A prison bus came under gunfire in Dematagoda, 'Dematagoda Chaminda' suspect connected to killing of Baratha Lakshman believed to be traget. Chaminda admitted to National Hospital with injuries -Commissioner General of Prison confirms.
The Port of Trincomalee records Rs. 9 million increased income
The Port of Trincomalee has recorded Rs. 9 million of increased income during the last two months by re-establishing the weigh bridge system at port.
The total income received by the port was reported as at Rs.71 million for the said period.
The port introduced Weigh Bridge system first, in the year of 2006 but it was not been used properly until the system was restored in last December. Hence, the cargo volumes calculated for Coal, Clinker and Gypsum using the previous Weigh Bridge system were reported with inaccurate statistics.
However, the shortages of the previous system have been revealed as one of the major reasons for the lost profit reported in the Port of Trincomalee. Hence, the present Management of Sri Lanka Ports Authority made arrangements to re-establish the Weigh Bridge system at the port following the guidelines extended by Hon. Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga. The Weigh Bridge system currently is being used at the Port of Trincomalee since 27 of December 2015.
Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has spent Rs. 2.5 million on repairing activities of the Weight Bride system. The poor maintenance methods and damages on machines have been identified as major factors for the breakdown of the system. Hon. Minister Port and Shipping Arjuna Ranathunga further stated that he would take a special investigation whether to confirm if there was an invisible hand behind the breakdown of the operations of the Weight Bridge system.
Youth run over by Champika's jeep is serious
Two youths riding a motorbike run over by the jeep Minister Champika Ranawaka had driven have been admitted to Intensive Care Unit of Colombo National Hospital say reports.
Blood has seeped into the brain of one of the youths and the other has a fractured hand say reports.
The accident had occurred opposite Janadhipathy Vidyalaya at Rajagiriya on Sunday (28th) at about 10.00 p.m. and the Minister had tried to flee the place without attending to the injured. However, residents had pursued the jeep and blocked its way. The Minister had accepted the mistake.
The relatives of the youths have lodged a complaint at Rajagiriya Police and the Police have told them yesterday (1st) that the driver who caused the accident surrendered to police and was bailed out. The Police have also said that Minister Champika Ranawaka was not the driver of the vehicle.
The relatives of the youths say the Minister is attempting to hush up the incident and the Police is attempting to put the blame of the accident on the injured youths. It is also revealed that another driver, instead of the Minister, had been presented to police and had been bailed out.
In a grave accident as the one that occurred the drive cannot be bailed out without the report from the JMO as the victims have been hospitalized and are in a serious condition. How could this be ýahapalanaya' if politicians still can do things violating the law of the country ask relatives of the youths.
It is also revealed that the jeep is registered under the Secretary to the Ministry of Petroleum Industries at 80,Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha Colombo 7. The ministry was established on 30th April, 2010 and it is now called the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development of which the Minister is Mr. Chandima Weerakkody and Deputy Minister is Ms. Anoma Gamage. The Secretary to the Ministry is Ms. W. Suddharma Karunaratna. Minister Champika Ranawaka still drives a jeep belonging to this Ministry!
Basil Rajapaksa's Misuse of state resources
The PRECIFAC investigating former Minister Basil Rajapaksa's alleged financial misdeeds, have commenced a detailed investigation into them and will summon Rajapaksa to record evidence.
The Presidential Commission Investigating Large Scale Fraud Corruption, Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) which has uncovered details about the alleged misdeeds committed by Rajapaksa including misuse of state resources by using unlimited powers has now commenced a detailed investigation into them.
The Commission is reported to be making arrangements to summon Rajapaksa and record evidence from him in this regard. The government is reported to have incurred heavy financial losses due to these arbitrary activities committed by the former minister.
A sum of Rs. 150 million due to the Sri Lanka Air Force for internal flights made by the minister had been settled through Divi Neguma funds, it is reported. The Divi Neguma Movement was aimed to empower low income families. But funds meant for their welfare had been misused for internal air travel.
Among other alleged irregularities and misuse of powers investigated are deployment of 179 Armed Forces and Police personnel for private security detail, deploying Navy personnel for household cooking and cleaning, utilising 14 vehicles, including bullet proof ones for personal use. Four of these vehicles had been requisitioned from the Presidential Secretariat, deploying three women from the Navy for the security of Minister Rajapaksa's wife and deploying Navy personnel to assist the minister in his physical exercises including body massage.
Investigation officers attached to the Commission have already recorded evidence from officers attached to the Economic Affairs Ministry, Presidential Secretariat, Armed Forces and Police in this connection.
Mahinda accuses Maithripala of failing to protect SLFP
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has accused President Maithripala Sirisena of failing to protect the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
Rajapaksa said that when Sirisena took over the position of SLFP chairman, it was expected that he would look after the party rank and file, uphold party policies and protect the identity of the SLFP even though he was elected President on UNP votes.
