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Results for “protests”

GMOA protests in Colombo over salaries and proposed bills ahead of 2027 budget

November 11·2 sources

The Government Medical Officers’ Association staged a protest in Colombo on Tuesday (10), opposing reductions to doctors' salaries and allowances, doctor shortages, and economic injustice. Protesters gathered outside the Colombo National Hospital, demanding the withdrawal of the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Organized Crime Prevention Bill. They also called for an end to trade union suppression. Assistant Secretary Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the association expects the 2027 budget, scheduled to be presented to Parliament on Thursday (12), to provide solutions to these salary and allowance issues. The association warned that Tuesday's demonstration was only an initial step, threatening further intensive actions if the government fails to address their demands.

Healthසිංහලதமிழ்

Strong laws are essential to suppress organised crime, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says

November 10·1 source

Strong laws are essential to control organised criminal gangs and international drug networks in Sri Lanka, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday (10). Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing in Colombo, Jayatissa said bills are not passed immediately. The public and civil organisations can submit views and propose amendments during parliamentary committee stage debates after gazetting. Jayatissa added that the government is prepared to remove unnecessary features. He assured that the proposed law will not affect trade union actions, strikes, protests, investigative reporting, or court coverage. However, he asked media organisations not to misuse media identity cards by sending criminals to news conferences.

Politicsதமிழ்

Suren Raghavan calls government's suspension of two proposed bills a public victory

November 10·1 source

Former State Minister Suren Raghavan stated on Monday (9) that the government's temporary suspension of two proposed bills is a victory for the public resulting from protests inside and outside parliament. Speaking at an opposition press conference, he said the anti-terrorism and organized crime bills should only be reintroduced after consulting legal experts, scholars, and civil society. Raghavan also condemned a police officer's insult of a Buddhist monk in Anuradhapura and accused the government of attempting to rename historic cities for tourists. Criticising education spending of 2.1% of GDP last year and 1.97% this year, he urged the government to step down if it cannot fulfil its promises.

Politicsதமிழ்

Anuradhapura sacred city development will continue despite protests, says Minister Samarasinghe

November 10·1 source

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said on Tuesday (10) that development works in the Anuradhapura Sacred City will continue regardless of protests. Speaking to journalists in Colombo, Samarasinghe described protests against the project as fabricated dramas staged for political survival, which cannot obstruct government plans. He said the works are fully supervised by the Sacred City Development Committee, formed with the participation of chief monks of the Atamasthana, alongside a special advisory committee, subject experts, and spiritual leaders. Samarasinghe added that excavations in the Aluth Nuwara area have uncovered evidence of a civilization dating back over 3,500 years, and steps are being taken to conduct more extensive excavations there.

Politicsதமிழ்

Batticaloa group accuses fisheries officials of abetting illegal purse seine fishing

November 10·1 source

Anthony Sil Rajkumar, spokesperson for the Batticaloa Anti-Corruption, Fraud and Narcotics Organization, alleged on Tuesday (10) that fisheries officials are abetting illegal purse seine fishing in Batticaloa. Speaking in Palaminmadu, Rajkumar claimed officials accept monthly bribes, fail to act on protests, and tipped off offenders. He noted his organization recently seized 14 purse seines with police and naval assistance. He warned that the practice threatens local fishermen with starvation. He urged legal action against named net owners between Poonochimunai and Kaluvanchikudy, and called for an investigation into individuals bringing fishermen from Kinniya and Karukkapana.

Economy & Businessதமிழ்

Harshana Rajakaruna warns SJB will protest if proposed security laws are introduced

November 9·2 sources

Samagi Jana Balawegaya Member of Parliament Harshana Rajakaruna warned on Monday that the party will launch street protests next year if the government introduces proposed security laws. Rajakaruna said the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act and Organized Crime Prevention Act would suppress free speech and permit warrantless arrests by security forces. He accused the government of steering the country toward dictatorship. He noted that Ministers Vijitha Herath and Sunil Wattagala had challenged these laws in court while in opposition. He also alleged the government is undermining judicial independence through the 22nd Amendment, citing the sudden transfer of the Gampaha Magistrate. With the budget debate scheduled from November 12 to December 14, Rajakaruna urged the government to fulfill its election manifesto promises rather than pursuing repressive legislation next year.

