February 03, Colombo (LNW): Former Health Minister, currently serving as the Environment Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, has been remanded until February 15, as per the directives of the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.
The prominent lawmaker was presented before the court this (03) morning.
This development follows the arrest of Minister Rambukwella by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (02), in connection with the alleged procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin.
The arrest came subsequent to his appearance before the CID earlier that morning, adhering to a court order issued the previous day.
Minister Rambukwella underwent an extensive interrogation lasting nearly 10 hours before being officially taken into custody.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): In a targeted operation, the Special Task Force (STF) conducted a raid on a residence in the Enderamulla area of Wattala, resulting in the discovery of a substantial cache of drugs with an estimated value exceeding Rs. 100 million.
During the operation, the STF uncovered a stockpile of 192,000 narcotic pills, marking a significant seizure in the ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking.
The raid, based on intelligence gathered by STF officers, led to the apprehension of a 40-year-old suspect believed to be associated with the illicit drug trade.
The narcotics, believed to have been imported from a foreign country, were meticulously concealed within cardboard boxes in the raided residence.
The STF asserts that this organised packaging indicated a large-scale distribution plan, targeting not only Colombo but also other areas.
The successful operation highlights the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal drug trade and protect communities from the detrimental effects of narcotics.
The arrested suspect will now face legal proceedings as authorities work to dismantle the networks involved in drug trafficking.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The UN Human Rights Office expressed deep concerns about Sri Lanka’s recently enacted Online Safety Act, emphasising its potential adverse effects on human rights, particularly freedom of expression.
The Office taking to X (previously knowns as Twitter) called upon the Sri Lankan government to reconsider the legislation and consider amendments that address the apprehensions raised by civil society and industry groups.
The UN Human Rights Office stressed the importance of ensuring that the Online Safety Act aligns with the country’s human rights obligations, particularly those related to freedom of expression.
#SriLanka: The new Online Safety Act will have far reaching negative implications for human rights, incl. freedom of expression.
We urge the Govt. to consider amending the law to address concerns of civil society & industry groups & ensure it complies w/ human rights obligations
This call for reconsideration underscores the international community’s vigilance in safeguarding fundamental human rights and the need for Sri Lanka to strike a balance between regulating online safety and upholding democratic values.
The UN Human Rights Office encourages a collaborative approach, involving stakeholders from civil society and industry, to refine the legislation and bring it in line with internationally recognised human rights standards.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Navy submarine ‘INS Karanj’ arrived at the port of Colombo today (03) for a formal visit, marking a diplomatic engagement between the two maritime nations.
Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional welcome to the visiting submarine, adhering to precision naval protocols.
‘INS Karanj’ is a 67.5m long submarine with a crew of 53, under the command of Commander Arunabh.
The submarine’s visit is not only a diplomatic gesture but also an opportunity for mutual engagement and cooperation between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.
During the submarine’s stay in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Navy personnel will participate in a submarine awareness programme, fostering understanding and collaboration in naval operations.
Additionally, the crew of ‘INS Karanj’ is scheduled to explore some of the country’s tourist attractions, enhancing people-to-people ties.
The official visit of INS ‘Karanj’ will conclude on February 5, symbolising the strengthened maritime relations between India and Sri Lanka.
The diplomatic and cultural exchange during this visit contributes to the broader cooperation between the two nations in the maritime domain.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakody, announced that the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation (SLADC) attained its highest profit in years, reaching Rs. 195 million in 2023.
This significant turnaround is attributed to the effective strategies implemented by the new management, marking a notable success for the corporation.
At a press briefing titled ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the President Media Centre (PMC), the State Minister highlighted the achievement, stating, “This profit is the highest since 2017,” underscoring the positive impact of the revitalised operations and financial standing under the new leadership.
In commemoration of the 76th National Independence Day, Sri Lanka has initiated a programme to cultivate one million indigenous herbs across the island.
The programme, jointly launched by the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Department of Ayurveda, and Ministry of Public Administration, aims to enhance domestic production of medicinal herbs, reducing dependency on imports.
Commencing on 2nd February and continuing until 7th April, the first phase of the programme focuses on all Grama Niladhari Divisions, ensuring widespread participation.
By promoting domestic cultivation, the initiative aims to establish indigenous medicine as a viable commercial industry, reduce import costs, and strengthen self-reliance in the healthcare sector.
Government-owned vacant lands are repurposed for this initiative, offering government employees an opportunity to cultivate medicinal plants, potentially earning more than their salaries.
The programme contributes to a robust domestic supply chain and aligns with the success story of the Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation, which transformed from losses to a profit of Rs. 195 million in 2023.
Jayakody emphasised the need to enhance the traditional indigenous medicine system to boost revenue in the tourism industry. Integrating indigenous medical systems into tourism offerings can attract tourists seeking holistic wellness experiences, promoting the country’s rich heritage of medicinal plants, healthy cuisine, and traditional treatments.
The Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation’s innovative “Bodymantra” massage system, rooted in Ayurveda wisdom, exemplifies the potential of indigenous medicine.
This unique therapy distinguishes itself by preventing various ailments, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in integrative healthcare tourism.
State Minister Jayakody emphasised the economic benefits of attracting tourists seeking Ayurvedic treatments, leading to increased foreign exchange influx and contributing to the country’s economic development.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Defence Ministry has released a special notice outlining a provision for the payment of salaries and allowances to the dependents of tri-forces personnel who were compelled to retire on medical grounds after being disabled in the civil war before 19 May 2009 and subsequently passed away before reaching the age of 55.
As per the notice, the dependents of such tri-forces personnel will receive full salaries and allowances until the deceased individual would have completed 55 years of age.
Additionally, the fixed monthly stipend, previously approved by the Cabinet, will be granted to these beneficiaries.
This includes the salary, pension, and allowances that the individual would have been entitled to upon reaching the age of 55 if alive.
The widow will continue to receive these benefits for her lifetime.
The Cabinet of Ministers endorsed Cabinet Paper No. 23/2527/603/061 on 24 January 2024, addressing the payment of salaries and allowances to the dependents of deceased tri-forces personnel who retired due to medical disability arising from terrorist activities during active service in the pre-19 May 2009 war and died before reaching 55 years of age. President Ranil Wickramasinghe presented the Cabinet paper with the involvement of the Defence Ministry.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Lawyers’ Collective, through an open letter addressed to the Minister of Public Security, expressed their concerns regarding the implementation of the Yukthiya Anti-drug Campaign, urging adherence to the rule of law.
The collective emphasised that the campaign should not be pursued as a personal, passionate initiative outside the bounds of legal frameworks.
In the letter, the Lawyers’ Collective highlighted the importance of conducting the anti-drug campaign in line with established legal principles and cautioned against perceiving laws as obstacles to be disregarded.
They suggested that initiating the campaign earlier during the Minister’s term would have been more appropriate than its commencement in an election year.
The letter underscored several key points of concern, including the Minister’s statements implying a disregard for laws restricting authority, labeling critics as drug dealers and addicts, and targeting lawyers who express dissent.
The Collective expressed dismay over the Minister’s public declarations of ignoring international norms and standards, dismissing them as “foreign and outside influences.”
Furthermore, the letter questioned the Minister’s personal involvement in appointing the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the campaign, emphasising that such appointments fall under the purview of the President and the Constitutional Council.
The Lawyers’ Collective criticised the appointment of Deshabandu Tennekoon as Acting IGP, pointing out the Supreme Court’s findings on Tennekoon’s personal responsibility for acts of torture.
The letter, signed by prominent legal figures, including President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne, Professor Savitri Goonesekere, Upul Jayasuriya, Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne, and others, highlighted the need for the Minister to uphold the responsibilities associated with the office, aligning with the laws and constitution of Sri Lanka.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): In a ceremony held at the President’s Office in the Old Standard Chartered Building on Thursday (01), Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake inaugurated the “Urumaya” National Operations Secretariat.
This newly established body, operating under the President’s Office, aims to address community issues promptly through effective collaboration with relevant institutions.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s commitment to empowering farmers by facilitating land ownership has materialised with the government’s announcement of plans to grant freehold titles to two million families.
This significant initiative is designed to resolve longstanding concerns regarding land rights in rural areas of Sri Lanka.
The government’s proposal to distribute two million freehold land titles to farming families has generated discussions about its potential impact on rural communities and land ownership dynamics.
In alignment with President Wickremesinghe’s vision, this initiative seeks to enhance land security for farmers and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
For individuals seeking assistance with grant deed issues and registration at the “Urumaya” National Operations Secretariat, the public can contact 0114354600-1 or utilise the e-form available at http://tinyurl.com/yb98yhey.
The inauguration event witnessed the presence of notable figures including Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Lands H.M.B.P. Herath, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Sathyananda, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandra Herath, Director of Social Services of the President’s Office Priyantha Kumara, Land Commissioner General Bandula Jayasinghe, Surveyor General W.S.L.C. Perera, Registrar General Naleen Samantha, and other dignitaries.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was apprehended on Friday (02) night by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with the contentious human immunoglobulin scandal, is scheduled to make a court appearance on today (03).
The arrest took place after Rambukwella arrived at the CID to provide a statement on the matter.
Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama had directed the former health minister to present himself at the department for this purpose and simultaneously imposed a foreign travel ban.
Minister Rambukwella was arrested after an extensive interrogation that commenced when he arrived at the department at approximately 11:00 am on Friday (02).
It is noteworthy that Keheliya Rambukwella currently holds the position of Minister of Environment.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Matale districts, and showers or thundershowers will occur ata few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (03).
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning, the statement added.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may occur at few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Colombo via Galle during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly or easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 40 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota can be moderate at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
