Andy Burnham has formally become the UK prime minister after meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace, the fourth person to hold the role in less than four years and the sixth within a decade.

Burnham, who took over from Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour party on Friday, accepted the appointment as prime minister shortly after Starmer had gone to the palace to resign to the monarch.

The former Greater Manchester mayor, who only returned to parliament a month ago, will now head to Downing Street, where he will make a statement to the assembled media before announcing his cabinet.

Burnham returned to parliament in a byelection staged by his allies with the explicit purpose of replacing Starmer, after the incumbent prime minister lost the support of many Labour MPs and a number of his ministers after a series of political mishaps and U-turns.

With no one else in the party competing to become leader, Burnham has been made prime minister without any contest and with limited scrutiny.

While the same happened for Rishi Sunak in 2022, he had fought a contest against Liz Truss weeks earlier and had very recent cabinet experience.

While Burnham has been an MP and cabinet minister before, he left parliament in 2017 to take the Greater Manchester role. (The Guardian)

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) conducted a Cyber Security Awareness Programme for the senior management of the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday (25), underscoring the importance of leadership‑driven cybersecurity governance in the public sector.

The programme was attended by Additional Secretaries, Senior Assistant Secretaries, and other senior officials and decision-makers representing various departments of the Prime Minister’s Office.

The awareness session focused on the evolving cyber threat landscape, emerging cyber risks affecting government institutions, and the critical importance of implementing the National Cyber Security Policy across public sector organizations. 

Participants were briefed on the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the need for proactive measures to protect government information systems and critical digital assets.

A key focus of the programme was the pivotal role of senior leadership in establishing and sustaining a strong cybersecurity culture. Discussions highlighted the responsibilities of top management in providing strategic direction, allocating adequate resources, ensuring compliance with national cybersecurity policies and standards, and overseeing effective cyber risk management practices across their respective organizations.   

The session also emphasized the accountability of senior officials in safeguarding critical information assets and supporting the work of Information Security Officers (ISOs) and Assistant Information Security Officers (AISOs). 

In addition, participants were encouraged to strengthen incident response preparedness and promote continuous cybersecurity awareness among all staff to enhance organizational resilience against cyber threats.

The sessions were conducted by Charuka Damunupola, Lead Information Security Engineer, and Thilina Dissanayake, Manager Capacity Development on Cyber Safety, who shared practical insights into current cybersecurity challenges, governance best practices, and the strategic role of executive leadership in strengthening cyber resilience within government institutions. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya chaired a Cabinet-appointed committee meeting on Wednesday (03) which focused on maintaining uninterrupted public services while managing fuel and energy use amid challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The meeting, held virtually, reviewed the progress on fuel and energy management, with school-level awareness on energy management to be conducted on April 7 and 9.

The Ministry of Public Administration said examinations, including the Grama Niladhari entrance examination, were conducted as scheduled.

It was noted that the guidelines issued by the Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services are being implemented across ministries, with progress monitored at ministerial level.

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media reported that it had reduced diesel consumption by 42 percent as of March 31, while continuing electricity and water management initiatives.

Several ministries, including Transport, Digital Economy and Justice, are maintaining services by deploying essential staff and utilising online systems where possible, while universities are operating online where feasible.

The committee also reviewed mechanisms to monitor fuel and energy management across public institutions. (Newsire)

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Japan’s parliament elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister Tuesday, a day after her struggling party struck a coalition deal with a new partner expected to pull her governing bloc further to the right.

Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the Liberal Democratic Party’s disastrous election loss in July.

Ishiba, who lasted only one year as prime minister, resigned with his Cabinet earlier in the day, paving the way for his successor.

Takaichi won 237 votes — four more than a majority — compared to 149 won by Yoshikoko Noda, head of the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, in the lower house, which elects the prime minister.

The LDP’s off-the-cuff alliance with the Osaka-based rightwing Japan Innovation Party, or Ishin no Kai, ensured her premiership because the opposition is not united. Takaichi’s untested alliance is still short of a majority in both houses of parliament and will need to court other opposition groups to pass any legislation – a risk that could make her government unstable and short-lived.

“Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said at Monday’s signing ceremony with the JIP leader and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura. “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”

The two parties signed a coalition agreement on policies underscoring Takaichi’s hawkish and nationalistic views.

Their last-minute deal came after the Liberal Democrats lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance. The breakup threatened a change of power for the LDP, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades.

Later in the day, Takaichi, 64, will present a Cabinet with a number of allies of LDP’s most powerful kingmaker, Taro Aso, and others who backed her in the party leadership vote.

JIP will not hold ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet until his party is confident about its partnership with the LDP, Yoshimura said.

Takaichi is running on deadline — a major policy speech later this week, talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and regional summits. She needs to quickly tackle rising prices and compile economy-boosting measures by late December to address public frustration.

While she is the first woman serving as Japan’s prime minister, she is in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity.

Takaichi is among Japanese politicians who have stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. Takaichi supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.

A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to emulate his policies including stronger military and economy, as well as revising Japan’s pacifist constitution. With a potentially weak grip on power, it’s unknown how much Takaichi would be able to achieve.

When Komeito left the governing coalition, it cited the LDP’s lax response to slush fund scandals that led to their consecutive election defeats.

The centrist party also raised concern about Takaichi’s revisionist view of Japan’s wartime past and her regular prayers at Yasukuni Shrine despite protests from Beijing and Seoul that see the visits as lack of remorse about Japanese aggression, as well as her recent xenophobic remarks.

Takaichi has toned down her hawkish rhetorics. On Friday, she sent a religious ornament instead of going to Yasukuni. (AP)

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To restore the Parliament as a supreme institution, Parliamentarians must act with the awareness that they are representatives of the people, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.  

The Prime Minister expressed this view during the inaugural session of the awareness workshop on parliamentary procedures for new members of the Tenth Parliament, held at the Parliamentary Complex this morning (25 Nov).  

Congratulating the newly elected members of Parliament, PM Harini Amarasuriya said; “I extend my congratulations to all of you who have been elected to serve as members of the Tenth Parliament. This Parliament holds a historic and special significance. We must approach our duties with a profound understanding of the responsibilities this institution entails.”  

PM Harini Amarasuriya said this Parliament is historic for several reasons, as 22 female MPs have been elected, marking the highest representation of women in our parliamentary history. 

She further said that 162 out of the 225 MPs are newly elected members, adding that this remarkable turnover reflects the public’s sentiment and the rejection of previous parliamentary practices.  

“The people of our country, who are politically mature, have sent a strong message through the general election. All MPs, irrespective of their positions, must recognize that they are first and foremost representatives of the people. Whether holding ministerial or deputy ministerial positions, we must prioritize the hopes and trust placed in us by the citizens. The disapproval of Parliament in recent years can only be reversed if we collectively work to meet the people’s expectations and uphold their aspirations,” she said.  

The Prime Minister went on to note that this Parliament must serve as a turning point in political practice, and this workshop plays a crucial role in equipping MPs to innovate parliamentary procedures while preserving its traditions. 

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, Deputy Speaker Dr. Mohamed Rizvi Salley, Deputy Committee Chairman Hemalee Weerasekara, Leader of the House Minister Bimal Ratnayake, Chief Organizer of the Government Party Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, newly elected public representatives, the Secretary General of Parliament, Deputy Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, and other dignitaries attended the event. (Newswire)

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The medical unit established for the Prime Minister’s Office was dismantled yesterday (Nov 05), with it being returned to public service. 

The medical officers, staff, equipment, medicines, and two ambulances included in the unit were officially handed over to the Ministry of Health by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputantri.

According to the PM’s Office, the handover took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, with Pradeep Saputantri presenting the relevant documents and keys to Health Ministry Secretary, Palitha Mahipala.

The PM’s office further said that the human and physical resources from this unit will now be redirected to serve public health needs under the Ministry of Health. (Newswire)

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The United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) for Sri Lanka, Marc-Andre Franche has reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to assist Sri Lanka in its development initiatives.

Marc-Andre Franche made the commitment while making a courtesy call to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at her office in Colombo yesterday (Oct 22).  

