News

Development projects linked to Bathiudeen suspended by Presidential Secretariat

Published

3 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

editor

More than Rs 200 million worth ongoing development projects secured by All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) leader and Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen in six districts have been put on hold with immediate effect following directives issued by the Presidential Secretariat.

Earlier, the ACMC leader secured approval to carry out development activities in six districts—Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Puttalam, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. Mr. Bathidueen said the projects were based on the requests of people, rural development societies, welfare societies, and other community-based organisations for the urgent development activities in those areas.

However, a directive was issued on Thursday by Presidential Secretariat accountant S.A.P. Kumari to the respective district secretaries, instructing them to halt those projects and directing them to transfer the funds to the Presidential Secretariat with immediate effect.

“I further request you to inform me of the receipt of this letter immediately and not to enter into any obligation using these provisions,” according to the letter signed by the accountant and seen by the Sunday Times.

On the following day, the ACMC leader wrote to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying that it was “extremely doubtable (sic) that these actions had been taken following his announcement to support Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming presidential election.”

“I hope that this sort of action had been taken by certain individuals and officials without Your Excellency’s knowledge unethically…,” the ACMC leader said in his letter seen by the Sunday Times while urging him to revoke the orders and instruct relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of the projects.

He warned he would be forced to appeal to the Elections Commission if the directives were not revoked, saying he believed these attempts were “unethical activities” and violations of election laws.

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

News

Ranil, Sajith, Anura debate tonight at 10 pm

Published

2 hours ago

September 9, 2024

editor

The topical political dialogue discussing the future of Sri Lanka’s economy will be broadcasted on Rupavahini at 10 pm onwards through the ‘Karata Kara’ current affairs discussion programme.

Cabinet Spokesman, Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana will participate on behalf of the Independent Presidential candidate, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Eran Wickremeratne MP on behalf of Sajith Premadasa, the Presidential candidate of Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Prof.Anil Jayantha on behalf of the National People’s Power presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake and MP Gamini Waleboda for Dilith Jayaweera, Presidential Candidate of Sarvajana Balaya will take part.

Debates, views and opinions will be presented regarding the national economic programme that will build the country and the moderator for the discussion will be journalist Chamara Wijayawickrama.

(Daily News)

(This story, originally published by Daily News has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Thalatha backs Ranil for stabilizing the economy

Published

3 hours ago

September 9, 2024

editor

Former Minister Thalatha Athukorala has announced her support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Election.

Speaking at the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” rally in Welimada, Athukorala highlighted Wickremesinghe’s role in stabilizing the economy after the crisis following President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s departure.

She praised Wickremesinghe for making tough decisions that helped the country recover, emphasizing her careful consideration in backing him over Sajith Premadasa.

Athukorala described this as a significant moment in her political career.

News

Principal arrested in Mullaitivu for photographing postal ballot

Published

20 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

A principal has been arrested in Mullaitivu after allegedly photographing a postal ballot paper after casting his vote.

The incident occurred on Friday at the voting center located within the Mullaitivu Zonal Education Office.

According to reports, the principal, who was serving as an assistant returning officer, cast his vote on the ballot paper and then took a photograph of it. This was noticed by another officer at the location, who promptly filed a complaint.

The principal was taken into custody yesterday evening. The 55-year-old suspect, a resident of Puthukkudiyiruppu, has since been released on bail.