News

SC orders State to pay Rs.1 M compensation to ex-CID officer

Published

2 years ago

October 6, 2023

editor

CID Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis who had been arrested and interdicted along with former CID Director Shani Abeysekera, was today awarded a Rs. one million compensation by the Supreme Court.

Sub-inspector Mendis was arrested and remanded for 11 months in connection with allegations that his superior officer SSP Shani Abeysekara had planted weapons in certain premises to frame former DIG Vaas-Gunawardena who was convicted along with his son and four others by a Trial-at-Bar for the murder of millionaire businessman Mohomed Shyam.

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, S. Thurairaja and Mahinda Samayawardena held that the petitioner’s fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 12(1)- right to equality and right to occupation under Article 14(1)(g) of the Constitution, have been violated by the respondents.

The Supreme Court further ordered the respondents to retrospectively grant all salary increments, benefits, and promotions to Sugath Mendis, extending to the date of his retirement from the Police Service if he has already retired.

In his petition, Sugath Mendis complained to the Supreme Court, that he was denied due process and has been wrongfully interdicted and denied his salary and entitlements inflicting hardships on him and his family.

Following a 11 months incarceration, Mendis was granted bail along with SSP Shani Abeysekara by the Appeal Court, which noted several contradictory positions in complaints made against Mendis that evidently contained fabrications and false versions. Mendis had complained that he was taken in and remanded for refusing to falsely allege that SSP Abeysekara had planted weapons to frame Vaas-Gunawardena and others.

IGP C.D. Wickremaratne, Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission, Attorney General and several others were named as respondents in the petition.

Senior Counsel Viran Corea with Thilini Vidanagamage instructed by Lilanthi De Silva appeared for the petitioner. Deputy Solicitor General Suharshie Herath appeared for the respondent.

(dailymirror.lk)

News

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.

News

Financial assistance from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)