By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): The Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, revealed that over 3.5 million eligible voters did not participate in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election, marking a significant proportion of the electorate.

Speaking during the “Big Focus” current affairs programme today (23), Ratnayake stated that this represents 21.54 per cent of the eligible voting population.

Out of the 17,140,354 registered voters, only 13,619,916 cast their ballots, amounting to a turnout of 79.46 per cent.

This leaves 3,520,438 citizens who chose not to vote. Furthermore, Ratnayake noted that approximately 300,300 votes, representing 2.2 per cent of the total cast, were deemed invalid and subsequently rejected.

Reflecting on voter turnout, Ratnayake remarked, “Typically, voter participation in presidential elections exceeds 80 per cent. However, this time, fewer citizens exercised their voting rights. This issue requires attention not only from the Election Commission but also from political parties, which play a crucial role in mobilising voters.”

He further emphasised the necessity for political parties to develop initiatives aimed at encouraging greater voter engagement, stating that while the Election Commission provides the necessary infrastructure, it is up to the political leadership to ensure voters are motivated to participate in the democratic process.

The lower turnout has raised questions about the political climate and voter sentiment in the country, especially in a year that has seen major shifts in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 23, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has been appointed as the new Secretary to the President, the Department of Government Information confirmed.

The appointment has been made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

September 23, Colombo (LNW): Following the resignation of Dinesh Gunawardena from his position as the Prime Minister, the dissolution of the Cabinet of Ministers will become inevitable, and political sources indicate that a person representing the minority community is to be appointed as the next Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may also be under his purview, according to political sources.

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: