News

Kelum Jayasumana granted bail

Published

1 month ago

December 4, 2024

editor

Social activist Kelum Jayasumana who was arrested for sharing Mahaviru commemoration posts on social media has been granted bail.

He has been ordered to be released on bail after he was produced before Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

During the trial, the officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stated before the court that the suspect had downloaded and reposted a picture which was initially posted by a French woman on Facebook that contained the proscribed symbols of the LTTE organization.

Stating that this had disrupted public order and ethnic harmony, the officers also stated that no such event had been held in the North. Since the investigation has not been completed, the officers of the CID requested that the suspect be further remanded in custody.

Subsequently, Colombo Magistrate Thilina Gamage questioned the CID officers whether statements confirming that public order had been violated due to this act had been recorded and submitted to the court. In response, the officers of the CID stated that no such statements had been recorded and submitted to the court.

Questioning how the suspect could be further remanded without evidence confirming that a public disturbance had occurred, the Magistrate stated the suspects cannot be remanded further without proper evidence.

The Magistrate further elaborated that suspects could not be remanded based on what they had in mind without presenting evidence to the court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered the suspect to be released on two surety bails and ordered the case to be taken up again on April 03, 2025.

(adaderana.lk)

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

News

Writ petition against Mannar Wind Power Project fixed for May 23

Published

10 minutes ago

January 17, 2025

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A writ petition seeking an order to prevent authorities from issuing any permits or approvals for carrying out the wind power plant project on Mannar Island was yesterday fixed for May 23 by the Court of Appeal.

The petition was filed by the President of the Sri Lanka Green Organization, Sanka Chandima Abhayawardena. Counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed Court that several important applications related to the matter are scheduled to be called before the Supreme Court in March.

The Attorney General’s Department further stated that the Government has not yet made a final decision regarding the project. Taking these facts into consideration, Court of Appeal Judge S. U. B. Karalliyadde scheduled the petition for May 23.

The Petitioner stated that the Cabinet of Ministers of previous regime, has purportedly decided to award the Construction and operation of the Mannar Wind Power Project (Phase-II) in the Mannar Island to Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka Limited (AGESL), as a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) project for a period of 25 years.

(DailyNews)

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

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)