lankanNews

Kekirawa, Jan 26 (Daily Mirror) - The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) conducted the first crackdown on bribery in the private sector under the powers conferred by the new Anti-Corruption Act. The Commission said that the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023 has empowered the Bribery Commission to address bribery in the private sector, overriding powers that previously applied only to bribery or corruption in the public sector. Accordingly, the first raid on a bribery offense in the private sector was conducted on Friday (26) by officials with the approval of the Commission.  They arrested an accountant, who is also the Human Resources Manager of a private hotel, for allegedly soliciting a sexual bribe from a female employee. The arrest was made based on a complaint filed by a resident of Mahavilacchiya. The female employee, working in a private hotel, was promised full payment of 75% of the current service charges, along with arrangements for

By Ranjith Rajapaksa - Hatton Colombo, Jan -24 (Daily Mirror) - Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) General Secretary Minister Jeevan Thondaman is in the centre of controversy over the presence of South Indian actresses Aishwarya Rajesh, Aishwarya Dutta, Samyuktha Menon, and Meenakshi (Pinky Sarkar) in national Thai Pongal celebrations conducted in Hatton last Sunday. He is under fire from his political opponents who question him whether these South artistes were sponsored using tax payers’ money despite the government having declared austerity measures Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Organizer for Passara Letchumanar Sanjay asks why Mr. Thondaman took steps to celebrate the national Pongal festival in such a luxurious manner at a time when people are suffering due to the soaring cost of living. He said, “Student dropouts have increased in the Nuwara-Eliya District and many families are suffering from hunger. People gave more than 100,000 votes and sent them to Parliament to get the servic

Katunayake, Jan 25 (Daily Mirror) -  State Minister Sanath Nishantha and the police constable, who was his security officer, died in an accident on the Katunayake Expressway near Kandana early this morning. A jeep that was driving towards Colombo from Katunayake collided with a container vehicle that was driving in the same direction and then collided with the safety fence of the road. The state minister Sanath Nishantha, who was traveling in the jeep, the police constable 72542 Jayakodi, who was his security officer and the driver of the jeep were seriously injured and admitted to the Ragama hospital. The state minister and the police constable died on admission and the driver is being treated at Ragama Hospital, police said. Kandana police are conducting further investigations.

Katunayake, Jan 25 (Daily Mirror) -  State Minister Sanath Nishantha and the police constable, who was his security officer, died in an accident on the Katunayake Expressway near Kandana early this morning. A jeep that was driving towards Colombo from Katunayake collided with a container vehicle that was driving in the same direction and then collided with the safety fence of the road. The state minister Sanath Nishantha, who was traveling in the jeep, the police constable 72542 Jayakodi, who was his security officer and the driver of the jeep were seriously injured and admitted to the Ragama hospital. The state minister and the police constable died on admission and the driver is being treated at Ragama Hospital, police said. Kandana police are conducting further investigations.

Colombo, Jan 22 (Daily Mirror) - Commenting on the sky rocketing vegetable prices, the Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando said if vegetables were imported, vegetables such as a kilo of carrot, beans and leeks can be supplied at Rs. 300 to Rs. 350. “I informed the Secretary to the President to convene the Food Policy Committee and asked the Agriculture Ministry and other relevant institutions whether they can provide vegetables at a low rate. They have agreed at the Food Policy Committee to reduce vegetable prices within a month or one and half months. If vegetables were imported, we can provide a kilo of leeks, carrots and beans at Rs. 300 to Rs. 350,” he said. He told reporters yesterday that the price of an imported egg was increased by Rs. 8 from today due to the increase in VAT and other taxes. An imported egg would be sold at Rs. 43 at all Sathosa outlets under the new price whereas it was previously sold at Rs. 35, he stated . The Minister said the Stat

Parliament, Jan. 24 (Daily Mirror)- Amidst criticism from tech industry giants such as Google, Yahoo, and Amazon, Parliament approved the contentious Online Safety Bill, a piece of legislation perceived by some as draconian and a potential threat to freedom of expression. The bill was passed without a vote in the House after Third Reading of the bill, a two-day debate in which the opposition launched a scathing attack on it saying it borders on the infringement of freedom of expression. During the Second Reading, the bill was taken to vote with 108 supporting it and 62 opposing. However, the Supreme Court cleared the bill subjected to amendments proposed by it. Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a body comprising internet and technology companies in the world, and its members, expressed concern about the Online Safety Bill and called for extensive revisions and overhaul of it. Managing Director AIC Jeff Paine said in writing to Public Security Minister Tiran Alles that while his office

By Ranjith Rajapaksa - Hatton Colombo, Jan -24 (Daily Mirror) - Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) General Secretary Minister Jeevan Thondaman is in the centre of controversy over the presence of South Indian actresses Aishwarya Rajesh, Aishwarya Dutta, Samyuktha Menon, and Meenakshi (Pinky Sarkar) in national Thai Pongal celebrations conducted in Hatton last Sunday. He is under fire from his political opponents who question him whether these South artistes were sponsored using tax payers’ money despite the government having declared austerity measures Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Organizer for Passara Letchumanar Sanjay asks why Mr. Thondaman took steps to celebrate the national Pongal festival in such a luxurious manner at a time when people are suffering due to the soaring cost of living. He said, “Student dropouts have increased in the Nuwara-Eliya District and many families are suffering from hunger. People gave more than 100,000 votes and sent them to Parliament to get the servic

Colombo, Jan 24 (Daily Mirror) - Although a date has not been fixed, the Sri Lanka Navy said yesterday that it is now prepared to send a deployment to the Red Sea to assist in defending shipping lanes from Houthi activities, once the government greenlights and authorizes the deployment. Navy spokesperson Capt. Gayan Wickramasinghe told the Daily Mirror that discussions are still underway at higher levels regarding the Red Sea deployment, but the Sri Lanka Navy is ready. "We are now on standby to send our deployment to the Red Sea at any time," he said. On January 3, during an event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government would deploy a Navy vessel to the Red Sea to safeguard shipping lanes. He said that the disruption of these lanes would lead to increased freight charges and cargo costs, affecting import prices in the country. President Wickremesinghe said that the government is committed to contributing to stability in the region. The President had earli

Says January inflation could travel near 7% due to higher VAT, supply snags However, says inflation would return to 5% as price pressures would largely be transitory Asserts it wants to see further downward adjustments in yields and lending rates from past rate cuts As per the announcement, Monetary Policy Board does not see demand pressures, leaving door open for further easing In line with widespread predictions, the Central Bank opted to keep its key policy rates unchanged at 9 and 10 percent during its inaugural Monetary Policy announcement for the year. The Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe addressing the media following the first Monetary Policy review meeting for 2024  Pic by Kithsiri de Mel decision aims to stabilise inflation expectations at 5 percent and allow the market additional time to align their rates downward. In the announcement, the Central Bank said it remains optimistic about the effectiveness of previous monetary easing measures,

Colombo, Jan 23 (Daily Mirror) - The strike action by government doctors scheduled for tomorrow morning over the suspension of the increment to the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance has been called off. The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) in a statement said the Director General of Health Services has issued a written notification, revoking the recent suspension of the DAT allowance for doctors, which was included in the January salary.  This decision, effective immediately, comes after the initial directive to temporarily halt the payment.  In addition, health institution heads have been instructed to disburse the relevant allowance for January through a special voucher for doctors not covered by the regular payroll. The DAT allowance, which was raised from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000 was suspended this morning in accordance with the Treasury's directive.

Colombo, Jan 23 (Daily Mirror) -  The Health Ministry has decided to suspend the provision of the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance which was increased from Rs. 35,000. The Ministry said despite the earlier announcement that the allowance for doctors will be raised to Rs. 70,000, the increased amount of Rs 35,000 will be suspended as per the directive of the Treasury. The government recently approved the President's proposal to double the DAT allowance up to Rs. 70,000 for doctors.

Colombo, Jan 23 (Daily Mirror) - Despite criticism from several organisations including the UN regarding potential human rights violations during the ongoing countrywide crackdown on criminals and drug smugglers, Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon emphasised that the operation 'Yukthiya' has ano personal agenda, focusing solely on eradicating the underworld and apprehending drug smugglers. The 'Yukthiya' operation, launched on December 17 last year following the appointment of Tennakoon as the Acting IGP, has resulted in the arrest of over 40,000 individuals. The UN and local rights groups have voiced concerns about heavy-handed tactics, arbitrary arrests, and potential due process violations during the operation. Critics claim the crackdown disproportionately affects marginalised communities, leading to profiling and harassment. While denying allegations of mistreatment, Tennakoon emphasised the need for a firm hand against underworld criminals. "We don't hav

Colombo, Jan 22 (Daily Mirror) - The government which was formed with a 6.9 million mandate and a two-thirds majority was shattered by its own leaders, Parliamentarian S.B. Dissanayake said today. "I am dissapointed that the government formed with a 6.9 million mandate and a two-thirds majority was shattered by our own leaders," he said. The MP said even though the President had powers to dissolve Parliament at any time now, no one can change the Presidential election which is due in October. He told reporters that the President can dissolve parliament at any time after four years, according to the Constitution. "The President or Parliament have powers to decide upon the dates of some elections. However, no one can decide the date of the Presidential election due in October," he said.  

Beliatta, Jan 22 (Daily Mirror) -  Five killed after shooting incident in Beliatta At least five persons were killed in a shooting incident near the Beliatta interchange on the Southern Expressway. Four persons have reportedly lost their lives at the scene while another had died upon admission to hospital. The shooting had taken place today at around 7.45 am, when a group in a Prado type vehicle had opened fire at another group in a Defender jeep. Police suspect that underworld criminal Kosgoda Sujee's gang has carried out the shooting.

Colombo, Jan 20 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka remains open to play a positive role in dousing tension between India and the Maldives in the greater interest of regional peace, Daily Mirror learns. First, tension between India and the Maldives flared up since the election of the new Maldivian president Mohamed Muizzu who openly advocates a pro-china policy and even called for Indian troops to leave his country for a foreign policy with better ties with China. Later, on January 4, social media posts from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising the beauty of India’s beaches in Lakshadweep sparked a diplomatic row with the Maldives, a country that counts on tourism as its main source of income. Following the social media posts, three Maldivian junior ministers criticized the Indian Prime Minister, which led to calls from Indian social media users to boycott the Maldives as a tourist destination. Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry who met with his Maldivian counterpart Moos

Colombo, Jan 21 (Daily Mirror) - police implement the action of sending fine sheets to bus owners based on CCTV footage from tomorrow, the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) said they will refrain from operating buses from tomorrow. LPBOA chairman Gemunu Wijeratna said the police have planned to send fine sheets based on CCTV footage from tomorrow. Addressing the media he said that it is unfair to send the fine sheets related to the mistakes of the buses to the owner of the bus. He said police have taken the decision without having any discussions with the bus association. It is unfair to send the fine sheets related to the mistakes of the buses to the owner of the bus, Wijerathna said. He further said that the bus owners will agree to this proposal if the bus priority lane is implemented and proper arrangements are made for operating buses.

Colombo, Jan 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Catholic Church is to declare those who died in the Easter Sunday attacks as saints, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said over the weekend. Speaking during a service at St. Sebastian's Church, Kandana, Cardinal Ranjith said the first step towards this move will be taken on April 21 this year when the country commerates the fifth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks. "Those who died in churches on April 21, 2019  sacrificed their lives for what they believed. They came to church on that day because they believed in Christ. They sacrificed their lives because they loved Christ like other saints," he said. "A person can be named a saint only after the completion of five years since his  sacrifice. Therefore, we will move towards declaring Easter Sunday victims as saints on April 21 this year," he added. "Christianity is not just engaging in religious observances in churches. We have to stand for

Colombo, Jan 20 (Daily Mirror) - A leaked audio conversation between a police officer and a female lawyer, suspected of representing a relative of organized criminal Ganemulla Sanjeewa who is being held at the Weeragula Police Station, has surfaced.  It is alleged that during the conversation, the lawyer engaged with an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) from the Narcotics Unit and attempted to offer a bribe. It was reported that a team of officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau was dispatched to investigate a house in the Makilangamuwa area related to the drug trafficking case involving Ganemulla Sanjeeva.  Sources said that a woman identifying herself as a lawyer representing a relative of Ganemulla Sanjeewa intervened at the location, urging the officers not to search the particular house. The lawyer, a resident of the Gampaha area, allegedly tried to bribe an ASP of the Narcotics Bureau after her attempts to obstruct the search had failed.  A formal complaint has been

Colombo, Jan. 20 (Daily Mirror)- Most countries and organisations in the world, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have begun to realise that the National People's Power (NPP) will come to power at the next election, NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said today. He told a news conference that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya is perturbed over the NPP's recent meeting with the IMF representatives. Responding to a question on the SJB's claims that the NPP has not revealed the matters discussed during the meeting with the IMF and other allegations, he said it was not a secret meeting. "We know that it is hurtful for the SJBers when the IMF representatives visit our headquarters and hold discussions. We are not concerned about their allegations. Only the NPP has revealed its policy and stance in public. No other party has done it. The IMF has accepted that the NPP will come to power next. That is why they discussed with us. We discussed the economic situation and