Politicsதமிழ்

Rajitha Senaratne warns government mismanagement is driving Sri Lanka toward another economic crisis

November 9·1 source

Former United National Party MP Rajitha Senaratne warned on 9 November 2026 that government economic mismanagement is rapidly pushing Sri Lanka toward a severe crisis and bankruptcy similar to 2022. Speaking at a Joint Opposition press conference, Senaratne said central government debt rose from 29.5 trillion rupees to 32 trillion, with domestic debt reaching 19 trillion and foreign debt rising to 12.7 trillion. He stated that increases across 12 tax types reduced the middle class from 72 percent to 57 percent, while about 75 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises face a severe crisis. Senaratne also warned that suppressing protests risks losing GSP+ tax concessions, noting that 171 million dollars left the stock market and fuel and essential commodity prices have significantly risen.

Economy & Businessதமிழ்

Joint Health Workers' Union to launch nationwide protests over eight budget demands

November 9·1 source

The Joint Health Workers' Union announced nationwide protests and awareness campaigns starting Tuesday (10), presenting eight demands ahead of the government's third budget presentation on Wednesday (11). The union previously distributed leaflets outside the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital on Sunday (08) urging healthcare workers to join the campaign. Demands include allocating at least 5 percent of the budget to free health services, filling vacancies, setting health assistants' overtime rate to 1/160, and compensating additional hours in five-day work weeks. The union warned it would intensify trade union actions before the budget's second reading if the government fails to meet its demands, claiming previous promises remain unfulfilled.

Healthதமிழ்

Niruksha Kumara accuses opposition of exploiting protests and Colombo floods

November 9·1 source

United Opposition co-convener Niruksha Kumara accused religious extremist forces of misusing Buddhist monastic robes to create disturbances, speaking to the media in Colombo on Monday (09). He stated that a protest pilgrimage over Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero's imprisonment deviated into demands for regime change, shifting from Colombo's Viharamahadevi Park to Anuradhapura. Kumara alleged groups are falsely claiming excavations are occurring at Ruwanwelisaya to provoke confrontations with police, warning that these actions disrupt tourism and undermine the country's economic recovery. Additionally, Kumara accused the main opposition, including parties led by Sajith Premadasa, the UNP, and the SLPP, of seeking political gain from recent Colombo floods despite failing to install proper drainage while governing.

Politicsதமிழ்

S.M. Marikkar accuses government of failing to clean Colombo drains amid flooding

November 9·1 source

On Monday (9), Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar accused the National People's Power government of failing to carry out the basic task of cleaning Colombo's drains after taking control of the Colombo Municipal Council. Speaking at a press conference, Marikkar noted that the Director General of the Department of Meteorology had identified uncleared drains as the cause of the recent flood situation. Marikkar also defended his record as a Colombo MP since 2015 against private media criticism, citing past infrastructure work including over 700 sub-roads, road developments in Wellampitiya, and his role in anti-government protests.

Politicsதமிழ்

Government amends proposed organized crime bill and delays debate following widespread opposition

November 8·1 source

The government has agreed to three key amendments to the proposed Organized Crime Prevention Bill and delayed parliamentary submission following domestic protests, legal challenges, and international criticism. The changes reduce police custody detention from 72 to 48 hours, remove criminal identification tattooing provisions, and drop certain Excise Ordinance offenses. The President confirmed the revisions at a National People's Power conference on Thursday (5 November). Opposition came from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the People's Struggle Movement, trade unions, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. A five-member United Nations expert committee also found sections violated international human rights agreements. With the 2027 budget scheduled for 12 November and debates running through December, parliamentary debate on the bills is now expected early next year.

Politicsதமிழ்

Pubudu Jayagoda says amendments to organized crimes bill will not resolve fundamental flaws

November 7·1 source

Speaking in Colombo on Friday, Frontline Socialist Party Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda stated that proposed amendments to the Prevention of Organized Crimes Bill will not address its fundamental flaws. President Ranil Wickremesinghe had announced three revisions on Thursday: reducing police detention from 72 to 48 hours, altering identification based on body tattoos, and removing Excise Ordinance offenses. Jayagoda claimed the concessions followed public protests near Parliament on 4 November, but warned dangerous provisions remain, including detention without judicial oversight and recalling remand detainees for police interrogation up to six months. He added that offenses concerning gambling, wildlife, and antiquities remain covered, while also calling for the abandonment of the counter-terrorism bill and repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Politicsதமிழ்

