Tangalle murder - suspects remanded

The Chairman of the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha and the other suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder of a British national at a tourist hotel in Tangalle have been remanded till then 6th of   January.

This order was issued when the suspects were produced before the Tangalle magistrate last evening.

Police Media Spokesperson, Ajith Rohana stated that the identification of suspects will take place on the 6th of January and therefore, the suspects have been remanded till then.

A British national was murdered while a Russian woman was injured in a clash at a tourist hotel in Madilla on the night of  December 24.

Fishing craft advised to remain vigilant

The Department of Meteorology has advised that all fishing craft operating in the Northeastern and Northern seas of the country remain vigilant, owing to cyclone Thane.

The Department noted that in the coming 48 hours, the cyclone could travel to Eastern India.

They noted however, that Sri Lanka would not be directly affected by the cyclone.

In the meantime, the Tamil Nadu Met Department authorities note that the cyclone may hit the Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh coastal areas within the next 48 hours.

Therefore, heavy rains could be expected in those areas and the Tamil Nadu Met Department has requested
all fishermen not to cast off to sea.

Furthermore, it has been reported that a fisherman from Andra Pradesh had gone missing after his fishing craft had met with an accident in the midst of the prevalent inclement weather.

President visits temple of the tooth relic

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the temple of the tooth relic in Kandy this morning.

The President was welcomed by the Diyawadana Nilame.

The President who engaged in religious observances then visited the Mahanayake of the Malwathu
Chapter, Ven Thibbatuwaawe Shri Sumangala Thera. 

Afterwards, the President visited the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Udugama Shri Buddha Rakitha Thera.

According to our correspondent, President Mahinda Rajapaksa discussed the development of Kandy
and the renovation of the Kandy Lake with the Chief prelates.

Showers to continue

The Met Department says that the Northeastern monsoonal conditions over the country is active with the
association of atmospheric disturbances to the South of the island.

Accordingly Met Department predicts that showery weather conditions will continue over the Eastern, Northern, North Central, Uva and Southern Provinces.

Meanwhile, temperature in Colombo and Galle was recorded as 24 degrees, while in Kandy the temperature is at 21 degrees.

Workers on several bus routes on strike

A strike has been launched by bus workers on the Homagama to Fort, 138 bus route.

Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gamunu Wijeratne stated that the strike had
been launched to protest against the approval granted to a new bus service from Mullegama to Fort.

The workers on the 697 bus route and the Kaduwela - Homagama 698 bus route have also launched a strike in support of the others.

Meanwhile, private bus workers on 171 route, from Pelawatte to Fort have also launched a strike from this morning. 

Death of Bharatha Lakshman and injuries to Duminda two separate incidents?

                                                                                                                                                                The Colombo Magistrate’s Court advised the Criminal Investigations Department to file two separate cases into the Mulleriyawa shooting incident which killed Presidential Adviser Baratha Lakshman Premachandra.

 This took place when the case was taken up in the Colombo Magistrate’s court yesterday.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Prasanna Alwis stated that the death of four people including Bharatha
Lakshman Premachandra and Duminda Silva sustaining injuries were two separate incidents.

He noted that conducting a common investigation into the incidents could lead to complications.

ASP Shani Abeysekara from the CID informed court that they will consult the attorney general in
this regard. 

Meanwhile the CID informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that an individual named Gamini Jayanath who worked as a body guard of Premachandra had been arrested.

ASP Abeysekara informed Court that in addition a police officer who worked as a body guard of Duminda Silva and three others were also arrested last evening. 

Thereby, eighteen suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the Mulleriyawa shooting and detention orders have been obtained for ten of them. 

UNP Leadership to be contested by Ranil and Karu

United National Party General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake says that the election to elect office bearers
to the party will be held tomorrow afternoon.

According to the nominations received, the post of Party Leader will be contested by Ranil Wickremesinghe and Karu Jayasuriya.

Parliamentarians Ravi Karunanayake and Sajith Premadasa will contest the position of Deputy Leader of the UNP.

Meanwhile, Dayasiri Jayasekara and Daya Gamage will contest the post of UNP National Organiser at tomorrow's election.

Four killed in Eppawala

Four people have been killed after being attacked with sharp objects in Eppawala.

Police Media Spokesperson, SP Ajith Rohana stated that the murders had taken place last night.

The deceased were an army officer, his wife, mother and the mother’s older sister.

The deceased army officer and wife were 23 years old, while the mother was a 49-year-old
and the mother’s sister was a 55 year old.

The Eppawala police have launched further investigations into the incident.

Steam over new compartments to intercity express

The Joint Front of the Train Services Trade Unions charge that two compartments obtained from private companies have been  added to the Colombo - Kandy intercity express train.

Secretary of the Front Sampath Rajitha said that tickets for these compartments will not be issued by
the Railway Department.

When an inquiry was made from the General Manager of the Railway Department B.A.P. Ariyaratne he told Newsfirst that these compartments were obtained on a contract basis.

The General Manager said that a higher fare would be charged from passengers travelling in these
compartments.

