Maithripala Sirisena: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Catholic Church rejected Former President Maithripala Sirisena's request for forgiveness on Wednesday (01).Views regarding this were expressed at a media briefing held in Colombo today."One must seek forgiveness after accepting his mistake," Reverend Father Cyril Gamini stated. "However former President Maithripala Sirisena hasn't accepted his mistake," he went on to explain.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena apologized to the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President apologized for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday (27) was seen getting into the defendant's dock when the case filed with the Fort Magistrate's Court against him for failing to prevent the 2019 April Attacks despite receiving credible information about the attacks, was taken up.Initially, he did not get into the dock, and following a clarification made by the court, Sirisena was asked to get into the defendant's dock.An individual who lost a limb in the attacks on the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade on the 21st of April 2019, and Rev.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An all-party conference will be held at 04:00 PM on Thursday (26) at the President's office under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to a PMD statement, the purpose of this conference is to come to a consensus and strengthen national harmony. Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena, Tamil National Alliance Leader R.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said that Sri Lanka must fully compensate victims of the Easter Sunday 2019 terrorist attacks.Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (12) found Former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Defence Secretary, the Police Chief during his time, as well as the then Chief of National Intelligence, and Director of State Intelligence guilty of violating fundamental rights.11 Fundamental Rights petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Sri Lankan administration failed to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, despite having information about an imminent attack.More than 270 people were killed in the series of explosions at churches and hotels across the island nation. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Sri Lanka to provide full reparations to the victims, including to establish the truth and to ensure justice. “Whilst no amount of compensation can ever erase the suffering and pain of the victims and families, this judgment marks a step in the victims’ struggle for recognition of the harm suffered and their rights to truth, justice and reparation,” said Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.“In its judgment, the Court expressed ‘shock and dismay’ at the lack of ‘oversight and inaction’ by the security and intelligence officials – ruling that the former President and his top security officials had failed to prevent the attacks, despite detailed intelligence suggesting such attacks were imminent,” said Laurence. The UN human rights office called on the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that victims receive

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to contest under the symbol of the Hand for a majority of the Local Government Institutions, and contest under the symbol of the Helicopter for a few Local Government Institutions at the upcoming elections.The Sri Lanka Freedom Party Media Unit said that this was the decision reached by a majority membership of the political committee of the SLFP that met under the Chairmanship of Former President Maithripala Sirisena.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (12) found Former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Defence Secretary, the Police Chief during his time, as well as the then Chief of National Intelligence, and Director of State Intelligence guilty of violating fundamental right.11 Fundamental Rights petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Sri Lankan administration failed to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, despite having information about an imminent attack.The applications contain revelations of reckless failure on the part of the Executive Branch of the government and the Petitioners allege that these illegal omissions effectively betray the people and public trust by recklessly failing to take cognizance and accord due priority to intelligence information received regarding the premeditation of the attacks which could have been prevented if proactive and timely response had been taken.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Maithripala Sirisena:The Supreme Court observed that multiple gazettes bestowed 23 duties on the President as a Minister of Defence, thus an increase of duties vested in the Minister.The Supreme Court observed that an exponential range of powers over security continued to be bestowed on Minister of Defence as the years rolled by and it cannot be gainsaid that the Minister of Defence was the repository of the national security of the country. The Supreme Court noted that the custody of personal liberty and

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the government pay Rs. 1 Million as compensation per person to those who were killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) ruled that the respondents named in the Fundamental Rights petitions for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite having credible information of an imment attack, had violated the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Court ordered Former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of Rs.