January 29, 2025 4:36 am
Results: 108
Namal was planning on becoming country’s leader - Dilan
Namal Rajapaksa was planning on becoming the country’s next leader if his father was in power for another 15 years, claims State Minister Dilan Perera. MORE..
Karuna Amman resigns from SLFP
Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman says he has decided to to resign from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to join the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) led by V. Anandasangaree. MORE...
No reason to postpone LG polls - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that there is no reason to postpone the Local Government election which is scheduled to be held in March next year. MORE..
CBK ran one of the most repressive governments - Rajapaksa
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused fellow SLFP Patron Chandrika Kumaratunga of running one of the most “repressive” governments in living memory and charged that her recent comments amount to an admission that she too presided over a party full of “murderers and rogues.” MORE..
Massive killings if Mahinda returned to power - CBK
Mahinda Rajapaksa during his tenure as the President of Sri Lanka ran a police state and if he was successful in returning to power as Prime Minister in recent parliamentary polls the country would have experienced massive killings of innocents, according to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. MORE..
My journey is slow, but no turning back – President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the time has come to subject the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to complete reorganization and to build it under a fresh image. MORE..
SLFP celebrates 64th anniversary today
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will hold its 64th Anniversary commemoration in Polonnaruwa today under the patronage of party leader President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
ITAK wants Opposition Leader post
The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) today said that the party’s Parliamentary Group Leader must thus be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with Parliamentary practice and convention as they have now emerged as the largest political party in Opposition in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. MORE..
Cases against Anura Yapa and Susil withdrawn
The court cases filed against Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha have been withdrawn by Duminda Dissanayake and Prof. Vishwa Warnapala. MORE..
New cabinet to be sworn in on Sep 02
The Cabinet of Ministers of the new government will be sworn in next Wednesday (September 02), UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrama told Ada Derana. MORE..
Gammanpila, Dinesh, Vasu and many MP-elects to remain in opposition
Udaya Gammanpila says that many MP-elects including Wimal Weerawansam, Dinesh Gunawardena, and Vasudeva Nanayakkara have already decided to function in the opposition. MORE...
Welgama, Pavithra and SM sacked from UPFA ExCo
Former MP Kumara Welgama says that he has received letters from the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA notifying of his removal from the UPFA Executive Committee. MORE..
Newly elected UPFA MPs oppose National Govt - Vasu
A group of newly elected Parliamentarians of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) held a discussion in Colombo today with the participation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former UPFA MP and Left Democratic Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara said. MORE..
SLFP for National Govt; CBK to head MOU committee
(Audio) The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed a committee to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for the forming of a National Government with the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
SLFP Central Committee convenes today
The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has convened this morning, for the first time after the 2015 parliamentary election. MORE..
I do not expect Opposition Leader post; should go to a senior - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to Ada Derana said that he does not expect the Opposition Leader post and will remain as a Member of Parliament. He added that the opposition leader post should be decided by the UPFA Parliamentary group and should go to a senior of the party. MORE...
No major incidents reported during polling – Elections Chief
Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya says that no major incidents have been reported during voting at the 2015 General Election today and that he expects votes would not have to declare null at any polling station. MORE..
Court orders handed over to Yapa and Premajayantha
The Colombo High Court today (17) ordered to handover a notice and an order, with respect to the court’s ruling to prevent Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA respectively, to their houses. MORE...
UPDATE: President sacks 13 SLFP CC members
President Maithripala Sirisena has sacked 13 members from the SLFP Central Committee. The President in his capacity as the Chairman of the SLFP has sent a letter to the Elections Commissioner informing him of the removal and a list of the new 25 members of the Central Committee, a source from the Presidential Secretariat said. MORE...
Susil denies being sacked from UPFA
UPFA Colombo District candidate Susil Premajayantha says that media reports alleging that the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA have been removed are completely untrue. MORE..
