Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation – D.J.S.D.S. Rajakaruna has issued a statement which states that a news article originally published in the ‘Aruna’ newspaper contains misleading facts.
The news in question quotes convener of the United Trade Union Alliance – Mr. Ananda Palitha as to saying that the Director Board of the CPC has been squandering taxpayer money on cashews to munch on during Board meetings.
In a statement addressed to the DG of the Government Information Department, the CPC Chairman states that the report in question is detrimental to the reputation of himself and the CPC.
Noting that the legal action will be sought against responsible parties, the CPC Chairman also says that a complaint will also be lodged with the CID with regard to certain details.
The news in question was also published on ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ quoting the ‘Aruna’ newspaper, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
The complete statement of the CPC Chairman is as follows :
(Previous News published at 10:22am on Dec. 18, 2024)
Ananda Palitha drops bomb on Cashew munching CPC officials
Convener of the United Trade Union Alliance – Mr. Ananda Palitha has alleged that the Director Board of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has been squandering taxpayer money on cashews to munch on during Board meetings.
He pointed out that although the ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe was criticized for eating cashews, current government officials are doing the same.
He said that according to a bill (No.13172) issued by the Cashew Corporation in Rajagiriya, cashews worth Rs. 13,000 have been purchased with more purchased from a supermarket.
Mr. Palitha also alleged that the present Chairman of the CPC is misleading the public and disseminating lies while obtaining a six figure salary as well as allowances for attending Board meetings.
He also warned of a possible fuel shortage in the future as well despite government assurances that such a thing will not happen.
Steps have been taken to suspend eight ‘Dansal’ that failed to meet with proper health and safety procedures, the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union said.
PHI Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda stated that permission was granted for another 17 Dansals to operate after complying with guidelines.
The union says that Dansal inspections will continue today (May 13) as well.
A 19-year-old female has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a house on Vihara Mawatha in Kottawa.
According to police, the body of the young woman was found burnt beyond recognition while the roof of the house had sustained significant damage from the fire.
The girl’s mother and two brothers were away from home at the time of the incident, police said.
Firefighters from the Kotte Sri Jayewardenepura Fire Department, assisted by local residents had attempted to douse the flames but the girl had already died by the time they arrived.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
The Nugegoda Crime Scene Investigation Unit is conducting further inquiries.
Three police teams have been deployed to arrest Hayeshika Fernando, a popular private tutor known as “Teacher Amma,” over allegedly kicking a young man in the lower abdomen and groin.
According to police sources, the suspect is in hiding with her daughter and has switched off her phone.
Investigations have revealed that the assault was in retaliation over a Facebook post by the victim’s sister about Hayeshika. She, along with her husband and her institute’s manager, had allegedly assaulted the youth.
Katana police have already arrested two said to be Hayeshika’s husband and the institute’s manager. They were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and remanded until May 14.
The assaulted youth has been admitted to the Negombo hospital for treatment.
Reportedly, Hayeshika had instructed the youth to train a female employee in computer use. During the session, he allegedly behaved inappropriately, prompting Hayeshika’s husband, and the institute manager to accompany the female employee to file a complaint with the Katana Police.
Following statements from both parties, it was revealed that Hayeshika, her husband, and the manager had physically assaulted the youth.
Although her husband and the manager were taken into custody, Hayeshika Fernando fled with her daughter when police attempted to arrest her at her residence.
Under the instructions of Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne and the supervision of SSP Ashoka Dharmasena, Chief Inspector Wasantha Sudasinghe and other officers from Katana Police are conducting further investigations.