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PMD issues clarification on Kurundi Viharaya lands

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The President’s Media Division has issued a clarification with regard to a letter by Ven. Dr.  Ellawala Medhananda Thera, who had written to the President over the lands around the Kurundi Viharaya.

The full statement of the PMD is as follows : 

In a letter, Ven. Dr.  Ellawala Medhananda Thera conveyed that lands not belonging to the Kurundi Viharaya were being instructed to be transferred to the public, despite the presence of scattered ruins of Buddhist monasteries in various locations around the temple. 

He argued that it would be inappropriate to distribute these lands and highlighted instances where the acquisition of land had been done through coercion. Consequently, he asserted that the ownership of these lands should not be transferred.

In response to Dr. Medhananda’s letter, the President’s Secretary, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, sent a clarifying letter dated June 15, 2023. The letter emphasized that Kurundi Viharaya holds significant archaeological value for Sri Lankans and reassured that no decision had been made to transfer government lands associated with the temple to any other party. As a resolution to land-related issues in the North and East regions, it was suggested that lands categorized as forests and wildlife zones prior to 1985 should continue to be protected.

Furthermore, the letter addressed the confusion created by media reports, which erroneously mixed up discussions regarding the ruins of Kurundi Vihara and the Tiriya area. It stated that an investigation had been initiated concerning certain paddy lands surrounding Kurundi Viharaya, and a report would be submitted to the District Secretary of Mullaitivu. The Director General of Archaeology was also notified about this through the President’s Secretary’s letter. Additionally, the government’s commitment to identifying and safeguarding sites and lands of archaeological significance under the jurisdiction of the district secretary was reiterated.

The President’s Secretary also mentioned in the letter to Archaeologist Dr. Ellawala Medhananda Thera that the government sought the assistance of Professor Robin Cunningham, known for his excavation work at the Lumbini Maya Devi Temple in Nepal. The plan was to conduct excavations around the Mahaviharaya and prioritize the reopening of the Mahavihara University. These intentions were conveyed to Dr. Medhananda Thera for his awareness.

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Letter sent to President over Kurundurmalai lands

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Sri Lanka to extradite fugitive criminals hiding in India –  Police Spokesperson

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Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga announced on Saturday (15) that several criminals currently hiding in India will soon be extradited back to Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at a media briefing, he revealed that out of 13 reported shootings this year, seven were linked to organized crime gangs, resulting in nine deaths and two injuries.

Authorities have arrested 30 individuals connected to these crimes and seized three T-56 rifles, five pistols, and four motorcycles used in the incidents. 

SSP Manatunga emphasized that efforts are ongoing to resolve the remaining cases and bring those responsible to justice.

“A program is in place to extradite criminals who have fled abroad, and those hiding in India are expected to be returned to Sri Lanka soon,” he stated. 

The announcement highlights the ongoing crackdown on organized crime and cross-border collaboration to ensure accountability.

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NPP MP Mohamed Faisal’s cousin remanded

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The cousin of Puttalam District NPP Parliamentarian Mohamed Faisal has been remanded until February 17 by the Marawila Acting Magistrate following the fatal road accident.

The incident occurred yesterday (14) in Wennappuwa, when a vehicle belonging to MP Mohamed Faisal was involved in a collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

According to police reports, the accident took place in the Haldaduwana area of Koswatta while the vehicle was en route to Parliament.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the MP’s vehicle veered off the road and collided with a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them shortly after the collision.

Authorities have confirmed that the vehicle was being driven by the parliamentarian’s cousin at the time of the accident.

Following the incident, the suspect was arrested by Koswatta Police and has now been remanded until February 17.

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

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New program to monitor the activities of Police OICs

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The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has launched a new program to closely monitor the activities of Police OICs.

Minister Ananda Wijepala highlighted that OICs are responsible for tackling drug trafficking, shootings, and organized crime in their jurisdictions.

The Acting IGP will review OICs’ performance monthly to ensure these duties are fulfilled.

OICs are also responsible for building positive relations with the community and maintaining peace.

The Minister emphasized that strict action will be taken against any OIC who fails in these duties or associates with organized criminals.

He said the government is committed to creating a law-abiding and community-friendly police service.

(News1st)
(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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