News

Sajith wears a Palestinian scarf to parliament

Published

1 year ago

December 7, 2023

editor

Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa attended Thursday’s (7) parliament session wearing the keffiyeh, a black and white scarf, a symbol of Palestinian identity and history, as a mark of solidarity to attain peace in the Middle East and world-wide.

Speaking on the country’s Foreign Policy, the opposition leader said that a foreign policy forms the basic fulcrum of governance.

“A strong, innovative, vibrant, thought-providing, result-oriented foreign policy is of great benefit to our own nation state,” he added in his comments.

He went on to note that Sri Lanka’s track record in terms of abiding by agreements is dismal, adding that abiding by agreements, and credibility is critical for a foreign policy.

“We have been a signatory to protect human rights, civic rights, political rights, economic, social, cultural and religious rights. Unfortunately, in the domestic jurisdiction, the government has embarked on a so-called Online Safety Bill, and an Anti-Terrorism Bill, which destroy the very essence of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of affiliation to political parties, expressing one’s vision and wishes,” he said.

He said the Sri Lankan Foreign Policy must walk the talk.

(newsfirst.lk)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

19 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

19 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

19 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.