President sacks Anura and Susil; appoints Duminda and Vishwa
The Colombo District Court today issued an enjoining order preventing Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA respectively until August 28, 2015. MORE..
Rajapaksa sends reply to President Sirisena
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today responded to the letter from President Maithripala Sirisena, with a letter of his own. MORE..
President Sirisena sends urgent letter to Rajapaksa
President Maithripala Sirisena has sent an urgent letter to former President and UPFA Kurunegala District candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Aug 13), the Presidential Media Unit said. MORE..
Enjoining order preventing SLFP’s CC meeting extended till Aug 24
The enjoining order preventing the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from convening without the consent of the party’s Chairman, has been extended until August 24 by the Colombo District Court. MORE..
Major parties reject TNA’s demand for federalism
Major political parties in Sri Lanka have flatly rejected the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)’s demand for federalism. MORE...
Rajapaksa promises new constitution within 6 months
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today reiterated that that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has not divided into two factions. Only one faction exists and that is the anti-UNP faction, he said. MORE..
Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon to resign
Minister of Provincial Councils and Regional Development, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, says that he will be resigning from his ministerial portfolio. MORE..
UPFA is not divided at all - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today denied that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is divided and said that the reason he did not form his own party to contest the election is because he was not ready to abandon the SLFP for his personal gain. MORE..
Willing to make any sacrifice to protect SLFP – Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he is willing to make any sacrifice to protect the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and that although he has not betrayed the country or the people, the finger is being pointed at him. MORE..
Dr Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Eric Prasanna Weerawardena of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party have decided to resign from their respective Deputy Ministerial portfolios. MORE..
UPFA leaders set to meet Elections Chief today
Leaders of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have decided to meet with the Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya today. MORE..
Request has been made to sack five SLFPers, says Thilanga
A request has been made to the Central Committee (CC) of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to sack five party members who defected from the SLFP and scheduled to contest under the United National Front (UNF) at the forthcoming election, SLFP Media Coordinator Thilanga Sumathipala said. MORE...
Enjoining order issued against convening SLFP’s CC
The Colombo District Court on Wednesday (15) issued an enjoining order against convening of the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), without a prior permission from the President. MORE...
Special UPFA meeting; Mahinda arrives at SLFP HQ
(Update) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the SLFP Headquarters a short while ago for a special meeting of the UPFA Election Operation Committee meeting. All leaders of the major constituent parties of the UPFA along with President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to be present at the meeting. MORE...
Reginald, Amunugama opt out of electoral contest; Sudarshani to go with UPFA
Former MP Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle says that she will not contest the forthcoming General Election from any party other than the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE..
Hirunika to contest under ‘elephant’ symbol
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Hirunika Premachandra has reportedly signed nominations to contest the upcoming parliamentary election from the United National Front for Good Governance, the UNP-led political alliance. MORE..
MoU of ‘Good Governance’ alliance to be inked tomorrow
The singing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the formation of the “United National Front for Good Governance,” which is to contest the upcoming General Election under the UNP’s “Elephant” symbol, is to take place on Sunday (12). MORE..
Paranavitana resign as Media Ministry Secretary
Karunaratne Paranavitana has resigned from his position as the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information, with effect from Friday (10). MORE..
Rajitha confirms new alliance with UNP
Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine Dr Rajitha Senaratna today said that they will not reverse the promise made to the public at the recent Presidential Election, to establish good governance within the country. MORE..
UNP approves United National Front for Good Governance
The United National Party (UNP) today approved the forming of the new alliance “United National Front for Good Governance” to contest the forthcoming General Election under ‘Elephant’ symbol. MORE..
UNP forms new alliance to contest against UPFA
A new political alliance headed by the UNP, under the name of “United National Front for Good Governance,” is to contest the parliamentary election on August 17 with sections of the SLFP and JHU, sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
A group of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members including several Ministers are preparing to contest the upcoming General Election separately and not from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Paranavitana turns down UPFA nominations
Karunaratne Paranavitana has turned down nominations extended to him from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to contest the forthcoming General Election from the Ratnapura District. MORE..
