China Makes a Special Promise to AKD
Advocates Clash in Parliament over the Title
NPP Government Avoids Media Engagement
AKD’s Special Request to China
Hope Revives for Central Highway Completion
Internal Conflicts Brewing Within the Government
Government MP Husband Accused of Stealing Lawyer Wife’s Vehicle
Mystery surrounds the letter.
Parliament is scheduled to meet on the 7th Tuesday of the New Year. The last few parliamentary sessions after the formation of the NPP government devoted more time to discussing the qualifications of the MPs and Ministers rather than finding solutions and remedies for the burning issues of the masses.
NPP government speaker Dr Asoka Ranwala’s inability to prove his stated academic qualification was the reason behind this. Ranwala was unable to prove the validity of his qualifications, which led to his resignation, which created a parliamentary record, placing him as the speaker who served the shortest period. Until today, he has failed to prove the legitimacy of his so-called Doctorate to the parliament and to the people of the nation.
Doctor Harshana?
The parliamentary website incorrectly listed Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara as a “Doctor,” prompting the minister to file a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Many attributed this error to a lapse by parliamentary staff when updating the website. Parliament later issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, seemingly confirming it was an oversight.
However, Harshana’s decision to involve the CID sparked speculation that he intended to take strong action against the parliamentary staff. Yet, information suggests the website update was based on a letter from the office of the Leader of the House, Bimal Ratnayake, instructing the addition of the title “Doctor” before Harshana’s name. This raises doubts about whether Harshana was unaware of the matter.
Following Harshana’s complaint, the CID visited Parliament to question its staff. Around the same time, the letter from the Leader of the House’s office began circulating on social media. While its authenticity hasn’t been officially confirmed, the document appeared genuine, and no party has denied its validity. The parliamentary staff reportedly updated the website based on this letter, even though Harshana’s data sheet provided no mention of a doctorate.
The true cause of the error—whether it stemmed from the parliamentary staff or the instructions in the Leader of the House’s letter—remains uncertain and will likely be clarified in the CID’s final report on the matter.
However, after this incident, a heated discussion took place between Harshana and SJB MP Ajith P. Perera. Harshana refuted this since there is no position as an advocate in Sri Lanka and the use of this title by Ajith P. Perera is illegal. However, Ajith, concerning law books, pointed out that the position of Advocate does exist in Sri Lanka and it can be used. Ajith P. Perera also mentioned that Harshana Nanayakkara had also used the title of Advocate in front of his name in the 2020 General Election and campaign.
Hide from the media
Last week, the media reported another incident regarding Hashana. It was based on a message posted by YouTube journalist Kishani Alanki Perera on her Twitter account. Kishani had stated that she had requested an interview with Harshana, to which Harshana had replied that interviews could not be given without the party’s approval.
Surprised by this response Kishani questioned whether this was the latest stance of the National People’s Power, posting a note on the social media network.
Kishani Alanki said that she had informed the Minister that the interview would be conducted under the theme of ‘Recovery of Stolen Assets, Justice and Accountability’ and further stated that Harshana Nanayakkara had participated in interviews on her YouTube channel twice before the general election.
This incident shows that, based on the various emerging situations, the Compass government has imposed certain restrictions on granting interviews to its MPs and Ministers.
Senesh’s resignation
In addition, a social media campaign to degrade the Malima government began during Christmas week with the sudden resignation of Dr. Senesh Bandara Dissanayake, who was appointed by the Malima government as the chairman of the national television. This exploded like a firecracker lit by the government in the middle of Christmas because Senesh had resigned from the chairmanship in a short period of three months. At the same time, many people said that the reason for this resignation was the broadcast of a peace program on national television a few days earlier, in which a man wearing as ‘lenchina’ humorously questioned Malima MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi about the money hidden in Uganda. Others said that Senesh had resigned due to a serious problem in this connection in the management. The reason given for this was that Senesh had paid a large sum of money to buy the teledrama of two people who had worked together with him for a while.
However, while various information was being published on social media, Senesh had taken steps to post a long special note on his own Facebook page regarding his resignation. Senesh’s explanation is given below.
‘2024.12.24 Christmas Eve ‘Allapa Sallapaya’
Service number 1078 to Service number 2766
Service number 1078 is my service number until I joined the National Television as a trainee production assistant and resigned as a producer. Although I never expected to return to a position, it was a coincidence that I was suddenly appointed as the Chairman of the National Television by the Minister of Mass Media, Mr Vijitha Herath, as Service number 2766. After completing that task and handing over my resignation letter, when I had a chat with the current Minister of Mass Media, Mr Nalinda Jayatissa, ‘We had a mission that day.’ He recalled how he had assigned this task to me that day in a very friendly tone. ‘That was a big sacrifice, you made’ Those words were the heartfelt words of Nalinda, We both remembered that day.
