NTC to ensure that private bus employees are insured

The National Transport Commission has decided to ensure that all private bus employees are insured and that measures are taken to pay EPF.

Chairman of the Commission Roshan Gunewardena stated that these measures will be a requirement at the time of issuing route licenses.

The Commission stated that this requirement will be effective from the 31st of next month.

Various Private Bus Owners' Associations have provided different opinions with regard to the decision
of the National Transport Commission.

Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners' Union has said that it welcomes the decision to insure all private bus employees.

Chief Secretary to the Union, Anjana Priyanjith said that the union would provide full cooperation to implement this programme.

However, the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association has opposed this decision.

Chairman of the Association, Gemunu Wijeratne stated that bus owners are not obliged to insure bus employees and pay EPF.

He added that the National Transport Commission cannot force the Inter Provincial Bus Associations with regard to this.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Inter Provincial Bus Association Sarath Vijitha Kumara said that the decision to insure bus employees and to provide EPF payment is a welcome move.

Lightning strikes...

An individual has died while another has been injured after being struck by lightning in the Veerachchamada area, west of Koralaipandhu in Batticaloa.

Deputy Director of the Disaster Management Centre Sarath Lal Kumara said that the incident had taken place last evening.

He added that seventeen people have died in the month of April alone due to lightning-related accidents.

He said further that on a previous occasion one individual had died after being struck by lightning in
the South Koralaipandhu area.

Sarath Lal Kumara said that twenty three lightning related deaths have been reported during the first four months of this year.

Deputy Director of the Disaster Management Centre also made a special request to the public to take
precautions due to the inclement weather condition and serious lightning situation in the country

Wave takes youth away

An individual has gone missing along the coast adjoining the Galle Face Green in Colombo, after being swept by away by a wave yesterday.

The missing individual has been identified as a 21-year-old youth and a resident of the Kahatabulawa area in Nawalapitiya.

Police said that the incident had taken place when the youth had gone to bathe with a group of
persons in the sea close to the Galle Face Green.

A search operation has commenced with the assistance of the navy to locate the missing youth.

Three rupees more for bread from today

The price of a loaf bread has been increased by Rs.3 with effect from today.

The All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association said that the price hike was pursuant to an increase in wheat flour prices.

The price of a kilo of wheat flour which was between Rs.80 and Rs.90 was increased by Rs. 8.50.

According to the Serendib Company, the revision in the price of a kilogramme of wheat floor was made
pursuant to the Sri Lanka rupee weakening against the dollar and the increase in fuel prices, transport
costs and electricity prices in the month of February and not due to an increase in world wheat flour prices.

The All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association in the meantime stated that they were forced to increase the price of a loaf of bread further to an increase in production costs.

Accordingly, the price of a 450g loaf of bread has been increased by Rs.3 with effect from today.

Cost of bread to rise

All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association states that the price of a loaf of bread will increase by between
Rs. 3 and 5 in line with increase in the price of wheat flour.

Earlier the price of a loaf of bread was increased by Rs.5  when the price of diesel was increased.

The All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association points out that yesterday's price increase of wheat flour by Rs. 8.50 rupees a kilo has directly affected them.

The President of the Association N.K. Jayawardena said that an official statement on the price increase will be announced by the association in due course.

Defence Secretary says police must carry out their duties without attracting claims of HR violations

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that a police force which is capable of carrying out its duties without attracting claims of human rights violations and intimidation, should be established.

He made this statement during a function held at Ananda college, yesterday. 

The event was held to mark the beginning of the "Siyapathvila" programme of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. 

The programme seeks to encourage the ongoing process of making the police force a more people-friendly one. 

The event was held under the auspices of Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 

"We will gradually remove the armed forces from engaging in security activities involving the public. Road blocks will gradually be removed, raids will gradually stop and emergency regulations will be lifted.’’

’’They will be confined to barracks. During times such as this, the responsibility of protecting law and order in the country will be vested with the police. Is the police force prepared to take up this challenge ? You should think about it.’’

