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Chinese ambassador meets Speaker (Pics)

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The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong, paid a courtesy call on the newly elected Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on Jan. 01 at the Parliamentary premises. 

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.  

During the meeting, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong presented the letter of greetings from Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China (Speaker of the Parliament of the People’s Republic of China) – Hon. Zhao Leji to the newly elected Speaker. 

The Ambassador extended New Year wishes and emphasized the longstanding cooperation between the two nations. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between two legislative bodies in the future, particularly through exchange programs.

The Speaker reflected on his prior experience as Deputy Director of the China – Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology Specialized Hospital in Polonnaruwa and expressed gratitude for Chinese development projects in Sri Lanka, which have been highly beneficial to the people of Sri Lanka. He also expressed interest in reviving the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Tenth Parliament to strengthen ties between two parliaments.

Ambassador Qi further highlighted the preparations underway for the first state visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to China, describing that this historical event would further enhance bilateral relations.

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Johann Peries returns after conquering highest peaks of all continents

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Sri Lankan mountaineer Johann Peries returned to the island this morning (08) after successfully summiting Mount Denali in Alaska, completing his remarkable journey to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents.

Starting with Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in 2014, Johann has now achieved the prestigious Seven Summits challenge — scaling the tallest mountain on each continent. His journey includes Mount Everest (Asia), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Aconcagua (South America), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), and now, Mount Denali (North America).

Johann, a professional hairdresser and entrepreneur with salons in Colombo, London, and Australia, proudly planted the Sri Lankan flag atop each summit, earning international recognition and bringing pride to the nation.

Speaking at the Katunayake Airport, he announced plans to publish a book based on his mountaineering experiences and expressed hopes of promoting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for adventure tourism.

(dailynews.lk)

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

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Presidential Secretariat declines to disclose names of PMD officials

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The Presidential Secretariat has informed social activist Anuruddha Bandara that the names of officials attached to the President’s Media Division (PMD) cannot be disclosed.

Senior Assistant Secretary to the President G.P.H.M. Kumarasinghe has conveyed the decision in a written response to an appeal filed by Bandara, who had sought details regarding all designations at the Presidential Secretariat, along with the names of appointees, their salaries, allowances and other benefits.

The Presidential Secretariat invoked Section 5(1)(a) of the RTI Act. Section 5(1)(a) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act No. 12 of 2016 of Sri Lanka relates to the exemptions under which a public authority may refuse to disclose information.

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SC rules against Police after FR filed by 02 farmers

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The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that police violated the fundamental rights of two farmers who were arrested and remanded following a protest in 2018 along the Polonnaruwa-Mahiyanganaya road.

The protest was held to demand action to prevent wild elephants from entering villages.

Delivering the verdict yesterday (July 07), the court ordered Mr. S.M.L.R. Bandara – the then OIC of the Aralaganwila Police to personally pay compensation of Rs. 30,000 each to petitioners R.A. Gamini Jayaratna and H.R. Eranda, both residents of Polonnaruwa.

The judgment, delivered by Justice – Yasantha Kodagoda with Chief Justice – Murdhu Fernando and Justice – S. Thurairaja concurring, stressed that magistrates must not remand individuals solely on police requests and should make careful, informed decisions.

The bench emphasized that bail should be the norm under the Bail Act, while denying bail should be exceptional, and that the judiciary must protect people’s fundamental rights.

The SC also ruled that protests should be handled without violating citizens’ rights and directed the Director General of Wildlife to develop a proper plan to prevent wild elephant intrusions.

Copies of the judgment have been sent to the Attorney General, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Wildlife, Director General of Forest Conservation, the Mahaweli Authority, and the OIC of Aralaganwila Police for further action.

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