Sarath Fonseka expected to leave hospital in a short while

DNA MP Tiran Allas states that Dr Vajira Tennakoon has said that former army commander Sarath

Fonseka can be discharged, as his health condtion has improved.

Thereby, it is expected that former army commander  Sarath Fonseka who was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo will be discharged in a short while.

Three suspects arrested in abduction case

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction of a mother and a daughter in the Udugama area in Galle.

The abduction had taken place day before yesterday, with the intention of obtaining a ransom of five hundred thousand rupees, according to the Police. 

A 28-year-old woman and her two-and-a-half-year old daughter had been abducted.

They were found by the Police this morning, at a residence in Ahangama where they were being held.

The Police notes that the person suspected to have approved the contract to carry out the abduction was among the suspects arrested.

President leaves for four-day trip to Qatar

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has left for Qatar to participate in the Doha Economic Summit, according to the Presidents Spokesperson and International Media Adviser’s Office

Issuing a communique, the office said that the President is engaged in this tour following an invitation extended by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

Accordingly, the President will remain in Qatar till May 22. 

The President’s Spokesperson’s office stated that President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is participating in the Doha Economic Summit as Guest of Honour, is expected to address the summit.

Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris and President’s Secretary Lalith Weerathunga have accompany the President on this visit. 

Army soldier dies after suspected murder of passion

The Army soldier who murdered a mother and daughter yesterday in the Kulugammana area in Kandy had died this morning.

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana noted that the soldier had shot himself after shooting the victims.

The soldier who was receiving treatment at the Kandy General Hospital died this morning.

The father of the girl was also injured in the shooting.

The Police Media Spokesperson went on to say that an army soldier had committed the crime with the use of a T56 weapon.

The Police adds that they suspect that the murder may have been committed over a love affair.
 

Tremor shakes Nuwara Eliya

A slight earth tremor has been experienced in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla early this morning.

The Disaster Management Centre has said that the earth tremor had also been felt in certain areas in Matara.

Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre, Pradeep Kodippili said that a research is being carried out on the earth tremor.

Meanwhile, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary, D.P.G.Kumarasiri said that the earth tremor had been
experienced in several areas in the Nuwara Eliya district.

He said that the area District Disaster Management Officer had informed him about the earth tremor at
around 1 a.m this morning.

He added that the Grama Niladhari had also conveyed the same message to him.

He said further that no damage has been reported but that as per their duty they had informed the Disaster Management Centre with regard to this.

Anoma Fonseka speaks on her husband’s imminent release

Wife of former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, Anoma Fonseka has expressed her happiness and appreciation at the latest development in the release of her husband, when President Rajapaksa signed the papers authorizing his release.

Anoma Fonseka said that she appreciated this move, adding that during the final discussion that was held, it was revealed that these measures were taken by the President Prior to his tour away from the country, 

She also said that she believed that Sarath Fonseka will be granted a total pardon.

Presidential Spokesman Bandula Jayasekera confirmed to Newsfirst this morning that the President had signed the papers on May 18.

The relevant document has been handed over to Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the DNA Tiran Alles also commented on this development. 

Check back later for more updates with Thunhelaya News

President’s signature to bring about Fonseka’s release

Presidential Spokesman Bandula Jayasekera has confirmed to Newsfirst that President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on the evening of May 18, signed the papers for the release of former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, before leaving to Qatar on an official visit.

The relevant document has been handed over to Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath.

The papers will be sent to the Ministry of Justice on Monday. 

President's signature to bring about Fonseka's release

It has been learnt that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has signed papers for the release of jailed former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka.

The papers are expected to be sent to the Ministry of Justice on Monday.

Army truck veers off the road

Seventeen army soldiers have sustained injuries after an army truck veered off the road near the
5th mile post area in Thanamalwila Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to Newsfirst, Military Spokesperson, Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said that the injured soldiers have been admitted to the Embilitiya Hospital.

OIC of Wattala Police under arrest

The OIC of the Wattala Police who arrested has been placed in remand custody until the 15th of this month.