NPP MP Prabhu alleges Mayilathamadu pasture land protests are driven by political motives

November 5·1 source

Batticaloa District National People's Power MP Kanthasamy Prabhu stated in Parliament on Wednesday (4) that protests over the Mayilathamadu and Madhavanai pasture land issue are politically motivated. He said the government will provide a conflict-free solution to the long-standing dispute. He noted that the President had instructed authorities during a district coordination committee meeting to release the pasture land used by cattle farmers. Prabhu accused Tamil nationalist parties of staging political dramas instead of acting for public welfare. He questioned why they failed to resolve the issue when R. Sampanthan was Opposition Leader and their members held provincial ministerial posts.

Politicsதமிழ்

People's Struggle Movement protests near Parliament demanding repeal of anti-terror laws

November 4·2 sources

The People’s Struggle Movement staged a protest near Parliament on 4 November 2026, demanding the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and other security legislation. Demonstrators, joined by groups including the Frontline Socialist Party and Women’s Movement for Freedom, carried mock prison windows, painted their bodies, and disrupted vehicular traffic. Protesters opposed the PTA, the proposed PSTA, and a third law—identified as the Online Safety Act by FT.lk, but as the Organized Crime Act by Virakesari. Addressing the rally, executive committee member Vasantha Mudalige warned that the proposed laws would suppress public dissent against government economic policies and undermine civil liberties.

PoliticsEnglishதமிழ்

Opposition protests in Parliament on 3 November over blocked no-confidence motion against Speaker

November 4·12 sources

Opposition MPs staged a protest in Parliament on 3 November 2026 after Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih refused immediate permission to raise privilege issues over a blocked no-confidence motion against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa argued that rejecting the motion—signed by 44 MPs containing 50 charges—violated parliamentary privileges and democratic rights. MP Dayasiri Jayasekara noted that the motion had been set aside on sub judice grounds. Salih said five privilege questions arrived after 9:00 a.m. and required examination. However, The Morning reported that Jayasekara and MP Mujibur Rahman disputed this, stating they had submitted theirs before 9:00 a.m. Opposition MPs displayed placards and chanted slogans in the chamber, while Dinamina reported that parliamentary staff prevented several opposition members from attempting to take the Mace.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Gnanamuthu Srineasan says Batticaloa pasture land dispute is a livelihood issue, not racism

November 4·1 source

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (3), Sri Lanka Tamil Arasu Kachchi MP Gnanamuthu Srineasan stated that the Mayilathamadu-Madhavanai pasture land dispute in Batticaloa is a livelihood problem rather than a racist one. Srineasan said the dispute affects over 500,000 cattle and more than 4,000 farmers. He rejected attempts, including by Minister Chandrasekar, to frame the matter using racial or religious terms. According to Srineasan, illegal settlers are cultivating the pasture land, carrying illegal firearms, and shooting cattle. He noted that no action has been taken despite a court eviction order. He added that representatives had appealed to the President and ministers and held peaceful protests, urging solutions and national unity through proper power-sharing.

Politicsதமிழ்

Dayasiri Jayasekara criticises security bills, claiming government turned country into open prison

November 3·1 source

United People's Power MP Dayasiri Jayasekara stated on 2 November that new crime prevention and security bills are transforming Sri Lanka into an open prison and a military state. Speaking in Colombo, he said arrest powers were extended to the military and other bodies, while the Defence Secretary was permitted to detain suspects for up to one year. Jayasekara also accused the government of suppressing protests, ignoring international human rights bodies, raising fuel and food prices, and increasing taxes more than 12 times. He added that the Speaker denied permission for a parliamentary committee to probe prison crises, saying the Speaker must take responsibility for future prison incidents.

Politicsதமிழ்

Saman Rathnapriya accuses government of introducing anti-terror law harsher than PTA

November 3·1 source

Former United National Party MP Saman Rathnapriya has accused the government of introducing anti-terrorism legislation harsher than the Prevention of Terrorism Act to suppress dissent. Speaking in Colombo on Monday (02), Rathnapriya alleged the proposed Bill to Protect the Country from Terrorism and Bill on Organized Crimes retain all PTA provisions. He claimed the legislation allows the president to classify individuals as terrorists, ban trade unions whose protests harm the economy, and authorize detentions of up to two years. Rathnapriya stated that government leaders, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, previously campaigned against the PTA but now fear public unrest over unfulfilled promises.

