News

Ranjan wins Most Distinguished Sports Media Award

Published

2 years ago

March 23, 2023

editor

The ‘Bernie Wijesekera Silk Award’ for making an outstanding contribution to sports journalism was awarded to Ranjan Paranavithana, the creator of Sri Lanka Mirror’s ‘Ranjange Mamber’ cartoon at the 8th ‘Silk Sports’ Awards Ceremony.

The award ceremony commenced in 2015 for the recognition of athletes who perform well in the field of sports in Sri Lanka. The award winners are selected by an impartial panel of judges including Prof. Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando and Dr. Harsha B. Abeykoon.

Eight major sports awards were presented at the awards ceremony and the Silk Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sri Lanka’s first World Cup cricket captain, Anura Tennakoon.

Why Ranjan is being awarded…

Meanwhile, veteran sports journalist Nishman Ranasinghe commented as to why Ranjan Paranavithana was felicitated in this manner at the award ceremony.

‘Annasi Maama’ or Uncle Pineapple is an extremely popular column in sports media. His writings are extremely subtle. He is able to get down to the bottom of an issue in a subtle way. These writings have been paused since he has been appointed a member of the Sri Lanka Cricket Junior National Selection Committee.

Annasi Maama continued as a cricketer, athlete and a football player for a long time. Ranjan Paranavithana, who worked as a cricket coach, was the driving force behind many players since Dulip Liyanage.

He entered the field of mass media as a storyteller and an artist. Annasi Mama, who is a wonderful writer, is also a talented cartoonist. The name of Annasi Mama became popular through ‘Ranjange Mamber.’ He is also well versed in both print and electronic media.

Later, as a sports journalist as well as a sports editor, Ranjan Paranavithana or Ananasi Mama was able to make a great contribution to the sports field through Lakbima newspaper. In the art of sports journalism, Ranjan became an expert in all sports. Due to his immense knowledge about those sports, his articles were rich in logic and the technical aspect of the sport.

Thanks to his writing and editing, many talented people have been able to achieve their goals and secure many opportunities. Considering all these contributions, the lifetime achievement award at this year’s Silk Awards ceremony was presented to Ranjan Paranavithana. He is loved by everyone and fondly referred to as ‘Ranjan Aiya’ irrespective of their age.

It is our wish that all future endeavours of Ranjan Paranavithana will be successful!

Video courtesy – Ada Derana

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.