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, 12 parties and 62 groups came together on Wednesday (11) to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election. The new alliance has been named the Nidahas Janatha Sandhanaya or Freedom Peoples' Alliance. They will contest under symbol of the Helicopter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Court of Appeal on Wednesday (12) set a date to issue the order with regard to the writ petition filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena requesting to annul the notice issued on him to appear at the Fort Magistrate's Court on 14th October where he is named as a suspect in the Easter Sunday Terror Attacks case. Accordingly, the Court of Appeal will issue the relevant order at 9:30 in the morning on 14th October.A bench comprising of Justices Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola issued the order after the petition was taken up in Court today.Additional Solicitor General Rohantha Abeysuriya appeared on behalf of the Attorney General while President's Counsel Rienzi Arsecularatne represented the plaintiffs including Rev. Fr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that he is ready to support the 22nd amendment if the people's sovereignty is strengthened through it.In a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the former President and the SLFP Chairman said that the 22nd amendment to the Constitution has not been discussed yet, however more changes may be made to the presented amendment in the future.When inquired whether he would support any future changes to the amendment, the SLFP Chairman emphasized that any changes to be made to the amendment must be democratic in nature, and should ensure the people's sovereignity."I did not vote for the 20th amendment. The 19th amendment presented during my time had its drawbacks, but it should be implemented properly and adopted after correcting those flaws.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Tourism, Diana Gamage says that she has not been granted any powers vested within her position.Speaking in Parliament on Friday (7), the MP said that a Director General has been removed without notifying her.According to the State Minister, the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Dhammika Wijesinghe resigned on Thursday (6) after being pressurized to resign.She demanded why a woman cannot remain in a position of leadership, and further asked why she had to resign, in addition to requesting an investigation into the matter.When inquired by other Parliamentarians, Gamage said that she has not been assigned any authority or a subject as the State Minister.Former President Maithripala Sirisena also reiterated her stance, insisting for an investigation be conducted into the removal of the Director General.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party leadership has decided to remove SLFP MPs, who accepted positions in the government, from all party positions and the Central Working Committee membership.The decision was taken by the Former President and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Maithripala Sirisena, and the decision has been communicated to the 14 SLFP MPs who are represented in Parliament.MPs Mahinda Amaraweera, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Shantha Bandara, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption has discontinued investigations into the 2018 MP crossovers, which was requested by Transparency International Sri Lanka, citing 'sufficient information not coming to light'.TISL requested the CIABOC to launch an investigation in the wake of controversial voice recordings released to the public revealing attempts to bribe MPs to cross over in Parliament, during the period when the Parliament was deciding upon who should hold the position of the Prime Minister.Afterwards, on the 5th of June 2018, TISL filed a complaint at the CIABOC requesting an investigation into the matter, and on 10th of December 2018, TISL followed up with CIABOC, requesting them to expand the investigation, focusing on a statement from then-president Maithripala Sirisena about bribing MPs.However, the CIABOC has informed after four years that it has decided to discontinue the investigation due to “sufficient information not coming to light”.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, says that he will support the Government for its future program without accepting any positions.Speaking at an event held in Colombo, the former President said that it can be seen that the new Government led by the current President is taking measures to overcome the country's economic crisis, which he will support throughout.However, the former President said that he will not accept any position and will work alongside the present Government for the betterment of the people.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A request was made from the Sri Lankan Supreme Court stating that Fundamental Rights applications filed over the Easter Sunday Attacks naming Ranil Wickremesinghe as a respondent, cannot be carried forward as he was elected as the President.Multiple factions objected to the request made by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court stating that Fundamental Rights applications filed over the Easter Sunday Attacks naming Ranil Wickremesinghe as a respondent, cannot be carried forward as he was elected as the President.Twelve Fundamental Rights applications were called up again on Tuesday (26), in the presence of a Seven-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.Attorney-at-Law  Suren Fernando, who appeared for Ranil Wickramasinghe, raised an objection before the court and said that since his client has been elected as the President, it is not possible to conduct a case against him as per Article 35 of the Constitution.But in view of the objections expressed by other parties, the Supreme Court informed the lawyers of former President Maithripala Sirisena, who is named as a respondent in the petitions, to make their submissions on Wednesday (27), concerning the preliminary objections.Several parties, including the Sri Lanka Bar Association, Catholic priests, families of the victims of the Easter attacks, and relatives of the deceased filed these fundamental rights petitions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena it is very necessary to calm the country at a time when the people are under severe pressure due to a lack of food, lack of oil, gas, and fertilizers in the whole country.At a time when international support is desperately needed, we absolutely do not condone the launching of an oppressive crackdown on the people involved in the Galle Face struggle, said the Former President."From 2015 to 2019 until the day I left the office of the President, the armed forces were not used in any way to suppress the protests that took place several times a week around the President's Office and in Colombo," he added.During the period of my presidency, university students, as well as various political groups and organizations, came to the President's office to struggle and protest, but I accepted the best practice to deploy police officers to protect law and order, he added."Many problems in the country can be solved if we first negotiate and reach a consensus in solving every problem. It is absolutely unacceptable for a new president to enter into such a repressive system within twenty-four hours of his inauguration.