News

Ranil to appear before CIABOC after Ronald’s return (Update)

Published

5 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has formally informed the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) that he will be unable to appear before the Commission on April 25th as requested.

He requested a date after April 27th to appear before CIABOC, citing that his lawyer Ronald Perera is currently abroad.

Mr. Wickremesinghe is summoned to record a statement regarding a statement he had made about the bribery case filed against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.

The CIABOC had previously summoned him on April 17, but the latter had informed of his unavailability on that day. Subsequently, the CIABOC yesterday requested Mr. Wickremesinghe to appear before them on April 25.

At a meeting on April 21 at the UNP headquarters, Sirikotha, the former President had also reiterated that he would appear before the Commission once his legal counsel returns.

(Previous news 2025 April 22 – 9.15.a.m.)

Ranil given new date by CIABOC

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been summoned before the Bribery Commission this week.

Accordingly, Mr. Wickremesinghe has been requested to report to the Bribery Commission at 09.30 am on April 25.

He has been summoned to record a statement regarding a statement he had made about the bribery case filed against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.The CIABOC had previously summoned Mr. Wickremesinghe on April 17, but the latter had informed of his unavailability on that day.

Therefore, the CIABOC has issued an alternative day.

News

Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday (April 26) at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST, 08:00 GMT), the Vatican confirms.

The funeral will take place outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service.

At the end of the funeral, Re will deliver the final commendation – a concluding prayer where the Pope will be formally entrusted to God – and the body moved to St Mary Major for the burial.

The Vatican has also released images of Pope Francis in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand.

He will be taken to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning (April 23), where his casket will remain until burial for the public to pay their respects.

The Pope’s coffin will be there until the burial for the public to pay their respects.

His body is currently laid out in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy.

The pontiff’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics across the globe. From South Sudan to Argentina, Poland to the Philippines.

(BBC News)

News

This week’s Cabinet decisions

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

A number of decisions have been taken at the Cabinet meeting held yesterday (April 21).

The decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers are as follows :

Cabinet decision on 21.04.2025 (English)Download

News

Devotees in Kandy urged to be more environmentally friendly

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

The Clean Sri Lanka programme respectfully urges all devotees visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) for the veneration of sacred relics, to avoid bringing non-biodegradable items, such as polythene and to prioritize cleanliness within and around the temple premises.

Visitors are kindly reminded to dispose of waste responsibly, using only the designated disposal areas.

As a flagship government programme, Clean Sri Lanka seeks to inspire a collective awakening in environmental, social and ethical consciousness, striving to uplift the nation towards a cleaner and more responsible society.

This programme places special emphasis on creating a waste-free environment and encouraging proper waste management practices.

In alignment with the commencement of the Siri Dalada Dekma (Sacred Relic exposition), a series of activities under the Clean Sri Lanka programme have been launched around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to support this cause.

(President’s Media Division)