News

Special delegation to ensure welfare of Lankans embroiled in Russian-Ukraine conflict

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2024

editor

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya announced that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the dispatch of a specialized delegation to Russia to investigate the welfare of Sri Lankans amidst the on-going Russian-Ukraine war.

The delegation will be included by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, former Ambassador to Russia, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and they will depart for Russia promptly.

State Minister Balasuriya made this announcement during a press briefing titled ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country,’ held at the President Media Centre today (May 16).

‘The primary challenge lies in determining the exact number of individuals in Russia. As per unofficial sources, approximately 600, 800 Sri Lankan individuals are in Russia, the State Minister said.

He added : “Based on available information, it has come to our attention that smugglers have deceitfully transported individuals to Russia, attracting them with false promises such as the prospect of acquiring Russian citizenship. This is definitely human trafficking. Furthermore, reports indicate the involvement of a senior military officer in this incident. It is imperative to accurately assess the situation and halt the dispatch of personnel to Russia. Thereafter, diplomatic discussions should be held to facilitate the return of those already in Russia back to Sri Lanka. The government is actively engaged in these endeavours.

Despite the Minister of Foreign Affairs being overseas, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the formation of the delegation to investigate the situation of Sri Lankans affected by the Russian-Ukraine war.”

News

Range Bandara’s son granted bail

Published

3 hours ago

June 29, 2024

editor

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara’s son Yasodha Range Bandara, who was arrested in connection with a car accident in Karuwalagaswewa area in Puttalam, has been granted bail by the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court.

However, the court has temporarily suspended his driving license.

After being presented to the court, the Acting Puttalam Magistrate has ordered the suspect to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000.

He was arrested by officers following a vehicular accident that occurred early this morning (29).

The incident had occurred at around 4.30 a.m. in the Elephant Pass area near the 7th Mile Post, Mee-Oya, Karuwalagaswewa.

The car driven by Yasodha Range Bandara had reportedly veered off the road and collided with a three-wheeler.

The driver of the three-wheeler had sustained serious injuries in the crash and has been admitted to the Puttalam Base Hospital for treatment.

Karuwalagaswewa Police are conducting further investigations into the accident.

Yasodha Range Bandara had previously been arrested and remanded over a car accident in 2018.

(adaderana.lk)

This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Four fishermen die after consuming unknown liquid

Published

4 hours ago

June 29, 2024

editor

Four fishermen have died after consuming a liquid from a bottle they found adrift at sea.

Director General of Fisheries, Susantha Kahawatte, reported that two other fishermen who also consumed the liquid are in critical condition and are being brought back to shore.

The Sri Lanka Navy stated that the bottle was discovered approximately 320 nautical miles south of Tangalle. Medical advice was provided to the sailors by the Navy.

Police revealed that the multiday fishing trawler had departed from Tangalle fishing harbour on June 4th for fishing activities.

In response, the fishing community in Tangalle staged a protest on Saturday evening, demanding that the critically ill fishermen be brought ashore.

Protesters blocked the Tangalle-Matara main road in Pallikkudawa, causing significant disruption to vehicular movement.

News

Chris Rogers considered for head coach of Sri Lanka cricket team

Published

4 hours ago

June 29, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly considering appointing Australian Chris Rogers as the new head coach of the national cricket team.

Rogers, 46, currently coaches the Victoria state team and is a former opening batsman for Australia.

SLC has initiated discussions with Rogers and two other foreign candidates, with Rogers being the youngest among them.

SLC aims to finalize the new head coach appointment before the upcoming tournament in India.

In addition, SLC has expressed dissatisfaction with the current foreign bowling coach’s performance, indicating potential further changes in the coaching staff.