Former Presidential Advisor Sagala Ratnayake has advised the current government to appoint a National Security Advisor to prevent potential threats from terrorists to Sri Lanka. Addressing the media yesterday, Ratnayake said that the introduction of an intelligence-sharing network with other countries had helped the former government avoid such threats.

“Critical information was exchanged through this network, which helped us ensure the nation’s safety. When information was received on potential threats, we took timely measures. As a result, Sri Lanka has not faced major threats in the recent years,” he revealed.

Sagala Ratnayake pointed out that if the government had taken such necessary measures then they could have prevented these threats from emerging.

Highlighting the negative impact of such threats on the growing tourism industry and the country, he stressed that the government must take measures to prevent such instances from occurring.

Sagala Ratnayake emphasized that such warnings not only affect the tourism industry but will also severely impact the economy, directly affecting Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange, hinder job opportunities, and business activities.

The former Presidential Advisor made the remarks while commenting on the recent travel advisory issued by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, stating that it had received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the government is to establish a mechanism to supervise and advice ministries in the implementation of policies, a source said.

A tense situation was reported at the UNP party headquarters in Sirikotha when a group of UNP supporters arrived to hand over a document on reviving the party.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that an NPP MP has told him that the Parliament canteen will not be closed but the government will see that no one will abuse the facility.

Two fishermen were seriously injured and hospitalised after a parcel floating on the sea exploded while they were checking it off the coast of Mannar.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Examinations Department have initiated a joint programme to mitigate potential disasters during the 2024 Advanced Level examinations.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka today. Following are 11 key points from the President’s Government Policy Statement;

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala informed Parliament that nomination of Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has been accepted as the Opposition Leader of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

National People's Power (NPP) Gampaha MP Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala was elected as the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka a short while ago. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya proposed his name, and the nomination was confirmed by Vijitha Herath.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake adjourned the Sri Lankan Parliament until 9:30 a.m. on December 3. The adjournment followed the President’s delivery of the government’s policy statement during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament earlier today.