“Regrettably, that has not happened,” Rajapaksa said in a statement today.
Rajapaksa said that when Sirisena took over the position of SLFP chairman, it was expected that he would look after the party rank and file, uphold party policies and protect the identity of the SLFP even though he was elected President on UNP votes.
“Regrettably, that has not happened,” Rajapaksa said in a statement today.
Rajapaksa said that he takes pride in the fact that he built the strongest SLFP Government in the party’s history during his tenure in power.
Rajapaksa said that his Government was so strong that it could be defeated only by conspiratorially creating divisions in the party and a section of the SLFP joining the UNP in its campaign of vilification and false propaganda against his Government.
“The UNP by itself was in no position to defeat the SLFP Government that I built. Even after the defeat of my Government, the President of the country is the present leader of the SLFP. The cabinet is equally divided between the UNP and the SLFP in what has been called a national unity Government. Yet the policy of this Government is decided by the UNP, resulting in a situation where the SLFP has been held captive and forced to follow the UNP line. The SLFP is now in danger of losing its identity as a political party,” he said.
Rajapaksa said that it was an SLFP Government led by him that won the war against the LTTE but today, the UNP with the acquiescence of a section of the SLFP is engaged in exacting revenge from those who won the war against all odds.
Presidential Secretariat sacks PRECIFAC Secy
The services of Secretary to the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC), Lacille De Silva has been terminated by the Presidential Secretariat.
De Silva informed that he had been served a letter sent by the Secretary to the President, P.B. Abeykoon, informing him of his termination with immediate effect at 1.30 p.m. on March 01.
De Silva informed that he had been served a letter sent by the Secretary to the President, P.B. Abeykoon, informing him of his termination with immediate effect at 1.30 p.m. on March 01.
When queried as to whether he had been asked to tender his resignation in prior, De Silva said no.
“I was retired when I was called to serve in the PRECIFAC, for which I was appointed as the Secretary. I did what I could to the best of my ability. If I am asked to go I will go,” he added.
When questioned as to what his next course of action would be, De Silva remarked, “We will see.”
Abeykoon was not available for a comment.
Jacqueline opens new ' The Body Shop ' store in Lanka
The Body Shop, the iconic global retailer of cosmetics and toiletries launched its new store in Sri Lanka yesterday (29).Jacqueline Fernandez, the brand Ambassador for The Body Shop launched the new store at Fairline Building on Galle Road today in an exciting and interactive media event.
Also present on the occasion were The Body Shop Sri Lanka Director, Trevor Rajaratnam and Ashok Pathirage, Chairman/CEO of Softlogic group which holds the franchise for the new store.
Speaking, Jacqueline expressed her delight on The Body Shop’s launch in her country - “It’s been a long association with The Body Shop and it is an absolute pleasure to be the face of this inspiring natural and ethical beauty brand in my country. I am very excited to be part of my favourite brand’s launch in the country... I am addicted to The Body Shop products. I love the fact that The Body Shop offers the world’s best ingredients from around the world.... I am very excited to be part of my favourite brand’s launch in the country. The Body Shop is going to be a gift to thousands of consumers in Sri Lanka who have waited long for the brand."
Speaking on the launch Trevor Rajaratnam, Director, The Body Shop Sri Lanka said, “We are delighted by this opportunity to launch The Body Shop in Sri Lanka. The Body Shop continues to derive inspiration from its founder Anita Roddick’s vision to be the most ethical and sustainable beauty brand in the world. It brings us pleasure to be able to extend her heritage in Sri Lanka and introduce The Body Shop products to discerning Sri Lankan consumers who truly appreciate our naturally inspired and sensorial products.
Adding his voice, Ashok Pathirage, Chairman/CEO, Softlogic Group said, “We are thrilled to associate with The Body Shop. In The Body Shop, we have found our kindred spirit: thanks to the synergy of our values, vision and culture, we will have the opportunity to greatly accelerate the business in Sri Lanka.”
The Body Shop store offers a wide range of 100% vegetarian products across Skin Care, Bath, Shower, Body care, Make Up, Hair, Fragrance, Men’s and Gifts. Other than the world famous and iconic products, the store also offers skincare specialist consultation and make-up application and special make over services for customers.
All The Body Shop products are created using the finest ingredients sourced from the four corners of the globe which are not tested on animals. The Body Shop has over 3000 stores in over 60 countries.
I will continue to act after marriage - Upeksha Swarnamali
Q: What is your weakest point and what is your strength?
A: My weakness is probably my ability to sympathize with others. I try to help people by putting myself in their shoes. They have misused my kindness and hurt my feelings. I love speaking my mind.
Therefore people sometimes misinterpret what I say or misunderstand my good intentions. Therefore, after 2006, I took more care not to be so open about my feelings. I was not as ‘genuine’ as I used to be. My strength is also my compassion. Looking back at the past I realize now that I gained my present status because I was compassionate towards people.
