US resolution against Govt., not Sri Lanka -Kiriella

The US resolution on accountability and reconciliation, which was moved at the UNHRC on Thursday, was directed at the Rajapaksa government and not Sri Lankans, the UNP said yesterday.Senior Vice President of the UNP, Lakshman Kirielle told a news conference in Colombo that the US had only called on the government to implement the recommendations of its very own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).

UNP calls for demonstrations outside Temple Trees

United National Party (UNP) Vice President Lakshaman Kiriella today called for protest rallies to be held outside Temple Trees and Parliament over the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka instead of demonstrating outside the United States and Indian embassies. He told a news conference about the stand taken by the UNP on the resolution adopted by the UNHRC and underlined the fact that the vote was an indictment on the UPFA Government and not on Sri Lanka.

Why is the govt. following a policy of silence?asks Ravi

What we want is to protect the country and not create a situation where there are external challenges said United National Party Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake. He made this statement at a media briefing held on Wednesday. "On behalf of the monks, we ask the government why it is following a policy of silence? A situation where Sri Lanka could not even make an official statement arose.

Mattala airport has no oil tank, violates int’l law - Ravi K

The Mattala airport does not have an oil tank in keeping with international aviation regulations the, UNP charged yesterday.Senior UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake, addressing a news conference in Colombo, said that the oil tank was required to have a minimum capacity of one million litres, but the Mattala airport, which was declared open,

Govt. should talk to India, halt attacks on Lankans - UNP

The UNP yesterday called on the government to talk with India and ensure that attacks on Sri Lankans, especially in Chennai, be halted. UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake, addressing a press conference in Colombo, said that the negative approach of the Rajapaksa regime to national issues had led to Sri Lankans being attacked and humiliated on foreign soil.

Ranil calls for APC to face UNHRC resolution

Some international organisations are planning to call for a boycott of Sri Lankan tea and apparels and to urge tourists not to visit Sri Lanka if the US-led resolution on Sri Lanka was adopted at the UNHRC sessions on Friday, Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today. He told a news conference that there would be a severe impact on the country’s economy if the demand for our tea and apparels declined by even a meagre 10 per cent and more problems if tourist arrivals drop by a similar percentage.

The rule of law should be equal to all - Karu

A forum on the theme Unity through diversity, was held in Colombo on Sunday. The forum was organised by the National Unity Alliance. Several government and opposition political representatives participated at this forum. ''We expect the right to live, the freedom of expression, equality, irrespective of what political power we have or do not have, the rule of law should be equal to all. However, today,

If Resolution adopted , much pressure- Ranil

To pay for the sins of a dictatorial regime, the govt will in no way be allowed to send Sri Lanka and the people to hell, said the Leader of the Opposition and UNP Leader Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe today( 18) at a media briefing in Colombo . There was no purpose in demonstrating within the country against the serious situation which has arisen internationally and actually at present,

Ranil calls for early northern PC elections

Northern Provincial elections will be possible only if LLRC recommendations are implemented, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe said today. Addressing a news conference he said the Northern Provincial council election can be held in June if the government implements the LLRC recommendations and the 13th amendment. He said that the government will get the support to take measures in implementing LLRC recommendations. Ven. Ambanpola Gnanaloka Thero,

Sinister plan to paralyse BIA, says UNP

The main opposition UNP today charged that a sinister plan was under way to paralyse the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), by shifting the high-tech machinery and skilled staff to the Mattala International Airport which would be declared opened tomorrow. United National Party (UNP) Gampaha District MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene told a news conference today that this action by the government to

Ravi says fuel prices cannot be decreased by annulling an agreement

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake says that fuel prices cannot be decreased through the annulment of the agreement with the Indian Oil Corporation. The MP made this statement at an event held in Galgamuwa on Saturday. A UNP membership promotion programme was held in the Galgamuwa town. ''When questioned on a programme, Sarana Gunawardena said that Minister Susil Premajayantha has put forward a cabinet paper on annulling the agreement and taking over the tanks of the Indian Oil Corporation.

How many of these casinos are registered, asks Dr. Harsha

Speaking at a media briefing convened on Friday, UNP MP Dr. Harsha de Silva commented on several fiscal bills that are to be tabled in Parliament next week pertaining to the 2013 Budget. 'What the government is trying to do now is to secure loans through affiliated institutions rather than securing it themselves. Then the debt accumulated by the government does not increase.

Rosy says women in SL must fight for their rights

UNP Parliamentarian Rosy Senanayake says that Sri Lankan women will not be able to secure more political representation unless they fight for their rights. The MP made this statement at an event held in Colombo. An open forum on the subject Getting the Balance Right: Gender equality and political representation of women was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo on Friday evening. '...