News

My son not involved in Yala incident: Amaraweera!

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2022

editor

Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that his son did not go to either Yala or Galle last Saturday (22) when a group of people arriving in jeeps behaved recklessly in Yala National Park.
Speaking at a news conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday (27), the minister said there were reports on social media sites that his son was also involved in the Yala incident.
“This is completely false. He had only gone to a relative’s house in Mathugama. Many people ask whether my son is involved in this incident. I told them that if there is any proof that he is involved in this, to even say that he had gone beyond Galle that day, I would take full responsibility and resign,” he said.
He said that information has revealed that 32 jeeps were involved in the Yala incident, and that these vehicles were travelling on the highway at high speed.
He said it is suspected that most of the jeeps that drove towards Kurunegala during the fuel crisis may have arrived at Yala. The minister said this group has spent Rs. 6 million for hotels alone.
The minister said that the law will be implemented against the people who drove vehicles recklessly harassing the wild animals, regardless of their status.

Legal action against persons who harmed wild animals at Yala National Park

Several officers of Yala National Park suspended

No action taken against suspects of Yala incident: Environmentalists

9 suspects in Yala case, bailed

News

Prof. Nalin de Silva no more

Published

10 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

Philosopher, intellectual and academician Professor Nalin de Silva has passed away at the age of 79. Prof. de Silva initially served as a professor in the Department of Mathematics and later as the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya.

He was also a former member of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

In addition to his academic pursuits, de Silva also worked as a former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar.

News

‘Company issuing visa at BIA not Indian or Indian based’

Published

15 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued a statement over reports of Indian companies taking over visa issuance at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

The statement notes “companies referred to in these reports are not India based or Indian and are headquartered elsewhere. Any reference to India in this context is unwarranted.”

News

Chaos at BIA raises questions (Video)

Published

16 hours ago

May 2, 2024

nipuni

Questions have been raised after chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake last night (May 01) has sparked widespread outrage.

This is with regard to a controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at BIA by an Indian company – VFS Global since yesterday evening.

It is learnt that the company has levied an extra $25 alongside the standard $75 fee.

Long lines of frustrated travellers were also seen at the airport for several hours, which is a stark difference to the procedure smoothly managed in a matter of mere minutes by the Immigration and Emigration Department in the past.

Footage of a Sri Lankan citizen expressing outrage over Indian nationals deciding visa matters for fellow Sri Lankans, has also been making rounds on social media.

Although 10 Sri Lankan and Indian officers had commenced work from 5.00pm yesterday, the lines remained well over 9.00pm. Amid tensions, higher officials of the BIA and security forces had also arrived at the premises.

At 11.30pm the company officials temporarily suspended issuing visas and left the BIA with the money collected, reports say.

Upon the directive of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Ilukpitiya, Immigration officers have commenced their usual duties with no issues since then, enabling the previous process to continue smoothly.

Concerns have been raised over the lack of transparency in this arrangement.