News

Defence secretary warns war veterans not to get duped

Published

1 year ago

May 8, 2024

nipuni

The Ministry of Defence has learned that a number of retired war veterans who had immensely devoted their lives to defend the country during the 30 – year long terrorist war have got caught to a scheme by some illegal foreign job agents and have sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups.

It is also revealed that a significant number of war veterans have died and sustained injuries at the battlefield. It is regrettable that such war veterans who have served and retired with honour in the armed forces of Sri Lanka are acting as mercenaries in foreign countries. These war veterans have left to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as mercenaries after being duped by these human traffickers who had promised them opportunity to join the foreign army, handsome salary, citizenship in those countries and other benefits. However, neither the serving nor the injured had received any salaries or benefits and these traffickers have not even given any sort of compensation to the families of those injured or the dead. Further, they have failed to provide any information of the whereabouts of those war veterans to their families as well.

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are making great efforts to obtain factual information about the war veterans and casualties at the Russian-Ukrainian war front.

The Defence Secretary has made a special request to the war veterans not to be caught to such illegal schemes and put their lives at risk by joining foreign mercenary groups and also think of the plight of their families before doing so.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police and Intelligence agencies have launched extensive operations to arrest such illegal human traffickers and several people involved in it have already been taken into custody.

While emphasizing that these war veterans who are Sri Lankan citizens cannot be allowed to be used as mercenaries in foreign land and put their lives at risk, the Defence Secretary further states that the law will be strictly enforced against the illegal human smugglers, establishments and others involved in these illegal activities.

(defence.lk)

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

BIZ

SriLankan attracts 12,000 applicants in cabin crew recruitment drive

Published

22 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

editor

SriLankan Airlines has received an overwhelming response to its latest cabin crew recruitment campaign, with nearly 12,000 applicants vying for positions as the airline expands to meet growing global demand.

The selection process enters its next phase from May 20–23 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), where shortlisted candidates will undergo a multi-stage evaluation. This includes document verification, image and presentation assessments, and aptitude interviews conducted by expert panels. Only those who clear all stages will advance to final interviews at the airline’s Katunayake headquarters.

Susan Jacob, Group Head of Human Resources, stated, “We seek individuals who embody Sri Lanka’s warmth and are committed to excellence in service. Our transparent process ensures we select the best talent.”

Ravi Samarasinghe, Senior Manager of Cabin Services, highlighted the broader impact: “This recruitment supports our strategic growth and Sri Lanka’s tourism revival. New crew members will enhance operational excellence and contribute to the economy.”

The drive underscores the airline’s post-pandemic recovery and ambition to strengthen its footprint in emerging markets. Successful candidates will join a team dedicated to elevating SriLankan Airlines’ global reputation for hospitality.

(Pic: dailymirror)

News

03 vehicles collide at railway crossing

Published

19 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.

The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.

The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.

The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.

(Pic: Accident 1st)

News

Ramith Rambukwella arrives before CIABOC

Published

20 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.

The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.