He further said that the the Railway Department only receives the first class ticket fare while the company
receives the additional amount which is being charged. 

Illegal constructions along Hikkaduwa beach demolished

All illegal constructions along the Hikkaduwa beach have been demolished.

A senior police officer in charge of Galle said that the illegal constructions were demolished by
the Coast Conservation Department during the course of yesterday and today.

Lanka Teachers Union to lodge complaint

The Lanka Teachers'' Union has decided to lodge a complaint with the Human Rights Commission regarding the delay in releasing the results of the GCE Advanced Level Examination.

General Secretary of the Union, Joseph Stalin cited the inefficiency of education authorities as the reason for the delay.

He noted that action will be taken against the delay, together with the students.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Lanka Teacher Services Union, Mahinda Jayasinghe said that a
fundamental rights petition will be filed against the injustice caused to those students as a result of the
delay.

Moreover, several trade unions of the education sector expressed displeasure regarding the delay in
releasing this year's A/L results.

Convenor of the All Ceylon Graduate Teachers Union E.M.J.S.De saram said the burden of authorities acting irresponsibly will now fall on the parents and the students.

The students meanwhile charge that they are unable to plan their higher studies because of the delay.

When Newsfirst, contacted the Deputy Minister of Education to inquire about the delay, he said that the A/L results will definitely be released during the next two or three weeks.

However, the Department of Examinations previously stated that the results will be issued before the
school vacation.

Traders of Colombo Manning Market in a demonstration

Traders at the Colombo Manning Market are currently engaged in a demonstration in front of the Fort Railway Station against the implementation of the law over the new rule making it compulsory to use plastic crates to transport vegetables and fruits.

Chief Organiser of the Colombo Manning Market H.L.Chandanarathna noted that no trade activities will be carried out at the Colombo Manning Market today.

When we inquired from the Police Media Spokesperson, SP Ajith Rohana, he noted that Police officers from the Traffic Unit have been deployed to control the traffic congestion opposite the Fort Railway Station owing to the demonstration.

Nelum Pokuna - Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre launched

The official website for the Nelum Pokuna - Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre was officially launched yesterday by the President.

 According to the President’s Media Unit the website was launched at temple trees yesterday.

Speaking during the ceremony, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga said that the President
was able to make the theatre, which was only a concept, into reality.

He added that the theatre was built with aid provided by China amounting to 3 billion rupees.

A/L results to be released

Advanced Level (A/L) Examination results to be out by next Monday.

This was announced by the Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake in the Parliament today. 

ease of A/L results

Green light for investigations on railway signals

The Railways Department has commenced investigations on the allegations made by the
train drivers that the railway signal system is defective.

General Manager of Railways B.A.B.Ariyaratne has stated that the train drivers have complained that some railway signals on the Colombo to Rambukkana railway line are not functioning properly.

He pointed out that investigations have been commenced based on these allegations.

He stated that the railway signals in the Polgahawella area had not worked recently due to a power failure in the area. He further stated that the current railway signals are fifty years old.

President to attend Bali Democratic Forum

President Mahinda Rajapakse left Sri Lanka this morning to attend the fourth Bali Democratic Forum

The President will attend this Forum on a special invitation extended by the Indonesian President, Dr. Susilo Bang Bang U-Dayano.

The fourth Bali Forum will take place tomorrow and the day after.

The theme for this year's forum is "enhancing democratic participation in a changing world: responding to Democratic voices."

Heads of state, foreign ministers, and top level representatives from fifty four Asia Pacific countries will participate at this event which is being held at the Bali International Convention Centre.

Students of the Rajarata University banned

Twenty students of the Rajarata University have been banned for periods varying from two to three years.

Speaking to Newsfirst, Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor K.A. Nandasena said that these students had been charged with assaulting a group of students who sat for an examination on October  25 last year, and causing damage to property. 

He went on to say that ten of the students were banned from the university for three years while the
remaining ten students were handed a ban of two years.

He noted that they were given the ban, based on the recommendations received following investigations by the disciplinary committee.

Moreover, the Vice Chancellor stated that nineteen other students connected to the incident have been issued warning letters.

He added that around sixty students of the Rajarata University had been summoned for the inquiry by the
disciplinary committee.

Civil Procedure Code to be amended

The Government has taken steps to amend the Civil Procedure Code.

Secretary to the Ministry of Justice Suhada Gamlath said that the amendments will be presented to the
cabinet this week.

He said that several policies will be included in the amendments to avoid the delay in cases.

As part of the policies, for the first time in the country, mediation will be allowed.

Thereby, a judge will intervene, by summoning both parties to the problem and discuss it directly and
solve the problem. 

In addition, a special officer known as the Master will be appointed to prepare the core matters of the case.

Therefore, Suhada Gamlath said that the judge will only need to look into the final decision of the case.

The Criminal Procedure Code too is to be amended. 

Sri Lankans held by Somali pirates

Director General of Merchant Shipping Shantha Weerakoon says that seventeen Sri Lankan crew members are being held by Somali pirates.

He noted that efforts are underway at diplomatic level to secure their release.

