NPP News

(-Colombo, September 23, 2024-)

Honourable President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid a visit to the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, today (23), where he received the Archbishop’s blessings.

During his visit to the Archbishop’s House, Colombo, the President inquired about His Eminence’s well-being and engaged in a brief conversation.

His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, expressed his congratulations to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his election as President, reflecting the will of the majority in Sri Lanka.

He acknowledged that the people have entrusted the new President with the significant responsibility of bringing about the necessary changes in the country, a task that may prove to be challenging. The Cardinal assured the President of his full support and blessings in this endeavour and urged him to prioritize the needs of the poor in his efforts.

In response to a journalist’s question, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith mentioned that the President had assured him of his commitment to thoroughly investigate the Easter attacks and to take steps towards uncovering the truth.

Auxiliary Bishops of Colombo His Eminence Maxwell Silva, His Eminence J D Anthony, Rev. Father Anton Ranjith, Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Colombo Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, Rev. Father Joseph Indika, Rev. Father Jude Samantha Fernando, MP Vijitha Herath, Former MP Bimal Ratnayake and President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne were also present at the moment.

(-Colombo, September 23, 2024-)

Honourable President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (23) paid homage to the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) and received blessings.

Upon his arrival at the Dalada Maligawa, the President was ceremonially welcomed by the Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela.

Following this, the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith and offered blessings to the President, who took part in religious observances before the sacred Tooth Relic.

The President also signed the special visitors’ book placed within the historic Dalada Maligawa.

Former Member of Parliament, Mr K.D. Lal Kantha, was also present on this occasion.

(-Colombo, September 23, 2024-)

In accordance with Sub-Article 52 (1) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Honourable President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Mr. D.W.R.B. Seneviratne as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security.

Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, a retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, holds a Master’s Degree in Human Rights from the University of Colombo. He has served as a founding member of the Special Task Force (STF), former Deputy Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), First Secretary of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Thailand, and the Head of Sri Lanka Interpol Sri Lanka.

(-Colombo, September 23, 2024-)

Mr. H.S. Sampath Thuyacontha, a retired Air Vice Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.

The appointment was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, under the authority vested in him by Section 52 (I) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Thuyacontha holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from National Defence University of China and a Master’s from Kotelawala National Defence University in Sri Lanka.

He has served as the former commanding officer of the MI-24 Attack Helicopter Squadron, the Anuradhapura Air Force Base, and the Chinese Harbour Air Force College. Additionally, he was the former Defence Advisor at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Pakistan, and commanding officer of the Katunayake Air Force Base. He also held the position of Director of Training at the Air Force Headquarters. He has been awarded the Weera Wickrama Vibushana, Rana Wickrama, and Rana Sura medals for his valiant service.

(-Colombo, September 23, 2024-)

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was appointed by Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the new Secretary to the President at the Presidential Secretariat today (23).

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake joined the government service as an Assistant Superintendent of Sri Lanka Customs in 1997. He studied at Rahula College, Matara, and obtained his BSc degree with first-class honors from the University of Kelaniya.

After receiving a scholarship from the World Customs Organization (WCO), he pursued a Master of Public Finance at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan. He was further awarded a university scholarship to complete an MA in Public Economics and a Ph.D. in Development Economics at the GRIPS-Japan. His research focused on the issue of customs corruption, and he has published several papers in international journals.

He is now accredited by the World Customs Organization as a Customs Modernization Advisor, specializing in Integrity Development. He has participated in several WCO international delegations to conduct programs in foreign countries aimed at enhancing the integrity of customs systems.

(-Colombo, September 22, 2024-)

The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. 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.

Our journey here has been paved by the sacrifices of so many who gave their sweat, tears, and even their lives for this cause. Their sacrifices are not forgotten. We hold the scepter of their hopes and struggles, knowing the responsibility it carries. The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history.

This dream can only be realized with a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision.

Let us join hands and shape this future together!