On 24.09.2024, at around 4.45 pm, during a short break requested by the students during a lecture, I had a chance to check the calls that had been silenced on my phone while drinking some water. Among those calls that had been coming in continuously, I had missed a few phone calls and short messages from several friends of the newly appointed National People’s Power Government. In the meantime, a phone call came from Comrade Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, asking, ‘Where is Senesh?
I have a job to hand over. Brother Vijitha is looking for him.’ Among the text messages I saw, there was a short message sent by Brother Vijitha. ‘What are you taking..’ Nalinda asked in his usual friendly but somewhat forceful manner. ‘Thank you. I had no intention of taking anything like that.’ ‘Let’s talk about it later. I want you to take over the national television tomorrow. I need a decision soon. ‘ Nalinda disconnected the call. I called Nimmi. ‘Can I take leave?’ During a rather long call with Nimmi, Comrade Bimal Ratnayake called. ‘Send a letter to the university. It can’t be late. Send it now.’ When I called the Dean, Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, he greeted me and told me to tell the Vice Chancellor and call him in 5 minutes.
As soon as that call was disconnected, Comrade Premaratne Thennakoon called, ‘Senesh Aiya. Can we come home to take the letter..?’ He asked. ‘I haven’t taken permission yet.’ Unlike Prem’s call, there was no friendliness in Nalinda’s phone call at that time. ‘We need to be able to extend it even for a short time. Two or three months..? This is a job. Let’s do it now.’ he made up her mind for three months. Knowing very well the numerical shortage of the academic staff of the university, he requested the Vice Chancellor for a leave of absence from service, saying, ‘Sir, I think I can do the lectures somehow.’ ‘Go, boy, fulfil your national responsibility.’ Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, the Vice Chancellor, immediately assigned the administrative arrangements related to the new appointment to the Registrar.
On the morning of 25 September 2024, I received the appointment letter from the Minister of Mass Media, Vijitha Herath, at the Ministry of Mass Media with a warm embrace. I took the time to research the National Television and other related matters and planned to assume duties tomorrow. I only made a short plan that would fit into a short period of three months.
I assumed duties on 26 September 2024. Based on the idea of completing my service in three months, I started the operation with the help of everyone, saying, ‘I have a short period of time. I need to get this work done during that time.
Compared to other state and private channels, by the end of September 2024, when this government came to power, the National Television had been liberated from the weak and unrecognized level it had been at until then and had overcome the most difficult situation in its media mission, both in terms of creative and technical excellence, as well as in terms of the economic aspect as a government media institution, during the past three months.
■ To rebuild the trust that had been broken by renegotiating the taxes, debts, arrears and fines with institutions such as the Inland Revenue Department, the Colombo Municipal Council, the Electricity Board and Company, and the Bank of Ceylon, which had been problematic in dealings with the Corporation for some time,
■ To rebuild and strengthen the credibility of the relationships that had been lost due to suspicions of corruption and financial irregularities in the teledrama and television program production sector in the country’s advertising agencies, as well as the media industry and business sector,
■ To resolve the confusion regarding the loss of membership internationally, especially with the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Association (APBA) and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (APIB), and to secure membership again,
■ To manage unnecessary production costs and control administrative expenses when launching new programs to attract quality audiences again, as well as to purchase external programs such as teledrama To establish transparent financial administration by maintaining transparency,
■ To increase the audience watching the Corporation’s news, current affairs, variety shows, teledrama, cricket and other sports matches, old programs with frequent requests and other program categories on television screens by a large number of times, and to generate income from it by establishing a large audience in the digital space like never before,
■ To consider the National Channel, Channel I, and Nethra TV as three channels with separate identities and to start carrying out programs, technology services and marketing activities targeting different audience groups,
■ To prevent a recurrence of the past situation where employees’ salaries and allowances were not paid from time to time, and to pay employees’ salaries and allowances on time the National Television succeeded.
I expressed my gratitude to all the staff that supported me and discussed with the current Minister of Mass Media, Mr Nalinda Jayatissa, on 2024.12.05 that I intend to resign from this position from the date of completion of three months of my service period, which I gave without receiving monthly salaries, on 2024.12.25. I, who was appointed by the former Minister of Mass Media, Mr Vijitha Herath, as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Television Corporation from 2024.09.26, will resign from the position held in the National Television when my service period completes three months on 2024.12.25.
I am satisfied that this appointment, which was one of the first appointments of the National People’s Power Government that came to power, has enabled me to re-establish the National Channel as a quality television media institution that is nationally accountable to the government, the country and the people. I greatly appreciate the support received from the National People’s Power Government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Ministers of Mass Media Vijitha Herath and Nalinda Jayatissa, who supervised my duties.