Speaking to Newsfirst, Police Media Spokesperson, SP Ajith Rohana said that he was arrested on suspicion of being dishonest to court, in relation to a production of the particular case.

This order was issued after the he was produced before the Wattala Magistrate's Court last afternoon.

The Wattala OIC was apprehended by a special police team operating under the instructions of the senior DIG of the Western Province.

Education sector takes a beating

Trade Unions and Students Associations in the education sector expressed these views on the subject Minister due to various issues which have cropped up in the sector.

They point out that due to several factors, the education sector is moving from crisis to crisis.

On numerous occasions, Newsfirst exposed the grievous oversight that had been committed when releasing the results of the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations in 2011, along with the results statements of candidates.

While this issue became a serious topic of discussion across the country, the Ministry of Education stated that results were calculated for Z scores by pooling both students who sat for the examinations under the old syllabus and the new.

On numerous occasions we pointed out the issues with this system, incorporating the views of several experts. Although a committee of experts was appointed to investigate the matter, the conclusion that the Ministry of Education arrived at, was that there was no error in the results.

Against this backdrop, the problem came before the Supreme Court.

Considering a petition which had been filed, the Chief Justice stated recently that it was a grave mistake to not notify candidates for the 2011 G.C.E .A/L examination, beforehand, that a new system was being followed in calculating their results.

Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunge stated that the Chemistry question paper bears testament that there were several mistakes made with regard to the 2011 G.C.E. A/L examinations.

Experts in the sector state that several incorrect decisions have created problems within the education sector.

Chairman of FUTA, Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri shared these thoughts 

’’The Minister must have the mental preparation to obtain the knowledge of those knowledgeable on the matter. The way I see it the current Minister does not possess this quality. There are no ministers in Sri Lanka who resign when issues crop up. Rather than having a Minister who chases after critics, we
need a minister who possesses the quality of looking into criticism.


General Secretary of Lanka Teacher Services Association, Mahinda Jayasinghe shared these views 

We wondered if the Minister would let go of his usual jests and go beyond being a joker and work with wisdom when he took the education portfolio. But today we can see that nothing of that sort has taken place.

Convenor of IUSF, Sanjeewa Bandara shared these views 

’’When Minister Bandula Gunawardena shirked his responsibilities, the government did not remove him. We ask why the Minister who created a crisis in a national level examination and took steps to destroy the future and the reputation of the country, is still holding a ministerial position?

Meanwhile, a group of parents revealed today that they have been placed under great stress due to the latest circular issued by the Ministry of Education.

A students shared this view 

Instead of improving facilities provided like text books and uniforms, if they are taking this step with the intention of maintaining numbers in schools, then it is wrong.

General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers’ Union Joseph Stalin shared these views 

This is completely wrong and must be stopped immediately. We must consider the fundamental rights of the children and the goals of education. When haphazard decisions like this are made without considering these factors, we see it as a joke. This jest must be halted immediately.

Prisoner commits suicide; investigations launched

The police have commenced broad investigations into the incident in which a prisoner at the Welikada
Prison had committed suicide.

Police said that the  deceased is a prisoner sentenced to seventeen years of imprisonment due to his  involvement in various crimes.

The deceased has been identified as a resident of the Dematagoda area.

The Police Media Spokesperson's office has said that statements have been obtained from prison officials with regard to this incident.

International community must be informed..., says Dr.Prathibha Mahanamahewa

Human Rights Commissioner Dr.Prathibha Mahanamahewa says that the Ministry of External Affairs should appoint a committee to inform the international community with regard to the measures that are being taken to promote human rights in Sri Lanka.

He went onto say that the steps taken at present are insufficient.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that Minister Professor G.L Pieris will
leave for the United States today.

Protesting students arrive at UGC building in Ward Place

Students of the University of Visual and Performing Arts engaged in a protest against the decision to discontinue the practical tests when enrolling students to the university.

Students who commenced their protest from the University of Visual and Performing Arts premises in Colombo arrived at the University Grants Commission (UGC) building in Ward Place. 

Addressing the Media the Convenor of the Inter-university Students Federation Sanjeewa Bandara stated that they have requested a discussion with the authorities in this regard.

However, he stated that, there has been no response to this request. 

He said that it is necessary to have a practical test when enrolling students to the University of Visual and Performing Arts and went on to say that they will continue their struggle until the authorities reverse their decision. 
 
He added that if the authorities failed to do this, they will resort to other measures. 


 

Armed Forces and police to help in the battle against Dengue

The Ministry of Health has decided to provide special training for the police and the three armed forces on
identifying Dengue breeding grounds and destroying such places.

The aim of the training is to make the Dengue eradication programme more efficient.

Under this initiative, security forces personnel will be selected at district level and provided the necessary training.

Meanwhile, twenty five teams consisting of special officers from the Ministry of Health are to be deployed for
monitoring activities during the Dengue Eradication Week from May 14 to 20,
The Ministry of Health added that these teams will monitor Dengue eradication activities in all districts
and compile a report.

Demand for local products may see a decline, says Dr. Sarath Amunugama

Senior Minister for International Monetary Co-operation, Dr. Sarath Amunugama says that the demand for local products may see a decline due to the collapse of the economies of many Western countries.

He made this observation upon arrival in the country after participating in the Asian Development Bank sessions in Manila, Philippines.

Two arrested with elephant tusks

Two individuals have been arrested for possessing a pair of elephant tusks in the Aralaganwila area.

Police said that the tusks are over two feet in length.

The suspects were arrested during a search operation carried out by the Polonnaruwa police.

The suspects are to be produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate.

People are beginning to express their displeasure..., says JVP

A media briefing was convened by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Wednesday.

JVP politburo member Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed these views at the briefing. 

"The people are beginning to express their displeasure over the current situation in the country. The  government is attempting to control this by holding staggered elections. An election is something which is held to find out the will of the public.’’ 

 ’’The north central Provincial Council’s mandate ends on the 23rd of august 2013 while the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council’s mandate ends in approximately fifteen months. The people elected a provincial council and gave them a mandate for 5 years.’’ 

’’Last time around, the elections to the eight provincial councils were held on six different occasions. Millions of rupees were spent. The government distorted the will of the people by using its state power, state television as well as thuggery," said the JVP politburo member Anura Kumara Dissanayake 

Foreign national arrested for allegedly ’providing women’

A foreign national who provided foreign women to brothels in Colombo over an extensive period time
has been arrested.

According to the special raids unit at the Immigration and Emigration Department, the suspect was arrested with the assistance of officers in civilian attire.

The arrest was made at the Bambalapitiya Flats.

Police added that Ukrainian women were also arrested along with the suspect.

The unit went on to say that the suspect had engaged in the prostitution racket for around eight years.

Three-wheelers - three passengers?

The police says that the law pertaining to the number of passengers travelling in a three wheeler will be strictly implemented.

Police Media Spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana noted that only three passengers and the driver can travel in a three - wheeler at one time.

The Police Media Spokesperson said that close to thirty five people have been killed in motor accidents involving three-wheelers from April this year.

Enjoining Order issued preventing dissolution of North Central Provincial Council

The North Central Civil Appeals Court issued an enjoining order preventing seven people including the Chief Minister and the Governor of the province from dissolving the North Central Provincial Council before its due date.

All the respondents in the petition including the Chief Minister of the North Central Province and the
Governor have been ordered to appear before Court on the 16th of this month.

This order was issued after considering a petition that was filed by Attorney-at-Law Karunarartne
Herath on behalf of North Central Provincial Council UNP MP Anil Ratnayake.

Children facing risks from four different categories, survey reveals

A recent survey has revealed that more than 100,000 thousand children in the country face serious risks.

The survey initiated by the Department of Child Care and Probation at Divisional Secretariat level, has revealed the that children are facing risks under four different categories.

Commissioner of the Department of Child Care and Probation, Yamuna Perera noted that the highest number of such cases were reported from the Jaffna district.

She added that,a plan to look into the children is being formulated together with Non Governmental Organisations.