SB Nawinna to contest from UNP
SLFP Treasurer and Minister S.B. Nawinne says that he will join the United National Party (UNP) and contest the upcoming General Election from the UNP ticket. MORE..
Mahinda will contest from Kurunegala District - TB
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will contest the upcoming General Election from the Kurunegala District, says former Minister T.B. Ekananayake. MORE..
UPFA decides to give nomination to Mahinda Rajapaksa
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has decided to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest at the upcoming General Election on August 17 under the UPFA ticket. MORE..
Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources
President Maithripala Sirisena has refused to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA ticket, political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Mahinda-Maithri meeting took place, but different venue
Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena today confirmed that a discussion did take place between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and that they had only denied the location of the meeting. MORE..
Rajapaksa to be briefed on Sirisena’s decision
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva has met with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kandy this morning, political sources revealed to Ada Derana. MORE..
Rajapaksa also denies meeting with Sirisena
Reports published regarding an urgent meeting between former Mahinda Rajapaksa and incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena at the Speaker’s official residence are untrue, Rajapaksa’s Media Coordinator Rohan Weliwita said. MORE..
No Mahinda-Maithri meeting at Speaker’s house - PMD
The President’s Media Division today denied media reports alleging that a meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa took place at the Speaker’s residence yesterday (June 25). MORE..
Mahinda-Maithri coordination committee to meet ex-President
The committee appointed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to coordinate the party’s affairs between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to meet with the latter today (25). MORE..
SLFP will suffer absolute defeat if Mahinda contests - SB
Minister of Rural Economic Affairs S.B. Dissanayake says that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) would suffer an absolute defeat if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa contests the upcoming General Election. MORE..
We have to rise above hatred and feelings of vengeance - Mangala
The Sri Lankan government pursues a policy of engagement, dialogue and cooperation with all countries and international organisations and will remain open to the ideas of others, their views and opinions, says the country’s foreign minister. MORE..
Opposition Leader slams UNP’s “dual policy”
Sri Lanka’s Opposition today said that they will seek to debate the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament, in the third week of July. MORE..
Opposition wants installation of majority govt, not Parliament dissolution
Sri Lanka’s opposition parties want the installation of a government which has majority support in parliament and not its dissolution and fresh elections. MORE..
Over 100 MPs signed no-confidence motion against PM - Wimal
National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa says that the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be submitted today. MORE..
SLFP Parliamentarians Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Chandrasiri Sooriyaarachchi, Hemal Gunasekara and Pandu Bandaranayake have received ministerial portfolios. MORE..
New SLFP Ministers to be sworn in
A group of SLFP Parliamentarians are to be sworn in as Ministers today filling the vacant portfolios following the recent resignation of several SLFP Ministers. MORE..
Sarath Fonseka says he would welcome war crime investigation
Sri Lanka’s wartime army chief says his conscience is clear and he would welcome a war crimes investigation to prove his innocence. MORE..
Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest in parliamentary polls - report
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had informed his close aides that he will contest in the parliamentary elections which are expected to be held in the country in July, a senior opposition member said on Monday. MORE..
Several Ministers to resign today
Several ministers of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) are set to resign from their respective portfolios today. MORE..
UPFA to ask President to extend the term of LG bodies
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is to make an appeal in its bid to request the President to further extend the term of the Local Government (LG) bodies. MORE...
Will bring no-confidence motion against Ranil - Wimal
Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says that a motion of no confidence will be brought against Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. MORE..
President Sirisena meets former President at Parliament
UPDATE: President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Parliament and much awaited discussions are scheduled to begin in a short while. MORE...
High expectations from Maithri-Mahinda meeting on May 06
SLFP Media spokesman and State Minister Dilan Perera says that the scheduled meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Wednesday (May 06), will be “a slap in the face” to those wishing to see the party split. MORE..
Here’s a look at changes made to 19A
Sri Lanka’s parliament overwhelmingly passed reforms on Tuesday (April 28) reducing some of the president’s powers, in a move that did not go as far as President Maithripala Sirisena had promised but is nevertheless seen as a victory for the leader and his government. MORE..
Parliament has approved three(03) months leave for MP Basil Rajapaksa commencing from today(28). The approval was granted on a proposal made by Opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva. MORE...
Ready to face any challenge for the people - Basil
Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa says that all ‘Divi Neguma’ funds were spent for the people’s welfare and that if doing so is wrong he is ready to face any challenge on behalf of the people. MORE..
President appeals to parties to help adopt 19th Amendment
President Maithripala Sirisena today appealed to all political parties to assist in passing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in order to firmly establishing freedom and democracy in the country. MORE..
Peace attempts with ruling party ‘murdered’ - Dullas
The Sri Lankan opposition on Thursday said that attempts to settle a rift between President Maithripala Sirisena and Former President Mahinda Rajapakse as well as politicians affiliated to both sides has been “murdered” due to the recent actions of the government. MORE..
Basil Rajapaksa transferred to prison hospital
MP Basil Rajapaksa who was remanded last night by the Kaduwela Magistrate has been transferred to the prison hospital, Police told Ada Derana. MORE...
Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and two other senior ministry officials, who were arrested by the Police FCID over allegations of financial fraud, have been remanded until the 05th of May by the Kaduwela Magistrate. MORE..
Basil to return to country tomorrow
Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa is scheduled to return to the country tomorrow(21), sources said. Rajapaksa, speaking to Ada Derana earlier on March 26, said that he will return to Sri Lanka soon and assist in the investigations into allegations against him. MORE...
Parliament to be dissolved only after electoral reforms
The Parliament will be dissolved only after the amendments to electoral reforms passed in the Parliament, sources close to the government said. MORE...
Mahinda Rajapaksa prepares for political comeback - report
Former president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa is planning to stand in parliamentary polls to launch an attempt to return to power, aides have said. MORE..
57 MPs visit Mahinda Rajapaksa
Around fifty-seven Members of Parliament today visited former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Carlton House in Tangalle. MORE..
Rohitha Abeygunawardena sacked from SLFP central committee
Former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena has also been removed from the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE..
SLFP appoints new members to Central Committee: sources
Replacing the sacked senior members, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) sources on Monday (13) announced its bid to appoint five new members to the party’s Central Committee. MORE...
Sacking of Central Committee members not unlawful: SLFP
The removal of four members from the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is not a violation of party’s constitution, a party source said. MORE...
Dissanayake to step down as SLFP Ampara organiser
Former Provincial Councilor Wimalaweera Dissanayake on Sunday (12) asserted that he will step down from his post as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party organiser for Ampara electoral district in protest over party’s conclusion to sack several members attached to its central committee. MORE...
Several SLFP central committee members sacked
Several more UPFA Parliamentarians say they have been removed from the central committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE..
Bandula sacked from SLFP central committee
Former Minister Bandula Gunawardena says that he has been removed from the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). The UPFA MP said he has received a letter notifying him of this decision. MORE..
SLFP says no to 19 A, if electoral reforms are not included
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will comply with the new Government to pass the draft bill on the 19th Amendment, if constitutional changes take place for new electoral reforms, the opposition said on Wednesday (8). MORE...
Deputy Minister Tissa Karaliyadda resigns
UPFA Parliamentarian Tissa Karaliyadda has decided to resign from his deputy ministerial portfolio. He stated that steps were taken to inform the Parliament regarding the decision. MORE..
SLFP to propose new reforms to 19 A
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday (1) said that it will propose new reforms to the draft bill on the 19th Amendment. MORE...
