Prime Minister Ranil On CB bond issue Probe

Immediate investigations conducted into the alleged Central Bank bond issue reiterated the Yahapalana government’s commitment to ensures the Rule of Law is maintained in this country, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

The Prime Minister said the present government is committed to strengthen the pillars of good governance, unlike the last regime which should have begged for pardon from the public for allowing the rulers of that past regime to be above the law. The Prime Minister was speaking at a ceremony to present the appointment letter to Regional Development Minister Field Marshel Sarath Fonseka, as the Kelaniya UNP Chief Organiser.

“Some former rulers find fault for the investigations being carried out in to their alleged corrupt activities calling it political vendetta. But, the politicians make a big fuss over the CB bond issue,” the Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said.

“If I am to appear before the Bribery Commission regarding the CB bond issue, I would gladly do that. There are no implied meanings behind such an act,”he said.

“Some persons who were summoned before the Bribery Commission have said that it is a disrespect to Buddhism. This statement is totally incomprehensible,” the Prime Minister said.

What has religion got to do with anybody appearing before the Bribery Commission?,” the Prime Minister questioned.

“Members of the previous regime act as if the Yahapalana government pays less attention to the welfare of the soldiers. But, these are the very people who unfairly imprisoned Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka on personal revenge. That is how the previous regime showed their concern for the soldiers,” he said. “This government is dedicated to strengthening good governance and ensuring that Rule of Law prevails in the country,” Prime Minister Wickremesinghe assured.

Veteran musician Pandith Amaradeva No more

Veteran singer and musician Pandith W. D. Amaradewa, who was admitted to the Sri Jayawardanapura Hospital this morning following a heart attack, passed away a short while ago, the hospital sources confirmed.

Wannakuwatta Waduge Don Albert Perera, known by his adoptive name Amaradeva was a vocalist, violinist and composer. Born in December 5, 1927, he is considered to be the creator of a unique music style which was later practiced by artists like Victor Ratnayake, Sunil Edirisinghe and Sanath Nandasiri.

A recipient of numerous awards, Amaradeva won the Ramon Magsaysay Award (2001), Indian Padma Sri Award (2002) and Sri Lankan "President's Award of Kala Keerthi" (1986) and the Deshamanya Award (1998). He has represented Sri Lanka in many forums including the UNESCO Manila Symposium in 1967.

Pandit Amaradeva composed the music for the Maldivian National Anthem (Gaumii salaam) in 1972 at the request of Maldivian Government.

Sinhala Edition Click Here - (Lanka Hot News)

Mahela Jayawardene’s long walk yields Rs. 750 mn

Former Test captain Mahela Jayawardene in a magnanimous gesture completed a marathon 28-day walk yesterday to collect funds for a cancer unit at the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle. Mahela’s walk was reminiscent of the walk of England’s 1981 Ashes Hero Sir Ian Botham, to help those suffering from leukemia.

During his 28-day marathon walk from Point Pedro to Point Dondra, Mahela was joined by several leading Sri Lankan cricketers and the effort saw them collecting as much as Rs. 750 million from various contributors.

The construction of the cancer unit at the Karapitiya Hospital commenced on Tuesday, before the walk reached Matara.

"It’s been 20 years since my brother died of cancer. I am glad to have got the opportunity to contribute towards this great cause. The best 28 days of my life was walking from Point Pedro to here," Mahela said.

"We have seen how generous Sri Lankans are during these few days. It doesn’t matter what religion or ethnicity they belong to. When we finish this construction and when we treat the first patient, we will be able to feel happy about this victory."

The walk was initiated by Sarinda Unamboowa and Nathan Sivagananathan. The first walk was from South to North in 2011 to build a cancer unit for the Jaffna Hospital. The funds they received were more than what they had anticipated and they ended up building a separate hospital in Jaffna to treat cancer patients. Sivagananathan’s sister had died of cancer.

Director General of Health Dr. Palitha Maheepala said."I remember a few years ago you walked from south to north to build a cancer unit in Jaffna hospital. I was present there on that day when you promised to get one done for the south as well. We appreciate your efforts in this regard. To build this unit, we need Rs. 1,500 million. You have collected Rs. 750 million so far and we have decided to donate the other half through the Ministry of Health."

Nearly 38,000 people are diagnosed with caner in Sri Lanka and about 8,000 people die of the disease annually.

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Military Intelligence Chief removed - Gunatilake new DMI

Brigadier M.D.U.V. Gunatilake has been appointed as new Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) of the Sri Lanka Army with immediate effect.

Brigadier Suresh Sallay, who was the previous DMI, has been transferred to the Intelligence Regiment.

Brigadier Shantha Iswaran from the 653 battalion has been appointed as the staff head official of the Sri Lanka Army's War Services Secretariat, said media spokesman of the SL Army, Brigadier Roshan Seneviratne.

He added that these appointments were made on the recommendations of Army Commander Krishantha de Silva. Sinhala Edition Click Here (Lanka Hot News)

Sri Lanka win 1st test by 225 runs

Sri Lanka won the 1st test match played with Zimbabwe at Harare yesterday by 225 runs.

 Zimbabwe’s day-long resistance ended seven overs from the end of play for Sri Lankans to grab victory. Electing to bat first Sri Lanka posted 537 in the first innings and bowled out Zimbabwe for 373 to gain a 164-run advantage. In the first innings Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga scored identical knocks of 110 each while Kaushal Silva hit 94.

