Loudspeakers prepared for the Joint Opposition Rally in Nugegoda have been taken down after the Sri Lankan Police issued special conditions, citing the ongoing GCE Advanced Level Examinations. 

United National Party’s (UNP) Deputy Secretary General of Political Mobilization, Harin Fernando, said the speakers were taken down a short while ago.

Organizers have questioned the double standards of the Police, pointing out that loudspeakers were allowed for the National People’s Power (NPP) rally that was held in Tangalle yesterday, also during the A/Level exams, while the opposition has been made to take down the speakers for the rally today. 

The Joint Opposition public rally is scheduled to be held today at 2.00 pm at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre within the Mirihana Police Division. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has created a new senior position titled Deputy Secretary General of Political Mobilization, effective immediately.

Former Minister Harin Fernando has been appointed to the post. His main responsibility will be to unite political parties across Sri Lanka and coordinate a common program of action, according to party sources.

In addition, Fernando will oversee the organization of more than 1,000 meetings and rallies planned by the UNP as part of its new political mobilization drive. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara says an audit by the National Youth Services Council shows the former government spent Rs. 323 million for 14 concerts conducted under its Smart Youth Night programme in 2024.

Addressing the media, Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said, per the audit report, a concert was held in the vicinity of the Colombo Lotus Tower on 31st December 2023 for a cost of Rs. 22 million, an event the NPP had previously raised concerns over its funding.

He alleged that, as per the audit report, it had been found that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Sports Minister Harin Fernando had misused the National Youth Services Council for their personal political agendas. 

“At a time when the youth of this nation were suffering due to the economic crisis and attempting to leave the nation, these concerts were held. In 2024, the then government decided they must introduce the Smart Youth Night to every district, to promote their political agendas,” he said. 

Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said the audit report also reveals that the then government had failed to follow proper procedures and had failed to call for tenders when hosting the events. 

“Once the NPP Government was elected to power we received a comprehensive report on the Smart Youth Night programme. It was found that Rs. 323 million was spent for 14 concerts. Several of the bills are back-dated. They have spent first and then back-dated the bills, after which it has been sent to the relevant organizations,” he said. 

The Deputy Minister pointed out that even though the National Youth Services Council was established to build the youth of the nation, it had only been utilised to attract the children of former state leaders for political projects of the former government.

Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara noted that the audit report has confirmed that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Sports Minister Harin Fernando had misused the National Youth Services Council.

The audit report, along with all recommendations, has been forwarded to the Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, while Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara has instructed a formal investigation into this revelation.

Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara added that in the first week of January, the Cabinet of Ministers will decide on establishing an investigation unit to probe the misuse of money at all state institutions, including all ministries, during the tenure of the previous governments. (Newswire)

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Former tourism minister Harin Fernando has applauded Sri Lanka’s achievement of welcoming its 02 millionth tourist arrival today.

Taking to ‘X’, Harin Fernando said a target of 02 million was set for 2024 and the authorities have managed to achieve it. 

He further expressed hope that the government will be able to achieve the target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals for 2025 set by the previous government. 

“Delighted to see what we predicted for 2024 has become a reality, hard work paid off as we started with zero tourists, v limited airlines flying into Sri Lanka and ended 2022 with 709,000 arrivals, as predicted in 2023 target was 1.5 mil tourist and ended up with 1,489,000 arrivals, 2024 was 2 million and great achievement with all involved, kudos to the industry and Sri Lanka tourism staff, wish the new government to continue the good work as r target a realistic one for 2025 was 2.5 million all the best the everyone involved, Sri Lanka can #greateecovery #congratulations2M,” Harin Fernando said in a message on ‘X’. (Newswire)

Delighted to see what we predicted for 2024 has become a reality , hard work paid off as we started with zero tourist , v limited airlines flying in to Sri Lanka and ended 2022 with 709,000 arrivals , as predicted in 2023 target was 1.5 mil tourist and ended up with 1,489,000… pic.twitter.com/4jsjkNk4Yc

— Harin Fernando (@fernandoharin) December 26, 2024

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Former Minister Harin Fernando says he does not believe that the former Cabinet could be held responsible for the importation of inferior Immune Globulin vaccines.

