Unusuma Media, Author at උණුසුම් පුවත් - unusuma.lk

24 Jan

Providing a House to Mahinda Rajapaksa Is Not a Sin, Says SJB.!

By unusuma.lk on Jan 24, 2025 @ 7:47 pm (LK time)

At a media briefing held yesterday (23) at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) office in Colombo, former MP Chandima Weerakkody stated that providing a house to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who played a significant role in securing the freedom of the Sri Lankan people, is not a sin.

Weerakkody questioned whether it was wrong to provide a residence to a leader who provided political leadership to end the war, especially when land has been granted to military commanders involved in the conflict.

He emphasized that if former presidents, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, have misused state property or committed crimes, the law should be enforced without exception. He also stated that Mahinda Rajapaksa or his family members should face legal action if found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Weerakkody clarified that while the SJB is not opposed to legal action in such matters, he personally does not align with the former President’s politics. However, he acknowledged Mahinda Rajapaksa’s pivotal role in leading the country toward significant change.

24 Jan

Sangakkara Appointed Chairman of MCC Cricket Advisory Committee.!

By unusuma.lk on Jan 24, 2025 @ 7:41 pm (LK time)

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed as the chairman of the MCC World Cricket Advisory Committee.

The prestigious committee also includes notable figures such as ICC chairman Jay Shah, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, former South African opener Graeme Smith, England’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss, England women’s captain Heather Knight, and Geostar CEO Sanjog Gupta.

International media reports indicate that the MCC World Cricket Advisory Committee is set to convene on June 7 and 8, just ahead of the final day of the Research World Test Championship between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s.

24 Jan

Swiss Support for Sri Lanka’s Stolen Assets Recovery.!

By unusuma.lk on Jan 24, 2025 @ 7:38 pm (LK time)

The Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dr. Siri Walt, has announced that the Swiss government will assist Sri Lanka in recovering assets that have been transferred out of the country.

This assurance was given during a meeting held today (24) at the Presidential Secretariat between Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, and Ambassador Siri Walt.

During the discussion, the Ambassador outlined international measures that could be taken to recover assets and pledged Switzerland’s support to provide essential resources for these efforts.

The meeting also focused on Switzerland’s willingness to share its expertise and technical knowledge to strengthen Sri Lanka’s ongoing anti-corruption initiatives. Furthermore, discussions explored the Swiss government’s technical and other necessary support for Sri Lanka’s priority programs, including the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to assisting Sri Lanka with development efforts in the North, fostering national unity, and addressing existing social challenges.

24 Jan

Former President Seeks Court Order to Restore Security.!

By unusuma.lk on Jan 24, 2025 @ 7:33 pm (LK time)

A fundamental rights petition has been filed seeking an order to reinstate the security forces that were withdrawn from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In his petition, Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed that the decision to remove his security personnel was made without a proper threat assessment. He highlighted that his current security detail has been reduced to only 60 officers, consisting solely of police personnel.

Rajapaksa emphasized that, as the leader who oversaw the end of a three-decade-long war, he continues to face threats to his life, including those from terrorist groups. He has requested the court to direct the respondents to conduct a comprehensive threat assessment and ensure adequate protection.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and several other ministers have been named as respondents in the case.

The former President has also urged the court to rule that the respondents violated his fundamental rights by arbitrarily reducing his security arrangements.

24 Jan

Is the Government Promoting Homosexual Rights in Schools?

By unusuma.lk on Jan 24, 2025 @ 7:18 pm (LK time)

The Hela Kantha Balaya organization, representing the Patriotic National Force, has raised concerns about an alleged government-backed program promoting homosexual rights.

Lawyer Madumali Alwis, a member of the organization, claimed that evidence suggests efforts are being made to influence children’s perceptions through school textbooks.

According to her, this promotion allegedly undermines the recognition of the existence of two genders in society. She also accused certain non-governmental organizations of being the driving force behind this initiative.

Furthermore, Alwis alleged that a significant medical mafia is involved in encouraging homosexuality among children.

