News

PM crushes Lyca deal during cabinet meeting

Published

2 months ago

August 14, 2023

editor

The Cabinet has rejected a decision to lease Channel Eye owned by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), to the Lyca Group.

The relevant decision had been taken by current Chairman of the SLRC – Dr. Prasad Samasinghe.

Although both parties had entered into an agreement in late July for the handover, no prior permission had been taken from either the SLRC Director Board or the Ministry of Mass Communication.

In this backdrop, Mass Media Minister Bandhula Gunawardena had tabled a special cabinet paper before the cabinet of ministers this morning (Aug. 14), to secure covering approval for the agreement, which had been strongly rejected, reports say.It is also said that this measure, which had been carried out without any transparency, had been severely criticized by several members of the cabinet including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The board of directors including the former chairman had proposed to lease the loss ridden ‘Channel Eye’ to a private investor. Accordingly, a public notice request for EOIs for the selection of a Broadcast partner was published on February 03.

With a 17 February closing date, two leading communication institutions forwarded bids.

However, the newly appointed SLRC Chairman had recently taken measures to lease the channel to Lyca Group even without informing the two bidding companies.

It is said that he had already obtained a Rs. 75 million advance payment which he had used to pay off half of the overdue electricity payment of the SLRC.

The public notice published on Feb 03 is as follows :

eoi-rupawahini Download

(Source : theleader.lk)

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

8 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

10 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)