Q: How were you as a kid?
A: I was fun loving and easy going. I come from a broken family but I was very close to my mother. I am always obedient to her. I have been through the hardships that any child from a broken family goes through. I only became rebellious during my late teens! (Laughs)
I loved playing the piano and dancing. I had a positive outlook and was active. Though I was not the top of my class, I did well in my studies.
Q: How do you see your character in ‘Cinderella’?
A: Ishanka is totally me! (Laughs) When an actor portrays a character people tend to believe that the person is similar to that character. When I achieved fame as Paba, they expected me to be similar to her. Therefore, when I stammered during some of the Sinhala interviews they thought that I was doing it out of purpose! They thought that I was trying to show off that I cannot speak Sinhala properly!
I did not have to act while doing Ishanka’s character and I believe that really shows in the production. She is so like me! I am ever so grateful to Enoka Sathyangani for giving me such a character. It is the most realistic character I have portrayed.
Q: How do you handle negative criticism?
A: I try my best to see the motive behind the criticism. If it is constructive criticism, I try to accept it and deal with it. But you cannot please everyone. I have pretty much taken the decisions in my life and do not go by what people say. From the time I turned 26 years onwards I live by the people I love. I am here today because of my mother. There was a time that I almost lost myself.
If it is unfair and extreme criticism, I have spoken back to people and showed them that they are wrong. I can be a bit rude like that! (Bursts out laughing)
Q: If you could play any character in a local movie made so far, whose character would you choose?
A: Hmmm... To be honest I haven’t watched that much local movies. I do not agree with certain parts of the movies in most of those which I have watched so far. I am mostly a Bollywood fan.
However, I would love to portray Swarna Mallawarachchi’s character in ‘Dadayama’ and Sangeetha Weeraratne’s role in ‘Aswesuma.’
Q: If you could choose any Bollywood actor as your co-star for a movie, who would you choose and what genre would the movie be?
A: Oh my god!!! (Almost swoons) It would be a dream come true to share the screen with Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan! They possess amazing talent. I watched IIFA 2010 at the Sugathadasa Stadium and Hrithik was the only one who did justice to his performance.
I was quite taken by Leena Yadav’s ‘Shabd’ which stars Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai.
It is a movie which deals with a physiological disorder. I have not gotten the opportunity to portray such a character.
It signifies that if you are not emotionally strong, you could lose yourself to those emotions.
Q:Are you an animal lover?
A: (Heaves a big sigh) Oh, I love nature! You can understand god and yourself if you are close to nature. I have a pet dog, Rocky, whom I love to bits! I want to keep three more dogs. I used to keep pet fish but that never worked out.
Dogs eat and breath for us. The bond we share with them is amazing!
Q: What do you like to have for breakfast in the morning?
A: Some of the items on my list are tough to have here because they are expensive. But where I spent my childhood in Kuwait I used to have cereal and oats for breakfast.
They were not luxury food over there. They were the type of food that you would find on your menu everyday.
I like light meals since my lifestyle is not physically active.
Even string hoppers and eggs sounds fine by me.
Q: Are there some food you dislike or avoid?
A: Rotten food! (Laughs) I generally don’t go for food that that is very spicy but if it tasty and spicy, I don’t mind going through the torture!
(More laughter) I love tasting anything out there.
Q: Five things that make you smile.
A: 1) Rocky
2) Kids
3) A good movie
4) Good music
5) My handful of genuine and ‘lunatic’ friends
Q: What superpower do you dream of possessing?
A: If ‘bringing justice’ can be categorized as a superpower, I would like to possess it! (Laughs) It is not easy because everyone has a reason for what they do. If someone is being very wicked, I have no sympathy for him or her.
Q: What is the most irritating question that you have been asked?
A: ‘Why did you get into politics?’ (Grimaces) What makes it worse is that I myself do not know the answer to that question! I am very grateful to the public who voted for me but I had no intention in getting into politics in the first place. I had no motive or the background. It was purely based on circumstances.
Q: A beauty tip you would give to another woman.
A: Be yourself! Appreciate yourself. Test yourself. Everyone is unique and that is what makes the society beautiful. Be true to who you are. Beauty is only skin deep.
Q: If you could have a plastic surgery right now and change anything about yourself, what would you change?
A: (Mischievously) I would change something for sure but I wouldn’t tell you what it is! (On a more serious note) I think it is fine to do a few alterations when you grow mature, as long as you don’t overdo things. In countries like Brazil, it is a norm while it is mostly seen as a negative factor here. I have seen the world out there. Therefore, I do not shun things like this. I would like to age gracefully.
Q: Tell us about your wedding plans.
A: My fiance is a businessman. We have known each other from 2011. It has not been a long term relationship because it is only a few months back that I gave my consent to him.
We will be married this month. I will continue to act after marriage but another thing I am looking forward to is become a mom.