In response to a question posed by National People’s Power Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake under Standing Order 27/2 over the leasing out of Channel Eye, Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardana appeared to be at a loss of words in Parliament yesterday (22).
Instead of answering the question, Dr. Gunawardana was talking about other issues and finally ended up talking about the events of 88/89 in an impulsive manner.
Initially, the minister said that the channel has not been leased out and that it was given on the basis of rent. He threw the ministry secretary under the bus by stating that the Cabinet paper had been prepared without a proper understanding of rent and lease.
However, MP Dissanayake highlighted the fact that the ministry secretary was not responsible for the Cabinet paper, and it was ultimately signed by Minister Gunawardana.
The MP further said that it is clearly stated in the Cabinet paper that there is no transparency in the leasing out of the channel.
Minister Gunawardana resorted to various tactics and avoided giving a clear answer to the questions asked by the MP.
Special bus services will continue to operate for commuters returning to Colombo after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, according to the Transport Manager at the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), H. Piyathilaka.
He further stated that a 24-hour bus service is already in operation and added that a special bus service has also been arranged, particularly for devotees attending the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’ in Kandy, with nearly 150 SLTB buses deployed on the Kandy–Colombo route.
The SLTB’s Transport Manager further emphasized that from April 10 to April 19, the SLTB earned nearly Rs. 1,300 million in revenue, with this income expected to increase further in the coming days.
(adaderana.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has confirmed that Secretary to the President – Nandika Sanath Kumanayake handed over the report.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into a photo circulating on social media, allegedly showing the sacred tooth relic during the ongoing special exposition – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ in Kandy.
According to Police Headquarters, the circulating image is seemingly an image taken by a devotee who attended the exposition, which is being held until April 27.
The police emphasises that devotees are not permitted to take photos or use their phones.
In this backdrop, the CID is investigating to ascertain whether the circulating photo was indeed taken during the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition, and whether it was a photo captured by someone or whether it is merely an edited image.
The CID investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Acting Inspector General of Police.