Speaking to the media, Harin Fernando said that on a daily basis between 60-70 Cabinet papers are submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.

He further revealed that the Cabinet papers are created by the relevant ministry secretaries and given to the subject minister, who in turn presents it to the Cabinet.

Harin Fernando said, thereafter, the Finance Ministry issued recommendations, which was the standard procedure, adding that the rest of the Cabinet Ministers cannot be held accountable. 

The former Minister made the remarks after arriving at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today to record a statement concerning the importation of inferior Immune Globulin vaccines during the tenure of Keheliya Rambukwella as Health Minister. 

Former ministers Ramesh Pathirane, Roshan Ranasinghe, and Prasanna Ranatunga reported to the CID yesterday about approving the Cabinet paper presented by Keheliya Rambukwella for this purpose.

On 11 November, the CID informed the Maligakantha Magistrate’s Court that statements would be obtained from 18 ministers, who represented the Cabinet led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the time, regarding the approval of the Cabinet paper submitted by Keheliya Rambukwella.

Earlier this year, several Health Ministry officials, including Keheliya Rambukwella, were arrested and remanded after the CID launched an investigation into allegations that a pharmaceutical company had imported 22,500 vials of substandard Immune Globulin vaccines by creating forged documents with the assistance of the two senior state officials. 

Investigations revealed that financial fraud of Rs. 130 million had occurred via the imports of the said substandard medicine, under the tenure of Keheliya Rambukwella as Health Minister. 

Keheliya Rambukwella, who was remanded over the incident, was granted bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court after being in remand custody for nearly 07 months. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Harin Fernando who was arrested over charges of Election Law violations during the 2024 General Election, has been released on bail.

The Badulla Magistrate’s Court released the former Parliamentarian on a surety of Rs. 500,000 today.

Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police today on charges of violating the Election Laws of the 2024 Parliamentary Election via his ‘Messi 10’ t-shirt campaign in Badulla Town.  

On 11 November, a tense situation was reported in Badulla after the Police attempted to stop political campaigning by Harin Fernando’s supporters.

Fernando and his supporters were seen wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’.

Police along with Election Commission officials intervened and requested the former minister’s supporters to remove the t-shirts, stating that it was deemed an indirect campaigning attempt. 

An argument then ensued, with Harin Fernando and his supporters claiming that the t-shirts were not connected to election campaigning, with the former MP going to the extent of removing his t-shirt.

However, the Police and Election Commission officials stated that it was deemed a symbolic reference to the former minister’s election candidacy and was deceptive political campaigning. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Harin Fernando has questioned why action was not initiated against the supporters of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) who were seen campaigning for the 2024 Parliamentary Election violating Election Laws.

Harin Fernando raised the question while speaking to the media after having recorded a statement with the Badulla Police today.

He recorded a statement over the incident of wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’ in Badulla Town, a few days ahead of the General Election.

Showing pictures of NPP supporters wearing red coloured t-shirts during election campaigning, Harin Fernando said the t-shirt he wore did not bear the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol of his party and neither was the number 10 related to his candidacy. 

Stating that the new government was also resorting to old political ways, the former minister said a new law was being followed by the authorities in this case.

Harin Fernando further revealed he was requested to report to the Badulla Police to record a statement regarding the incident, but was not informed of a date, due to which he himself had reported to the Police today.

Following the recording of the statement, Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police on charges of violating election laws via his ‘Messi 10’ campaign. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police today on charges of violating the Election Laws of the 2024 Parliamentary Election. 

During a campaign held in Badulla Town close to the election, the former Parliamentarian had engaged in a heated argument with the Badulla Police, going to the extent of removing his t-shirt.