’’You have been tasked with the responsibility of carrying out your duties without attracting claims of human rights violations and intimidation. This is a great responsibility, therefore we need to prepare a police force capable of accomplishing this task.’’

’’We all know that no matter how much good the police does, they are always criticised. This is not something new,’’ said Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa 

Senior police officers transferred

Twenty three (23) police officers including SSPs have been transferred with immediate effect.

The office of Police Media Spokesperson said that these transfers were made based on service
requirements.

Accordingly SSP  M.D. Dhool has been transferred from Police Filed Force Headquarters to the Police Medical Division as the Director of the Division.

SSP L.M. Francis who functioned in the capacity of the Director of the Police Medical Division has been transferred to the Disciplinary Control Unit of the Police as its acting Director.

Accordingly SSP J.C.K. Nanayakkara has been appointed as the Director of the Police Narcotic Division.

Meanwhile SSP A. P.G. Gunarawardena has been appointed as the Office In Charge of the Galle Division while SSP G.S. Walgama has been appointed as the Director of the IGP Command Room.

SSP K.S. Wickremesinghe is the new Director of the Police Child and Women's Bureau.

Meanwhile SPs and ASPs are also among those officers who have been transferred.

Chief Financial officer of Serendib Flour Mills, Mohamad Riyal says that the price of a kilogramme of wheat flour will increase by between Rs., 8 and Rs. 8.50

He said that the Consumer Affairs Authority has granted permission for the price hike.

Meanwhile, the President of the Bakery Owners Association, N.K. Jayawardena says that flour importers have informed them of a price hike.

He added that Prima and Serendib have informed him that flour prices have been increased by Rs.8.

Sarath Fonseka allowed to receive inhouse treatment at a private hospital

Colombo High Court Judge Sunil Rajapakse ordered prison officials to allow former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka to receive inhouse treatment at a private hospital.

The order was issued today following a request made by the Former Army Commander’s lawyer, Saliya Peiris.

’’We ate prison rice for three years. We will eat it for another ten years. We will eat this rice as long as this corrupt regime lasts,’’ said the Former Army Commander 

The judge also ordered the prison officials to provide security to the former army commander while he s in hospital.

The case filed against Sarath Fonseka for harbouring army deserters and turning them against the state was to be taken up yesterday. 

Former Captain Senaka Haripriya Silva who served as a Secretary to Sarath Fonseka has been named as the second respondent in the case.

At the commencement of the case, the Former Army Commander’s counsel, Saliya Peiris told court that his client is suffering from a lung problem caused by injuries sustained in a suicide attack while he was on duty.

Fonseka’s Counsel told court that according to doctors, if Fonseka does not receive inhouse treatment
under the observation of doctors, his life could be at risk. 

Submitting a letter issued by specialist Dr. Vajira Tennakon, the attorney-at-law requested permission for Fonseka to receive in house treatment in hospital.

State Counsel Damith Thotawatta did not file any objections to the request. 

The case will be taken up again on May 4.

"It has been six years since I was injured in a suicide attack. I finished the war in three years. War heroes sacrificed their lives. Engaged in politics for two months. And the rest has been in prison. The people received nothing,’’ said the Former Army Commander.  

Medical students protest in Colombo

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported in the close proximity to Town Hall in Colombo as a result of a protest march being organised by a group of medical students.

According to our correspondent, the protest march which began from the De Saram Place advanced towards the Lipton circus.

Medical student activists say that the protest has been organised against private medical institutions. 

CID raids drug distribution centre

The CID has raided a key drug distribution centre.

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana stated that the drug distribution centre had been operating in the tenth floor of a luxury apartment complex in the Sri Jayawardenapura area.

Police Media Spokesperson further stated that at the time of the raid which was conducted last evening, six suspects including three women who were packing drugs were arrested.

