News

Magistrate to request contempt action against state minister Diana Gamage

Published

3 months ago

June 22, 2023

editor

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered today that a request will be forwarded to the President of the Court of Appeal to take action against State Minister Diana Gamage, over contempt of court.

The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis today, upon consideration of the facts presented by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the lawyers of social activist Oshala Herath, the petitioner in the relevant case.

Herath filed a petition seeking a writ order disqualifying the state minister from holding a parliamentary seat alleging that issuing a diplomatic passport to the State Minister is against the Immigration and Emigration Act since she also holds British citizenship.

On 24 April, the court set aside the petition seeking Gamage’s arrest.

Accordingly, Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis declared that the court will not issue an order related to the arrest of the State Minister on the offences under the Immigration and Immigration Act, citing that the decision was arrived at since the CID is empowered by law to take the necessary steps regarding the arrest of the State Minister over the relevant offences.

Presenting facts in this regard before the court today, the CID claimed that during an interview with TV Derana’s 360° programme on 29 May, the State Minister had alleged that she had received the decision of the court in advance.

Speaking in court, Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis noted that upon the examination of the facts presented by the relevant parties, it appears that the factors required to build a case of contempt of court are present within the said matter.

Thus, the Magistrate noted that he will request the President of the Court of Appeal to initiate legal action against the State Minister under charges of contempt court.

Magistrate Alwis also ordered the footage of the relevant interview to be submitted to the court, with other related documents.

(adaderana.lk)

News

Excise officials kidnap beedi businessman & forcefully take Rs.1mn

Published

1 hour ago

September 22, 2023

editor

The Walasmulla Police have launched an investigation into an incident where a Beedi businessman was kidnapped and assaulted before forcefully taking Rs.1 million from him.

The business license of the businessman residing in Maraketiya, Rajapuragoda in Walasmulla expired on June 26. A team of excise officials including the OIC of the Tangalle Excise Unit had arrived at his house on September 18 and seized the Beedi leaves.

Excise officials had demanded Rs.1.4 million from the businessman not to take legal action in this regard.

They had taken the businessman away in a three-wheeler, beaten him up, and then had taken an amount of Rs.1 million by force.

News

Test kits ordered to detect ‘Nipah’ virus

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Steps have been taken to import special test kits needed for the detection of ‘Nipah’ virus, the Health Ministry said.

Special test kits recommended by the World Health Organization have been ordered to detect the virus and they are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in a few days.

Commenting further, Virologist Dr. Janaki Abeynayake said that no specific treatment or vaccine has been developed globally for patients infected with Nipah virus.

However, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said that there is no high risk of the virus spreading among countries since the virus spreading pace is slower.

The Ministry requested the public not panic over the virus that has been reported in several countries including India.

News

Keheliya & ministry officials undertake 50 foreign tours

Published

3 hours ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the officials of his Ministry had undertaken 50 foreign tours in one year, a report prepared by the International Health Division of the Ministry revealed.

These reports have been compiled by Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Health Ministry Dr. S. Sri Dharan.

It was prepared following a Right to Information (RTI) request made by an organisation called ‘Citizens Power Against Bribery and Corruption.’

Accordingly, Health Minister Rambukwella has made five foreign trips, Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta has made two foreign trips and Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardena has made four foreign trips.

These foreign trips have taken place as per the invitations made by representative organizations including the World Health Organization, and those organizations have provided expenses for air tickets, food and accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the International Health Division of the Ministry of Health has approved foreign duty leave for these doctors and has also given them a casual allowance.

Interestingly, the deputy director general who prepared the report has engaged in the highest number of foreign trips.

Source – Aruna