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Enjoining order against ‘The King Crab’ restaurant

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The Colombo Commercial High Court issued two enjoining orders against a restaurant identifying itself as ‘The King Crab,’ following claims of unfair competition by the renowned Sri Lankan restaurant chain Ministry of Crab who was owned by former Sri Lankan Cricket legend duo Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara.

The enjoining orders were issued by Colombo Commercial High Court Judge K.P Fernando after considering a case filed by Crab Corp Pvt ltd against Gourmet Holdings, The King Crab and its Chef Edward Benedict.

Following issuing the orders notices were issued and defendants were ordered to produce their facts before the Court today (23). Senior Counsel Manoj Bandara appearing for the plaintiff Crab Corp Ltd, the registered Sri Lankan entity of Ministry of Crab made submission before the Court that ‘The King Crab’ restaurant was utilising the distinctive yellow and black colour combinations, and most significantly a yellow crab logo against a black background and other business identifiers popularly associated with Ministry of Crab, including specific designs and catchphrases, in their restaurant, menus, social media and other promotions, leading to confusion among customers.

The Counsel brought to the attention of the Court that the said restaurant was also situated at close proximity to the plaintiff’s flagship restaurant at Old Dutch Hospital complex at Colombo Fort, thereby heightening the confusion.

Ministry of Crab, established as a premier dining destination known for its unique Crab centric theme and seafood offerings, has built significant brand equity through its signature logo and vibrant colour palette for over a decade and is one of the only two Sri Lankan restaurants to be listed among the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 8 consecutive years since 2015, putting Sri Lanka in the spotlight on the culinary world map. Ministry of Crab is owned by celebrity Chef Dharshan Munidasa and Sri Lankan cricket legends Mahela Jayawardane and Kumar Sangakkara. A number of other restaurants in the Ministry of Crabs restaurants chain are also operating in the major cities around the world, including Singapore, Shanghai, Chengdu, Manila, Mumbai, and Bangkok.

The Senior Counsel appearing for the plaintiff told Court that the value of the branding of Ministry of Crab extends beyond mere aesthetics, it embodies the restaurant’s reputation for quality and innovation in the culinary scene, and that the actions of the defendants appeared to be an attempt to capitalise on the goodwill and customer base of Ministry of Crab. The plaintiff presented evidence demonstrating that the conduct of the defendants violates principles of unfair competition as outlined in Section 160 of the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003. On the instructions of the Sudath Perera Associates, a Panel of attorneys including Manoj Bandara with Thidas Herath, Thamali Wijekoon, Anjallie Fonseka appeared for the plaintiff.

(Daily News)

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

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Petition filed against barring women from ‘Station Master’ posts

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today (July 11) granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition filed by two women challenging the gender-based restriction preventing women from applying for the position of Station Master in Sri Lanka Railways.

The petition was taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Justices A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Priyantha Fernando, and Sampath Wijeratne.

Appearing on behalf of the petitioners, Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Bopage submitted that the Railways Department had issued a gazette notification dated June 13, calling for applications to fill 106 vacant Station Master positions.

However, the notification stipulated that only male applicants were eligible to apply.

The counsel for the petitioners argued that this constituted a violation of the petitioners’ fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 12(1) and 12(2) of the Constitution, which ensure equality before the law and prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender.

He further contended that the restriction also infringed upon the petitioners’ right to engage in employment of their choice.

Accordingly, the petitioners sought a declaration from the court that their fundamental rights had been violated and requested an order to remove the discriminatory provision in the said gazette notification, which limits eligibility to only male candidates.

After considering the facts presented, the Supreme Court granted leave to proceed with the petition and scheduled the plaint for hearing on August 27.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Chemmani mass grave : ITAK urges President AKD to take urgent measures

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The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urging to take immediate action to ensure truth, justice, with regard to the ongoing Chemmani mass grave investigation.

The letter emphasized that over 65 skeletons, including those of infants, have been recovered so far, affirming the scale of atrocities allegedly committed in the region.

ITAK also called for the public release of all forensic reports and DNA findings and warned that symbolic reconciliation would remain hollow without legal accountability.

Signed by senior ITAK leaders C.V.K. Sivagnanam and M.A. Sumanthiran, the letter urge the President to implement the following without delay :

  1. Consolidate the legal cases related to the 1999 and 2025 exhumations into a single judicial and forensic inquiry under the Colombo and Jaffna Magistrate’s Courts.
  2. Engage independent, internationally respected forensic experts to oversee all stages of the investigation, ensuring forensic integrity and public trust.
  3. Publicize all interim and final forensic reports, DNA profiles and identification results, and facilitate access for victims’ families, civil society and international observers.
  4. ⁠Repatriate the remains excavated in 1999, currently believed to be held in Glasgow, so they may be examined under the same protocols and returned to their families with dignity.
  5. ⁠Allocate significantly enhanced financial and logistical resources to ensure that the current excavation is completed under international standards; hundreds of families continue searching for missing loved ones, and without truth and accountability, reconciliation remains a facade.Concurrently, take steps to prosecute those responsible for these heinous crimes, which is essential for national healing.

The ITAK’s letter is as follows :

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Let’s build a nation rooted in historical heritage (Pics)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a society cannot progress without a meaningful connection to its historic heritage and that the nation’s development path must be chosen accordingly.

The President made these remarks while addressing a ceremonial gathering yesterday (July 10) afternoon at the historic Ruhunu Kataragama sacred site.  

Earlier in the day, President Dissanayake visited the sacred grounds of Kataragama, participated in religious observances and later paid a courtesy call on the Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the historic Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, inquiring about his well-being and engaging in a brief discussion.

The President also attended the final Randoli Maha Perahera (Golden Chariot Grand Procession) of the annual Esala Festival at the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, where he witnessed the ceremonial placement of the sacred relic casket upon the relic bearing tusker.  

Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake further emphasised that a nation can only move forward by maintaining continuity with its historic heritage. He noted that every developed country in the world has achieved progress by preserving its historical legacy and building upon it, stressing that Sri Lanka, too, must choose a development path anchored in its heritage.

The President highlighted that Buddhism played a pivotal role in transforming our society into a cultured civilisation and that cultural festivals like this help revive and strengthen the moral and social values of a society often preoccupied with material pursuits.  

He pointed out that the Ruhunu Kataragama Perahera has been held continuously for 2,186 years, spanning nearly a hundred generations and that its survival has been possible due to the deep connection between this cultural ceremony and the lives of the people. The President extended his gratitude to all those, including the Chief Incumbent, who contributed to the success of this year’s procession.  

Among those present at the occasion were Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, R.M. Jayawardena, Governor of the Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijeweera, Chairman of the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha, Dharmapala Herath and Monaragala District Secretary Pasan Ratnayake.

(President’s Media Division)

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