Politicsதமிழ்

Sarvajana Adhikaram says NPP government faces crisis similar to LTTE in 2009

November 3·1 source

On Monday (2), Sarvajana Adhikaram youth wing leader Madushan Siriwardena claimed the National People's Power government is facing a political crisis comparable to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's final situation at Nandikadal in 2009. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Siriwardena said the government is introducing a repressive counter-terrorism bill to retain power amid declining public support and farmer protests. He warned that the proposed bill's third section defines terrorism in a way that could classify peaceful labor demonstrations and trade union actions as terrorist acts. Siriwardena also alleged that ministers may face charges regarding coal procurement, a 323-container issue, and Minister Lal Kantha's assets once their term ends.

Politicsதமிழ்

Central Bank governor says essential economic policies must be implemented despite public opposition

November 2·6 sources

Speaking at the University of Kelaniya on 1 November, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said essential economic policies must be implemented regardless of whether the public supports them. Weerasinghe warned that avoiding necessary policies based on public opinion could cause serious harm to the country. He noted that the Central Bank had already enforced strict measures and would not hesitate to introduce further necessary decisions. Acknowledging that required tax increases could trigger protests and social instability, he stated that the government has a responsibility to clearly explain the economic impacts of tax adjustments to the public. Weerasinghe added that timely implementation of unpopular but vital decisions had maintained relative economic stability amidst Sri Lanka's recent political and economic crises.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

IGP instructs police officers not to torture suspects to obtain confessions

November 2·1 source

Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya has instructed all police officers not to assault or torture suspects to obtain confessions. He emphasized that such confessions are legally inadmissible in court. The instructions were issued during a Zoom meeting on Friday, chaired by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, Ministry Secretary W.R.P. Seneviratne, and Weerasooriya. The discussion followed severe public protests over the deaths of two youths while in police custody and revelations of underlying procedural failures. Weerasooriya clarified that no arrest or prosecution targets had been assigned to police, urging officers to respect suspects' legal rights and not predetermine guilt. A presentation submitted during the meeting detailed issues including failures to maintain proper arrest records and situations where suspects required medical treatment.

Crime & Courtsதமிழ்

Thayagam Task Force coordinator calls for protests against Batticaloa pasture land grabbing

November 2·1 source

Thayagam Task Force Batticaloa District Coordinator E. Selvakumar called on the public to join protests against alleged land grabbing in the Mailathamadu and Madhavanai pasture areas. Speaking at the Batticaloa Media Centre on Sunday (1), Selvakumar pledged the Thayagam Party's full support for local livestock farmers, whose struggle has lasted approximately five years. He claimed that encroachers continue cultivating traditional Tamil grazing lands despite court rulings, which successive governments have failed to enforce. Selvakumar noted that an earlier Eastern Provincial Council proposal to allocate 10,000 hectares was later reduced to 3,000 acres and then 1,700 acres, leaving farmers without a lasting solution.

Politicsதமிழ்

Estate workers protest in Haputale demanding permanent housing for Meeriyabedda landslide victims

October 29·1 source

The Estate Workers' Central Centre held a protest in Haputale on 29 October, marking 12 years since the Koslanda Meeriyabedda landslide in Badulla District. Demonstrators demanded that the government urgently provide permanent houses for remaining families displaced by the 29 October 2014 disaster, noting that some victims have still not received housing. Protestors also stressed that upcountry people continue to lack proper land, housing, and full citizenship rights 200 years after arriving in Sri Lanka. They accused political leaders of making unfulfilled election promises. They stated that disaster-affected communities in Haputale, Weragala, Kalpathanna, and Meeriyabedda continue to suffer without solutions, warning that protests will persist until their demands are met.