However, she emphasized that while there is no objection to individuals exercising their rights to homosexual advocacy privately.

24 Jan

Kutti Volunteers to Take Mahinda Home.!

By unusuma.lk on Jan 24, 2025 @ 7:12 pm (LK time)

Speaking to the media today (24), former MP Tissa Kuttiarachchi expressed that it would be more fitting for current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to abolish the executive presidency before considering the repossession of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence.

The former MP accused the National People’s Force, which previously opposed the executive presidency system, of now wielding executive powers without hesitation.

Kuttiarachchi further stated that if the government intends to reclaim Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence, they should formally request it through an official letter. He added that Mahinda Rajapaksa is prepared to welcome to his residence and treat him as a modern-day living Dutugemunu.

23 Jan

Did Wijesiri’s Remark Spark a Parliament Meal Price Hike?

By unusuma.lk on Jan 23, 2025 @ 9:17 pm (LK time)

The government has taken steps to address an insulting statement made yesterday (22) by SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri in Parliament, where he claimed that ruling party MPs would be left cleaning the Parliament canteen and, if delayed, would only have dangkuda (scraps) left to eat.

Responding to the remarks, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Ratnayake, announced that a proposal to increase the price of meals in Parliament will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Minister Ratnayake expressed optimism that the Parliamentary House Committee would grant its approval for the proposal today (23).

Once implemented, market prices will be charged for all food and beverages at the Parliament canteen. As per the proposal, a single meal would cost between Rs. 2000-3000.

Currently, a parliamentary meal is priced at Rs. 300, a rate that has remained unchanged since 2022.

23 Jan

Will Namal Rajapaksa Be Sri Lanka’s Next Executive President?

By unusuma.lk on Jan 23, 2025 @ 9:11 pm (LK time)

Speaking to the media today (23), former Member of Parliament Tissa Kuttiarachchi highlighted that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has initiated a program aimed at uniting various groups dispersed across villages. He added that party leaders will later engage in discussions regarding the formation of a broader alliance.

Mr. Kuttiarachchi remarked that those who sought revenge against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa ultimately contributed to his rise to power as President. He further emphasized that only Namal Rajapaksa has the potential to lead the country forward from where it currently stands.

He concluded by stating that the consequence of targeting MP Namal Rajapaksa for revenge will ultimately lead to his inevitable ascent as the Executive President of Sri Lanka.

23 Jan

While the Government Grounds Kings, the Opposition Shoulders Them.!

By unusuma.lk on Jan 23, 2025 @ 8:47 pm (LK time)

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, addressing Parliament today (23), announced that the government will take definitive action to relieve the public from the financial burden of maintaining former presidents, first ladies, and ministers, despite ongoing objections.

The Minister also stated that opposition members without party affiliations have established a forum titled the “Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Mansion Saving Forum.”

Dr. Jayatissa detailed that the residence, located on 30,554 square feet of land, has undergone significant expansion over time. Originally a smaller property, various adjoining plots were acquired, transforming it into a sprawling estate now spanning approximately an acre. The monthly rental value of the house is estimated at 4.6 million rupees.

He further revealed that over the past few years, more than 43 million rupees have been spent on renovations, which include the installation of modern electric elevators.

Concluding his remarks, Minister Dr. Jayatissa reminded Parliament that Mahinda Rajapaksa could vacate the residence at any time without awaiting official notification.

23 Jan

Key Decision on 10 Major Banks in Sri Lanka Announced.!

By unusuma.lk on Jan 23, 2025 @ 8:27 pm (LK time)

Fitch Ratings has revised Sri Lanka’s national rating scale and upgraded the national long-term ratings of ten banks. Additionally, the ratings agency has affirmed the long-term national ratings for five other banks in the country.

On December 20, 2024, Fitch Ratings upgraded Sri Lanka’s long-term local-currency issuer default rating (IDR) from ‘CCC-’ to ‘CCC+’. As a general practice, Fitch does not assign outlooks for sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or lower.

The following Sri Lankan banks have received upgraded national long-term ratings: