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Specialist Forensic Medical Officer Testifies in MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala Murder Trial

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Specialist Forensic Medical Officer Testifies in MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala Murder Trial

Specialist Judicial Medical Officer Ramesh Alagiyawanna testified before the Gampaha High Court that MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer were alive when their bodies were dragged from the third floor to the ground floor of the Passion House building.

The deaths occurred on May 9, 2022, amidst violence that broke out in Nittambuwa following unrest in Galle Face. Athukorala, then a Member of Parliament, and Police Sergeant Jayantha Gunasekara were killed.

The Attorney General’s case against several defendants in connection with the incident concluded its evidentiary phase with the forensic medical officer’s testimony. The defense’s evidentiary phase is scheduled to begin on April 25.

The trial, which began on June 19, 2023, has heard testimony from 78 individuals, including police officers and civilians, and has seen the submission of numerous photographs, documents, plans, and other reports.

JVP MP Predicts Jail Time for Loudest Opposition Members

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JVP MP Predicts Jail Time for Loudest Opposition Members

National People’s Power Parliamentarian Dinidu Saman Hennayake has claimed that the most vociferous members of the opposition will be jailed in due course. He suggested that a list of the opposition members who shout the loudest in Parliament would also serve as a list of those who will end up in jail.

Hennessey attributed their loud protests to their awareness of ongoing investigations against them and visits from the secret police to their homes. He confidently asserted during a public meeting that the order in which opposition members are jailed will correspond to how loudly they shout in Parliament.

Unions Call for Removal of Presidential Advisor Over Conflict of Interest

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Unions Call for Removal of Presidential Advisor Over Conflict of Interest

Several organizations, including the United Workers’ Federation, have jointly requested President Anura Dissanayake to remove Duminda Hulangamuwa from his position as Economic Advisor to the President.

The organizations cite a conflict of interest, as Hulangamuwa was a managing partner at Ernst & Young, the audit firm that was found guilty of undervaluing the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation during its privatization. They argue that his dual role as Presidential Advisor and a senior figure in a firm involved in such misconduct creates a serious conflict of interest.

Furthermore, the organizations express concerns that Hulangamuwa’s potential appointment as Secretary to the Ministry of Finance would further favor the private sector over the public interest. They highlight the Auditor General’s revelation that private sector tax arrears rose from Rs. 904 billion in 2022 to Rs. 1,066 billion in 2023, with significant increases in excise and tobacco tax arrears. The letter also notes that VAT arrears and imposed fines amounted to Rs. 455 billion as of December 31, 2023, accusing the private sector of illegally retaining taxes paid by the public.

The organizations contend that Hulangamuwa’s leadership of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has consistently championed the rights of the private sector, including those involved in tax evasion.

Lal Kantha says Ranil Wickremesinghe championed neoliberalism in Sri Lanka

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Lal Kantha says Ranil Wickremesinghe championed neoliberalism in Sri Lanka

Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lal Kantha stated that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the politician who championed neoliberalism in Sri Lankan society. He further emphasized that Wickremesinghe was knowledgeable in this regard, whereas Mahinda Rajapaksa did not hold such beliefs.

Speaking at a seminar organized by the National People’s Power, Lal Kantha asserted that Ranil Wickremesinghe possessed a vision, while Mahinda Rajapaksa merely maintained the status quo without a distinct philosophy.

The Minister also expressed that the government should not continue recruiting individuals into the state service without limitations and that the government’s focus should be on generating employment within the private sector.

Health Ministry Officials Implicate Former Minister in Substandard Drug Import Scandal

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Health Ministry Officials Implicate Former Minister in Substandard Drug Import Scandal

Health Ministry officials revealed to the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises that the former Health Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, instructed the import of substandard drugs from an Indian pharmaceutical company.

The information came to light during a committee hearing where health officials were questioned. One official stated that the Secretary to the Ministry had added the supplier, ‘Saverite’, at the behest of Minister Rambukwella. Former Health Ministry Secretary, Janaka Sri Chandragupta, confirmed that the supplier had proposed the deal to Minister Rambukwella.

During the proceedings, COPE Committee Chairman, Nishantha Samarawira, inquired about the reported shortage of 151 drugs and 5278 surgical instruments at the Medical Supplies Division.

Indian Prime Minister Modi to Visit Sri Lanka

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Indian Prime Minister Modi to Visit Sri Lanka

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with President Anura Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during his visit.

Additionally, his agenda includes the inauguration of several projects launched with the assistance of the Indian government and paying homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries are also expected to be exchanged during the visit.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by the Indian External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor, Foreign Secretary and other senior officials of the Indian government.

Former Senior Superintendent of Police Acquitted of Charges

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Former Senior Superintendent of Police Acquitted of Charges

Kandy’s former Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulasiri Udugampola, was acquitted of charges related to national security. The Colombo High Court’s decision follows a nearly two-decade-long trial.

In 2002, Udugampola was accused of jeopardizing national security by disclosing information about a safe house operated by the Sri Lanka Army Intelligence Unit at the Millennium City housing complex in Athurugiriya. The Attorney General’s indictment alleged that Udugampola’s actions violated the Official Secrets Act.

Government Defends Diplomatic Appointments Amidst Nepotism Accusations

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Government Defends Diplomatic Appointments Amidst Nepotism Accusations

Cabinet Media Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa asserted that the appointments of former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Mahinda Rathnayake as Ambassador to Cuba were based solely on merit and not political motivations.

Jayatissa emphasized that these individuals were deemed most suitable for the positions, dismissing allegations of political favoritism. He stated that the government maintains a firm stance against nepotism in foreign service appointments, highlighting that individuals from various fields with the necessary skills and capabilities to represent the country can be considered for diplomatic roles.

The spokesperson also addressed concerns about the appointment of former Chief Justice Jayasuriya, given the ongoing court cases related to his alleged suppression of cases during his tenure. Jayatissa differentiated between Udayanga Weeratunga’s appointment and Jayasuriya’s, stressing that the government’s criticism was directed at appointments based solely on familial ties to politicians.

He expressed confidence that the appointees would serve the nation diligently in their foreign postings and assured that these appointments would not disadvantage foreign service officers.

Premadasa Accuses Government of Corruption, Siding with ‘Fuel Cartel’ Amidst Solar Tariff Cuts

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Premadasa Accuses Government of Corruption, Siding with ‘Fuel Cartel’ Amidst Solar Tariff Cuts

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging that they are being controlled by a “fuel cartel” that is deliberately obstructing renewable energy projects.

Premadasa’s accusations came in response to a recent reduction in solar feed-in tariffs, which he described as an act of “absolute corruption” devoid of any economic logic.

The Solar Industries Association (SIA) has also voiced its strong opposition to the proposed tariff cuts, warning that they could have a devastating impact on the renewable energy sector, potentially harming over 1,000 businesses and 40,000 jobs. In a letter to the Treasury Secretary, the SIA urged the government to reconsider the proposal, citing concerns over its potential impact on clean energy goals and the assumptions underlying the cost calculations.

Egg Prices Expected to Soar to Rs. 60 Amidst Production Drop

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Egg Prices Expected to Soar to Rs. 60 Amidst Production Drop

Small-scale egg producers in Sri Lanka are facing a crisis as rising production costs force them to leave the industry.

The cost of producing an egg for small producers is Rs. 26-28, while large-scale producers only spend Rs. 18-20 per egg.

This cost difference is attributed to the tax system, where small producers pay VAT on animal feed, while large producers, who make their own feed, do not pay taxes on the raw ingredients.

As a result, small producers are incurring losses due to falling egg prices and are selling their hens for meat. This has led to a rapid decline in egg production, and market analysts warn that egg prices could rise to Rs. 60 during the upcoming festive season.

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