Main battle is to ensure security and development -Dinesh Gunawardane

Leader of Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) MP Dinesh Gunawardane speaks about the Presidential Elections and the current status of the economy in the country. Gunawardane, who worked as the parliamentary group leader of the Joint Opposition, said that the role of Parliament had diminished today, and it should be restored. The following are excerpts of an interview

“We’ll contest elections under a new symbol” Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is the nominee for presidential candidacy of the National People’s Power (NPP), a movement led by his party, spoke about current politics and his policies to be implemented if elected to office, during an interview with the .

I was utterly betrayed by the Rajapaksas -Sajin de Vass Gunawardena

The Rajapaksa era introduced many people into the political arena, who once stood as close associates. They were vested with various tasks and some of them are still backing the previous regime and its political agendas. Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, once a Member of Parliament and now a politician from Galle District, was one such individual who achieved controversial

‘The average citizen is a very disempowered person’-Vinya Ariyaratne-

The Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement founded by Dr. A. T Ariyaratne has empowered rural communities for generations. Acknowledged as the most broadly embedded community-based development organisation network, the Movement seeks a no-poverty, no-affluence society through community-based work and volunteerism. ‘Sarva’ translates to All and ‘Udaya’ to Awakening, hence the theme ‘Awakening’ of All. Staying true to its theme, the Movement has continued t

Blocking the formation of alliance on August 5 Grave Blunder - Patali Champika Ranawaka

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, in an interview with Daily Mirror, speaks on the present predicament of the United National Party (UNP). He shares his views on how to break the gridlock triggered by the internal crisis of the UNP.

‘I’m the most suitable candidate if national security is priority’ - Sarath Fonseka -

National security is becoming another term that is exhausted on the political stage, especially after the Easter Sunday bombings. Other topics such as protecting democracy, putting an end to corruption and serving justice to politically motivated murders and abductions seem to have been sidelined. With the time ticking towards the much looked forward to Presidential Polls,

We only articulate our position on the appointment of Army Commander -U.S. Ambassador-

U.S. Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz, in an interactive discussion with a select group of journalists, responds to questions about the current controversy triggered by the United States expressing concerns on the appointment of Army Commander Shavendra Silva. Also, she shed light on the process involved in the renunciation of U.S. citizenship. Here is the discussion

It certainly looks like Sajith can beat Gotabaya Harsha de Silva

Non-Cabinet Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Dr Harsha de Silva, in an interview with Daily Mirror, shares his views on the current status of the economy and political situation of his United National Party(UNP) as far as the presidential election is concerned. Dr. de Silva is a proponent of the candidacy for Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa. Excerpts:

I HAVE BEEN ABSOLVED OF ALL WRONG DOINGS

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, who is in the centre of controversy over allegations linked to Easter Sunday’s terrorist attack, speaks to about charges against him, political dynamics and the plans of his party ‘All Ceylon Makkal Congress(ACMC)’. Excerpts of the interview:

I will not care about any pressure in future…

Newly appointed Solicitor General Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe was much remembered for her outgoing role as the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. Known for her dauntless character being in one of the three independent commissions of the Yahapalana regime, raised the eyebrows of many when she suddenly

Free legal help for women and kids

Violence against women and children remains to be another one of those social issues which are poorly highlighted and addressed. From time to time we hear cases of women experiencing domestic abuse, children sent for labour etc., but no authority has thus far come forward to put an end to them. In most instances, it is the middle and lower-income families that are vulnerable to such circumstances and for them, taking the law into hands is quite a

Turkey alerts Sri Lanka on FETO terrorist organization Turkish Ambassador

Turkish Ambassador Tunca Ozcuhadar, in an interview with Daily Mirror, shares his views on the Fethulla Terrorist Organization (FETO) that attempted to overthrow his country’s government in 2016, bilateral engagements with Sri Lanka to curb alleged FETO activities here. Also, he responds to questions about recent violence in Sri Lanka and how Turkey, along with the

Supreme authority will be the people: -Nagananda Kodituwakku-

Many names have been proposed as potential candidates for the upcoming presidential election. Among some of them from major political parties are independent candidates who have made several statements from time to time. Attorney-at-law and public interest litigation activist Nagananda Kodituwakku is one of them. Mr. Kodituwakku has been instrumental in exposing

“Opportunity cost of bond scam is as high as Rs.2,000 billion” Bandula

Bandula Gunawardane, the Colombo District MP of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) discusses the current status of the economy. Mr. Gunawardane who briefs the media about economic affairs on behalf of the party, said debt servicing would be a challenge for any future government.

