News

Chief custodian of Kataragama Devalaya, missing!

Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2023

editor

A complaint has been lodged with the CID that the chief custodian of the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya – T. Somipala, has been missing for 02 weeks.

The complaint, lodged on Dec. 22 by a grandson of Mr. Somipala, has also noted that the disappearance affects the activities of the Devalaya while putting the artifacts at the location at risk.

It is reported that the issues had arisen due to a dispute between Mr. Somipala and the 12th Basnayaka Nilame of the Ruhunu Katharagama Devayala – Dishan Gunasekara.

With reports citing that monetary and gold offerings by pilgrims are being stolen by the custodians of the Devalaya, the public have begun to donate more to the cancer hospital development fund box at the Devayala’s main office rather than keeping monetary offerings with the traditional fruit offerings (Pooja Wattiya), reports add.

This trend has also increased after the Attorney General had called for the arrest of the chief custodian. In this backdrop, many have tended to shift towards other Devalayas in the premises.

Custodian of Kataragama Devalaya, surrenders

Kataragama chief custodian & grandson missing during Tiran’s visit

Chief custodian of the Kataragama Devalaya to be arrested

News

Police media spokesman resigns

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga has tendered his resignation from the position.

According to reports, he has handed over his letter of resignation to the Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya.

News

Speaker endorses certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

Hon. Speaker of Parliament endorses the certificate on the Bill

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed without amendments in Parliament today (20).

The debate on the Second Reading of this Bill was held today from 5:40 PM to 7:10 PM. Subsequently, following the consideration of the Bill at the Committee Stage, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 01.03.2025.

Furthermore, Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill today (20), in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution.

Accordingly, this Bill will be enforced as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 02 of 2025.

News

Japan provides fire trucks to Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan, through a grant assistance of JPY 300 million, has decided to provide state-of-the-art Japanese fire trucks to the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen disaster response capabilities in the country’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs), ensuring a safer business environment and contributing to economic and social stability.

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata SOMATA and Secretary of the Finance Ministry – Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana, today (March 20) signed and exchanged notes in Colombo on this grant assistance.

The EPZs play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economy by attracting investment and driving industrial growth.

The increasing risks of fire hazards and other emergencies risk hampering its critical functions.

The Japanese fire trucks, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will bolster the capacity of EPZs, safeguarding businesses, workers, and communities.

The project also underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to addressing Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development.