News

The national anthem “Sri Lanka Matha / Sri Lanka Thaaye” sung in both Sinhala and Tamil languages during the 76th Independence Day Ceremony.

Sri Lanka's Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been arrested over the controversial human immunoglobulin procurement scandal.

Sri Lanka's Former Health Minister Rambukwella arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department in Colombo on Friday (2) morning, complying with a Court Order issued a day earlier.

He was at the CID to provide a statement with regard to the controversial human immunoglobulin procurement.

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama ordered Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to report to the Criminal Investigations Department in Colombo at 9 AM on Friday (2) to provide a statement.

In addition, the Maligakanda Magistrate imposed an overseas travel ban on the Minister.

As per the court order, Keheliya Rambukwella appeared at the CID at 9 AM.

The Supreme Court on 01 February upheld a ruling to promote Brig. Chandana Ranaweera of the Infantry Regiment.

The court of appeal issued a mandamus order to Army commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage to recommend to the president to promote Ranaweera to the rank of major general with effect from 01 January 2021.

The order given in November 2023 also requires Ranaweera to be made commander of the regiment and positioned suitably as per his seniority and granted salaries, allowances and privileges.

Lt. Gen. Liyanage went against advice by the attorney general and the head of the Army’s legal directorate and unilaterally appealed the ruling.

The Chief Prelate (Mahanayake Thero) of the Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangalabhidhana Thero states that there is no fault in introducing new laws to control the various abuses that are being perpetrated on social media by altering the truth, for a long time.

The Mahanayake Thero made this remark when a group of representatives of the International Human Rights Organization visited Maha Nayaka Thero today (Feb. 01).

Speaking further, Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangalabhidhana Thero expressed that some groups of people defamed him as well on social media in the past with no basis.

However, the Mahanayake Thero further added that people who use social media should have no hindrances in using them freely, adding that if the government regulates social media without political objectives, people will not oppose the relevant regulations.

Over 700 inmates detained at prisons across the island will be released on Sunday (Feb.04) in view of the 76th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, the Prisons Department said.

Accordingly, a total of 754 prisoners including 25 female inmates are slated to receive a special presidential pardon.

The special pardon is granted by virtue of the powers vested in the President under Article 34 of the Constitution, the Prisons Commissioner (Operation/ Intelligence) and Spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayake explained.

A newly appointed High Commissioner and three Ambassadors to Sri Lanka have presented Letters of Credence to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo this afternoon (01).

Among them is the new High Commissioner for the Kingdom of Eswatini, along with the newly appointed Ambassadors for Romania, the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The diplomats who submitted their credentials today are as follows;

1. Mr. Menzie Sipho Dlamini – High Commissioner-designate of the Kingdom of Eswatini based in Kuala Lumpur
2. Ms. Steluta Arhire – Ambassador-designate of Romania based in Colombo
3. Mr. Askar Beshimov – Ambassador-designate of the Kyrgyz Republic based in New Delhi
4. Mr. Shalar Geldynazarov – Ambassador-designate of Turkmenistan based in New Delhi

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake were also present on this occasion, the PMD reported.

Meanwhile, the new High Commissioner and Ambassadors who were appointed today also engaged in a cordial meeting with Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, according to the PMD.

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was put behind bars on remand earlier today, has been admitted to the Prisons Hospital on medical recommendation.

The lawmaker was remanded until 15 February on the orders of Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

A foreign travel ban has been imposed on former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella current Minister of Environment.

The Maligakanda Magistrate has also issued an order for Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to appear before the CID at 9 a.m. tomorrow (2nd) to provide a statement.

In a gesture of warm hospitality, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended a cordial welcome to the distinguished Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, and the accompanying official delegation at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (Feb.03).

After the gracious reception by the Sri Lankan leader, a formal ceremony unfolded, with the Chief of Defence Staff accompanying both leaders to the saluting dais. Amidst the ceremonial ambience, a Guard of Honour was awarded to the distinguished guests followed by a 19-gun salute.

After the formal introduction of the delegations from both countries, President Wickremesinghe and PM Thavisin engaged in an exclusive one-to-one meeting, hosted at the President’s Office.

This intimate session facilitated discussions on various bilateral matters, fortifying the diplomatic bonds between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Thailand. The convergence of these two leaders underscores a shared commitment to open dialogue and enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

In a bilateral meeting held at the President’s Office, President Wickremesinghe and PM Thavisin reaffirmed the enduring and enriching relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand, emphasizing centuries-old ties that transcend the formal establishment of Diplomatic Relations in 1955.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted the long-standing, deep-rooted cordial relations based on Theravada Buddhist linkages and robust cultural connections between the two nations.

The leaders discussed Sri Lanka’s new foreign policy approaches aimed at expanding relations with Southeast Asia and achieving deeper economic integration in the region.

President Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for the signing of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA), emphasizing its significance in the broader context of integrating with the ASEAN region economically. Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its export market in ASEAN and welcomes major investments from the region.

The President sought Thailand’s support for Sri Lanka’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), underlining the formal request made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted the untapped potential for trade and investment between the two countries. Opportunities for Thai investments in luxury hotels in the Colombo Port City and participation in the privatization of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) were discussed.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation, with a special focus on Thailand’s proposed land bridge project across the Isthmus of Kra.

The President expressed gratitude for technical assistance from Thailand, particularly through the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). Areas of potential cooperation include packaging, ICT, agriculture, tourism, and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

He also acknowledged Thailand’s past gifts of tuskers and pledged the safety and welfare of remaining elephants in Sri Lanka. Technical assistance from TICA on elephant welfare was also discussed.

Cooperation in the fisheries sector, including investment opportunities in supply chains, and collaboration in agriculture were also proposed during the meeting.

The leaders emphasized the need for close defence and security cooperation, sharing information and intelligence to curb transnational crimes. President Wickremesinghe also proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation.

Both leaders discussed enhancing Buddhist religious tourism, promoting maritime tourism, and improving air connectivity. Plans for a visa-free travel arrangement for normal passport holders were also on the agenda.

Collaboration in regional fora such as BIMSTEC, IORA, ACD, and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was acknowledged. Sri Lanka looks forward to strengthening IORA under its chairmanship.

President Wickremesinghe sought assistance from Thailand in repatriating Sri Lankan victims of human trafficking in Myanmar.

In closing, President Wickremesinghe reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to consolidating bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Thailand.

The comprehensive discussions pave the way for deeper economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand, marking a new chapter in their historic relationship.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakkapong Sangmanee and Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka Paitoon Mahapannaporn graced the occasion, representing Thailand. On Sri Lanka’s side, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and a delegation of ministers, along with Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardena, were in attendance.

--PMD

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane today (01) endorsed the certificate on the Online Safety Bill which was approved by parliament last week, the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Accordingly, the said Bill will come into effect as the Online Safety Act No.9 of 2024.

The bill was passed without a vote in the House after a two-day debate during which the opposition launched a scathing attack saying it borders on the infringement of the freedom of expression.

During the Second Reading, the bill was taken to vote with 108 supporting it and 62 opposing.

(dailymirror.lk)

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been remanded until the 15th of February after he was produced before court on Saturday morning following his arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department on Friday.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was arrested by the CID over the controversial human immunoglobulin procurement scandal.

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama imposed an overseas travel ban on Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and ordered him to report to the Criminal Investigations Department to provide a statement.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) announced that fuel prices will be revised with effect from midnight today (January 31).

Accordingly, the price of Petrol Octane 92 will be increased by Rs. 05 to Rs. 371 per litre while Petrol Octane 95 is to be reduced by Rs. 08 to Rs. 456 per litre.

Auto Diesel has been increased by Rs. 05 to Rs. 363 while Super Diesel has been reduced by Rs. 07 to Rs. 468.

Meanwhile, the price of Kerosene will be increased by Rs. 26 up to Rs. 262 per litre.

Revised Fuel Prices:

Petrol Octane 92 - Rs. 371

Petrol Octane 95 - Rs. 456

Auto Diesel - Rs. 363

Super Diesel - Rs. 468

Kerosene - Rs. 262