By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): World leaders have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his recent election as President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The newly elected leader, who secured a significant victory in the country’s presidential election, has received a flurry of congratulatory messages, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s global ties.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu took to X to offer his best wishes, acknowledging the strong historical relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

In his message, Muizzu expressed eagerness to further strengthen the bonds between the two neighbouring nations. “As close neighbours, I am eager to work with you to further strengthen the historic friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Wishing you immense success in your new role,” he said.

Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, also issued a formal statement, representing the Japanese people in extending warm congratulations to Dissanayake. Highlighting the significance of this moment for Sri Lanka, Hideaki noted the country’s ongoing recovery from economic challenges and expressed optimism about continued collaboration between the two nations.

“This marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s journey as the country continues to recover from its economic challenges. I sincerely wish your excellency great success in your endeavour to lead the country and to achieve sound and sustainable development while further enhancing collaboration with the international community,” the Ambassador remarked.

Ambassador Hideaki emphasised the enduring friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka, coupled with the President-elect’s personal affinity for Japan. He reiterated Japan’s readiness to assist Sri Lanka in fostering peace and prosperity.

Additionally, the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, took to social media to commend both Dissanayake and the Sri Lankan people for successfully and peacefully exercising their democratic rights. “We value the strong U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and stand ready to work together on shared priorities,” she wrote on X, signalling the United States’ continued engagement with the island nation.

Similarly, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, also shared his congratulations via X, celebrating the deep ties between the UK and Sri Lanka. Patrick expressed optimism about future collaborations, particularly given the long-standing relationship between the two nations, marked by robust people-to-people connections, economic ties, and shared values.

“Congratulations to President-elect Anura Dissanayake on his victory. Sri Lanka and the UK share a long-standing friendship… I look forward to working with the President and his government,” he stated.

As Dissanayake prepares to assume office, the international community’s recognition and warm messages of support reflect a readiness to deepen diplomatic and economic partnerships, ensuring Sri Lanka’s continued progress on the global stage.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): All vehicle parades and marches will be prohibited for a period of one week post-election, Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General Nihal Thalduwa announced.

Strict measures will be against anyone breaching law and order during this period, he added.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): Newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended his thanks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, following Modi’s congratulatory message on his recent presidential victory.

Dissanayake, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), acknowledged the warm wishes from the Indian Prime Minister and expressed a shared vision of strengthening ties between the two nations.

In his response on the social media platform X, Dissanayake highlighted the importance of cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, aiming to foster development not only for their respective countries but for the broader South Asian region.

“Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for your kind words and support. I share your commitment to strengthening the ties between our nations. Together, we can work towards enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and the entire region,” Dissanayake wrote.

“Congratulations @anuradisanayake on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR,” Modi wrote on X, adding, “I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region.”

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has officially resigned from his position, submitting his resignation to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe following the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Sri Lanka’s 9th Executive President.

In his letter of resignation, Gunawardena cited Article 47 (2) of the Constitution, which mandates the Prime Minister’s resignation upon the election of a new president.

His resignation follows the conclusion of the presidential election held on 21 September, where Dissanayake secured a landslide victory.

Gunawardena extended his congratulations to the newly elected president, acknowledging the significance of the transition.

“I respectfully offer my congratulations to you for being elected as the 9th Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,” he wrote.

In his message, Gunawardena expressed hope that the new administration will continue efforts to stabilise and uplift the nation. He noted the challenges the country faces and commended the work already done to address the difficulties confronting the people.

“I hope that you, as the President, will be able to provide welfare to the people by continuing the work we have done to recover and lift the country and the countrymen from the difficult and challenging situation that Sri Lanka has faced,” he added.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, with a few showers being expected to occur in North-western province, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (23).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Mullaittivu district during the evening or night.

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere.

Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee, Matale and Monaragala districts.

Marine Weather:

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is currently addressing the nation in his inaugural speech as the ninth executive president of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The speech is taking place at the Presidential Secretariat.

Dissanayake stressed that he is not a magician, but is committed to developing the nation in his best capacity. The President further pledged that he is committed to navigating the nation towards a new destination, safeguarding democracy, changing the culture of politics and stabilising national requirements such as the economy.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): The swearing in ceremony of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the ninth Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka takes place at the Presidential Secretariat now (23).

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), is set to be inaugurated today (23) as Sri Lanka’s 9th Executive President.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, with Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya officiating the historic event.

Dissanayake’s rise to the presidency follows a closely watched election that extended into a second round of counting, marking a rare occurrence in the nation’s electoral history.

In a dramatic contest, the 55-year-old leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) successfully outpaced opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, while incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe finished third in the race.

Election Commission data revealed Dissanayake secured a total of 5,740,179 votes, while Premadasa garnered 4,530,902 votes.

The outcome underscores a significant shift in political dynamics, as Dissanayake’s message of reform and change resonated with millions of Sri Lankans amid the country’s complex economic and social challenges.

Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to his supporters:

“This achievement is not the result of any single person’s work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us.” He went on to say, “The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history.”

Dissanayake’s victory represents a shift in Sri Lankan politics, as his NPP-led coalition has captured the imagination of voters eager for structural reforms, economic revival, and stronger governance.

The campaign promised a departure from traditional political establishments, focusing on inclusivity, anti-corruption efforts, and the revitalisation of public services.