News

Nine-arch bridge, Demodara railway loop to be protected under new heritage management program

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2024

editor

A memorandum of understanding among the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Urban Development Authority, and the Central Cultural Fund regarding the tourism management project in the area around Ella Nine-Arch Bridge was signed yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, an ambulance service is to be commenced adjoining to a national heritage site. As the second step of this project, it has been proposed to start a tourism management project in connection with Demodara railway station.

The Prime Minister commenting on this occasion stated that he wish to express his appreciation for developing tourism hubs through such projects and working to increase tourist attraction. Pointing out that 9-arch bridge in Ella was an engineering marvel in that era, the Prime Minister emphasized that while carrying out these projects, the existence and stability of the natural environment should be protected and the heritage of the future generations should also be taken into consideration.

Mr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport, stated that Ella Odyssey, Dunhinda Odyssey and Calypso trains are important steps in promoting tourism. He further stated that the proposal to modernize and develop the railway service, which is very important in connection with these projects, has already been submitted to the President as the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, and Mr. S.S. Mudalige, General Manager of Sri Lanka Railway Department signed this agreement.

Minister of Buddha Sasana, Vidura Wickramanayake, Member of Parliament, Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Ranjith Rubasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana H.M.P.B. Herath and officials from the ministries participated in this event.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

US eager to work with elected president – Julie Chung

Published

2 hours ago

September 15, 2024

editor

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, expressed her eagerness to work closely with the president elected by the Sri Lankan people.

In a post on X, she highlighted the importance of ensuring a free and fair election, calling it a critical step for democracy in Sri Lanka.

On this International Day of Democracy, we celebrate the principles of any strong and stable democracy, like accountability, human rights, justice, and ensuring that every individual has a say in shaping their future through elections. No process is more essential to Sri Lanka’s…
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) September 15, 2024

News

Why did the President’s backup helicopter make an emergency landing?

Published

4 hours ago

September 15, 2024

editor

A backup helicopter accompanying President Ranil Wickremesinghe made an emergency landing in Eppawala yesterday.

The Sri Lanka Air Force stated that a technical defect was indicated on the helicopter’s lighting panel, prompting the precautionary landing in a paddy field.

The Sri Lanka Air Force also says that a replacement helicopter was sent for that.

President Wickremesinghe was proceeding to Kegalle after addressing an election meeting in Jaffna.

News

New bill targets proceeds of crime with strict penalties

Published

7 hours ago

September 15, 2024

editor

Those who possess any property obtained through proceeds of crime or engage with it in any form of transaction will be considered to be committing a punishable offence under the law and can be prosecuted in the High Court. Those found guilty will face a fine of Rs 10 million and a 15-year jail term.

The new bill titled “Proceeds of Crime,” published this week by the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, will enable the recovery of proceeds of crime and, through inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration, will facilitate investigations to recover the ill-gotten stolen wealth.

Under the proposed bill, any person who has knowledge or information about the proceeds of crime and fails to disclose such information to the designated police officer or to the designated officer of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is considered to be committing an offence as well.

According to the bill, a statement made or response given in the form of an affidavit or a written or oral statement to an investigation officer in response to a notice served on such person under Section 68 of this Act to be admissible against the maker of such affidavit or statement or against any third party.

The bill also enables the setting up of an entity called the Proceeds of Crime Management Authority to protect, manage, and dispose of restrained, seized or frozen proceeds of crime.

The bill vests adequate powers with designated officers of the Authority to seek and obtain assistance from administrative, law enforcement, and judicial competent authorities of other countries for tracing, identification, search, detection, and examination of property suspected to be proceeds of crime and for other investigational purposes.

The officers can also seek assistance for gathering evidence, including documents, witness statements, reports, and other materials suspected to be proceeds of crime.

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