Principal arrested for alleged sexual abuse

The principal of a school in the Marawila area has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing
children.

According to the Police Media Unit, the principal of the school was arrested following information
received by the National Child Protection Authority.

The police added that five students who were allegedly abused by the principal have been sent to the Marawila hospital for medical examination.

The students allegedly abused by the school principal are believed to be around ten years old.

The principal of the school is a 47-year-old.

Nine hour water cut on Saturday

Water supply to some areas will be disrupted for nine hours on March 31, due to the suspension of electricity to the Water Supply System in Kalutara.

Accordingly water supply will be interrupted in Waskaduwa, Pothupitiya, Moronthuduwa, Kalutara North, Kalutara-South, Katukurunda, Nagoda, Payagala and Maggona areas.

The water supply will also be disrupted in Beruwala, Moragalla, Aluthgama, Benthara, Bombuwala and Piliminawatte. 

 
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board stated that the water supply will be disrupted in these areas on Saturday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

High achievers make their mark at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Exam.

According to the Department of Examinations a total of 3908 students have obtained 9 ''A'' at the 2011 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination.

However 12,795 students had failed all nine subjects at the examination. 60.8 percent of students have qualified for Advanced Level. 

Udeshika Madushani Hettiarachchi of the Visaka Vidyalaya, Colombo was the first placed student while Anusha Milroy Perera of Science College Matale was placed second. 

The third place is a tie between two colleges, Bharatha Madushanka of Dharmaraja College Kandy 
and Dilmi Samadika of the Pinnawala Central College, Rambukkana.

Ranil to appoint Disciplinary Committee to probe alleged attackers

United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to appoint a disciplinary committee to probe a group that is alleged to have been involved in attacking and damaging the UNP headquarters, Sirikotha recently.

This decision has been made at the Working Committee meeting held yesterday.


The report compiled by the Investigative Committee chaired by President's Counsel Srinath Perera on the Sirikotha attack was presented at the Working Committee meeting yesterday.

Many working committee members had expressed their views at the meeting. 

It was reported that according to this Committee Report a Disciplinary Committee will be appointed to conduct an inquiry on Southern Provincial Councillor Maithri Gunaratne, Western Provincial Councillor Shiral Lakthilake and Lal Perera.

Acting like thugs in villages, says Sarath Fonseka

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka was brought to a private hospital in Colombo yesterday.

This was to obtain specialised medical treatment.

Wife of the Former Army Commander, Anoma Fonseka said that he was examined by a Lung
Specialist. 
''The government which had to kneel down in Geneva, is now acting like thugs in villages by shutting down our diplomatic missions in other countries. By the government's actions our country would be isolated in the world. The public should be aware of this,'' said the Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka 

Arumugam Thondaman resigns again?

Various parties expressed views on newspaper reports that Minister of Livestock Development and Rural Affairs, Arumugam Thondaman has resigned from office.

''The story that Minister Thondaman has resigned is like the sun rising tomorrow. Whether or not Sri Ranga says that the sun will rise tomorrow it will definitely happen. It is a known fact. In the same way Thondaman will be at his Ministry tomorrow. That will not change as well.'' 

''He will be attending Cabinet meetings as usual. He has no ownership of land or a house in the Nuwara Eliya district. He lives on State lands off the people. All his assets are in Tamil Nadu. He has a big house there. He has a big business there.''
''We also saw how he and his good friend Karunanidi and Kanimozhi stayed with him at the Taj Samudra Hotel every time they came here. Now there is a force from which even they cannot escape. Now he wants to save his land so he is saying that he is not with the government, that he is angry with the government. That he has resigned from the government. It is all over the Indian news.'' 

''This was a planned action. The only way that Thondaman will leave this government is if there is a leadership change, if a different party comes into power. He has never been in the opposition for more than a year or two. That is because everyone in that party is chasing after resources. 

When Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe formed a government he was there for two years as a minister. Even if a Hela Urumaya or JVP government comes in, he will be a cabinet Minister. Now the people of Nuwara Eliya do not know the word parliamentarian, they only know him as Minister. This is something that will never happen. This is a tele-drama that is being enacted to save his property and assets in Tamil Nadu,'' said General Secretary of the Citizens' Front, MP J. Sri Ranga 

Nevertheless, several Sri Lankan English, Sinhalese and Tamil language newspapers reported today that Minister of Livestock Development and Rural Affairs Arumugam Thondaman had resigned from his ministerial portfolio. 

Some reports said that he had submitted his resignation to the President. However, some newspapers quoted the Presidential Secretariat as saying that such a letter had not been received.

When considering Arumugam Thondaman's history as a politician there are numerous occasions on which he has resigned as a Minister and changed his party allegiance.

