President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured justice will be served to the victims of the Easter attack.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (06) assured that justice will be served to the victims of the Easter attack. He made this statement when meeting with the victims of the Easter attack. A discussion was held this morning at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, with family members of those injured and killed in the Easter Sunday bomb attack, led by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Expressing his views, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, said: “Since that day, we have tried our best to find out who did this through a transparent investigation. Because conclusions were drawn by the Presidential Commission, the Vijitha Malalgoda Committee, and the Parliamentary Select Committee. But all of them had accusations of neglecting responsibility. However, who did this, who provided the explosives, who organized it, who encouraged these people, who encouraged them to detonate it – they didn’t find anything about that… What we learned was… like an iceberg, we only see the top part, but there’s a big part underneath, that was concealed from us. For years, we made requests from various leaders, and finally, we even had to go to Geneva, to the Human Rights Committee. But we didn’t get any solution. We were helpless… The question that breaks their hearts is why did they do this to us? What did we do against them to do such a thing? That’s why we need an answer to that question, which is why we placed our trust in you this time.” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also expressed his views: “More than five years have passed now. We will not allow such a tragedy to be buried in the sands of time and erased. I recently instructed the Secretary of Defense for Public Security that we should not conduct this investigation sitting on a pre-conclusion, collecting certificates to confirm that conclusion. I instructed to conduct a very clear investigation with a very open mind about what happened? Is there a hidden agenda behind this? There are several reasons. The first is that there is suspicion in society whether such an attack happened for a change in our country’s politics, which is being discussed in society. If hundreds of people in our country can be killed for a political goal, it’s a tragedy. So first of all, if our country’s politics is at such a destructive extreme, it should be revealed to society. Secondly, there is another discussion in society that if there is an attack or conspiracy against our country, there is suspicion that the state mechanism to prevent it is involved in these attacks. If the mechanism for the protection of the people of a country is working to break that protection, our country is always insecure. It’s insecure even now. If groups that should be prevented become partners in the attack, it’s an extremely dangerous situation. So, whether you look at it from that side or this side, we must necessarily reveal what happened. Thirdly, about 274 people died and a large number were injured. Justice must be done to the devotion within the victims regarding their relatives, their children, their spouses. Looking at it from that side too, we need to conduct this investigation fairly. On the other hand, I think the Easter Sunday attack polarized a significant portion of our society. A society was created that looks at each other with suspicion, distrust, hatred, and anger. Looking at it from that side too, justice must be done for this… I give you that assurance. Your expectation and my expectation are the same. First of all, we have built a governance. For the goals of the citizens of this country and my goals to be one. Therefore, the question of justice you expect will necessarily be resolved, and fulfilling justice is my expectation and hope too. We have already started it, we have already taken steps to launch these investigations very soon. If you have trust in us, we will ensure fairness and justice for you in this issue. An investigation, an experience is necessary in our country to prevent such a tragedy from happening again in our country. I assure you of that.”
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.
Presidential Candidate list 2024
As the presidential election draws near, 40 candidates have officially submitted their deposits to the Election Commission, signaling their intent to run for the nation’s highest office. This diverse group of candidates comprises both independent contenders and representatives from a range of political parties. Here are the candidates who have submitted their deposits: 1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe – Running as an Independent. 2. Sarath Keerthiratne – Independent candidate 3. Oshala Herath – Representing the Abhinava Nivahal Peramuna 4. ASP Liyanage – From the Sri Lanka Labour Party. 5. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya. 6. PWSK Bandaranaike – Candidate for the National Development Front. 7. Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe – Representing the National Democratic Front. 8. KK Piyadasa – Independent candidate. 9. Siritunga Jayasuriya – United Socialist Party candidate. 10. Ajantha De Zoysa – From the Ruhunu Janatha Peramuna. 11. K. Ananda Kularatne – Independent candidate. 12. Sarath Manamendra – Nava Sihala Urumaya 13. Venerable Battaramulle Seelarathana Thero – Janasetha Peramuna 14. Venerable Akmeemana Dayarathana Thero – Independent candidate. 15. Siripala Amarasinghe – Independent candidate. 16. K. R. Krishan – Arunalu Janatha Peramuna 17. Sarath Fonseka – Independent candidate. 18. Anura Kumara Dissanayake – National People’s Power 19. P. Wijesiriwardena – Socialist Equality Party 20. Antony Victor Perera – Independent Candidate 21. A. Mohammed Ilyas – Independent Candidate 22. M. M. Pemasiri – Independent Candidate 23. Anura Sydney Jayaratne – Independent Candidate 24. D. M. Bandaranaike – Independent Candidate 25. Priyantha Pushpakumara Wickremesinghe – New Sama Samaja Party 26. M. Thilakarajah – Independent Candidate 27. J. D. K. Wickremeratne – Ape Jana Bala Party 28. Roshan Ranasinghe – Independent Candidate 29. Mahinda Devage – Sri Lanka Socialist Party 30. Prasanga Suranjiva Anoj De Silva – Democratic United National front 31. P. Ariyanethran – Independent Candidate 32. Mohammed Infaz – United Democratic Alliance 33. Dilith Jayaweera – Sri Lanka Communist Party 34. Nuwan Bopage – Socialist Peoples Forum 35. Namal Rajapaksha – Samabima Party 36. Chaminda Anurudhdha – Independent Candidate 37. Namal Rajapaksa – Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna 38. Janaka Ratnayake – Eksath Lanka Podujana Party 39. Lalith De Silva – United National freedom Front 40. Sarath Kumara Gunaratne – Independent Candidate
Imane Khelif Wins Gold
Imane Khelif won Olympic women’s boxing gold a year after being disqualified from the World Championships for reportedly failing a gender eligibility test. The Algerian beat Chinese world champion Yang Liu by unanimous decision to win the welterweight division. The Algerian, who had been at the centre of a gender dispute in one of the major talking points of the Olympics, never looked in any trouble as she enjoyed the backing of a rapturous Algerian crowd in the stands at Court Philippe-Chatrier. She been caught up in a gender debate after a 2023 decision by the now-banned International Boxing Association (IBA) resurfaced, which disqualified her for failing a gender eligibility test. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has rejected the results of the IBA-ordered tests as arbitrary and illegitimate, saying there was no reason to conduct them. (Image Courtesy -Fox news)
Sheikh Hasina – Last moment
Sheikh Hasina did not want to resign as Bangladesh Prime Minister and wanted security forces to intensify the crackdown on nationwide protests, but security bosses said the protests cannot be contained by force, according to a report in Prothom Alo newspaper. The report details what went down in the Prime Minister’s official residence before her last-minute escape in a military aircraft, shortly before hundreds of protesters stormed in and went on the rampage. According to the Prothom Alo report, the Awami League leader called the top officers of the security establishment and police force to her residence. The death count was rising, and some of her advisors had tried to talk her into transferring the power to the Army. But the 76-year-old five-time Prime Minister was adamant. She asked the forces to strengthen the curfew already in place. On the streets, however, the situation was changing fast. Despite the curfew, protesters had started gathering at various spots in Dhaka. At her meeting with the security bosses, she questioned why they had not been able to contain the protests. She pointed to visuals of protesters climbing atop police vehicles and asked why the forces were not cracking down harder. At one point, she reminded them that they had been elevated to these positions because she trusted them. During the meeting, Sheikh Hasina praised police’s response to the protests. But the police chief conveyed that the situation is such that police won’t be able to contain it for long. The security forces, the report says, tried to explain to her that more force is not the answer. But the veteran leader did not budge. Then the officers spoke to Sheikh Hasina’s sister Rehana in another room and urged her to convince the Prime Minister to step down. Rehana spoke to Hasina, but that did not help. At this point, Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy stepped in. Based in the US, Joy spoke to his mother and managed to convince her to resign. Speaking to NDTV, Joy yesterday said his mother did not want to leave Bangladesh. “She wanted to stay, she did not want to leave the country at all. But we kept insisting that it wasn’t safe for her. We were concerned for her physical safety first; so we persuaded her to leave,” he said. “I spoke to her this morning. The situation in Bangladesh, as you can see, is anarchy. She is in good spirits, but she is very disappointed. It’s very disheartening for her because it was her dream to turn Bangladesh into a developed country and she worked so hard for it over the last 15 years, keeping it safe from militants and as well as from terrorism and in spite of all of that this vocal minority, the opposition, the militants have now seized power,” he said. The crowd of protesters was swelling, and intelligence inputs said Ganabhaban — the Prime Minister’s official residence — may be stormed. Sheikh Hasina was given 45 minute to pack up. She wanted to record one last speech addressing the people of the country, but there was no time. Accompanied by sister Rehana, she left home. There was a short halt at Bangabhaban, the Bangladesh President’s official residence, where she completed the resignation formalities. Around 2.30 pm, the ousted leader took off in a military aircraft, bringing the curtain down on her 15-year uninterrupted term. Her ouster and flight also represents a massive shift in Bangladesh politics. Fifty years after her father and Bangladesh’s tallest leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman led the struggle for the country’s independence, Ms Hasina was forced to flee as protesters vandalised her father’s statues. The legacy of Mujibur Rahman, fondly known as Bangabandhu, is no longer a symbol of Bangladesh’s war of liberation. Instead, it represents her daughter’s politics that protesters claim focused on suppressing dissent. The protests in Bangladesh, which began last month, started as an agitation against a quota system under which 30 per cent of government jobs were reserved for family members of Muktijoddhas — those who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971. The protesters said this system favours supporters of the ruling Awami League and wanted a merit-based system to replace it. As the protests grew, the Awami League dispensation tried to crush it with an iron fist. And then, a remark by Hasina sparked fury. “If not the grandchildren of the freedom fighters, then who will get quota benefits? The grandchildren of the ‘Razakars’?” she asked. A paramilitary force recruited by the Pakistan Army during the 1971 liberation war, Razakars carried out mass atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and torture. Naturally, the remark touched a raw nerve. Reservation has been a burning issue in Bangladesh for years now. In 2018, an agitation on this issue forced the government to water down the reservation system and cancelled quotas for some positions. The latest unrest was sparked by a high court order that declared illegal the 2018 government circular cancelling 30 per cent quota for freedom fighters’ descendants in government jobs. This order was scrapped by the country’s Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ordered that 93 per cent of government jobs must be allocated on merit and the remaining be reserved for relatives of freedom fighters. But even the top court’s order could not pacify the protesters. Source: NDTV