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CEB gives undertaking before SC on power cuts

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Power cuts will not be imposed until the contempt of court case filed by the Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) is taken up for support tomorrow (Feb. 03), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said today giving an undertaking to the Supreme Court.

The case was called before the Supreme Court judge bench comprising Preethi Padman Surasena, Yasantha Kodagoda and Shiran Gunaratne this morning.

The rights group had filed a contempt of court against the Power & Energy Ministry’s secretary, CEB chairman and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) chairman, over their failure to abide by the agreement reached at a recent meeting to provide an uninterrupted supply of power while the Advanced Level examination is taking place from January 23 to February 17.

During today’s court proceedings, the legal counsels representing the CEB requested the judge bench to fix the case for support tomorrow, stating that they require more time to consult their client.

However, Justice Kodagoda raised concerns about deferring the case, noting that it is a matter of urgency.

Accordingly, the defence counsels were allowed to briefly consult their client before the case was called before the judge bench again this afternoon.

Lodging the case, the HRCSL had stated that the CEB chairman is guilty of the offence of contempt under the provisions of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996.

The HRCSL alleged that notwithstanding the settlement arrived by the above parties to provide uninterrupted electricity for the A/L exam candidates during the period of the examination, the CEB willfully and maliciously disregarded the settlement and continued with the power cuts. The rights group slammed the interruption of power cuts during the A/L exam as a “gross violation of a child’s right to education.”

(adaderana.lk)

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

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Won’t allow any breach of law & order during my tenure – President

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that during his presidency, no one will be allowed to breach the law and order of the country. He emphasized that he will prioritize doing what is right over doing what is popular, and that presenting popular ideas can lead to the destruction of the country.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this during his address to the Tri Forces & Police officers and other rankers at the Air Force Base, Anuradhapura, as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that no one is entitled to engage in violent protests on the streets, but all political parties have the right to express their opinions or criticize him in a peaceful manner.

He emphasized the importance of doing the right thing, and mentioned that they presented the International Monetary Fund agreement to the parliament to assess whether the parliamentarians had the courage to make the right decisions for the betterment of the country.

The President referred to the International Monetary Fund agreement as an example and expressed his expectation for everyone’s assistance in making the IMF program successful. He also stated that if the country adopts a fresh approach and embarks on a new journey, it can achieve significant development within the next 25 years.

The President asserted that Sri Lanka will win the economic war, similar to the successful fight against terrorism, adding that measures would be taken to establish economic independence in the country.

The President acknowledged that the armed forces and police will continue to play a crucial role in achieving economic independence, and also assessed the actions of the armed forces and police in maintaining law and order during the previous year.

The President expressed gratitude towards the armed forces for fulfilling their responsibility, as without their efforts, Sri Lanka would have become an anarchic state. He also mentioned that the ongoing competition between world powers is affecting the Indian Ocean, and he intends to take action as the President to protect Sri Lanka from this influence.

The President emphasized that future military situations can be shaped by technology and knowledge, unlike in the past. He highlighted the need for the armed forces and police to be equipped with modern technology and knowledge to overcome future challenges. The President initiated the Defence 2030 program, aiming to strengthen the defence forces of Sri Lanka.

The President also announced that stringent laws will be introduced to combat the drug scourge, and no amnesty will be granted to drug offenders. 

The President said that he had instructed the Minister of  Law and Order Tiran Alles, and Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksha to take strict action against such offenders and to utilize the support of the armed forces in this effort.

Minister of State for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence GeneralKamal Gunaratne (Rtd), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshan Pathirana, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Inspector General of Police Mr. C.D. Wickramaratne and around 1200 other rankers of the Tri Forces and Police were present on this occasion.

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39 Chinese nationals arrested over online financial fraud

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At least 39 Chinese nationals have been arrested by the Aluthgama police in connection with an online financial fraud.

Police said the suspects had defrauded millions of money over several months through the internet from the accounts of people in different countries.

The group had been staying in a tourist resort in the Kaluamodara area in Aluthgama and Police said they were arrested based on complaints received through several embassies.

While the arrested Chinese nationals were taken to the Alutgama police, several smartphones and cash in their possession were also taken into custody by police.

(dailymirror.lk)

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2 students killed during big match vehicle parade

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Two students were killed and seven others injured after a cab toppled during the vehicle parade held in view of the big match between Uva Paranagama Maha Vidyalaya and Dharmadutha College this afternoon, Police said.

The injured were admitted to the Badulla Hospital.

The accident occurred when the vehicles paraded around the ground during the match.

Further investigations are underway

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