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Court rejects Keheliya’s intervention plea

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The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court dismissed a request by former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to intervene in the ongoing case related to the controversial Human Immunoglobulin procurement deal as an aggrieved party.

Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema, in her decision, stated that the court and the Attorney General stands by the people.

The case filed over the controversial Human Immunoglobulin procurement deal was taken up at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court, and President’s Counsel U. R. De Silva appearing for Ex-Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella requested to intervene in the matter as an aggrieved party, or an unsatisfied party.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama appearing for the Attorney General’s Department, objected to this request and noted that there is no reason for the Ex-Health Minister to be named as an aggrieved party or an unsatisfied party.

She pointed out that the aggrieved party or an unsatisfied party, in this case in the people of the Sri Lankan Republic.

Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema pointed out that the court and the Attorney General appear for the unsatisfied people, and noted that counsel appearing for Keheliya Rambukwella can be seated in the court to observe the proceedings. 

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama pointed out that, given that several top officials from the Health Ministry are in the court dock, the responsibility in this matter directly falls on the Ex-Health Minister.

Therefore, she noted that allowing Keheliya Rambukwella to intervene as an aggrieved party in the maater, would raise concerns among the people with regard to the process of serving justice.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama also appearing for the Criminal Investigations Department, made several startling revelations to the court. 

Among them was that the Medical Supplies Division maintained a stock of 9,500 Human Immunoglobulin sufficient for a month when the tender for 22,500 Human Immunoglobulin vials was awarded to the supplier in question. 

She also pointed out that the tender was awarded for Rs. 1 Billion, at a time when measures underway to obtain 75,000 Human Immunoglobulin vials from the World Health Organization.

Upon considering the submissions that were made, Former health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta and six other suspects who are held in remand custody, were returned to remand custody until the 17th of January 2024. 

(News 1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

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Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

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12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

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The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

  • Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
  • Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
  • Kaduwela
  • Battaramulla
  • Kolonnawa
  • Kotikawatta
  • Mulleriyawa
  • IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
  • Maharagama
  • Dehiwala
  • Mount Lavinia
  • Ratmalana and Moratuwa

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Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

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The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

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