneficial relations with other countries. We are not a country that should be isolated; we should move forward with the world. We will never hesitate to take the necessary actions.” Dissanayake highlighted the crucial role of industries and businesses in nation-building efforts, expressing confidence in their support for the government. Dissanayake acknowledged the diverse nature of his victory and committed to winning the trust and support of those who did not vote for him. “I strongly believe I can fulfill this duty. In the future, you will witness and experience this, and I expect the people’s support,” he affirmed.
Diliths Disaster
Known by many monikers- “Entrepreneur”, “wheeler-dealer” but mostly for the racist rhetoric using his TV channel, Owner of Derana TV, Dilith Jayaweera decided in all his wisdom to contest in the just concluded Presidential Election. Firstly, it was a bold move. And one welcomed by many. A break away from the tradition. It was, essentially, a good thing. But the problem was, it was a bad idea for Dilith. Right from the outset of his campaign, it was clear that his campaign was founded, based on and built upon a profoundly racist agenda (he called it nationalism ). He aligned himself with Udaya Gammanpilla, Wimal Weerawansa etc., politicians who have torn apart communities for decades. The results of the Presidential election saw the wheels come off his dreams, securing less than 1% of the vote. Despite having an entire TV channel and a massive million dollar media ad campaign, he was soundly rejected even in the Southern Heartland he campaigned hard in. Jayaweeras failure is a clear sign that Sri Lanka has matured and moved on away from racist, divisive politics. A united nation, Sri Lanka is looking to a brighter future and turning its back on the shenanigans of the past. Especially the youth. Jayaweera should take a leaf from Anura Kumara playbook; he changed, and won. If Jayaweera can shed his past and turn to a progressive politics, his talent as an entrepreneur and creativity will surely serve him well in politics. If he doesn’t, he is destined to the garbage can of political jokers like Seelaratne Thera, who provide nothing more but a humourou sideshow in Sri Lankan politics and elections. 23-09-2024
The transportation of ballot boxes and officials to presidential election polling centers begins this morning
The transportation of ballot boxes and officials to presidential election polling centers begins this morning. The transportation of ballot boxes and officials to polling centers for the 2024 presidential election will commence this morning (20). Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake stated that ballot boxes and staff will be dispatched to 13,421 centers accordingly. The number of distribution centers established for this purpose is 1234. He also stated that over 150,000 government officials have been deployed for polling center duties. The Election Commissioner General said that about a thousand officials, including chief counting officers, have been sent to outstation areas from several districts including Colombo. Meanwhile, the police say that special security will be provided for the transportation of ballot boxes and officials. Police Media Spokesman, Deputy Inspector General of Police Attorney Nihal Thalduwa mentioned that a special traffic plan is in effect around the centers where ballot boxes are being issued. Voting for the 2024 presidential election will take place tomorrow from 7 am to 4 pm. The number of eligible voters for this is 17,140,354. 38 candidates are contesting in this presidential election.
116 representatives from international election observation
116 representatives from international election observation organizations have arrived in the country to observe the presidential election. The National Election Commission stated that 78 of them are European Union election observers. 22 Commonwealth observers have also arrived in the country. The number of observers who have arrived representing the Asian Election Observation Network is 9. Meanwhile, the National Election Commission stated that 7 representatives from South Asian regional countries have also arrived for the election observation process at the invitation of the Election Commission. The Commission said that they have departed for 25 districts for election observation activities. The Election Commission also mentioned that all police stations have been informed regarding the security of these officials.
10 Facts You Should Know About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is a beautiful island nation that offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Sri Lanka that you should know about this tropical paradise: 1. A Land of Ancient History Sri Lanka boasts a history that dates back over 2,500 years. It has been home to some of the earliest advanced civilizations in Asia, including the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. These cities are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with ancient temples, stupas, and irrigation systems that reflect the country’s long-standing cultural legacy. 2. World’s Oldest Human-Planted Tree The Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is the oldest human-planted tree with a recorded history. It was planted in 288 BC and is a sapling from the sacred Bodhi tree in India, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment to become the Buddha. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. 3. Biodiversity Hotspot Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The island is home to 26 national parks, including Yala and Udawalawe, which are famous for their wildlife. You can spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a wide variety of birds. Sri Lanka also has rich marine life, including blue whales, dolphins, and coral reefs. 4. Ceylon Tea Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers in the world, with its famous “Ceylon Tea” being internationally recognized for its quality and flavor. The hill country, particularly around Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Ella, is dotted with lush tea plantations that offer picturesque views and cool climates. 5. A Multicultural Nation Sri Lanka is a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. The main ethnic groups are the Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims, and the dominant religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. This diversity is reflected in the country’s festivals, languages, and cuisine, making it a vibrant and colorful destination. 6. Home to Sigiriya – The Lion Rock Sigiriya, a massive rock fortress, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, it features a palace, beautiful frescoes, and an ancient irrigation system. Sigiriya is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” 7. Spices and Ayurveda Sri Lanka has been known for its spice trade for centuries. Cinnamon, in particular, originated in Sri Lanka and was highly sought after by traders from all over the world. The island also has a long tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient healing practice that is still widely used today for its holistic approach to health and wellness. 8. Cricket Fever Cricket is more than just a sport in Sri Lanka; it’s a national obsession. The country’s cricket team has made a name for itself on the international stage, winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1996. The sport unites people from different backgrounds, and matches are celebrated with great enthusiasm. 9. Tropical Climate Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon affects the southern and western regions from May to September, while the northeast monsoon brings rain to the northern and eastern regions from December to February. Despite the rains, the island enjoys warm weather year-round, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. 10. Famed for Stunning Beaches Sri Lanka’s coastline is renowned for its pristine beaches, from the golden sands of Bentota and Hikkaduwa to the surf-friendly shores of Arugam Bay. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water, explore coral reefs, or enjoy water sports, the island offers a beach experience for every traveler. Sri Lanka is a country that blends ancient heritage with natural beauty and a vibrant culture. Whether you’re drawn to its wildlife, historical sites, or tranquil beaches, there’s something for every traveler to discover in this tropical paradise.