Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarians Rajitha Senaratne and Vadivel Suresh and former MP P Harrison have made what appears to be the strongest hints yet that they will join hands with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his programme in the near future.

Vice President of the SJB and former Minister P Harrison said a Presidential Election will likely be held in June or July next year and he will unconditionally support President Wickremesinghe.

Speaking to media in Anuradhapura, former MP Harrison said a large number of former members of local government bodies and contestants filed nominations for the Local Authorities Election under the SJB ticket have expressed their support to the President.

He said several prominent members of the SJB will join hands with the President in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, former Minister and SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne who has been in the centre of crossover talks in recent weeks says everyone must get together and work for the betterment of the country at this juncture.

He said after solving the pressing issues, parties can contest elections separately.

(newsradio)

Cyclone Mocha has intensified into a category-five storm, hitting the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The powerful cyclone brings heavy rain, winds up to 195kmph, and the risk of dangerous flooding in the Bay of Bengal area.

Storm surges of up to four meters could flood low-lying villages. Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee camp, is at risk.

Around 500,000 people have been evacuated, and the cyclone is expected to be the strongest in Bangladesh in nearly two decades.

Disruption, flooding, and damage have been reported in Sittwe, Myanmar.

Rescue efforts are hindered due to dangerous conditions.

Casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported in both countries.

Shelters are overcrowded in Cox’s Bazar, and a landslide warning has been issued.

(newsfirst)

The Ministry of Finance said a report will be directed to the International Monetary Fund in June regarding the relaxation of import restrictions that are currently in effect.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said the relevant report is being formulated at present.

The State Minister said Sri Lanka will have to present the country’s plans in this regard by June, based on the staff-level agreement and the approval of the IMF Board of Directors.

He added thereafter any changes can be discussed based on Sri Lanka’s financial progress.

(newsfirst)