Five hundred grams of drugs, seven million six hundred and eighty thousand rupees and a vehicle which was used to distribute the drugs have also been seized by the CID.

Coconut tree comes crashes down

Three  children have been injured after a coconut tree had fallen on their house in the Karandhugolla area in Mathurata.

Police stated that the children had been injured while watching TV.

The three (3) children injured in the incident that took place last evening have been identified as  fouriteen year olds and two of them are said to be girls. 

The injured have been admitted to the Rikillagaskada hospital, while two of the injured are receiving further treatment.

Drowning in Mahaweli River; body not found yet

An individual has drowned in the Mahawali River in the Watawala, Dhiyagana area.

Police stated that the individual had stepped into the water on suspicion that another person may have drowned in the river.

As a result, the individual had fallen into a deep pit and had drowned.
Police stated that the body of the individual has not been found as yet.

Rescued fishermen to return today

Six Sri Lankan fishermen who were rescued from Somali pirates are to return to the country today.

Assistant Director to the Department of Fisheries Lal De Silva stated that the department had undertaken the expenditure in order to bring the fishermen to the country.

He stated that the fishermen had left from Tanzania yesterday to arrive in the country.

He added that under the order of Minister Rajitha Senarathna the department had undertaken the expenditure of the air line tickets for the fishermen and other expenditures as well.

The group of fishermen who had set to sea from Negombo six months ago were captured by Somali pirates.

The fishermen had been rescued close to the Tanzanian coast by the Spanish warship Infanta Elena

Moragoda resigns

Milinda Moragoda says that he has decided to step down from the position of Leader of the Opposition and member of the Colombo Municipal Council.

Issuing a statement today, Milinda Moragoda states it is essential that the Leader of the Opposition gives full commitment to the affairs of the Council and ensure that the foundation that has been established remains united and resolute.

He adds that his present responsibilities elsewhere prevents him from filling that role, and it is for that reason, and that reason alone, that he has decided to step down as Leader of the Opposition, and Member of the Council.

He had made this announcement at the opposition group meeting of the Colombo Municipal Council today.

Milinda Moragoda states that he stands ready to provide advice and guidance to the new leader and will continue to serve the citizens in various other capacities.

He further notes that as Senior Adviser to the President, his support and assistance will be available to the President at all times.

He has also stated that he feels honoured to have served as a member of the CMC. 

Milinda Moragoda adds that over the past six months he has worked hard to build a strong team that will provide the necessary foundation to enable the party to achieve many objectives and that this was
recently proven when the UPFA and its allies were able to win a crucial majority of seats in the Finance Committee, the most important committee in the Council.

In his statement, Milinda Moragoda categorically states that speculation in the media that he will be taking up a position in an important international organisation is not true, and is moreover completely without foundation.

He also added that he would like to extend his gratitude to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for inviting him to take up the challenges offered in seeking to lead the Colombo Municipal Council, and to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for their support and encouragement during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition.

Funeral of Sathish Perera to take place today

The funeral of renowned singer Sathish Perera will take place today.

Perera passed away at a private hospital in Colombo on Monday.

A popular singer, Sathish Perera was forty two years old at the time of his demise, and a father of one.

He is the son of renowned artist, the late Shelton Perera.

Angjaana, Sundarai Oba, Pem Hasun are some of his songs that captured the hearts of millions.

According to his relatives Sathish Perera had been suffering from a prolonged illness and had been admitted to a private hospital some days ago.

The Ministry of Higher Education has commenced a programme to provide housing loans with a minimum interest rate to university lecturers and non-academic staff.

Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne stated that the necessary steps have been taken to provide these loan through state banks. 

The loans will carry a modest interest rate of 7%. 

Under this programme, university lecturers can obtain housing loans up to two million rupees and non
academic staff can obtain loans up to one million rupees Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne stated that the ministry of finance and planning has approved this programme.

Jeep belonging to NGO set ablaze

A  group has set fire to a jeep of an officer attached to a Non Governmental Organisation in the Ukkulankulam area in Vavuniya.