The Police state that Harin Fernando has been apprehended to record a statement concerning the incident. 

On 11 November, a tense situation was reported in Badulla after the Police attempted to stop political campaigning by Harin Fernando’s supporters.

Fernando and his supporters were seen wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’.

Police along with Election Commission officials intervened and requested the former minister’s supporters to remove the t-shirts, stating that it was deemed an indirect campaigning attempt. 

An argument then ensued, with Harin Fernando and his supporters claiming that the t-shirts were not connected to election campaigning.

However, the Police and Election Commission officials stated that it was deemed a symbolic reference to the former minister’s election candidacy and was deceptive political campaigning. (Newswire)

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A tense situation was reported in Badulla after the Police attempted to stop political campaigning by former Minister Harin Fernando’s supporters.

Fernando and his supporters were seen wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’.

Police along with Election Commission officials intervened and requested the former ministers supporters to remove the t-shirts, stating that it was deemed an indirect campaigning attempt. 

An argument then ensued, with Harin Fernando and his supporters claiming that the t-shirts were not connected to election campaigning.

However, the Police and Election Commission officials stated that it was deemed a symbolic reference to the former minister’s election candidacy and was deceptive political campaigning. (Newswire)

Indirect Campaigning: Tense Situation in Badulla as Police Halt Former Minister Harin Fernando’s ‘Messi 10’ Campaign pic.twitter.com/pbrpQ7USo0

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) November 11, 2024

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The Cabinet of Ministers has authorized President Ranil Wickremesinghe to implement visa-free access for 38 countries with immediate effect, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry announced today.

Taking to ‘X’, Minister Sabry said the government has adopted Singapore’s streamlined ‘one-chop’ approach, where a visa or a visa extension is issued with just one official stamp or seal (‘chop’) on the applicant’s passport. 

The Foreign Minister further said that this decision will help ease congestion at visa counters.

Meanwhile, former Tourism Minister and Presidential Advisor on Tourism Affairs Harin Fernando also confirmed that the ‘One-Chop’ visa-free system will be launched with immediate effect.

Also taking to ‘X’, the former minister said the Cabinet has given the President full authority to execute the operation.

The move comes as tourists are facing a delay at the Katunayake Aiport following the issue with the newly introduced visa issuance system in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Former Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara have been appointed as Presidential advisors by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with immediate effect.

Harin Fernando has been appointed as advisor on sports, lands and tourism affairs while Manusha Nanayakakara has been appointed as advisor on labour and foreign employment

The daily news reports that these appointments have been made in accordance with the powers assigned to the President as per Article 41(1) of the Constitution.

Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara earlier lost their MP and Ministerial positions after the Supreme Court upheld the SJB’s decision to expel the duo from the party.  (NewsWire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued declaring that the ministerial portfolios of former ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara will be brought under the purview of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

Accordingly, the ministries of Tourism and Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Labour and Foreign Employment have been brought under the purview of the President. 

The move comes after former ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara lost their Parliamentary seats recently as the Supreme Court ruling upheld their expulsion from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). (Newswire)

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Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara have stepped down from their ministerial portfolios, following today’s Supreme Court ruling to uphold their expulsion from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Fernando announced his decision to step down as the Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth, addressing staff members of his ministries.  

He stressed that his decision to take up a ministerial position was because of his need to serve the country. “If you think I made the decision to take up a ministerial portfolio, I would not have taken it up at a time that Ministers’ houses were being set on fire,” Fernando said. 

The former minister said that he believes that it is the best time to step down, as he has performed well in his duties. 

Sri Lanka clinching the ‘Best International Tourism Board’ award at the Global Tourism Awards 2024, and Sri Lanka Cricket’s recent success, were testaments to his dedication, Fernando said. 

Meanwhile, Manusha Nanayakkara has also resigned from his portfolio as Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment. 

Nanayakkara was informed of the Supreme Court ruling today, while attending a meeting with migrant workers earlier today.

