News

India concerned over Chinese Vessel due in Sri Lanka!

Published

9 months ago

August 16, 2023

editor

Indian media reported that another Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, is expected to dock at Colombo and Hambantota Ports in late October 2023.

However, the vessel has not yet received the permission from Sri Lankan authorities.

India, which has expressed its concerns over the arrival of the vessel, has taken up the issue at the highest level.

Indian media reported that the issue of the vessel comes after Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently visited New Delhi and reportedly assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Colombo will take care of India’s security and strategic concerns.

In August last year, when the Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5 arrived at the Hambantota Port, India expressed serious concern.

Vessel was scheduled to arrive even before COVID pandemic?

However, according to Newsfirst, the Sri Lanka Navy has said that it was not made aware of the vessels’ visit to Sri Lankan shores.

Sri Lanka Navy said that if such a vessel is to reach Sri Lankan shores, it should be made aware via the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has said the vessels’ arrival is part of an agreement reached with the Ruhuna University of Sri Lanka.

NARA officials said that it would link with the vessel in order to obtain water samples for its own research.

The NARA said the Shi Yan 6 was scheduled to dock in Sri Lankan ports before the COVID pandemic, and it was delayed multiple times.

NARA officials said that the Shi Yan 6 will engage in research operations only along the Southern Coast and they believe it would not be an issue for India.

Non-aligned policy; Equal opportunities for all countries

Commenting on the issue during the Cabinet news briefing held yesterday (15), Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said that he was not aware of any report of India expressing concern and that the government would pay attention to it.

“Under our non-aligned policy, countries are given equal opportunities without any favours,” he added.

News

Justice Minister proposes deducting remand custody, appeal duration from jail terms

Published

36 mins ago

May 12, 2024

editor

According to the Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, an amendment to the Penal Code is being proposed where the time spent in remand custody and the duration taken for the appeal hearing will be deducted from the total jail term. This initiative aims to address the disparity where some prisoners spend more time in remand custody and appeal processes than their actual jail sentences.

Minister Rajapakshe informed the Sunday Times that a committee, chaired by a High Court judge, will be responsible for determining the remission period to be granted. However, he clarified that individuals convicted for narcotic offenses and drug trafficking will not be eligible for remission.

The proposed amendment seeks to streamline the justice system by ensuring that individuals are not unfairly detained for extended periods beyond their prescribed sentences. This move underscores efforts to promote fairness and efficiency in the legal process.

The initiative, once approved by Parliament, is poised to bring significant changes to the penal system, offering relief to individuals who have faced prolonged periods in custody awaiting trial or appeal hearings.

News

Former Indian envoy to Sri Lanka enters politics

Published

14 hours ago

May 11, 2024

editor

Former Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu has joined India’s ruling BJP and is contesting the elections. After Sri Lanka, he also served in the United States.

He is a BJP candidate from the Amritsar seat and on Friday he declared his total assets worth Rs 39.92 crore, according to his poll affidavit, the NDTV reported.

Sandhu, 61, on Friday filed his nomination papers in Amritsar for the June 1 Lok Sabha polls.

According to his affidavit, Sandhu declared moveable and immovable assets owned by him and his wife to be Rs 10.88 crore and 29.04 crore, respectively.

News

Five Sri Lankans detained in Latvia for assisting illegal migrants

Published

14 hours ago

May 11, 2024

editor

Five Sri Lankans have been detained by the State Border Guards of the Republic of Latvia for allegedly transporting persons who illegally crossed the state border on Wednesday (08).

In Augšdaugava Municipality in Latvia, Border guards have stopped a Peugeot 307 driven by a citizen of Sri Lanka and another citizen of Sri Lanka, both with valid residence permits, was in the seat next to the driver. While checking documents, six persons of Afro-Asian origin were found to be in the car without travel documents, valid visas and residence permits, the State Border Guard of Latvia said.

Issuing a statement, the State Border Guard of Latvia stated that the border guards on suspicion of providing support to migrants also detained three other citizens of Sri Lanka, who were moving in a Volkswagen Polo car.

Criminal proceedings have reportedly been initiated against the detained Sri Lankans under Section285(1)(3) of the Criminal Law of the Republic of Latvia for knowingly ensuring persons the possibility to reside illegally in the Republic of Latvia, if it has been committed by an organised group.

The applicable punishment is deprivation of liberty for the period of two and up to eight years, the State Border Guard mentioned.

The suspected Sri Lankans were stopped from illegally crossing the state border in accordance with the Cabinet Order No 184 of March 12, 2024 “Regarding Declaration of the Reinforced Operating Regime of the Border Guarding System”, the statement highlighted.

(adaderana.lk)