News

Cardinal’s letter on IGP post cannot be condoned: Ananda Thera

Published

2 years ago

July 3, 2023

editor

Even though the religious leaders should advise the government on certain matters, the interference on the post of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), which affects the country’s security, cannot be condoned, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter, Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Thera, said.

The Thera said the government will not be able to make any appointments in the future on its own if religious leaders keep interfering in this manner.

The prelate also said the government will be helpless if the majority of Buddhists also start exerting pressure when the leaders of other religions interfere in the decision making process.

Ananda Thera said that it is learnt that the Cardinal has sent a letter to the President regarding the post of IGP, which cannot be condoned.

He said that it is the President’s responsibility to appoint a suitable senior officer to the post of IGP.

Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has sent a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 30 requesting him not to appoint Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardene and Senior DIG in charge of Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon, who have been accused of failing to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks, as the IGP.

(Aruna)

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

2 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.

News

Nishantha Wickramasinghe remanded again (Update)

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been remanded till July 15 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

(Previous news 2025 July 01,12.15pm.)

Ex-SriLankan Airlines chief produced before court

Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials today (July 01).

Wickramasinghe was arrested last week by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and is currently in remand custody,

News

Seat belt compulsory for bus drivers from today

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that starting today (July 01), it will be mandatory for all bus drivers to wear seat belts, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

Under the MotorTraffic Act, bus drivers are legally required to wear seat belts, but a rise in accidents due to drivers ignoring this rule has prompted the authorities to re-enforce it.

Police confirmed that action will be taken against drivers who fail to comply.

Seat belts to be made mandatory for all passengers in expressways

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has also stated that wearing seat belts will be made mandatory to all passengers of light vehicles travelling on expressways from August 01, 2025.

Meanwhile, wearing seat belts will also be mandatory to all passengers of all vehicles on expressways from September 01, 2025.

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also confirmed the directive while speaking to media this morning (July 01) during an inspection tour at the Colombo Central Bus Stand.