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana said that the incident took place at around 8 last night.

The jeep belonged to a Technical Adviser of a Non Governmental Organization that was engaged in demining activities in the north.

The perpetrators connected to the incident are yet to be identified.

Lightning takes fourteen lives

Fourteen individuals have died in the month of April alone due to lightning strikes.

Twenty one  individuals have died due to lightning strikes this year so far.

Meanwhile, a boy had died after being struck by lightning in the Eheliyagoda area yesterday.

The deceased has been identified as a sixteen year old school boy.

The police stated that the boy had been struck by lightening while at a function.

Meanwhile, the Met Department has stated that the inclement weather and lightning prevalent in the country will continue into next month.

Duty forecaster at the Met Department G.P.Yasarathna stated that the reason for these deaths to occur was the negligent attitude of the public during lightning.

The Met Department has also requested the public to be vigilant and take precautions to minimise lightning related accidents.

Salary increase likely for housemaids serving in the Middle East

Attention of the Foreign Employment Bureau has been drawn towards increasing the salaries of Sri Lankan housemaids serving in the Middle East.

Chairman of the Bureau Amal Senadhilankara stated that discussions are currently underway with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait regarding the matter.

At present a Sri Lankan housemaid serving in Kuwait is paid around 60 to 65 dinars and it is expected to increase it up to 85 Dinars.

The Chairman of the Foreign Employment Bureau further stated that a discussion will be held in Jordan next month to discuss the matter with diplomats in the Middle East.

Price of chicken to increase during the festive season?

Poultry traders have called for an increase in the price of a kilogramme of chicken by Rs. 94 during the
festive season.

Chairman of the All Island Poultry Association D.D. Wanasinghe said that a request has been made to the Ministry of Cooperatives and internal trade in this regard.

The Chairman said the price of a kilogramme of chicken will be increased to Rs. 444 if permission is granted for the request by the ministry.

Secretary to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade Sunil S. Sirisena said such a request has
not been received as yet.

However, he said that if a request is received in this regard it can considered.

Limitations to maintain country’s vehicle population, says Minister

Acting Minister of Mass Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene stated that certain limitations have to be introduced in order to maintain the country's vehicle population at a sustainable level.

He stated this at the cabinet press briefing today.

''When the number of vehicles in a country is rapidly increasing, a stage is reached where the country cannot sustain it. In any country there are certain limits imposed. After the end of the war there was a huge increase in the number of vehicles imported. So the government had to control this.'' 

''We estimated that if this increase persisted for another year, the number of vehicles would have been so great that vehicles wouldn't have been able to even move on the road. There are that many vehicles in the country. This decision had to be taken because a certain limit had to be imposed,'' said Acting Minister of Mass Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene

Burdened the people to an unbearable level, says Samarasinghe

Former JVP Parliamentarian Wasantha Samarasinghe says that the government has burdened the people to an unbearable level and is not doing anything about it.

He made this statement during a function held in Chilaw yesterday to create awareness


Former JVP Parliamentarian Wasantha Samarasinghe expressed these thoughts 

’’An unbearable burden has been placed on the people of this country. The traders are unable to engage in their daily business activities . The farmers are unable to sell their harvest at a reasonable price. Labourers do not receive a fair salary with which they can survive. The government is preparing to fill the bellies of the public with debt..’’

Motor Traffic Act to be amended to accommodate new spot fine

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a law to impose a spot fine of Rs.1000 rupees as the penalty for not wearing a seat belt.

Under the new regulation it is mandatory for the driver and the passenger travelling in the front seat to wear seat belts.

This was revealed to the media by the Acting Minister of Mass Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene during the cabinet media briefing today.

According to the Acting Minister the proposal had been presented to cabinet by the Minister of Transport, Kumara Welgama.

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene also noted that cabinet had granted approval to amend the Motor Traffic Act of 2009 to accommodate the new spot fine.