May 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral relations following the successful conclusion of the second round of political consultations held in Ankara earlier this week.

The discussions, which took place at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (05), brought together senior officials from both countries to review ongoing cooperation and identify new opportunities for partnership across several strategic sectors.

Representing Sri Lanka was Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Turkish delegation was led by Ambassador Cihad Erginay, Director General for South Asia at Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, the talks reflected the growing importance both nations place on maintaining close diplomatic engagement and strengthening ties rooted in long-standing friendship, mutual respect and shared international interests.

The consultations covered a broad range of subjects, including political relations, economic cooperation, trade, defence collaboration, maritime affairs, education, scientific research and regional security developments. Both sides also explored ways to encourage greater investment and business partnerships, particularly in industries such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, logistics and emerging technologies.

Sri Lanka also conveyed its appreciation to the Turkish government for the humanitarian support provided following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Officials from both countries discussed the possibility of further collaboration in recovery efforts, infrastructure development and long-term resilience planning.

Defence and security cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with both delegations expressing interest in enhancing institutional partnerships, training opportunities and knowledge-sharing initiatives between the two countries.

The talks additionally focused on improving connectivity between Sri Lanka and Türkiye, including strengthening aviation links between Colombo and Istanbul and expanding cooperation in maritime services and blue economy initiatives linked to the Indian Ocean region.

Education and innovation were identified as important areas for future collaboration, with both governments emphasising the need to accelerate pending agreements relating to higher education, vocational training and scientific exchange programmes.

The delegations also exchanged views on several international and regional developments, including evolving situations in West Asia, South Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region. Both countries reaffirmed their support for multilateral diplomacy and pledged continued cooperation within the United Nations and other international platforms.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry noted that the successful consultations demonstrated the strong political commitment of both governments to elevate relations further and pursue closer cooperation aimed at economic growth, regional stability and shared prosperity.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has urged the government to immediately move forward with long-delayed Provincial Council elections, warning against what it described as repeated attempts to postpone the process through committees and procedural justifications.

Addressing the media, PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi expressed concern over the prolonged absence of elections in several provinces, noting that some regions have gone more than a decade without elected provincial representatives.

He pointed out that the Eastern Province last held polls in 2012, while voters in the Uva Province have not elected a Provincial Council since 2014.

Hettiarachchi stressed that these provinces have effectively remained under the administration of appointed Governors for years, depriving residents of direct democratic representation at the provincial level.

He further criticised the government for failing to honour promises made during its election campaign, recalling that the ruling administration had pledged to conduct both Local Government and Provincial Council elections within its first year in office.

According to Hettiarachchi, despite more than eighteen months having passed since the current leadership assumed power, there has been little indication of practical preparations or a clear roadmap for holding the long-overdue elections.

He also accused successive governments of repeatedly using electoral reform discussions as a pretext to postpone polls. Referring to reports of another committee being appointed to study electoral reforms, Hettiarachchi argued that sufficient recommendations and expert reports already exist after years of consultations involving political parties, civil society groups and members of the public.

He maintained that the authorities should now focus on implementing those proposals through Parliament rather than initiating further reviews that could delay the democratic process even longer.

PAFFREL called on the government to expedite the required legal amendments and ensure that Provincial Council elections are held without unnecessary postponement, emphasising that restoring representative governance is essential for public accountability and democratic stability.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Vietnamese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, To Lam, is due to arrive in Sri Lanka tonight (07) for a key official visit expected to further strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

The visit follows an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and will see President To Lam accompanied by a large delegation comprising senior government officials, business representatives and diplomatic personnel. Reports indicate that close to 200 delegates are expected to take part in the visit.

During his stay, the Vietnamese leader is scheduled to address the Sri Lankan Parliament tomorrow, a move viewed as a significant gesture in advancing bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Trinh Thi Tam, stated that the discussions are expected to pave the way for several new agreements and collaborative initiatives. Areas likely to receive major attention include trade, investment, agriculture, aviation and logistics, alongside emerging sectors such as digital technology, innovation and sustainable energy.

