News

I was decrowned & shamed in front of world – Pushpika

Published

8 months ago

September 12, 2023

editor

Former Mrs. Sri Lanka Pushpika de Silva told Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis in court yesterday (11) that she was shamed in front of the world after the crown she won was forcibly removed at the Mrs. Sri Lanka beauty pageant.

Pushpika de Silva was announced the winner of the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2021 pageant held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre on April 4.

However, when De Silva was about to take centre stage, reigning Mrs. World Caroline Jurie stripped the crown off of her and crowned the first runner-up saying de Silva had violated the pageant rules.
Pushpika de Silva was testifying in the court case filed over the incident.

The trial was held before Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis and Police Inspector Bandara of Cinnamon Gardens Police led the prosecution.

As the incident was not settled before the Conciliation Board, the court took steps to hear the case and the two defendants, including Caroline Jurie, also appeared before the court.

Pushpika de Silva testified and said that she participated in the interview to enter the Mrs. World 2021 pageant and submitted truthful information and passed the interview and participated in the pageant on April 4, 2021, when the final contest was held.

She said she greeted everyone after she was crowned, and the husbands of some contestants misbehaved by using obscene words and then Caroline took away her crown.

She said that she later went to the police and filed a complaint and then went to Nawaloka Hospital for treatment as she felt a pain on her head while taking a bath.

On behalf of the defence, Attorney-at-law Nalin de Silva cross-examined the witness.

He pointed out the contradictions in the testimony given by the witness in the court and accused her of using political power to gain publicity.

In response, the witness said that she endured the injustice in front of the world and took steps to go to court since the defendants did not agree to apologize and settle the matter outside of the court.

After considering the facts, the Magistrate adjourned the trial for September 24 and issued summons to the witnesses.

News

Fmr. Army Chief joins SJB

Published

2 hours 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

3 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

3 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)