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has warned that a power hungry group is gradually destroying the country.In a statement he said that it is the responsibility of the armed forces to protect the people who are engaged in the struggle, and the Sri Lankan population.He requested the Inspector General of Police and the Commanders of the three-armed forces to show restrain and NOT to respond with weapons during protests.Maithripala Sirisena said that the President, and the Acting President has not mandate at all, and one must think twice before executing their directives.He further called on the people to consider that state property as their own, and NOT to destroy them.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party Chairman, Maithripala Sirisena says that the party membes will NOT use their vote in a context when a large number of candidates have emerged to be elected into the President.Instead, the former President says that a single candidate should emerge within a democratic framework, in a Constitutional manner and should expound on how they plan to resolve the country’s current crisis, including whether or not they plan to formulate an all-party Government.Moreover, the former President mentioned that the relevant candidate should also explain as to how they plan to resolve the shortage of essentials, such as essential medicines, food, fuel and fertilizer.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Maithripala Sirisena says that the current situation of multiple candidates being proposed as Presidential Candidates could cause for a rift within the Parliament.Speaking to News 1st, the former President stated that no matter whoever may win out of the three candidates proposed, it would create a divide, and the best possible alternative is for the Party Leaders to discuss and propose a single candidate for the Presidential election.He further stated that this divide within the Parliament would end up being an issue for any Government that is yet to come.However, the former President said that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has not yet taken a decision in this regard, and will come into a consensus after the nominations are handed over.The former President also added that although there were requests, he will not be contesting for Presidency, and will support an existing candidate.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that the Prime Minister becoming the acting President would violate the people’s aspirations.The former President stated there is race for the Presidency.The President has said that he will resign tomorrow (13).Thereafter, the Prime Minister would become the next President per the Constituion of Sri Lanka.However, former President Maithripala Sirisena stated that he is unaware whether the Prime Minister would resign as well.“The general consensus of the people of the country, especially among those protesting, is that the Prime Minister should also step down.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Maithripala Sirisena said that the current president, the prime minister or the government have no political or moral right to remain in power.“It is clear that a very dangerous situation is likely to arise in the country if they continue to act without understanding the opposition coming from the people.,” the Former President said in a statement.Therefore, Sri Lanka Freedom Party strongly emphasizes the following proposals to all responsible parties.1. The President and the Prime Minister must resign immediately.2.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that it is the decision of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party that the Prime Minister and the President should resign by bowing down to the referendum of the people.Issuing a release, the SLFP Leader stated that the President should resign within 24 hours, while the Prime Minister should also resign, and should invite all parties to form an all-party Government afterwards.He states that the current Government, which has remained oppressive to the people for several years, has repeatedly made various mistakes, and although appeals were made to rectify those mistakes, in the end the country resulted in becoming anarchic day by day due to the failure of the Government to take the relevant decisions promptly.In the end, the people of the country brought painful experiences to a struggle, and today the President’s Office and the President’s House have been occupied by the very people who fight for justice, the statement by the former President read.The former President said that their only demand is that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa should resign, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should also do the same, as he has no mandate to hold the relevant position.Therefore, he states that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party is of the opinion that the President and the Prime Minister should immediately resign from their positions, making it possible for an all-party government that is accepted by everyone to work immediately to solve the country’s problems.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with Former President Maithripala Sirisena this afternoon for a special discussion at the Opposition Leaders Office in Colombo.The office of the Opposition Leader said that this meeting is part of the ‘National Reforms & Future’ program.Several political leaders and civil activists are also at the meeting, suggested reports.