News

Pillows & mattresses found in Parliament committee room!

Published

1 month ago

August 17, 2023

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It was reported that two pillows and a mattress were found in a committee room of Parliament and investigations are underway to figure out why these were brought to this room.

The items were found when a senior officer of Parliament inspected the committee rooms.

A group of officials have been accused of sexually assaulting some young female employees in the Housekeeping Department of Parliament, and the committee rooms were searched as a result of these accusations.

In the meantime, a three-member committee is investigating the sexual harassment allegations.

Parliamentary sources said that the committee has already recorded statements of nearly 20 people including female employees in this regard.

Meanwhile, it was reported that a group of officials are attempting to hamper and influence these investigations. The parliamentary authorities have paid special attention in this regard as well.

General Secretary of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera recently instructed the investigation committee to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident and submit a report.

Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna said all the MPs including the Women Parliamentarians Caucus are awaiting the results of the investigation since many female employees have given strong evidence against a group of parliamentary officers.

She said that justice must be delivered to the harassed workers.

Source – Lankadeepa

News

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

Published

3 mins ago

September 22, 2023

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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

1 hour ago

September 22, 2023

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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

2 hours ago

September 22, 2023

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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