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Expert committee on memorialization hands over report 

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The Expert Committee appointed to make recommendations to commemorate those who died as a result of the armed conflict, political unrest, or civil disturbances in Sri Lanka during the period 1983-2009 handed over its report to the President recently, at the Presidential Secretariat. These recommendations are as a means of healing and promoting reconciliation among communities.

The Expert Committee that was appointed by the President on a Cabinet decision was chaired by Prof. Emeritus Jagath Weerasinghe, with members comprising Prof. Chandraguptha Thenuwara (University of Visual and Performing Arts), Prof. Farzana F Haniffa (University of Colombo), Prof. T Sanathanan (University of Jaffna), Thushari Suriyaarachchi (Acting Director General, Office of National Unity & Reconciliation – ONUR), and  Mahinda Withanaarachchi (Additional Director General, Urban Development Authority).

During the past few months, the Committee conducted public consultation sessions in the districts of Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, and Kurunegala and also consulted experts in the field of reconciliation. These public sessions were organized in coordination with the National Integration Coordinating Officers of ONUR representing the relevant Districts. The public sessions provided a free and open forum to express aspirations and grievances related to community healing and reconciliation.

The Expert Committee recognizes the right to memorialize and reveals in its Report that various groups and individuals have been engaging with the question of memorialization and reconciliation in different ways. This constitutes a rich body of work that should be made part of the attempt to record, comment, or otherwise engage with the country’s conflict related past.

The Committee has recommended, among others, a centrally located iconic building as a repository of artistic and cultural expressions associated with the conflict and reconciliation efforts in  Sri Lanka, with the aim of nurturing collective commitment for non-recurrence and promoting community healing and reconciliation among all Sri Lankans.

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08 Dansals suspended over health concerns

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Steps have been taken to suspend eight ‘Dansal’ that failed to meet with proper health and safety procedures, the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union said.

PHI Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda stated that permission was granted for another 17 Dansals to operate after complying with guidelines.

The union says that Dansal inspections will continue today (May 13) as well.

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Teen found dead in house fire

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A 19-year-old female has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a house on Vihara Mawatha in Kottawa.


According to police, the body of the young woman was found burnt beyond recognition while the roof of the house had sustained significant damage from the fire.

The girl’s mother and two brothers were away from home at the time of the incident, police said.

Firefighters from the Kotte Sri Jayewardenepura Fire Department, assisted by local residents had attempted to douse the flames but the girl had already died by the time they arrived.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. 

The Nugegoda Crime Scene Investigation Unit is conducting further inquiries.

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3 police teams deployed to arrest ‘Teacher Amma’

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Three police teams have been deployed to arrest Hayeshika Fernando, a popular private tutor known as “Teacher Amma,” over allegedly kicking a young man in the lower abdomen and groin.

According to police sources, the suspect is in hiding with her daughter and has switched off her phone.

Investigations have revealed that the assault was in retaliation over a Facebook post by the victim’s sister about Hayeshika. She, along with her husband and her institute’s manager, had allegedly assaulted the youth.

Katana police have already arrested two said to be Hayeshika’s husband and the institute’s manager.  They were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and remanded until May 14.

The assaulted youth has been admitted to the Negombo hospital for treatment.

Reportedly, Hayeshika had instructed the youth to train a female employee in computer use. During the session, he allegedly behaved inappropriately, prompting Hayeshika’s husband, and the institute manager to accompany the female employee to file a complaint with the Katana Police.

Following statements from both parties, it was revealed that Hayeshika, her husband, and the manager had physically assaulted the youth.

Although her husband and the manager were taken into custody, Hayeshika Fernando fled with her daughter when police attempted to arrest her at her residence.

Under the instructions of Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne and the supervision of SSP Ashoka Dharmasena, Chief Inspector Wasantha Sudasinghe and other officers from Katana Police are conducting further investigations.

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