News

Prison time was the best time of my life: Priyamali

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2022

editor

Thico Group Owner Thilini Priyamali yesterday (27) said the time she spent in the prison was the best time of her life.

Though she was in remand custody on charges of financial fraud, she said it has not made an impact on her future.

Priyamali, who was released on bail by the court 10 days ago, had to remain in prison until yesterday (27) since she was unable to fulfill her bail conditions.

As the sureties of the suspect Priyamali, her parents, husband and the members of the staff had come to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court and signed the documents.

Priyamali was brought to the Court last morning by the prison officials, and she also signed the relevant documents. She was taken back to the prison to get her signature on several other documents.

After fulfilling all the bail conditions, Priyamali left the prison at around 5.15 pm in a white car.

When Priyamali got down from the car near the exit gate of the prison, the employees of Thico Group including Surangi Kodithuwakku, who is said to be a media specialist, were present to welcome her. They warmly welcomed Priyamali with a flower bouquet and hugs.

Speaking to the media outside the prison, Priyamali said she is doing well and was very relaxed and healthy inside the prison.

“I am out on bail today on charges of money laundering. As far as I know, there are many such cases in Sri Lanka. Many people are released on bail in similar cases. Many cases are being heard in courts. I also had a similar case but I don’t know why only I was given such publicity. The media reported information about me for two and a half months. Media institutions already made me an offender when a court case was still being heard. I’m released on bail but not yet been released from the case. Therefore, I have no right to talk about a pending court case,” she said.

News

Long surgery waiting lists at hospitals ; report called

Published

2 hours ago

February 18, 2025

editor

A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

(President’s Media Division)

News

NBRO reports moderate air quality across SL

Published

2 hours ago

February 18, 2025

editor

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has announced that the air quality index remains at a moderate level in most regions of Sri Lanka.

However, the air quality is slightly unfavorable in the cities of Ratnapura and Embilipitiya.

The NBRO urges sensitive individuals to seek medical advice if they experience breathing difficulties due to the current air conditions.

News

Who can afford to import vehicles at current rates? – Harsha

Published

2 hours ago

February 18, 2025

editor

Vehicle imports will be very risky as prices of vehicles have gone up significantly, SJB MP Harsha De Silva said today (Feb. 18).

Speaking during the budget debate, he pointed out that the President had stated in his budget speech that the majority of tax revenue is expected from vehicle imports.

“Vehicle import is very risky. Who can afford to import vehicles at this rate? I do not think there will be affluent people to import vehicles at current rates,” he said.