Talk of the town: Not a private issue...

The Western Province Representatives Conference of the Eksath Samajawadhi Tharuna Peramuna 
was held recently.

 This conference was held with the participation of leaders, representatives and politicians of the Eksath Samajawadhi Tharuna Peramuna.

Shiral Lakthilaka, Co-Convenor,  Samawadhi Students' Union

"Dear friends, Ranil Wickremesinghe issues orders. There is a ban imposed on holding meetings, making statements and addressing the public. This brings to mind the era of Hitler. But we want to tell him that he is a naked king. You are nude. We have a better ability than him to organise meeting to address the people. The most creative group in the United National Party are with us at present."

"This party is separated into two groups. The only person who can unite these two groups under one leadership is Karu Jayasuriya. He is mature, knowledgeable and close to our Sinhalese culture. He is also wise. As per his invitation, today Sajith Premadasa is also dedicating his efforts towards Karu Jayasuriya's bid for the leadership of our party."

Imtiaz Bakeer Markar, United National Party

"This is not a private issue between Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa and Karu Jayasuriya. This is a matter of principle. On one hand it is a problem with internal Democracy. On the other hand the Social Democrat heritage of the UNP has been lost and the Party has been steered in a different direction. A trustworthy leadership is necessary for the party if the ideas of all are to be heard. Can we make the UNP victorious under the current leadership?"

Sajith Premadasa – Co Deputy Leader UNP

"If the UNP is to win the hearts of the public then it must become a party which will fulfills the political, human rights and economical aspirations of the people based on social Democrat principles. It is my opinion that the main quality of the new manifesto of the United National Party should be to bring
about the dawn of an age where every citizen in this country can live without being a slave or a servant to anyone. This is what Social Democracy is."

Distribution of school text books for next year commences

The distribution of school text books for next year will commence today.

An event in this regard will be held today at the Girls’ High School in Kandy under the auspices of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

Commissioner General of Education Publications W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara noted that the Government has spent 3000 million rupees to print these text books.

The UN Climate Change Conference will commence in Durban, South Africa today.

Minister of Environment Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera and Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka will represent Sri Lanka at the conference.

A meeting of high level state officials into climate change was held on the 29th of last month to coincide with the UN Climate Change Conference.

Attention has been focused on the imbalance of the environment owing to global warming. The UN Climate Change Conference will go on till December 9.

Sajith requests Karu to contest for party leadership

UNP Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa in a letter addressed to Party Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya notes that it is with urgency and honour that he request that MP Jayasuriya to stand for election for the post of party leader.

The letter has also been copied to Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe, all UNP parliamentarians and all members of the UNP Working Committee.

Sajith Premadasa notes that it is his firm belief that Karu Jayasiruya is the only person who can take up the challenge of unifying the fractured party and forging ahead with clear cuts policies and programmes for the benefit of the country.

He further states that this decision was reached by him due to the support base of the party dwindling progressively ever since 1994 and that the plight of the party is abysmal.

He also states that hundred of thousands of UNP supporters will welcome this as a very positive development and they would embrace Karu Jayasuriya as their new leader.

Soldier who shot woman at Police Station in remand custody

The army soldier who was arrested for shooting a woman at the Tissamaharama police station has been placed in remand custody until the 17th of this month.

This order was issued after the suspect was produced before the Tissamaharama Magistrate last night.

Police stated that the shooting had taken place last morning when attempts were being made to settle a dispute between two families.The 26-year-old army soldier had then opened fire at a 19-year-old girl who claimed that he married her.

The young woman who sustained serious injuries is currently receiving treatment at the Karapitiya Hospital.

Parcel deliveries on a faster track

The Railways Department has decided to implement a programme where parcels that have been handed over or distribution will be delivered to the recipients doorstep.

The Director of Planning of the Railways Department, Wijaya Samarasinghe has noted that this will be implemented from January next year.

At present parcels that are being handed over for delivery are delivered only to the respective
train stations. He went on to state that the public have to visit the train station to collect the parcel.

He said that this initiative will be a joint venture of the Railways Department and a private organisation.

Samarasinghe noted that the aim of this programme is to create a courier service that would deliver the parcels and posts to the doorsteps of the recipient.

He further added that through this programme, it has been made easy for people to exchange their goods and services.

A Sri Lankan man has been charged in connection with the assault of three young women on buses in UK. Detectives say that in each incident, a man is said to have sat next to a young girl on a bus before talking to her and then groping, fondling or trying to kiss her.

One of the attacks was on a Hartlepool bus, while another was destined for the town and a third happened on a bus in the Middlesbrough area.

A 24-year-old Sri Lankan man has been charged with four counts of sexual touching and is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today.

The incidents took place between Monday, November 7 and Monday, November 21, Hartlepool Mail reports.

Police have commenced investigations into a case where a seventeen year old mother had abandoned her 21 day-old-infant.

 Puttalam police said the 17-year-old mother had left the infant with her sister who resides in the
Galkulama area.

The infant has been admitted to the Puttalam Hospital. Police said that the mother will be produced in Court