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President Instructs to utilize World Environment Day funds to aid weather-affected citizens

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Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura announced that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed to utilize funds allocated for the National Celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, to aid those affected by adverse weather conditions. 
He emphasized that during this time of difficulty, some individuals are attempting to gain political advantages by merely criticizing, while what is truly needed is immediate assistance for those affected.

State Minister Vakkambura made these remarks at a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre today (03) under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country.” 

Addressing the Media Personnel, the State Minister further commented:

A large number of people have been displaced due to prevailing adverse weather conditions. As a government, we have already begun providing relief to them. A program to supply food to displaced persons across the country has also been implemented. 

Additionally, all local and provincial authorities have been instructed to commence cleaning operations in affected areas as soon as the floodwaters recede. There is also a risk of epidemic diseases such as spread of dengue, and we have directed concerned officials to take preventive measures. Notifications have also been issued to repair the damaged bridges, bays, and roads.

Provincial Councils and the Ministry of Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment have jointly allocated provisions for the development and welfare of families and areas affected by disasters. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed all District Secretaries to prioritize necessary actions over budget concerns during this process.

However, at this time, some individuals are attempting to gain political advantage through criticism. This is not the appropriate course of action. What is more important than criticism is for everyone to work together to support and save the displaced people.

Additionally, there is a need to develop a proactive program to control flooding before it occurs. The President has directed the relevant authorities to focus on the necessary measures to address this issue as a government.Additionally, starting tomorrow (04), interviews are scheduled over the next 10 days to grant permanent appointments to 8,400 employees in local government institutions who have not yet received them.

We have also identified efforts by some individuals to sabotage this project. Therefore, I urge the public to trust the government under any circumstances.The national celebration of World Environment Day was scheduled for June 5th. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed that the celebration be cancelled, and the financial allocation be redirected to support the welfare of those affected by the adverse weather conditions.

(President’s Media Division)

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Clarence’s wife wins copyright case against Sarath Kothalawala

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The Supreme Court has recently delivered its judgment in favor of Sheela Wijewardene, the wife of the late veteran musician Clarence Wijewardene, against Sarath Kothalawala of Torana Music.

The appeal stems from an action filed in the Commercial High Court by Mrs. Wijewardene (Appellant) in alleging that copyright in the lyrics and musical compositions of several songs authored by the veteran musician, late Clarance Wijewardene, has been infringed by the Sarath Kothalawala and Rajiv Sebastian (Respondents) by performing the said songs and producing compact discs incorporating the said songs.

The Appellant had sought an injunction, damages, and the delivering up of infringing materials against the Respondents in the said action filed in the Commercial High Court. During the pendency of the action in the Commercial High Court, the 2nd Respondent- Rajiv Sebastian had entered into a settlement with the appellant admitting the intellectual property rights of the late Clarance Wijewardene and agreeing to pay Rs. 2,000,000.00 as damages.  At the conclusion of the trial, the Commercial High Court granted the Permanent Injunction in favour of Mrs. Clarence Wijewardene against the first Respondent Sarath Kothalawala among other reliefs sought.

An appeal was preferred to the Supreme Court in the year 2013 by Mrs. Clarence Wijewardene seeking the other reliefs. The Supreme Court has upheld the Commercial High Court’s decision of granting the Permanent Injunction against the first Respondent which is in essence;

A permanent injunction restraining the 1st defendant from directly or indirectly reproducing, carrying out any public performance or communicating to the public in any other manner songs in which the economic and moral rights in respect of the lyrics and music compositions belong to the estate of the late Mr. Clarence Wijewardena.

The court further issued a permanent injunction restraining the 1st defendant from advertising, promoting, offering for sale and the sale of Audio Compact Discs and the Audio Visual Work titled ‘Viduru Mal’, ‘Sing along with Rajiv Sebastian’, ‘Reka Heenen Piyamba’ and ‘torana Sinhala Karaoke Vol.2’; and distorting the original music compositions of those songs created by the late Mr. Clarence Wijewardena.

The Supreme Court has not granted compensation or damages against the 1st Respondent, citing agreements between the Respondents where the 2nd Defendant-Respondent had misrepresented ownership of the works and the settlement entered into between the 2nd Respondent and the Appellant. However, the Supreme Court has found that the Commercial High Court had erred in not granting the Plaintiff’s prayer for the delivering up of infringing material in the possession of the 1st Respondent and amended the Judgment of the Commercial High Court accordingly. Thus, the 1st Respondent has been ordered by the Supreme Court to deliver up to the Petitioner all the infringing material in the possession of the 1st Respondent including all copies of the Audio Compact Discs and the Audio Visual Work ‘Sing along with Rajiv Sebastian’, ‘Viduru Mal’, ‘Reka Heenen Piyamba’ and ‘Torana Sinhala Karaoke Vol 2’. This relief granted by the Supreme Court is in addition to the Permanent Injunction granted by the Commercial High Court by judgement dated 30/07/2012.

The Judgment has been delivered by a bench comprised of Justices E.A.G.R. Amarasekara, A.L. Shiran Gooneratne, and Arjuna Obeyesekere.

Dr. Harsha Cabral, PC, with Kushan Illangatillake, instructed by V.W. Kularatne Associates represented the Appellant whilst Mr. M.S.A. Wadood, with Palitha Subasinghe, Tharanga Edirisinghe, Hashane Mallawarachchi, and Dulmini Liyanage, instructed by S.B. Dissanayake Associates, represented the 1st Respondent.

(dailymirror.lk)

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

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Public urged to use drinking water sparingly amid dry weather

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Due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has requested consumers to use drinking water sparingly and only for essential purposes.

The NWSDB states that the ongoing extreme dry weather conditions across the island is causing a rapid decline in water levels at major sources while water consumption has also increased significantly due to the heat.
It also requests the public to minimize using water for non-essential tasks like washing vehicles and gardening, and to use water only for essential daily needs.

The NWSDB also said that water pressure may be lower than usual in highland areas because of the increased demand.

The NWSDB expresses its regret over the inconvenience caused to the public and urged to direct any inquiries to the ‘1939’ hotline for further information or assistance.

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Pillayan had prior knowledge of Easter attacks – Minister (Video)

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Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says that investigations have revealed that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias “Pilleyan”, had prior knowledge of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Making a special statement in Parliament today (July 09), the minister pointed out that Pilleyan was in custody at the Batticaloa Prison when the attacks took place, and that strong evidence exists that he had prior knowledge of the attacks.

(Video : Voicetube)

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