Otherதமிழ்

Vasudeva Nanayakkara accuses government of seeking authoritarian powers through anti-terrorism bills

October 26·1 source

Democratic Left Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara accused the government of attempting to seize additional powers through new anti-terrorism bills to establish authoritarian rule, speaking at a press conference in Colombo on Saturday (24). Nanayakkara stated that introducing severe legislation reveals government weakness, arguing that the country currently faces no insurgencies, wars, or uncontrollable public unrest to justify restricting public freedoms. He warned that the government likely holds the two-thirds parliamentary majority required to pass the bills, leaving the opposition with limited recourse beyond voicing protests in Parliament. Nanayakkara added that domestic professionals, intellectuals, and international organisations oppose the bills, cautioning that the general public has not yet recognized the threat to democratic rights.

Politicsதமிழ்

People’s Struggle Movement protests in Negombo demanding repeal of Prevention of Terrorism Act

October 25·1 source

The People’s Struggle Movement staged a protest in Negombo on 24 October, demanding the repeal of oppressive laws including the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Organised under the leadership of activist Wasantha Mudalige, participants held placards and chanted slogans calling to tear up legislation protecting the government from terrorism.

Politicsதமிழ்

UNP alleges court was misled over order against monks demanding Gnanasara Thero's release

October 24·3 sources

The United National Party issued a statement condemning the inclusion and subsequent removal of monks' names from a court order. The order targeted monks marching from Kandy to the Presidential Secretariat to demand Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero's release. The party alleged that names of uninvolved monks were deliberately included and then withdrawn, misleading the court. Daily News reported that the UNP specifically accused the police of misleading the judiciary. The UNP argued the removals proved the monks posed no security threat. It also accused the government of hypocrisy for having supported earlier protests outside the Secretariat, and of taking actions against Buddhism and the Maha Sangha.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Duminda Nagamuwa warns expanding police powers risks triggering another civil war

October 24·1 source

Speaking at a seminar in Colombo, Centre for Labour Struggle Secretary Duminda Nagamuwa warned that granting unlimited powers to the police and army risks creating a situation akin to another civil war. He stated that new anti-terrorism legislation allows police to detain individuals without producing them in court and preemptively suppress public protests. He added that sharing opinions, liking posts on social media, or speaking certain words could become punishable offenses. Nagamuwa also warned that upcoming legislation could treat tax non-payment and protest fundraising as organized crime. He called on workers and students to unite against oppressive laws introduced following the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Act.

Politicsதமிழ்

Wasantha Mudalige condemns Sri Lankan opposition park protests and government rallies

October 23·2 sources

People's Struggle Front activist Wasantha Mudalige criticised both the government and the opposition for staging farcical acts instead of addressing public hardships, speaking at a press conference on 21 October in Colombo. He said the opposition became a laughing stock by performing witchcraft and curse songs in Viharamahadevi Park. He alleged the Rajapaksa faction was exploiting the Gnanasara Thero issue to revive nationalism. Mudalige also questioned why a government with a two-thirds majority held protests to defend itself, urging focus on living costs, the Anti-Terrorism Act, and International Monetary Fund agreements. Following visits to Jaffna fishing communities, Mudalige warned of a massive North-South struggle if authorities ignore fishermen's grievances, including Indian trawler incursions and inadequate harbours.

Politicsதமிழ்

Senthil Thondaman warns superstition-based protests against the president harm Sri Lanka's international reputation

October 22·2 sources

Ceylon Workers' Congress leader Senthil Thondaman warned that reports of religious leaders performing witchcraft or black magic rituals during protests against the President could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation. He stated that promoting superstitions hinders social progress while the world advances with modern technology such as artificial intelligence. Thondaman urged critics to oppose the government democratically and constructively on a policy basis, welcoming positive initiatives while pointing out negative aspects, rather than diminishing religious leaders' standing through superstitious practices.

Politicsதமிழ்

Buddhika Pathirana warns of renewed public protests amid power and economic crises

October 21·2 sources

Speaking at a press conference in Ethul Kotte on 21 October 2026, former Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Buddhika Pathirana stated that the end date for nationwide power cuts remains uncertain. Pathirana noted that fuel queues persist despite the QR code system, while a 13-rupee-per-kilogram increase in wheat flour prices has hit estate workers, students, and manufacturers. He alleged that Chinese investors are abandoning the Colombo Port City, requiring dollar compensation. He warned that climate of fear among journalists and the public could trigger protests similar to 2022. Pathirana added that ministerial interference in Buddhist monastic affairs undermines Sangha councils, and criticized attempts to restrict tattooing as violations of fundamental human freedom.

Politicsதமிழ்