A People-friendly member will be our presidential candidate Madduma Bandara

Public Administration and Disaster Management Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara in an interview with Daily Mirror, speaks about the UNP presidential candidate and the circular that did not recognize

“Election system divided communities” - Hizbullah

Former Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M Hizbullah drew much attention after the Easter Sunday attacks with several allegations made against him. Revelations of the National Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ) operating from Kattankudy....

“It’s impossible to hold general elections through a referendum”

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, in an interview with the Daily Mirror, spoke about the proposed move by President Maithripala Sirisena to call for a referendum and the crisis involving the President and the Cabinet.

“Every right must have a remedy” - Dr. Deepika Udagama

In the aftermath of the Easter terror attacks, the role and intervention of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has assumed added significance, as the country battles old demons and faces new uncertainties. met the Chairperson of the HRCSL, well-known academic and activist Dr. Deepika Udagama, for an in-depth look at the myriad challenges facing the country.

‘Have a single law for all Sri Lankans’

The dailymirror discussed the current political and economic situation of the country in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings with the General Secretary of the SLFP, former Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara. Excerpts: Q President and SLFP Leader Maithr

Country is back to normal

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Shantha Kottegoda says that normalcy has been restored in the country following the Easter Sunday attacks, and that imminent threats and further attacks have also been destabilized. In his first interview as Defence Secretary, Gen. Kottegoda – a former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army – asserted that with the immediate threat being contained

Presidential Candidacy I am prepared to consider if there is a Unanimous Request

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, in an interview responds to questions about the role of Parliament in ensuring national security. He also indicates his willingness to consider presidential candidacy if there is a unanimous request by the party.

We regret the blunder on the part of the Govt. and accept responsibility - Akila Viraj Kariyawasam

The Daily Mirror sat with the General Secretary of the UNP and Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam to discuss the current political and security situation and Education in the country.

No Agreement for Permanent US Base in SL - US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz in her first interview with the print media after the Easter Sunday attack exclusively told the ......how the United States is committed to aid Sri Lanka to combat and defeat terrorism on the request of the Sri Lankan Government and how President Donald Trump offered the necessary resources in the aftermath of the Easter

“President doesn’t trust anybody other than Namal Kumara,” SF

Former Army Commander, the first Field Marshal and the 2010 Presidential Candidate, Sarath Fonseka in an interview with the Daily Mirror airs his views on how to fight a war and battle terrorism. One of the most experienced Army Commanders in the world, Field Marshal Fonseka, describes how and why Sri Lanka failed to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks. Fonseka, who marshalled his troops to win the 26-year-old war against Liberation Tigers of Tami

No need for Sharia University in Sri Lanka - Faiszer Musthapha

The discussed the current situation of the country in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday carnage, with former Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils and young Muslim leader Faiszer Musthapha, PC.

’’America should not ask the countries to choose between China and the U.S.’’

Former Ambassador of the United Sates (US) to Sri Lanka Robert O. Blake, in an interview with Daily Mirror, shares his views on the Indo-Pacific strategy, the importance of Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the region and its benefits to the country as a whole. He served as the Ambassador to Sri Lanka between 2006 and 2009 when the country witnessed the height of

National Security Council certainly has not lived up to its expectations - Ravi karunanayake -

The Daily Mirror spoke to Power, Energy and Business Development Minister and Deputy Leader of the UNP, Ravi Karunanayaka on the current political situation in the country aftermath the Easter Sunday carnage and issues relating to power and energy sector. The excerpts:

“Muslims should engage in serious introspection” -Rauff Hakeem

Minister of City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education Rauff Hakeem speaks about the impact of Easter Sunday’s bomb attacks. Mr Hakeem who is also the leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) says in the interview with the that the Muslim community should have an introspective look at the issues at hand.

We have recommended one name for presidential poll: Basil

Former Economic Development Minister and founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Basil Rajapaksa said in an interview with Daily Mirror that he would not differentiate voters based on their ethnic identity. He expressed thoughts on the presidential election and bilateral talks with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) ahead of preparations for the

Norway seeks cooperation on multiple fronts

Norwegian State Secretary (State Minister) Marianne Hagen, who was in Sri Lanka, shared her views about the latest development of bilateral relations between Norway and Sri Lanka. Norway played the facilitator role in peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE during the ceasefire period between 2002 and 2006. In an interview with , she said