Protest against VAT in Pettah
Fresh indictment against Basil, three others
The Colombo High Court served a fresh indictment on former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and three others this morning.
They are charged under the Public Property Act No 12 of 1982, for having allegedly misappropriated Rs.33 million belonging to the Divi Neguma Department, while distributing roofing sheets to Divi Neguma beneficiaries, during the previous Presidential Election.
They are charged under the Public Property Act No 12 of 1982, for having allegedly misappropriated Rs.33 million belonging to the Divi Neguma Department, while distributing roofing sheets to Divi Neguma beneficiaries, during the previous Presidential Election.
The Attorney General had filed indictments against former minister Basil Rajapaksa, former Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayasinghe, former Divi Neguma Department Director General Kithsiri Ranawaka and former Divi Neguma Department Deputy Director General Bandula Tilllekasiri at the Colombo High Court.
The Attorney General alleged that the accused had committed this offence on or around October 20, 2014.
Senior State Counsel Shamindra Wickrema appeared for the Attorney General. President’s Counsel Jayanthha Weerasinghe appeared for the accused.
The case will be taken up again on August 30.
Dancer Hashini Gonagala Wedding Day
Arjuna Ranathunga states, “Shadow Cabinet is a witticism”.
Hon. Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranathunga states that the shadow cabinet which was named by the Joint Oppositions is a witticism. Furthermore, Hon. Minister mentions that people those who were in power for long terms are unable to live without them. He stated this on the 2nd day of the National Sportex Exhibition, (10th July 2016), at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
“The people those who were in power for long terms are unable to live without them now. Therefore, this is only a dream, which they established to get back their powers. Whatsoever, definitely the current government will last for another four years. Together with the President and the Prime Minister, our hope is to take this country in the right direction. Therefore, in a way it’s good that the Joint oppositions are dreaming. Because, through this they could enjoy some peace of mind. Likewise, I will greatly appreciate, if they could visit and investigate our work progress at the Ministries. Not only the Member of the parliament, anyone could come and visit. In additional if possible, investigate and reveal the once who was involved in theft in the past few years. The problem is that if the investigators will also get involved in these thefts…” Hon. Minister Arjuna Ranathunga states.
MP Namal Rajapaksa arrested
The Financial Crimes Division (FCID) of the Police arrested United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Hambantota district MP Namal Rajapaksa a short while ago.
He was arrested on charges of financial fraud; for using monies amounting to Rs. 70 million given by Indian real estate company Krrish Group to sponsor a rugby fixture, for personal use.
He was arrested on charges of financial fraud; for using monies amounting to Rs. 70 million given by Indian real estate company Krrish Group to sponsor a rugby fixture, for personal use.
He was summoned before the FCID to record a statement earlier this morning.
He is to be produced at the Slave Island Magistrate's Court today.
Joint Opposition appoints Shadow Cabinet
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed Prime Minister and given the portfolio of Buddha Sasana and Defence as well.
Some of the other appointments to the 'Shadow Cabinet' were:
Education - Dullas Alahapperuma
Finance - Bandula Gunawardana
Foreign Affairs – Namal Rajapaksa
Highways – Chamal Rajapaksa
Local Government and Provincial Council – Ranjith de Zoysa
Ports and Shipping – Kumara Welgama
Labour – Gamini Lokuge
Rural Industries – S. M. Chandrasena
A Shadow Cabinet is an alternate government in which members of the opposition mark Cabinet members in order to 'shadow' them, criticise their policies and actions, and offer alternate solutions.
Women who take aspirin before sex are more likely to give birth to a baby boy
External harmful factors, such as stress, pollution or smoking around conception have been associated with a reduction in the number of males, and suggest male embryos are more vulnerable for some reason.
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used to treat pain, fever and inflammation. Several small trials have shown that it increases the pregnancy rate among women undergoing IVF.
In the latest study, researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the U.S. gave 1,228 women who had a history of miscarriages a low-dose aspirin to take before sex or a placebo pill (folic acid) for as long as they were attempting to get pregnant.
Thirty-one per cent on aspirin had a boy, compared to 23 per cent on the placebo. And those on aspirin who had boys had reduced inflammation, suggesting the drug had an effect.
Aspirin before conception seems to ensure the chance of a male embryo being rejected is reduced, says Professor Simon Fishel, president of CARE Fertility clinics.
‘It is a very interesting conclusion and more studies are needed to confirm if it is a potential solution to the apparent excess of female babies for women with evidence of inflammation.
‘Importantly, it relates only to women who have had miscarriages and evidence of inflammation. It does not have any bearing on sex ratios in normal conceptions where aspirin will not increase the chances of having a boy.’
Wildlife Dept. officer dies in clash with hunter
An officer attached to the Wildlife Department died in a clash with hunters, this morning.
The Wildlife Department said the shooting occurred in Walsapugala, Hambantota.
The officers were on a sting operation to nab hunters poaching wild meat to tourists, in the early hours of this morning, when the incident occurred.
The Wildlife Department said the shooting occurred in Walsapugala, Hambantota.
The officers were on a sting operation to nab hunters poaching wild meat to tourists, in the early hours of this morning, when the incident occurred.
One hunter was captured but the other made his escape. The Wildlife officer was gunned down by the hunter while giving chase.
All-Island Wildlife Officers' Association Chairman Chaminda Priyalal Attanayake said the current situation posed danger to the lives of Wildlife officers.