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne scored 56 in the first innings and followed his form with a brilliant knock of 110 in the second innings. Sri Lanka declared their second innings at 247-6 after extending their lead to 411 leaving 98 overs to bowl out the hosts, who were set a target of 412 to win. Dilruwan Perera and stand-in skipper Rangana Herath took three wickets each with Perera bowling out tail ender Chris Mpofu in the 91st over of Zimbabwe’s second innings to clinch victory despite a gallant knock by captain Graeme Cremer, who followed up a first innings century with a stubborn 43.

Shah Rukh Khan turns 51

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan turned 51 today.

Scores of fellow stars, including Farah Khan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Sushant Singh Rajput, have sent their sweetest birthday wishes to him.

Born on 2 November 1965, Khan is an Indian film actor, producer and television personality. Referred to in the media as the "Badshah of Bollywood", "King of Bollywood" or "King Khan", he has appeared in more than 80 Bollywood films, and earned numerous awards and honours, including 14 Filmfare Awards. Khan has a significant following in Asia and the Indian and South Asian diaspora worldwide. In terms of audience size and income, he has been described as one of the most successful film stars in the world.

Farah, one of Shah Rukh’s closest friends in Bollywood, tweeted: "A million memories, a 1,000 shared dreams n 100s of inside jokes!!friendships r made of these!happy birthday @iamsrk may the force b with u!!"

Alia, who is sharing screen space with the actor in the upcoming film "Dear Zindagi", posted: "To the man who rules hearts...controls minds and has an enviable soul...happy birthday @iamsrk you made my cinema dream come true..."

"You are a rockstar @iamsrk ..Keep rocking brother.. God bless .. Always .. #HappyBirthdaySRK #ShahRukhKhan," posted actor Randeep Hooda.

Sushant wrote: "Real Magic is when u can’t understand the craft & u don’t even want to, U just want to look at it in Wonder.. #HBDWorldsBiggestStar @iamsrk."

"Happy birthday @iamsrk Wish you the best in each and every aspect of your life. Happiness in abundance. Hugs," tweeted Bipasha Basu.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan, one of SRK’s good friends, said: "Happy Birthday Shah. I wish you good health.... Everything else you have. Lots and lots of love @iamsrk."

"Wishing the most amazing @iamsrk a very happy birthday.

"Thank u for giving us the most wonderful years at the movies sir & thank you for being you," wrote actor Rajkummar Rao.

Sajid wrote, "Happy birthday to @iamsrk the man who gave a new definition to the word STARDOM... have a gr8 day."

Calling him an inspiration, his "Dilwale" co-star Kriti Sanon tweeted, "Can listen to him talk for hours! A true inspiration! Happy birthday @iamsrk !! Love you."

Anil tweeted, "Wishing my friend, the King of all hearts @iamsrk a very happy happy birthday! Stay blessed."

"Happy Birthday @iamsrk Sir! Wishing you love, happiness, limitless success and great health! Thanks for always being so gracious to us!" wrote composer Vishal Dadlani, who has scored for many of Shah Rukh’s films, including this year’s "Fan."

Khan began his career with appearances in several television series in the late 1980s. He made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Deewana. Early in his career, Khan was recognised for portraying villainous roles in the films Darr (1993), Baazigar (1993) and Anjaam (1994).

He then rose to prominence after starring in a series of romantic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Mohabbatein (2000) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001).

He earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of an alcoholic in Devdas (2002), a NASA scientist in Swades (2004), a hockey coach in Chak De! India (2007) and a man with Asperger syndrome in My Name Is Khan (2010).

His highest-grossing films include the comedies Chennai Express (2013) and Happy New Year(2014). Many of his films display themes of Indian national identity and connections with diaspora communities, or gender, racial, social and religious differences and grievances. For his contributions to film, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, and the Government of France awarded him both the Ordre des Arts et des Lettresand the Légion d’honneur.

Khan is co-chairman of the motion picture production company Red Chillies Entertainment and its subsidiaries, and is the co-owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders. He is a frequent television presenter and stage show performer. The media often label him as "Brand SRK" because of his many endorsement and entrepreneurship ventures.

Khan’s philanthropic endeavours have provided health care and disaster relief, and he was honoured with UNESCO’s Pyramide con Marni award in 2011 for his support of children’s education. He regularly features in listings of the most influential people in Indian culture, and in 2008, Newsweek named him one of their fifty most powerful people in the world.

Karu Jayasuriya's daughter passes away in England

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's daughter Sanjeewani Indira Jayasuriya has passed away in the United Kingdom. She was 40 at the time of her demise. 

 A past pupil of St. Bridget's Convent and Devi Balika Vidyalaya, she received her undergraduate degree in economics from Bradford University and her post graduate degree at the London School of Economics.

She served at several leading financial institutions holding senior positions in marketing. Family sources said her funeral would be held in the United Kingdom.

SF appointed UNP’s Kelaniya organizer

Field Marshal Minister Sarath Fonseka was appointed today as the UNP’s chief organizer for Kelaniya.

Fonseka joined the UNP earlier this year. It is learnt that 10 other Fonseka supporters were also appointed as organizers of the UNP today.