News

Preacher arrested over breaking into newspaper office

Published

1 year ago

April 10, 2023

editor

A Preacher of a Christian group has been arrested after he led group into the Udayan newspaper office on Kasthuriyar Road, Jaffna in protest over an article published in the Sunday edition of the newspaper, and threatened the media workers.

The group of about 30 people which was led by the pastor of a Christian church in Achuveli, Jaffna, was involved in the incident. The Jaffna police are carrying out investigations over the incident.

Two others also have been arrested.

They were from the ‘Assembly of Life Word’ in Achuveli..

They were arrested on the basis of the initial complaint that they entered a house near the church and strangled a femalle bank employee who had complained to the police that the preacher and others who broke into the house last Friday attacked her and her mother who were at home at that time.

The affected woman has also been treated at the hospital. Residents in the area say that the attack came after the Bank employee complained about excessive noise during prayer events in conducted by the Preacher. However the preacher and the other two told the police investigation that they went to that house because stones were thrown at the congregation.

The Preacher had stormed the newsapper office as the Udayan had published the news item on Sunday.

As a result of that about 30 men, women, boys and girls arrived at the headoffice of the Udayan yesterday afternoon in a mini bus and a pickup truck. Defying the office security officer, the gang broke into the reception hall and demanded as on how they reported the incident.

The religious group covered the office gate and sat on the floor so that no one could enter.

Two employees of Udayan newspaper approached the mob and tried to find out what their demand were and to find a solution to it. But the protesting group was not inteding to resolve the matter to resolve the matter.

The pastor and two others who were arrested by the Achuveli police were granted bail.

“If there is any mistake in the news, if you submit the relevant evidence and explanation, we will investigate it accordingly and make a decision. “If not, approach the matter legally,” the mob was repeatedly told by the newspaper, but the mob did not heed to it and protested.

The gang members took photographs and videotaped the employees of Udayan Press without their permission.

It has been brought to the attention of the Minister of Public Security, Minister Tiran Alles and the ministr has assured that appropriate action will be taken in this regard.

(sundaytimes.lk)

News

Concessionary vehicle import permits granted to retired government & judicial officials

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Senior government and judicial officials who have retired on completion of 60 years of age and those who were sent on compulsory retirement without extension are eligible to obtain a vehicle import permit under concessionary rates of duty.

This was according to a circular issued by the Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry.

Officers who have retired on completion of 60 years of age during the period from extending the age of compulsory retirement to 65 years and reducing the age of compulsory retirement to 60 years introduced by the Ministry in 2022 are eligible for the permits subject to other requirements as set out in the regulations.

The decision to grant vehicle import permits for retired senior government officials came following a Cabinet decision on March 11.

Among the eligible officials are retired officials from Class I of an All Island Service or a Departmental Service, Special Grade of Government Registered and Assistant Medical Officers’ Service, Government Dental Surgeon in Grade I and retired senior judicial officers.

The circular dated April 25 was issued by Secretary to the Ministry Pradeep Yasarathne. The Secretary was unavailable for comment yesterday.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SLC doubles test players’ payments to boost morale

Published

9 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a significant increase in payments for Sri Lanka’s Test players, effectively doubling their compensation.

The decision, made by SLC, is aimed at fostering greater enthusiasm among Test players and emphasizing the importance of Test cricket, the governing body stated.

The increased payments will be implemented based on the match contracts of each player, in accordance with SLC guidelines.

As a result of this adjustment, the total payment for a Test player per international match will now amount to approximately USD 15,000, which is around Rs. 4,450,000.

News

India to cover tax costs for Sri Lanka-India passenger ferry service

Published

9 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

The Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year for the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS).

The passenger ferry service, which was launched in October 2023 by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), will tentatively resume on May 13, 2024. It will be operated by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, selected by SCI in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).

In order to make the service affordable and attractive for passengers, the Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year.

Similarly, the GOSL has reduced the deviation tax currently charged from passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.

It should be recalled that the Government of India has also extended a grant assistance of USD 63.65 million to the GOSL for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, which was earlier envisaged to be undertaken under a Line of Credit.

(dailymirror.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)