Thondaman who contested and won a seat in parliament in the 1994 general election as part of a UNP led coalition switched allegiance to the People''s Alliance Government in 2000 and held the portfolio of Minister of Estate Infrastructure and Livestock.

In 2001, during the probationary government, he resigned from this portfolio. 

Subsequently, he held the position of Minister of Housing and Estate Infrastructure in the United National Front Government which came into power in December 2001.

In 2004 he joined the United People's Freedom Alliance Government and has been serving as a cabinet minister since then.

Considering the newspaper reports.. where will Arumugam Thondaman be in 2012?

Antenna of tsunami warning system found on Lankan shores

The police have discovered an antenna which was attached to a tsunami warning system on a buoy in the Indian ocean, at a place in the Gandara area.

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana said that the stolen antenna was found in Seethawella yesterday afternoon.

Information had been provided by Indian officials to NARA that based on a grading system, this antenna was in Sri Lanka.

The police suspect Sri Lankan fishermen may have stolen this antenna and brought it to the country.

Court orders facts to be presented on failure to arrest Duminda

Colombo Additional Magistrate Prassana De Alwis ordered today, to present facts pertaining to the failure of the police to arrest MP Duminda Silva and of his whereabouts at the next court hearing.

The order was given when the case pertaining to the assassination of four people including former MP Bharatha Laskman Premachandra was taken up today. 

Appearing on behalf of the family of Bharatha Lakshaman Premachandra,  the senior attorney-at-law   pointed out, that MP Duminda Silva has not been arrested as yet.

The attorney-at-law also requested court to issue an international warrant for the arrest of MP Duminda Silva.

In response, the additional magistrate said that such an order cannot be issued.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Prassana De Alwis noted that such an order can only be issued if the police inform that MP Duminda Silva cannot be arrested.

The case will be taken up again on April 4.  

Operating theatre in Embilipitiya to close down

The Embilipitiya Hospital authorities have decided to close down the operating theatre of the hospital. 

Health Services Director of the Sabragamuwa Province, Dr. Kapila Kannangara stated that he has been informed by the hospital authorities with regard to this situation.

The hospital authorities have charged that they are facing problems when conducting surgeries due to not having proper facilities at the operating theatre of the hospital.

Health Services Director of the Sabragamuwa Province, Dr. Kapila Kannangara added that a decision has been taken to expand the operating theatre of the Embilipitiya Base Hospital.

He stated that  Rs. 60 million has been allocated for this purpose and added that the construction work would be completed within one and one and a half years.
He further pointed out that however, emergency surgeries are being carried out at the hospital at present.

Hardship for tea factory owners as overhead costs reach boiling point

The Tea Factory Owners’ Association states that as a result of higher fuel prices, electricity charges and labour charges, their overhead costs have become unbearable.

They say that amidst this, the demand for tea has also decreased.

The Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners’ Association convened a media briefing in Colombo yesterday to raise awareness on the hardships faced by them.

The Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners’ Association says that there is an urgent need for new markets to be found instead of relying on traditional buyers, in order to sustain the industry.

Applications commence for re-correction of G.C.E. O/L exam

Applications for re -orrection of answer scripts of the G.C.E. Ordinary Level exam will commence today.

Commissioner General of Examination W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara stated the applications for re -orrection will be collected till the 21st of next month.

The Commissioner General states that these applications should be handed over through school principals,
Private applicants should hand over their applications directly to the Department of Examinations.

He further stated that a fee of  Rs.150 will be charged for the re-correction of an answer script.

The results of the G.C.E Ordinary Level examination was issued yesterday.

G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination results released

The results of the last G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination have been released.

Examinations Commissioner General, W..M.N.J. Pushpakumara stated that the results can be accessed via the internet at www.doenets.lk 

Once the results have been released, steps have also been taken for school principals of schools in the Colombo and Sri Jayawardenpura area to collect the results from the Examinations Department at Pelawatte.

The Examinations Commissioner General further stated that the results of the schools outside these
areas will be posted within the day. 
 

Dengue takes thirty lives this year

Around thirty persons have been killed owing to Dengue during the year so far.

Speaking to Newsfirst, Director of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Paba Palihawadana said around 8000 Dengue patients have been reported from across the country during the same period.

However, she noted that the number of deaths caused due to the Dengue virus has decreased when compared with the past few years.

Speaking further she added that majority of the patients have been reported from the Western Province.

Polythene and plastic found in Adam’s Peak to be re-cycled

The Central Environmental Authority has commenced a programme to re-cycle polythene and plastic found in the Adam’s Peak area.

Chairman of the Authority Charitha Herath stated that polythene and plastic brought into the area by devotees have caused a massive damage to the environment.

He pointed out that it was essential to prevent the damages caused by plastic to the environment.