I would like to express my love and respect to you, the dear viewers, who have not only implemented the short-term plan to make such a successful restart for the National Television but also to you, the beloved viewers who have once again called love to the National Television and joined its quality audience. I would like to note that the advice and information given to me from time to time by various scholars, friends, and enthusiasts, including Dr Prasad Samarasinghe, Dr Ajantha Seneviratne, and the recent past Chairmen and Director Generals, Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage, has been helpful to me. I also wish Comrade Gihan de Silva every success in all his plans and activities that he will implement as the new Chair.
Even though I have left national television, I have not had the opportunity to say goodbye to Comrade Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. I have to work with him again in the New Year, taking on another national-level responsibility. ‘I have to do that too.’ Nalinda said that again amidst the chatter….’
Anura to China
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India ended with several controversial events. Many people accused the President of signing several agreements that were detrimental to the country in India, but the government said that the President did not sign any such agreements. For this reason, many people are keeping an eye on the President’s next visit to China, which is more than the visit to India. The President is scheduled to leave for China on the 15th. Preparations are already underway, and it can be seen that India, America and Western countries are closely monitoring all these events. This is because they have already realized that the government is planning to move forward with a heavy emphasis on China.
It is not only the Mahinda Rajapaksa government in the past, but also the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government had a strong pro-China policy. Due to this, the relations between Sri Lanka and India at that time were somewhat strained. Especially after Mahinda Rajapaksa’s defeat, he publicly stated that India was behind his defeat. Gota also had a pro-China policy, and the result was the emergence of an anti-government popular struggle within the country. For this reason, India is also closely monitoring the current President’s trip to China.
Proposal from China
President’s visit to China is indeed a very special one, considering the events that have taken place in the past. A group of high-ranking officials of the Communist Party of China had recently visited Sri Lanka to plan this visit. At that time, the President was on a visit to India. The Chinese delegation that arrived also visited the JVP headquarters. Following those discussions, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva made a special statement to the media and said that there has been a close relationship between the Communist Party of China and the JVP for a long time.
As soon as the President returned from his visit to India, the Chinese delegation met the President at the Presidential Secretariat. There, the group also delivered a special message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the President. The message stated that as a mark of respect to the President, the President should present any new project he wishes during his visit to China and that the Chinese government is ready to implement it. With China presenting a unique proposal that no president has ever received, several rounds of special discussions have taken place within the government over the past few days, during which discussions focused on the project proposal to be presented during the visit to China.
In addition, a final decision is expected to be taken during this Chinese visit on the resumption of the currently stalled section of the Central Expressway between Kadawatha and Mirigama. The section has been stalled because the government has to pay a large amount of compensation to the Chinese company in charge of the section. However, the news we have received indicates that the government has received a very good message from China in this regard. That is, China has already agreed to completely suspend the relevant compensation amount or significantly reduce the compensation amount or construct the remaining section of the Kadawatha-Mirigama section.
In addition, China is also optimistic about the construction of the entire section of the Central Expressway up to Kandy, which has been abandoned due to the country’s bankruptcy. The information we have indicates that during the President’s visit to China this time, the relevant compensation amount will be paid and the construction of the Central Expressway will receive a good response from China. Also, as revealed in the ‘Inside politics’ column two weeks ago, China is currently planning to build a large oil refinery near the Hambantota port. It is also rumoured that China has already made plans to establish a huge industrial zone near Hambantota.
Anura makes a strong decision
However, it is also learned that the President is preparing to make a special announcement to the Chinese government during the President’s visit to China this time. That is, not to give a five-cent commission to Sri Lankan politicians, officials or institutions in any investment made by China in Sri Lanka. A major accusation against the government during the Rajapaksa regime was that various incentives worth crores of rupees had been given to Sri Lankan politicians and various individuals by the relevant companies when launching large investment projects.
At one time, even cheques worth crores given by a Chinese company to spend on Mahinda Rajapaksa’s election campaign were revealed by the media at that time. Therefore, the President has decided to lead a clean government without being subjected to any such accusations during his term in office. Therefore, the President has decided to inform the Chinese President during his visit to China that he will not hesitate to make strict decisions regarding the relevant projects if allegations are made that any money has been given to various individuals by the relevant Chinese companies.
Internal conflicts
We have reported more than once through the column that some conflicts of opinion are not visible to the outside world within the Compass government, formed with a two-thirds majority. We have taken steps to reveal information about various conflicts and disagreements that have arisen within the government over the past few weeks. This time too, we are ready to report information regarding several such conflicts that emerged within the Compass government last week.
The first of these was the Provincial Education Secretary had taken steps to immediately reverse the circular issued to the Western Province’s school teachers that they could not charge a fee for extra classes for their students. Deputy Minister of Labor Mahinda Jayasinghe had intervened in this and the Western Province Governor had later taken steps to suspend it. In this regard, Mahinda made a live statement on social media and mentioned the information about it. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the implementation of the relevant circular was temporarily suspended as objections were raised.
Meanwhile, Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the circular issued by the Ministry of Education on the 17th regarding the modules related to the Teacher Efficiency Reduction Program has also been temporarily suspended. The Ministry of Education is under Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
Complaint filed by wife
In addition, another controversial revelation was reported by the Lankadeepa newspaper in its front page on Friday.
Police sources have learned that an MP’s lawyer wife has filed a complaint with the Piliyandala Police stating that her husband, a Colombo District Member of Parliament of the National People’s Power, has taken away and using her Prado jeep and that there is a strong suspicion that the vehicle is being used for some illegal activity.
Police sources say that the MP’s wife also states in the complaint that she is unable to travel due to her husband, a Member of Parliament, being taken away and using her Prado vehicle.
The complaint filed by the MP’s wife to the police states that the MP’s husband having an extramarital affair with a female MP from the National People’s Power Party for some time and that he has not stopped the relationship despite being warned on numerous occasions to end it, the Lankadeepa newspaper reported.
A big job for Johnny
The government is currently preparing to hold the local government elections in March or April. The Election Commission is already preparing the necessary preliminary arrangements for that. Accordingly, it can be seen that political parties are also preparing the necessary plans to face the local government elections these days.
Accordingly, a special discussion was held in the Pohottuwa last week. Many seniors of the party participated in it, and the first thing that happened was the appointment of a young MP, D.V. Chanaka, as the national organizer of the Pohottuwa. The party had taken steps to give the vacant post of national organizer of the Pohottuwa to Chanaka after Rohitha Abeygunawardena, who served as the national organizer of the Pohottuwa in the last general election, joined forces with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In addition, the Pohottuwa party decided last week to hand over the management of the upcoming local government elections entirely to former MP Johnston Fernando. Accordingly, Johnny can be seen travelling around the country these days, preparing the party to face the local government elections.
Duplicitous Opposition MP
The issue regarding the PhD degree of the first Speaker of the Malima government, Mr. Ashoka Ranwala, ultimately turned on to the Opposition Leader, Mr. Sajith Premadasa. This was after Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, as the chief organizer of the government, stated that there was a problem within the country regarding the educational qualifications of the Opposition Leader, and therefore this was the best opportunity to present the educational qualifications of the Opposition Leader to Parliament. Accordingly, the Malima social media had seized on this speech by Nalinda and took steps to launch a strong attack targeting the Opposition Leader.
However, when the issue of Ranwala’s degree was discussed in society, Sajith decided to present all his educational certificates to Parliament as soon as Parliament began in January. The main reason for this was that a huge debate had arisen within the country regarding Sajith’s educational qualifications, not just yesterday, but since the 2019 presidential election. The issue had been raised since then by none other than the group loyal to Ranil Wickremesinghe.
However, with the challenge made by Nalinda, Sajith decided to immediately submit his educational certificates to Parliament. Accordingly, after submitting all the educational certificates to Parliament, Nalinda and the Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake again levelled allegations, saying that although Sajith submitted the educational certificates to Parliament, he had not taken steps to table them.
Otherwise, he would not given the certificates to Parliament. Sajith also had a reason for that. That was because he had received instructions that if the educational certificates were tabled on the same day, various people could take them distort them and commit character assassination through social media. Accordingly, Sajith went to the Hansard Department of Parliament the very next day and officially submitted all the relevant certificates to it.
However, after Sajith submitted these certificates, another special incident occurred last week. That was when an opposition member went to the Hansard Department of Parliament and took steps to obtain all of Sajith’s certificates. Sajith heard about it within the parliament shortly after.
However, since the compass had questioned Sajith’s educational qualifications, many people thought that these certificates would be obtained first from the compass. However, it was a completely different story and it was a special incident that the certificates were obtained by an opposition MP. Although this person had been politically hostile with Sajith for some time, in the past few days he had taken steps to sit very close to Sajith in parliament and show his friendship. It is also known that this person, being close to Ranil, had given the rope to Ranil and the UNP that Sajith did not have educational qualifications. Many people know that he used social media to smear Sajith with his blessing. He had collected Sajith’s educational certificates to give them to a weekend English newspaper.
In addition, during the last general election, a video was circulated on social media in which a certain teacher showed Sajith’s educational certificates to children, claiming that he was someone who did not have an 8th-class pass. At the same time, Ranil had also instructed his social media team to find out Sajith’s educational qualifications and start attacking him during the general election campaign. But they were also unable to find any educational certificates of Sajith because Sajith had never talked about his educational qualifications. However, it is a special incident that even though it has been almost two weeks since Sajith officially made his educational qualifications public, there is still no ‘noice’ from either the compass or Ranil’s side regarding it.