Extending his best wishes to the Prime Minister, the UN Resident Coordinator stated that the UN offered its support to Sri Lanka’s poverty reduction agenda and digitalisation programme.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting also highlighted the issue of women’s empowerment with the UN stating that it was keen to assist the process in Sri Lanka. 

Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mahinda Gunarathna, Director General of the United Nations and Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dayani Mendis, along with Patrick Mc Carthy and Nethmini Medawala from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator participated in the discussion. (Newswire)

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A special discussion has been held between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and officials of the Education Ministry concerning the recent Grade 05 scholarship examination paper leak. 

At the discussion held yesterday, the Education Ministry officials briefed the Prime Minister on the measures that have been taken with regard to the incident. 

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the following measures were conveyed to the Prime Minister;

• A preliminary probe was conducted by the Examinations Department and a report on the relevant officials involved in the paper leak has been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). 
• The CID has launched investigations and has already apprehended one suspect involved in the paper leak.
• The CID has informed that it intends to conclude the investigation shortly.
• The Education Ministry will initiate legal action against those found guilty. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya had instructed the Education Ministry to appoint a committee consisting of local and international experts to obtain recommendations on improving the paper marking system.

The Prime Minister further instructed the officials to take measures based on the probe reports in a manner that does not further affect the children or parents concerned with the scholarship exam. (Newswire) 

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The government has announced plans to establish 10 botanical gardens in Sri Lanka.

Addressing Parliament today, Prime Minister Gunawardena said Sri Lanka currently has five botanical gardens, which are located in Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Gampaha, Avissawela, and Hambantota. 

Revealing details of the new initiative, the Prime Minister said that 10 more botanical gardens will be established based on the climate zones in the country.

“The botanical gardens will be established in various parts of Sri Lanka, including Galle, Vavuniya, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, and Deniyaya.

“Plans are underway for a Mangrove Botanic Garden at Akmeemana in Galle. Botanic gardens are planned in Vavuniya, Ampara, Polonnaruwa and Deniyaya,” he added. 

The Prime Minister emphasized that the botanical gardens will benefit people across the country, especially school children.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s announcement coincides with World Environment Day, marked today (June 05). (Newswire)

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The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin will undertake a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 03 – 04 February 2024 at the invitation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The Prime Minister will participate at the ceremony to mark the 76th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka as Guest of Honour.

During the visit, the Thai Prime Minister is scheduled to have official discussions with President Wickremesinghe, and witness the signing of the historic Sri Lanka – Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA). The Free Trade Agreement will be signed by Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand and Nalin Fernando, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security of Sri Lanka.

The SLTFTA is expected to boost trade and investment ties between the two countries and promote deeper integration with ASEAN economies. Additionally, the two sides are expected to renew the Air Services Agreement and conclude a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute of Sri Lanka and The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand.

A Sri Lanka- Thailand Business Forum organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion and Department of Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and the Department of Commerce and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka will also take place at the Kingsbury Hotel during the visit.

The Thai Prime Minister will be accompanied by a 39 member delegation including Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce,  Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and a top-level business delegation. (NewsWire)

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The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party has addressed rumours being spread on the alleged re-appointment of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the media today, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said no requests have been made to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister.

Refuting the various reports in this regard, Sagara Kariyawasam further stated that reports spreading so are false.

His comments come after reports circulated on social media claiming that the President was allegedly taking measures to reappoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister of the country. (NewsWire)

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There are attempts to remove Dinesh Gunawardena from the post of Prime Minister and appoint former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Channa Jayasumana claimed.

Freedom People’s Alliance MP Channa Jayasumana told the media that MPs from the ruling party have requested support for this move.

“Our friends from the ruling party brought forth a proposal stating that there are moves to create a change to the post of Prime Minister. They said they intend to remove Dinesh Gunawardena from the post and reappoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister,” MP Jayasumana said. 

He further stated that the government will have to resign if such a move is made, adding that the nation’s problems cannot be resolved by changing the premiership. 

“We will not extend our support for this. Mahinda Rajapaksa must now retire from politics and enjoy his retirement at home,” the MP added. (NewsWire)

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