Diplomatic observers believe the visit could mark a new phase in relations between Colombo and Hanoi, with both countries seeking stronger economic partnerships and broader regional engagement amid changing global economic trends.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police have announced a special traffic management programme in Colombo in connection with the visit. Traffic movements are expected to be restricted along several routes linked to the presidential convoy, particularly between Bandaranaike International Airport and central Colombo tonight, as well as during official engagements scheduled for tomorrow.

Security arrangements will also affect roads leading to key locations including the Presidential Secretariat, Parliament, the President’s House and the Colombo Public Library. Police said heavy vehicles would not be permitted on designated roads for several hours before VIP movements, while temporary restrictions will apply to other motorists during convoy travel.

Authorities have urged the public to use alternative routes where possible and cooperate with officials to reduce congestion and delays during the two-day visit.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): The firebrand attorney and convenor of the Lawyers Collective, Maitri Gunaratana, has alleged that the death of Ranga Rajapaksha, officially reported as a suicide appears to be an “organised or orchestrated incident.”

Speaking to the media, Gunaratana also launched a scathing attack on Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha, questioning his fitness to remain in office after the Deputy Minister told Parliament that a fraudulent payment was made “ten times by mistake.”

“Can a payment be made ten times accidentally?” Gunaratana asked. “He should be ashamed.”

The lawyer credited independent and social media for exposing the scandal, warning that otherwise the matter would have been covered up. He further noted that legal action should be pursued against the “Malimawa” party if promises to the people remain unfulfilled.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has voiced serious concern over the escalating conflict in the West Asian region, warning that continued violence and attacks targeting key energy facilities could further undermine regional stability and disrupt ongoing peace efforts.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Government stressed that the deteriorating security situation is particularly worrying given the large number of foreign workers living across the region, including thousands of Sri Lankan expatriates. Ensuring their safety and wellbeing remains a top priority, the statement noted.

Sri Lanka also underscored the importance of safeguarding civilians and protecting essential infrastructure, especially facilities linked to energy production and international trade routes that are vital to the global economy.

Calling for calm, the Government urged all sides involved in the conflict to avoid further escalation and instead pursue meaningful dialogue and diplomatic engagement to ease tensions.

The statement further reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s support for international initiatives aimed at restoring peace, maintaining regional security and preserving stability in global supply chains and commercial activities.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Laugfs Gas has announced a fresh increase in the retail prices of domestic LP gas cylinder refills, with the revised rates coming into force from midnight on May 06.

Under the new pricing structure introduced for the Colombo District, consumers purchasing a 12.5-kilogramme cylinder will now pay Rs. 6,245, marking an increase of Rs. 545 from the previous rate.

The company has also adjusted the price of its smaller 5-kilogramme cylinder, which has risen by Rs. 220 and will now retail at Rs. 2,500.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said today (07).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.

Showers are likely in the Western, North-western and Northern provinces and in Trincomalee, Galle and Matara districts during the morning too.

Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Southern and North-central provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain: Showers or thundershowers will occur in the sea areas around the island.

Winds: Winds will be South-westerly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph.

State of Sea: The sea areas around the island can be Slight to moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

LNW – Senior lawyer and Sarvajana Balaya General Secretary Ranjan Seneviratne has challenged the government to produce official documentation proving Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperema renounced his alleged Australian citizenship.

The challenge follows Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s statement that Suriyapperema was “not a dual citizen” during his tenure as MP or Treasury Secretary. Seneviratne argues this response indirectly confirms Suriyapperema was a dual citizen in 2010, when his certificate (No. C9 058 28) was issued.

“Simply release the renunciation papers to the media,” Seneviratne demanded. “The burden of proof rests entirely on the government.”

Drawing a parallel to the unverified Ashoka Ranwala PhD controversy, the lawyer accused the administration of attempting to sweep the issue under the rug rather than providing transparent documentation.

Seneviratne emphasised that the Treasury Secretary holds complete responsibility for the nation’s finances and must negotiate directly with the IMF and World Bank, and therefore the position should be above doubt.

The opposition has no plans to file a lawsuit, Seneviratne noted, insisting the government can resolve the matter immediately by publicly releasing the renunciation paperwork.

“Until then, the credibility question will only grow louder,” he warned.