“I am unable to work as Minister from today, but I wish everyone success to carry on with the good work,” he said, commenting on successful foreign employment programmes under his tenure. (Newswire)

The moment Manusha Nanayakkara received the news of the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the SJB’s expulsion of him from the party, which resulted in the suspension of his ministerial position pic.twitter.com/3rjyMhWO8D

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) August 9, 2024

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Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has applauded the services of Minister of Tourism and Sports Harin Fernando and Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara for the incumbent government.

Taking to ‘X’, Minister Wijesekera praised his fellow ministers after the Supreme Court today upheld the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s decision to expel senior members Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara from the party, a ruling that will see both politicians lose their parliamentary seats and ministerial positions.

Commenting on the court’s ruling, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said the two ministers had extended their support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a very critical time for the country.

He further said they both put their political careers on the line knowing this outcome in the hour of need. 

Full statement : 

The Supreme Court today gave an order in terms of the law of the country and the constitution of the SJB. 

Both @fernandoharin & @nanayakkara77 extended their support to President @RW_UNP at a very critical time of the country. They both put their political careers on the line knowing this outcome in the hour of need. 

No one can take away the work both did towards the recovery of the economy and the country. Tourism and Foreign Employment earnings and numbers speaks volumes of their hard work in the last two years. 

Before they joined the Government I have had many political battles on different political and policy views and opinions with the both of them. Not many would have put their political careers and their Parliament membership on the line for the country’s national agenda. They put the country before their political party. Thank you Harin & Manusha. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has upheld the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) decision to expel two senior members, Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara, from the party, a ruling that will see both politicians lose their parliamentary seats and ministerial positions.

The decision to expel Fernando and Nanayakkara was taken by the SJB Working Committee on July 18, 2023, following their earlier suspension in May 2022.

The suspensions came after the two MPs accepted ministerial roles in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government, contrary to the SJB’s stance as an opposition party.

Harin Fernando served as the Minister of Tourism Lands & Sports, while Manusha Nanayakkara was the Minister of Labour & Foreign Employment.

By accepting these positions, Fernando and Nanayakkara argued they were acting in the national interest, attempting to address the severe economic crisis facing the country. However, their actions were seen by the SJB as a betrayal of party principles, leading to disciplinary action.

The Supreme Court’s ruling validates the SJB’s decision, not only confirming their expulsion but also triggering their automatic disqualification from Parliament as per Sri Lankan electoral law. As a result, Fernando and Nanayakkara will also lose their ministerial portfolios. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by Minister of Sports Harin Fernando on the establishment of futsal indoor stadiums on a commercial scale.

As the first move, approval has been granted to construct 02 artificial tracks at Torrington and Sugathadasa sports complex in Colombo under a grant provided by the Government of Pakistan. 

Futsal, a variant of football played on an artificial field, requires an indoor stadium measuring 40×20 meters with a height of 4 meters. Several futsal indoor stadiums have already been constructed in urban areas across Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, the Sports Ministry said that given the growing popularity of futsal, the government plans to expand the sport by leasing government-owned land to private investors under a public-private partnership model. 

This initiative aims to construct futsal sports complexes on identified government lands and sports complex premises for up to 30 years. The private investor will also be responsible for the construction of artificial futsal courts. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has committed Rs. 113 million to execute key initiatives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed alongside the Ministry of Tourism and four other significant institutions, to bolster the tourism sector. 

The signing held in Colombo yesterday was led by the Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando and marks a strategic step in defining the future trajectory of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

The collaboration involves the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Buddhism, the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, and the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation. 

A key focus of these MoUs is the development of specialized paid health wards for tourists, a joint effort with the Ministry of Health to enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure and ensure the health protection of foreign visitors. Financial support will be provided to upgrade facilities in Dambulla, Bandarawela, Pothuvil, and Tissamaharama hospitals, with each receiving Rs. 20 million for the establishment of comfortable paying ward facilities.

Additionally, an initiative with the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) will provide electric carts for tourist transportation in Sigiriya. Agreements with the Department of Coastal Conservation and the Department of Wildlife Conservation aim to improve sanitation and bathing facilities in key coastal and wildlife tourist zones, including Yala.

Another significant highlight was the ceremonial approval of the newly launched Tourist Vehicle Import Scheme. In April, the Cabinet approved the import of 750 electric and hybrid vans and 250 buses to meet the increasing demand for tourist transportation. The event saw the symbolic inauguration of the first 10 vehicle licenses related to this scheme.

Moreover, the SLTDA plans to announce the launch date of the Comprehensive Marine Tourism Roadmap, which will outline strategies for the development of Sri Lanka’s marine tourism, an essential component of the industry.

During the event, Minister Harin Fernando emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration for promoting the tourism sector. He stated, “We realized that the main issue in tourism was about facilities and working together with our line ministries was key to solving these issues. We are at a time when the industry needs more investment, where taking care of travellers should be a key priority.”

These MoUs represent a significant step towards enhanced cooperation, sustainable development, and strengthening of the tourism sector, aiming to enrich the overall experience of visitors to Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The operational office of the United National Party (UNP) in Dambulla has been attacked by an unidentified group, Minister Harin Fernando said, hinting at pre-election violence.

Minister Fernando said the UNP office is located at the residence of former Dambulla Municipality councillor Maya Padeniya.

He further said that the office sustained damage to boards prominently featuring the images of President Ranil Wickramasinghe and the Dambulla Constituency Organizer.

Minister Harin Fernando made the remarks after having visited the site to assess the situation and implement measures to restore order. 

He directed the Police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the perpetrators responsible for this destructive act. 

Condemning the opposition’s alleged involvement, Minister Fernando labelled such actions as indicative of their desperation and inability to face challenges gracefully.

He added that authorities have lodged a formal complaint with the Dambulla Police, who are actively investigating the incident. (Newswire)

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Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando alleges that a certain group is actively trying to disrupt the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) progress and the  “Urumaya” program. 

Issuing a special statement, Minister Harin Fernando addressed the ongoing strikes and the attempts to destabilize the country for political gain.

“Some individuals are leveraging the current political and economic instability to further their political agendas. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, children were unable to attend school for two years, and public services were severely disrupted. The subsequent political and economic crisis left people without essential resources like gas and Fuel, creating a dire situation for the underprivileged. Now, as the IMF has made progress, this group is attempting to sabotage these achievements for their political objectives,” he stated.

Minister Fernando highlighted the hardships faced by the public during the crisis, including the inability to work, attend school, or access healthcare.

“When there was a salary increase for the executive ranks, many had no jobs to return to, no schools for their children, and no access to necessary medical care. The country was in a dire state. Yet, some people are exploiting these vulnerabilities, pushing their narrow and inhumane agendas,” he said.

The minister urged the public to recognize the potential consequences of these disruptions.

“The opposition is attempting to lead the country into further chaos. They aim to create anarchy by opposing salary increases for executive government employees and by disrupting essential programs. The people of this country must protect our progress and resist these destructive efforts,” Minister Harin Fernando added. (Newswire)

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Sports Minister Harin Fernando has challenged those accusing the national men’s cricket team of having been at nightclubs during the recent T20 World Cup campaign, to prove those allegations. 

Minister Fernando said he would resign from his portfolio if anyone could prove that the cricketers had been at nightclubs as claimed by some persons. 

“Our former minister recently said that the team had been at nightclubs and had only turned up for practice at 09.00 am during the tournament. If anyone can prove that these cricketers had been at a nightclub or party, I am prepared to resign,” the minister said. 

The Sports Minister further revealed that after he assumed duties, the Sri Lankan team won 07 out of 12 matches and lost two matches at the T20 World Cup. 

Minister Fernando also criticised those using social media to slam the national cricket team, adding “As a country, we need to help the children.”(Newswire)

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