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Chinese Ambassador (c) and his delegation posing for a photographe during the visit to the North

A delegation led by China’s Ambassador Qi Zhenhong was the first diplomatic team to visit the North and East following the general elections, which turned out to be historic when it came to the Jaffna district, with the ruling National Peoples’ Power winning a majority of the seats there.

Hailing the NPP win in Jaffna as a “change from the Tamil community’s voting pattern of the past,” the ambassador said China, which provided more than Rs 1.5 billion of grants to the two provinces this year alone, looked forward to closer cooperation with the two provinces in the future, too.

During the visit, the delegation travelled widely and handed over more livelihood grants to the tune of Rs 12 million for the North and Rs 8 million for the East, but the ambassador had some grievances when it came to improving ties with local institutions.

One of them is the University of Jaffna, which Ambassador Zhenhong claimed had adopted a not-so-interested approach in strengthening educational and cultural ties with Chinese counterpart institutions.

Addressing a media briefing in Jaffna in Mandarin, with an assistant providing English translation, the Chinese ambassador expressed his disappointment with the university administration. He said cultural and educational relationships were integral parts of Chinese bilateral relations, with Beijing providing more long- and short-term training as well.

“One thing that confuses me is that when my colleague communicates with the university, it seems that the university is not very active in promoting cooperation with the Chinese side. They have something to comprehend,” the Chinese ambassador said.

The Tamil translator who was transcribing the English version to the local Tamil media wanted more context on the matter, and the English translator elaborated further: “The university is not active. It seems that they are afraid of something or consider many things at heart.”

The ambassador also noted that cooperation with Jaffna University, however, was ongoing, as several Chinese scholars are currently engaged in research studies at the university. Every year, students from the university also go to China for further studies. “Although the number is not great, it is a good sign. During the last three years, several Chinese government scholarships were provided to university students, too,” he said.

A fellow journalist at the media briefing was heard saying to his colleague that maybe “our neighbour is more influential in the university.”

Controversial doctor-politico sits as Leader of the Opposition

The Jaffna district’s newly elected parliamentarian and controversial medical officer, Dr. Ramanathan Archuna, became the talking point at the ceremonial opening of the tenth Parliament on Thursday, probably for the wrong reasons.

The medical doctor turned accidental politician who used his popularity on social media platforms for his recent claims of an alleged medical mafia and corruption in the Northern Province contested independently and was elected to Parliament.

At the ceremonial opening of Parliament, before seat allocations were provided, he took the seat allocated to the Opposition Leader under parliamentary tradition and refused to budge despite a parliamentary official trying to explain to him the parliamentary norms.

Just like he used to go live broadcasting on Facebook frequently, he did the same inside the chambers, recording his engagement with the staff. During another live video and posts published on his page, he declared that he was coming from “Eelam” and thanked the ultimate sacrifice of those who died for the Tamil cause as well.

The one-time medical superintendent of Chavakachcheri was transferred by the Health Ministry to Peradeniya District Hospital in July following his activities that disrupted the daily operations of the hospital amidst protests. At least 18 cases are filed against him in both Chavakachcheri and Mannar courts by police and other medical practitioners.

Returning MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena is all smiles as he walks through the familiar corridors of the Parliamentary complex on Thursday

And the old timers strut about

While the new MPs were clearly excited, though a tad uncertain about procedural matters on the first day, there were no such fears for the older hands who had been in Parliament before.

Returning MPs are a minority in the 10th Parliament. There was a visible swagger on their part as they arrived, knowing they were among the few who had made it through while so many others had fallen to newcomers.

The New Democratic Front (NDF) MPs, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake and Rohitha Abeygunawardena, were all smiles as they arrived to take oaths as new MPs. A social media meme stating that Mr. Abeygunawardena will be acting as the tour guide showing new MPs around Parliament went viral this week. Responding to a question on such posts, Mr. Abeygunawardena told journalists there was no point in reacting to everything on social media, but that if a new MP were to ask his advice on some matter given his “stature” as a long-serving parliamentarian, he would be all too willing to assist.

At least a couple of former MPs from the last Parliament were also on hand to witness proceedings. Former SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella was a proud father looking on as his daughter Chamindrani took her oath as an SJB MP for the Kandy District. Former SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne, meanwhile, also watched proceedings from the public gallery this time.

Meanwhile, NDF MP Ravi Karunanayaka, whose controversial entry into Parliament through the National List has created a major crisis within the coalition, was much sought after by journalists looking to obtain his reaction to the controversy.

Mr. Karunanayaka defended himself vigorously, insisting there was nothing wrong with his appointment, and said the truth would come out eventually.

Sports complex ex-boss joins debtors’ club

A document listing individuals who owe money to the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex, in a twist of irony, has identified a former chairman as a debtor.
See the Sunday Times Sports section for related story.

T-shirt clad Lal Kantha shuns formal wear

The new Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha was on hand on Friday to welcome his newly appointed Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne as the latter arrived at the ministry office in Battaramulla to assume duties.

Minister Lal Kantha was in a casual t-shirt and pants as he waited to welcome the deputy minister. A journalist present joked that it was difficult to initially recognise the minister as he was wearing a very formal kit the previous day when he took oaths as an MP. “I hate that kit. I wear it because I have no other choice,” quipped the minister.

Excitement and first-day blues for new MPs

In the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka, more than two-thirds of MPs are first-timers. Quite a few had physically never been inside the Parliament Complex before they were elected at the 2024 general elections. As such, when the inaugural session took place on Thursday (21), many were yet to familiarise themselves with the vast building that is the country’s legislature.

Some newly elected MPs who made their way for the start of the inaugural session were uncertain about lifts dedicated to MPs, and they had to be guided repeatedly. Others did not know the correct floor to enter the Parliament Chamber. One group was wondering if the Members’ Library on the ground floor was open. Parliament officials, police officers, and even journalists waiting along the corridor had to answer the varied questions that the incoming MPs had.

There was palpable excitement inside the chamber among the newcomers as they waited for the session to begin. A few were taking photographs of their surroundings while others took selfies. Some waved excitedly to loved ones in the public gallery. It was a bit like the first day at the university—except for the ragging.

President turns down three requests from Treasury seniors

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday walked across from the Presidential Secretariat to the Finance Ministry to assume duties as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

He later held a meeting with senior Treasury officials where they put forward three requests to the President. The requests were to rename the General Treasury as the “National Treasury,” make the Treasury into a closed service, and restructure the Finance Ministry.

The President, however, turned down all three requests. He said that the
government had far more important things to do on its plate than renaming the Treasury. He also said the
government could not make the Treasury into a closed service and restructure it as it wanted to keep the option of being able to recruit talent from outside the Treasury.