“I have a clean record,” says Mevyn Silva
(EXCLUSIVE) “I’m not concerned that I wasn’t offered a ministerial portfolio from the coalition government, despite campaigning for the victory of the present President in the January polls,” former Minister Mevyn Silva said. MORE...
I will return to Sri Lanka soon - Basil
Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, speaking to Ada Derana, said that he will return to Sri Lanka soon and assist in the investigations into allegations against him. MORE..
Over 26 SLFP MPs attend Ratnapura rally
Over 26 Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Parliamentarians attend a public rally currently being held in Ratnapura urging Mahinda Rajapaksa to be nominated as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate. MORE..
Rehearsal for a new political culture - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe says that the time has come to introduce a new political culture to the country and do away with the existing “expired” political system and culture. MORE..
Police to seek court order to bring down Basil Rajapaksa
The police will seek a court order to bring down ex-President’s brother and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa in order to question him over alleged financial frauds, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE...
National Govt: SLFP the only loser – Gammanpila
Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Provincial Councilor Udaya Gammanpila, says that there is a risk of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) being offered the position for Opposition Leader. MORE..
President Maithripala Sirisena today appointed eleven new Cabinet Ministers, five State Ministers and ten Deputy Ministers at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. MORE..
Special commissioner for LG bodies: ex-President expresses disapproval
Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday (22) expressed his disapproval with respect to the new government’s decision to place all local government bodies under a special commissioner. MORE...
New government to form a coalition with SLFP
Minster and Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne on Sunday (22) said that the Government will form a coalition with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE...
Lifting ban on national anthem in Tamil sparks row
A decision by President Maithripala Sirisena to allow the singing of the Sri Lankan national anthem in Tamil has sparked a row, with the move coming under attack from his own Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE...
Anura Yapa questioned by police over CPC losses
UPFA MP Anura Priyadharshana Yapa is being questioned by the Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in connection with the Rs 35 million in losses incurred by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), during his tenure as Minister of Petroleum Industries. MORE..
Arjuna accepts SLFP membership
Democratic National Alliance MP Arjuna Ranatunga says that he has accepted the membership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE...
President Sirisena appointed UPFA Chairman
President Maithripala Sirisena has been appointed as the Chairman of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), a party source said on Sunday (15). MORE...
‘If this is good governance, then god bless Sri Lanka’
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that politicians have now started to say things which should be said by the IGP or Attorney General and that politicians are the ones announcing who will be remanded, who will be arrested and within how many days. MORE..
MR’s message read at rally in Kandy
A message from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was read at the public rally currently being held in Kandy. MORE..
Public opinion can’t be changed with threats – Rajapaksa
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that public opinion cannot be changed with threats and intimidation and that it is wrong to prohibit SLFP members from attending rallies organized by other political parties. MORE..
SLFP politicos barred from attending other party rallies
The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has decided to prohibit people’s representatives of the party from participating in public rallies organized by other political parties, without approval from the party. MORE..
VIDEO: No intention of staying as Opposition Leader for long – Nimal
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva says that it is not important who will be appointed as the Prime Minister and that what is important is that a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) government is formed. MORE..
Another call to re-call Mahinda
A group of opposition members are expected to meet former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and urge him to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections in the island country, an opposition member has told the Xinhua news agency. MORE...
SLFP appoints new National Organiser, Treasurer and VP
(UPDATE) The Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed MP Susil Premajantha as the party’s National Organiser and SB Nawinne as the Treasurer while Anura Priyadarshana Yapa is to remain as the General Secretary. MORE..
State Minister Faizer Mustapha resigns
Parliamentarian Faizer Mustapha has tendered his resignation as State Minister of Aviation, this morning. Mustapha told Ada Derana, however, he will continue to support the President Maithripala Sirisena though he resigned from the ministerial portfolio. MORE...
Namal says he voted for the budget with ‘reluctance’
Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said that he voted favorably on the new Government’s interim budget with ‘reluctance’ because of concerns he has about the unsustainable nature of the proposals that have been presented. MORE...