Charitha Herath further stated that steps have been taken through this programme to collect polythene and plastic discarded by the devotees and also to attempt to reduce it being brought from homes.

Dr. Manmohan Singh offers explanation on vote in favour of resolution

CNN IBN reports that Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Sigh yesterday had offered Sri Lanka an olive branch explaining India's vote in favour of the U.S.sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The Prime Minister had said that it is India's conviction that a meaningful devolution package would lead towards a lasting political solution.

CNN IBN reports that in his letter the Indian Prime Minister had said, ''I had instructed the Indian delegation to remain in close contact with its Sri Lankan counterparts in an attempt to find a positive way forward. Your Excellency would be aware that we spared no effort and were successful in introducing an element of balance in the language of the resolution.''

According to CNN IBN, though India voted in favour of the resolution, it worked behind the scenes to tweak the document to make it non-intrusive.

CNN IBN states that in the letter, which suggests that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had written to him three days before the vote, Singh noted that both countries had discussed the way ahead to a political
solution that will address all outstanding issues, in particular the grievances of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, in a spirit of understanding and mutual accommodation.

Personal dispute ends in death

A person has been killed after being stabbed with a sharp object in the Hundirapola area in Pannala last
afternoon.

The police said the crime has been committed by the victim’s brother-in-law over on a personal dispute.

Police have arrested the suspect in connection with the incident.

The suspect is due to be produced before courts.

Police officer arrested by police officers on duty

A police inspector,  under the influence of alcohol, who harassed police officers has been arrested by a group of officers on duty at the police post in Jempettah Street.

Police said the police inspector who arrived at the police post at about 9.30 last night has harassed
the officers on duty. 

The arrested police inspector is currently being held at the Kotahena Police.

The police inspector is said be serving at the Kalutara Police Training College.

He is due to be produced before the courts today.

Fire destroys acres of land in Hantana

The Kandy District Disaster Management Centre says that fifteen acres of land were destroyed in the fire
which erupted in the Hantana mountain range in Kandy.

Assistant Director of the unit, Indika Ranaweera said that the fire had erupted in the Ampitiya area in the Hantana mountain range.

The fire was doused with assistance from the army and the Fire Fighting Unit in Kandy.

Dead whale in Dehiwala

The corpse of a whale has washed ashore in the Dehiwala area.

Dehiwaia – Mt. Lavinia Municipal Commissioner, K.V.V.P.N Muthugala stated that the corpse of the whale had washed ashore at around 10 p.m yesterday.

He stated that parts of its head had come off and its tail was tied by a rope.

The Commissioner further stated that measures have been taken to remove the corpse of the whale which is about 55 feet long,  from the Dehiwala beach.

Public Health Inspectors launch strike action

All Public Health Inspectors in the country will resort to trade union action from today.

Assistant Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors union Saman Jayasinghe said that they will enter
the trade union action based on several demands.

The demands include the increase of the transport allowance to  Rs. 7500 rupees, increase of the uniform
allowance the assignment of one  PHI to 10,000  people and the amendment of the PHI training
course to meet the needs of the time.

The Assistant Secretary said that all Public Health Inspectors will report to work in casual attire. 

He further said that as a part of the trade union action all weekly, monthly and quarterly reports sent
to the Ministry of Health, the Epidemiology Unit and the Family Health Bureau will be stopped.

Lasting peace through real reconciliation and accountability - Hilary Clinton

With the US resolution on Sri Lanka being adopted by the UNHRC yesterday afternoon, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton released a statement.

Clinton says that the US together with the international community sent a strong signal that Sri Lanka
will only achieve lasting peace through real reconciliation and accountability and the international
community stands ready to help.

The US Secretary of State noted that they look forward to the implementation of the recommendations
made in the LLRC report and take the necessary measures to address accountability issues.

She added that the US is looking forward to discussing future action with Minister of External Affairs
prof. G.L. Peiris shortly.

Votes in favour of and against the US drafted resolution on SL

Twenty four (24) countries voted in the favour of the US drafted resolution at the 19th UNHRC session in Geneva a short while ago.

However, fifteen (15) countries voted against the resolution while eight (8) abstained. 



In the favour of the US resolution : 

Benin
Cameroon 
Libya
Mauritius
Nigeria
India
Chile
Costa Rica
Guatemala
Mexico
Peru
Uruguay
Austria 
Belgium 
Italy
Norway 
Spain
Switzerland
United States 
Czech Republic
Hungary 
Poland 
Moldova
Romania 


Against the resolution: 

Congo
Mauritania
Uganda
Bangladesh
China
Indonesia
Kuwait
Maldives
Philippines 
Qatar 
Saudi Arabia
Thailand 
Cuba
Ecuador 
Russia


Abstained countries: 

Angola
Botswana 
Burkina Faso 
Djibouti
Senegal
Jordan
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia