Politics

Ownership Options Remain Open as Mattala Airport Awaits Revival

Asian TribuneFebruary 22, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Government says all ownership and management options remain open for the underutilized Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as efforts continue to revive operations at the country’s second international airport. Deputy Minister of Transport Ruwan Ranasinghe stated that the immediate priority is to make the airport fully operational before deciding on a long-term ownership...

No National Gas Shortage, Government and Supplier Say; Distribution Issues Identified

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

Amid growing public concern over empty gas cylinders and long queues at retail outlets, the Sri Lankan government and state‑owned supplier Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. have disputed claims of a nationwide gas shortage, saying that current challenges are due to temporary supply and distribution issues rather than an actual shortfall. Government Statement: ‘No National Gas...

Sri Lanka Parliament Reveals Irregularities in Coal Tendering Process

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

Following the current government’s assumption of power, Parliament heard allegations of irregularities and non-compliance in coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant. Opposition MP S.M. Marikkar tabled a motion urging the government to take appropriate action against all responsible parties, highlighting that coal shipments did not meet required specifications and raised concerns of mismanagement....

Sri Lanka Court of Appeal Orders Compliance with Approved Plan in Trincomalee Temple Dispute

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka on February 20 ruled that the dispute surrounding alleged unauthorized construction at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee should be resolved in accordance with the temple’s originally approved building plan. The ruling was delivered when a writ petition filed by the Chief Incumbent, Ven. Kalyana...

CID Officer Expresses Regret Over Arrest of Natasha Edirisuriya

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Sri Lanka to introduce new guidelines under ICCPR Act A former officer of Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has expressed regret before the Supreme Court over the arrest of comedian Natasha Edirisuriya. The apology was conveyed through a letter submitted by the State Counsel during court proceedings. ⚖️ Background Natasha Edirisuriya was arrested in...

Only One MP Declines Salary as Sri Lanka Reveals Parliamentary Allowances

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Debate intensifies over MPs’ benefits after new disclosures in Parliament Details of salaries and allowances paid to Members of Parliament in Sri Lanka have come under renewed scrutiny following disclosures made in Parliament on February 19. Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya outlined the...

Former Deputy Secretary General Challenges Suspension in Court

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

A former Deputy Secretary General of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging his suspension from duty. In his petition, he argues that the decision to suspend him was taken without a fair inquiry, rendering it unlawful. The respondents named in the petition include the Speaker...

Can Tarique Rahman Deliver Change After Bangladesh Election Victory?

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

Following a decisive election victory, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman now faces a crucial question — can he deliver meaningful change? The BNP’s return to power marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, ending over 15 years of dominance by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. 🔄 Power shift or real change?...

Resignation of Lanka Sugar Chair Raises Questions Over Political Pressure

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

Former chair cites unlawful requests; minister denies interference The resignation of Lanka Sugar Company’s Chairperson, Attorney-at-Law Sandamali Chandrasekara, has raised questions about possible political pressure within Sri Lanka’s state-owned enterprises. She stepped down from her position on February 17, informing Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti in writing. She is the second chairperson...

Enezuela’s quiet opposition figure sidelined amid power struggles

Asian TribuneFebruary 16, 2026

Edmundo González Urrutia, the Venezuelan opposition leader and former presidential challenger, remains on the political sidelines as the country navigates deep uncertainty following weeks of upheaval and leadership change. Analysts say González’s low-profile diplomacy and limited public presence have left him overshadowed by larger political forces even as debates over Venezuela’s future continue. González, a...