News

I wasn’t the cause of Reginald Cooray’s death; Gevindu

Published

2 years ago

January 19, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Gevindu Kumaratunga denied the allegation that the death of former minister Reginald Cooray was caused following an heated argument with him.

The MP said Mr. Cooray’s death occurred because he did not follow medical advice after he underwent a heart surgery.

Further commenting on the incident, he said the representatives of several parties met to appoint a convener from the Kalutara District to the newly formed Sri Lanka Freedom Alliance.

“MP Jayantha Katagoda and I participated in it on behalf of the Uththara Lanka Sabaghaya. Representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Reginald Cooray and Executive Committee member Suranjith also participated. Cooray asked why the Sama Samaja Party was not represented at the party. I explained the situation and about the decision taken by the Uththara Lanka Sabaghaya. There was nothing to argue about. He tried to answer impulsively. The people who were with him told him not to be impulsive since it has been only three days since the heart surgery. Then he got up and walked out. Suranjith, who walked him out, returned and said that Cooray was taken to a private hospital due to his illness. That’s when we knew that he was sick.”

“He should know to follow the doctor’s instructions if he underwent a heart surgery. You should rest after such a surgery. He did not fall in front of me during the discussion. The people who were with him took him to the hospital only after he walked out. In any case, I am sorry about his unfortunate death,” he said.

(Aruna)

News

2 Chinese nationals arrested at BIA with gems worth over Rs. 17 mn.

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2025

editor

Two Chinese nationals have been nabbed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (Jan. 13) after attempting smuggle a stock of gemstones out of the country.

The customs officers had apprehended the 45-year-old male and his 21-year-old daughter who had hidden gemstones in their undergarments, reports say.

According to Sri Lanka Customs, he stock of gemstones includes Moonstones, Hessonite Garnets, Star Sapphires, Cats Eyes and Emeralds weighing around 689.5 grams in total and valued around Rs. 17,450,875.

News

100 families in Suduwella village, evacuated

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2025

editor

100 families residing in Suduwella village, Gal Oya have been evacuated to safety, District Secretary of Ampara District, Chinthaka Abeywickrama says.
Noting that the Gal Oya is near to breaching its banks, Mr. Abeywickrama has said that the evacuation was done in the face of a possible flood situation.

Meanwhile, the banks of the Gal Oya have been severely eroded in the Kota Vehera area.

News

Samarasinghe blames previous govt. again for red rice shortage

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2025

editor

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe has yet again blamed the previous government for the current shortage of red rice in the local market.

Speaking to media, the minister criticised a policy implemented by the previous government that distributed 20 kg of red rice to households indiscriminately.

However, he has assured the public that the situation will improve soon and that the supply will normalise in the coming months.

“Red rice is an essential food item, especially during the Thai Pongal celebrations, and we are aware of the anxiety caused by this shortage. Plans are afoot to stabilize supply ahead of upcoming harvests,” Samarasinghe stated.