News

Sports Minister’s daughters in SLC President’s visa letter request list?

Published

10 months ago

July 29, 2023

editor

The two relatives of Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, who the Daily Mirror reported earlier this week were among individuals who received letters of endorsement from SLC for Australian visas last year, were names put forward by SLC President Shammi Silva, it is learnt.

Last week, a draft of the Auditor General’s report into the expenses incurred by SLC for the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia revealed that SLC had spent Rs. 68 million on sending its officials to Australia, while also revealing 35 names of individuals

The names of R A Shanali Dinushika and R A Sarah Dinali, who are believed to be the daughters of the Sports Minister, were among the 21 names that Silva had requested letters of endorsement for.

SLC has maintained that while it did issue letters for visa purposes stating that the individuals were traveling to watch the World Cup it did not fund their trips and the only expenses incurred were for SLC officials.

The Daily Mirror reached out to the Minister for a confirmation of if had indeed made a request for these letters for the two individuals believed to be his daughters, but he did not respond.

The SLC President, when contacted by the Daily Mirror, said that he did not want to comment on the matter.

(dailymirror)

News

Fmr. Army Chief joins SJB

Published

30 mins ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Former Army Commander Retired General Mahesh Senanayake has joined with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

In a Facebook post, party leader Sajith Premadasa said that the Former Army Chief joined the SJB to support the program to rebuild Sri Lanka.

Mr. Premadasa had appointed General Mahesh Senanayake as the Chief of the Samagi Ranaviru Balawegaya.

News

Colombo HC sentences 9 Pakistani drug traffickers to 10 years in prison

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Nine Pakistani nationals, who were arrested on charges of smuggling a large cache of drugs, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Colombo High Court.

During a joint operation carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and the Sri Lanka Navy on January 01, 2020, the Pakistani nationals were apprehended while transporting 614 kg of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine) and 581 kg and 34 grams of suspected drugs by boat.

The report of the Government Analyst has confirmed that the seized parcels contained over 491 kilograms of ‘Ketamine’ drugs and nearly 472 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine).

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges when the case was taken up before the court, and were subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison, police said.

Furthermore, the police mentioned that measures are underway to extradite the suspects to Pakistan in order to serve their sentences.

(adaderana.lk)

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

News

Uni. exams postponed due to non-academic staff strike

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

The University Grants Commission said all examinations of undergraduate students in universities have to be postponed, due to the ongoing strike launched by the university non-academic trade unions.
UGC Vice Chairman Senior Prof. Chandana P. Udawatte said as a result, over 50,000 undergraduates will not be able to complete their degree within the planned timeframe.

He said the issuance of the university admission manual, which includes the details on how to apply for degree courses, for those who pass the Advanced Level Examination, was also delayed due to the strike action.

Prof. Udawatte said the Minister of Education has already submitted the necessary proposals to the Cabinet to resolve the issues of the university non-academic staff.

However, Co-Convener of the University Trade Union Alliance Dhammika S. Priyantha said the strike will continue indefinitely until favourable solutions are provided to their demands.

The strike is ongoing for the 16th day.

(News1st)