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GSP+ in Jeopardy? EU Insists on Scrapping Sri Lanka’s Controversial PTA Law

GSP+ in Jeopardy? EU Insists on Scrapping Sri Lanka’s Controversial PTA Law

GSP+ in Jeopardy? EU Insists on Scrapping Sri Lanka’s Controversial PTA Law

Editor April 19, 2025

With Sri Lanka’s economic hopes partially hinged on continued access to the European Union’s GSP+ trade concession,...

Govt to Shut Down Over 100 Underpopulated Schools

Govt to Shut Down Over 100 Underpopulated Schools

Govt to Shut Down Over 100 Underpopulated Schools

Editor April 19, 2025

In a move that signals a significant shift in the country’s education policy, the government has turned...

“Only Six Lorries of Paddy Bought? Hand Over the Country to Dudley” – Amaraweera "Only Six Lorries of Paddy Bought? Hand Over the Country to Dudley" - Amaraweera

"Only Six Lorries of Paddy Bought? Hand Over the Country to Dudley" - Amaraweera

“Only Six Lorries of Paddy Bought? Hand Over the Country to Dudley” – Amaraweera

Editor April 19, 2025

Former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has launched a scathing critique of the current government’s paddy procurement program, alleging...

Colombia Declares Public Health Emergency Over Deadly Yellow Fever Outbreak

Colombia Declares Public Health Emergency Over Deadly Yellow Fever Outbreak

Colombia Declares Public Health Emergency Over Deadly Yellow Fever Outbreak

Editor April 19, 2025

Colombia has declared a public health emergency following a rapidly escalating outbreak of yellow fever that has...

Police Warn Vietnamese Monk to Halt Unauthorized Foot Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka The visit to Sri Lanka by Thich Minh Thieu, a popular yet controversial monk in Vietnam, has been met with opposition from Buddhist monks in the country. Thich Minh Thieu, who arrived on the 10th with a group of his followers, is currently undertaking a walking tour across various parts of the island.

The visit to Sri Lanka by Thich Minh Thieu, a popular yet controversial monk in Vietnam, has been met with opposition from Buddhist monks in the country. Thich Minh Thieu, who arrived on the 10th with a group of his followers, is currently undertaking a walking tour across various parts of the island.

Police Warn Vietnamese Monk to Halt Unauthorized Foot Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka

Editor April 19, 2025

A growing controversy is unfolding around the visit of Vietnamese spiritual figure Thich Minh Thieu Thero, whose...

Police Launch Probe into Escort Provided for ‘Teacher Amma’ Event (Audio)

Police Launch Probe into Escort Provided for 'Teacher Amma' Event (Audio)

Police Launch Probe into Escort Provided for ‘Teacher Amma’ Event (Audio)

Editor April 18, 2025

The Sri Lanka Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the use of police vehicles...

Sri Lanka Finishes 9th in Asia as Youth Athletes Shine with Record Medal Haul

Sri Lanka Finishes 9th in Asia as Youth Athletes Shine with Record Medal Haul

Sri Lanka Finishes 9th in Asia as Youth Athletes Shine with Record Medal Haul

Editor April 18, 2025

Sri Lankan youth relay team in action – Saudi Arabia, 2025 Sri Lanka wrapped up its campaign...

California Sues Trump Over Tariffs in Landmark Legal Challenge

California Sues Trump Over Tariffs in Landmark Legal Challenge

Editor April 18, 2025

Standing amid rows of almond trees on a Central Valley farm, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched his...

Rs. 86 Million Missing in Church-Managed Easter Victim Fund

Rs. 86 Million Missing in Church-Managed Easter Victim Fund

Rs. 86 Million Missing in Church-Managed Easter Victim Fund

Editor April 18, 2025

Six years after the devastating Easter Sunday bombings that shook Sri Lanka, a fresh controversy has surfaced...

From Compass to Karma: Gammanpila’s Tirade Exposes Public Disillusionment

n a fiery address delivered at a local government rally in Kalawana, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader and lawyer Udaya Gammanpila launched a blistering critique of the National People’s Power (NPP) government, taking aim at its broken promises, treatment of war heroes, and what he claimed was a betrayal of public trust. At the heart of his speech was a single, powerful image: a three-wheeler that once bore a sticker proclaiming loyalty to the "Compass" — the NPP's symbol — now brandishing a new slogan: “Karma can also come as a compass.” Gammanpila recounted this transformation as symbolic of a broader shift in the public mood. “During the last election,” he said, “three-wheelers were proudly showing off stickers saying ‘This time for the compass.’ Today, they carry a warning: ‘Karma can also come as a compass.’ That alone tells you how deep the betrayal runs.” Using the rally as a platform to advocate for the Sarva Jana Balaya, under which his candidates now contest, Gammanpila turned his focus toward what he called the government's hypocrisy and selective persecution of those who fought to protect the country. At the center of his defence was Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, known as Pillayan, a former Eastern Province Chief Minister now facing legal troubles. “Pillayan is no terrorist. He is a patriot,” Gammanpila asserted. “If not for his defection from the LTTE with six thousand cadres and his decision to fight alongside the Sri Lankan forces, the war would not have ended. And yet today, it is he who is being hunted — while former LTTE members sit in Parliament, lead NGOs, and walk free.” He questioned the fairness of a government that forgives those who once fought for the LTTE but punishes those who fought against it. “Either everyone should be punished, or we forget the past and move on. But what’s happening now is nothing short of state-sponsored betrayal,” he thundered. “This is not a government of the people — it’s a government for the Tigers.” Drawing a historical parallel, Gammanpila compared Pillayan’s journey to that of Keppetipola Disawe, who once served colonial masters before joining the freedom struggle and being immortalized as a national hero. “Pillayan was taken by force at 14. When he grew up, he chose the right side. Why should he be punished for that choice?” he asked. The speech turned personal as Gammanpila condemned what he called the government’s callous treatment of everyday citizens, especially the working class. “Remember the promise to sell fuel at Rs. 150? To remove unfair taxes? To stop corruption and remove ministers’ commissions?” he asked. “What did they do instead? They went after the tuk-tuk drivers, the very people who trusted them.” He detailed how police were now stripping three-wheelers of their personalized decorations, once a symbol of freedom and identity, under the pretext of road safety. “These drivers love their three-wheelers more than their wives,” he joked bitterly. “And now even that is taken from them.” The symbolic unraveling of public support was encapsulated in one image: the betrayal felt by the three-wheeler community, once ardent supporters of the NPP, now disillusioned and wary. “That’s why they say, ‘The compass can come back as karma,’” Gammanpila said, his voice rising. As he concluded, Gammanpila made a direct appeal: “Let us not be fooled again. Vote for the Sarva Jana Balaya. Vote to end the lies. Vote to protect those who protected us. Let us reclaim the country.”

From Compass to Karma: Gammanpila’s Tirade Exposes Public Disillusionment

Editor April 18, 2025

In a fiery address delivered at a local government rally in Kalawana, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader and...