Batticaloa battered by strong winds

More than 300 persons have been displaced due to strong winds that blew across several Grama Seva
areas in Batticaloa.

Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre, Sarath Lal Kumara said the displaced have been provided lodging at a school nearby.

Meanwhile, three persons have been killed in lightning accidents in Dimbulagala and Kanthale.

The Disaster Management Center said the tragedy occured  while they engaged in
cultivation activities in open areas.

Ranil instructs John Amaratunga to submit the Right to Information Bill

The Leader of the Opposition has instructed Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga to submit a bill under the name the Right to Information as a Private Members Bill to Parliament.

In a communique released today the UNP states that the bill will be presented in Parliament on the 23rd
of this month by John Amaratunga.

The communique notes that the Opposition Leader has taken this measure as this has been recommended by the party as well as the LLRC report.

The UNP states that based on the bill approved by cabinet in 2003, Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe presented a private members bill known as the Right to Information.

The communique states that as the Secretary General of Parliament informed the Opposition Leader that he could not submit a private members bill at the time, Wickremasinghe instructed Karu Jayasuriya to submit it to Parliament.

Thereby, on the 23rd of September 2010, UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya submitted a Private Members Bill to Parliament.

According to the UNP, MP Karu Jayasuriya withdrew the bill after submitting it, as the Chief Government Whip had informed him that the government was in the process of introducing such an act.

The bill was once again submitted on the 21st of June 2011, after the speaker of the house stated that the private members bill in question could be submitted.

The UNP communique added however, that since the government voted against the bill, it was rejected.

Thereby, the Opposition Leader has instructed Chief Opposition Whip, John Amaratunga to present a fresh Private Members Bill to Parliament.

The communique by the UNP added that once Parliament convenes, the Chief Oppositon Whip will discuss the matter with the Speaker of the House.

Meanwhile, when inquired in this regard UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya stated that a new bill was prepared as the previous bill was rejected.

He stated that the bill was prepared following broad discussions with all sections of civil society.

  

Teachings of Lord Buddha - the best way to lead a life free of confusion, says President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that teachings of Lord Buddha are the best way to lead a life that is free of confusion.

In his Vesak Poya Day message the President says that these teachings show us the path to lead a life free of the fourfold evils and achieve success in this world and the next.

The President requested the public to cast aside all disputes and divisions and to make a commitment to national unity and religious co-existence through seeing the true light of Buddhist teachings.

In his message, the President said that it was a great joy to see Sri Lankan Buddhists giving emphasis to the principles of Buddhism with the dawn of the Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi at the last Vesak festival.

In his message Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne points out that the steps taken by the president to uplift the Buddha sasana is praise worthy.

He says that the Vesak poya day should be celebrated with the determination of fostering peace and
coexistence.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe points out in his message that Vesak Poya Day is being
celebrated at a time when hatred has been fostered in place of love and kindness.

He went onto say that the qualities such as Metta, Muditha and Upekkha have been limited to
advertising hoardings.

Newly renovated 18-bend road declared open

The newly renovated Kandy – Mahiyanganaya 18-bend road was declared open by president Mahinda Rajapaksa Sunday morning.

Presidential Media Coordinating Secretary Wijeyananda Herath said that the commemorative plaque erected near the first of the 18-bends was also unveiled at the occasion.

The President had later toured along the road.

Senior citizen with 21 pending court cases arrested

An individual with twenty one court cases pending against him has been arrested in the Kurunegala area by the crimes investigations unit of Mirihana.

Speaking to Newsfirst, the police noted that the suspect had been evading the police since 2009. 

He has also been found guilty in six cases by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

The police noted that the 64-year-old is wanted by the Mount Lavinia police as well, in connection to four crimes.

Beggar assaulted to death

A beggar along the Colombo - Negombo road in Peliyagoda has been assaulted to death with a sharp instrument.

Speaking to Newsfirst, Police media spokesperson SP Ajith Rohana said that the murder has taken place last night.

Another beggar has been arrested on suspicion of committing the murder. 

The deceased has been identified as a 50-year-old.