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena says that the suspension of Aeroflot flights to Sri Lanka will be a devastating blow to the tourism of Sri Lanka, that is only just recovering from the Easter Attacks and COVID-19.In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sirisena said though he is no longer a member of the government in power, it is his obligation to the people to appeal to the Russian President and Government to treat this issue as a wholly judicial matter and not at all as a decision taken by the State.He also said that Sri Lanka will need all the help and support from her trusted friends, and the help of Russia will be critical.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided that all SLFP MPs who accepted ministerial positions in government will be stripped of their positions in the party.A letter by SLFP Chairman & Former President Maithripala Sirisena noted that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Central Committee ONLY decided to support the positive action taken by the government whilst remaining in the opposition.The letter noted that the Central Committee unanimously decided that if a Member of Parliament representing the SLFP accepts a position in government, he should be stripped of all positions in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The appointment of Former Maldives President & present Speaker Mohamed Nasheed as a liaison to coordinate relief efforts for Sri Lanka have caused a debate among many Sri Lankans.The Maldives Journal, an online news website, reported that the speaker of the Maldivian Parliament, President Mohamed Nasheed is presently brokering safe passage for former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his family.The website reported that Nasheed visited Sri Lanka last week, and volunteered to coordinate international relief efforts for Sri Lanka, despite lacking any experience in that field.On the 19th of May Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe accepted an offer from Maldivian Speaker Mohamed Nasheed to assist the debt-ridden nation’s bid to secure international relief in the ongoing economic crisis.Mohamed Nasheed arrived in the island on the 20th of May with the approval of the Prime Minister.During his visit, Nasheed called on Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Political Party Representatives, as well as the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.On the 21st of May he met Former Minister Namal Rajapaksa.According to The Maldives Journal, in the last few days Nasheed has held several meetings with high-level political figures and lobbied to grant the Rajapaksa family a safe passage to the Maldives.Quoting a Madivian Government official The Maldives Journal reported that after he had resigned, Mahinda Rajapaksa had called Nasheed.

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Ajith Rajapaksa was elected as the new Deputy Speaker of Parliament on Tuesday (17).The result of the ballot is as follows:MP Rohini Kaviratne: 78MP Ajith Rajapaksa: 109The Sri Lankan Parliament met for the first time under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe on Tuesday (17), and the proceedings took a tensed turn over the vote on selecting a new Deputy Speaker.The post for Deputy Speaker of Parliament was left vacant after Ranjith Siyamabalapitiya stepped down from the post, twice.The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) nominated MP Rohini Kaviratne, while the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) nominated MP Ajith Rajapaksa to the post of Deputy Speaker.However, a majority of the Parliamentarians called on the speaker to terminate a vote without wasting time and money, and instruct the opposition leader and the prime minister to reach common ground on a suitable candidate, preferably a female candidate as requested by the Prime Minister.Leader of the National Freedom Front Wimal Weerawansa slammed the call for vote stating that a voting process costs Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan Parliament met for the first time under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe on Tuesday (17), and the proceedings took a tensed turn over the vote on selecting a new Deputy Speaker.The post for Deputy Speaker of Parliament was left vacant after Ranjith Siyamabalapitiya stepped down from the post, twice.The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) nominated MP Rohini Kaviratne, while the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) nominated MP Ajith Rajapaksa to the post of Deputy Speaker.However, a majority of the Parliamentarians called on the speaker to terminate a vote without wasting time and money, and instruct the opposition leader and the prime minister to reach common ground on a suitable candidate, preferably a female candidate as requested by the Prime Minister.Leader of the National Freedom Front Wimal Weerawansa slammed the call for vote stating that a voting process costs Rs. 9 Million from the tax payers money and by doing so, the entire parliament becomes a joke ifront of the people.MP Nimal Lanza from the Independent group of MPs threatened to walk out of the chamber if a vote is called for, while Former President Maithripala Sirisena and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party said the SLFP MPs would cast invalid votes if a vote goes ahead.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Ranil Wickremesinghe who returned to the political sphere as Prime Minister for the sixth time, assumed duties on Friday (13).Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in on Thursday (12) as the island nation faces political and economic crises.The appointment was made days after Mahinda Rajapaksa, brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, vacated the position after violence was triggered by attacks on peaceful protests by pro-government supporters.Ranil Wickremesinghe has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on five occasions before.He was first appointed as PM from 1993 – 1994 after the assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa.Subsequently, from 2001 to 2004 he was elected as the Prime Minister to lead the United National Front Government during the presidency of President Chandrika Bandaranayake.In January 2015, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of the coalition government on the election of President Maithripala Sirisena.His appointment was sanctioned by the Sri Lankan people at the general election of August 2015.Once again, in December 2018, then-President Sirisena was compelled to appoint him as PM after having dismissed him in October 2018.In November 2019, after the defeat of the UNP presidential candidate, he resigned from his position of Prime Minister.Newly-appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the GotaGoGama struggle must continue, and he will not intervene with the struggle.“Police would not do anything to them, and the struggle must continue,” said the Prime Minister during his visit to the Walukaramaya Raja Maha Viharaya in Colombo after taking oaths as the Prime Minister.He said he will show majority from both sides in parliament.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided NOT to be part of any government led by newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.The SLFP will NOT accept any position in government, and will NOT be a part of the government, said Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, & Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday (13).The President and the Prime Minister have extended invitations to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to join the new government that will be formed under the leadership of Wickremesinghe.The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party had discussed the invitation and the current status of the country at length, and thereafter had reached the decision NOT to join Wickremesinghe’s government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government has to accept the demands of the people, says the former President and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Maithripala Sirisena.Participating in the SLFP May Day rally today (01), the former President pointed out that the present President took over a prosperous country, however, it has come to a situation of over 200,000 – 300,000 people having to expect hunger and starvation.Emphasizing that the demand of the people of the country is that the leaders of this Government should step down and resign, the former Presisent said that the people should be allowed to hold elections and elect a new Government.“People are dying inside houses. Some even collapse while on the road and die.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has consented to form an Interim-Government.“If all the political parties represented in Parliament agree to form an Interim Government, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to form an Interim Government,” said Sirisena speaking to reporters in Colombo.Noting that it could be termed as an All-Party Government or an Interim Government, Sirisena said that this Interim Government would be the first step toward calling for elections.“We do not have an issue with regard to the leadership of the Interim Government. We need to take up the responsibility on behalf of the people to solve the crises in the country,” he added.Sirisena said letters extending an invitation to form the Interim Government will be delivered in the coming days to the respective parties.“The President consented to form an Interim Cabinet of Ministers led by a new Prime Minister,” said the SLFP Chairman, adding that the Interim Cabinet of Ministers would be limited to 15 or 20 Ministers to execute the necessary responsibilities.Further, the President had agreed to establish a National Council, a proposal by the SLFP, that will decide on appointing the Prime Minister, Cabinet of Ministers, Inspector General of Police, Attorney General, and even the Ministry Secretaries.Maithripala Sirisena said that the National Council would advise the President and the Cabinet of Ministers, on how to function..

COLOMBO (News 1st); 41 Independent MPs who quit the government have been invited for talks with the President at 7 PM on Sunday (10).Former President Maithripala Sirisena said that the talks will most likely be centered on an Interim Administration.The MPs from 10 parties that formed the ruling coalition, MPs from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and Independent MPs from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will attend this meeting.It is reported that the 11 proposals for an All-Party Interim Government will be discussed at length at this meeting.On the 8th of April 2022, Parliamentarians Maithripala Sirisena, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha have presented the President with a 11-point document requesting to move towards an all-party interim Government.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party announced that all SLFP MPs will remain independent in Parliament.He said the MPs will NO longer represent the government.Further, Former President Maithripala Sirisena called for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution to be abolished and the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to be enforced with amendments.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Monday (14) commenced the examination of 12 petitions that were filed seeking a ruling that their Fundamental Rights were violated as authorities failed to prevent the 2019 April 21st Attacks despite having intelligence information on the attacks.The applications were taken up for examination in the presence of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Buwaneka Aluviharare, Murdhu Fernando, L.T.B. Dehideniya, S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Rev. Fr. Jude Krishantha, the Media Director of the Archdiocese of Colombo was back at the Criminal Investigations Department on Thursday (17) to make a statement with regard to a complaint he filed in December 2021, over the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Rev.

Seoul (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called on the world to pledge to not be warmongers and war criminals but peacemakers and sacrifice in whatever way required to benefit humanity forever with bestowed peace.Sirisena was speaking at the World Summit 2022 (Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula) in Seoul, South Korea.World Summit 2022 (Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula) gathered world leaders and a worldwide virtual audience around topics related to peaceful reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.It featured keynote speakers from around the world on a range of topics related to the peaceful reconciliation of the Korean Peninsula. Many speakers are from the 157 countries that have diplomatic ties with both North and South Korea.“The experiences in the unification of Germany and Vietnam show how two contrasting political ideologies could positively merge.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo District Court on Friday (7) rejected the request made by Former President Maithripala Sirisena to quash the cases naming him as the first accused in the easter attacks.Individuals who were injured from the attacks and the families affected had filed cases with the Colombo District Court naming Former President Maithripala Sirisena as the first accused.

COLOMBO (News 1st); SLPP MP Tissa Kutti Arachchi on Wednesday (5) said that Former State Minister Susil Premajayantha was sacked from office after analyzing state intelligence reports.“We have the State Intelligence Service. The intel can relate to the government, national security, alternative governments, and even the political atmosphere,” he told a press conference in Colombo adding that Susil Premajayantha was sacked as a result of such intelligence efforts.“It wasn’t just the statement he made at Delkanda pola.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said that the answer to solving the issues in Sri Lanka, is not sacking Susil Premajayantha.“On Saturday Susil Premajayantha visited the market, something he does every week. A media person asked him about the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena has said that Sri Lanka should not pay a single cent to the Chinese with regard to the rejected fertilizer consignment.He told reporters on Wednesday (15) that the people’s money cannot be given in such a manner, at a time when the country is facing serious shortages in food, currency, etc.“We are against the payment of a single cent to the Chinese,” said Maithripala Sirisena, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.“The fertilizer may have been inspected by Ministers, MPs, and experts with a visit to China, before placing the order.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Former State Intelligence Service Chief & Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena told the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar that NO definite intelligence information was given to then-President Maithripala Sirisena, who was overseas at the time, with regard to the 2019 April 21st Attacks, until the attacks took place.Testifying in court for the fifth day on Monday (29), the Senior Police Officer said NO definite information was given to the then-Prime Minister, State Defence Minister, other relevant personnel in the political authority, or the Inspector General of Police.The Senior Police Officer testified at the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar in the case filed against Ex-Police Chief Pujith

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday (25) said that the 2/3 majority of the Sri Lankan Government is wielded by the 14 Members of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.“The members must think very carefully about the 2/3 majority and the governance,” he told the house recalling instances when the governments of the Late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Late J. R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena threatened retaliation at the comments made by Minister Mahindananda regarding the former President’s expenditures.A heated situation also arose in the Parliament between the two MPs due to this situation, when the former President denied all the allegations leveled against him by MP Mahindananda.Sri Lanka’s Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday (25) said that the 2/3 majority of the Sri Lankan Government is wielded by the 14 Members of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.“The members must think very carefully about the 2/3 majority and the governance,” he told the house recalling instances when the governments of the Late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Late J.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Agriculture Minister is responsible for the mess created in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, said Former President Maithripala Sirisena.The Former President who is also the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party told reporters at the SLFP office premises that the government messed up its plans on adopting organic fertilizer.“It is a good policy. But, they messed up the plan.