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Sirisena gets into defendant’s dock in Easter Attacks case

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Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday (27) was seen getting into the defendant’s dock when the case filed with the Fort Magistrate’s Court against him for failing to prevent the 2019 April Attacks despite receiving credible information about the attacks, was taken up.

Initially, he did not get into the dock, and following a clarification made by the court, Sirisena was asked to get into the defendant’s dock.

An individual who lost a limb in the attacks on the St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade on the 21st of April 2019, and Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando had filed the case against the Former President.

When the case was called up on Friday (27), Sirisena did not get into the defendant’s dock and remained out.

President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne appearing for the plaint directed the court’s attention to the incident and raised objections.

President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha appearing for Maithripala Sirisena noted that the Court of Appeal had suspended action in the private plaint filed against his client, and therefore his client would not get into the defendant’s dock.

However, Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage pointed out that the Court of Appeal had ordered the Magistrate Court to read out the charge sheet against the suspect, and not  take action until an order is issued by the Court of Appeal.

The Magistrate noted that the Court of Appeal had NOT issued an order preventing the suspect from getting into the defendant’s dock, and ordered the court official to announce the suspect’s name, summoning him to the court.

Thereafter, Former President Maithripala Sirisena was seen getting into the defendant’s dock.

The private plaint filed with the Fort Magistrate’s Court against Former President Maithripala Sirisena for failing to prevent the 2019 April Attacks despite receiving credible information about the attacks was postponed to the 17th of March.

(news1st)

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Heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warning issued for several provinces

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The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in several areas.

The warning which was announced last night, will remain in effect until 11:15 am today.

The North-Western, Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, North-Central, and Eastern provinces are expected to experience heavy rainfall exceeding 150 mm in some areas.

The Department urges the public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Batticaloa has received the highest rainfall at 129.5 mm Since 8:30 am yesterday, followed by 111 mm in Wadakada, Kurunegala and Mahaoya in Ampara with a rainfall of 105.5 mm.

Due to the ongoing showers, the landslide warning issued for several divisional secretariats across six districts will remains in effect until this evening.

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President’s Secretary orders urgent probe into salinity barrier’s role in Matara flooding

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A special discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat, led by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake the Secretary to the President, and attended by officials from the Irrigation Department, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and related Ministries.

The meeting was held yesterday (08)  focusing on determining if the Salinity Barrier is indeed contributing to the floods leading to agricultural damage, according to President’s Media  Division (PMD).

It was decided that a thorough study is necessary to address these concerns and that the Engineering Department of the University of Peradeniya will assist in this investigation. The Secretary to the President supported this proposal and directed the officials to create an action plan based on the findings from the study.

Additionally, officials reported that saltwater intrusion has adversely affected livelihoods, with many residents losing farmland. The Secretary highlighted that restoring normal conditions is both a government and official responsibility and directed further action to address flooding in the Matara area, the PMD stated.

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has instructed officials to prepare a proposal based on a study by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya. The solutions derived from this report will guide the second phase of the project, with necessary funding requests to be submitted.

He also emphasized the importance of implementing a structured flood management plan for the Matara district and directed the coordination between the Irrigation Department and Water Supply and Drainage Board to establish a sustainable flood management plan in Matara, said the PMD.

The Secretary noted that there have been complaints from residents by the river banks regarding the adverse effects of the salinity barrier, which has led to the loss of farmland and livelihoods along the Nilwala River. He stressed that it is the government’s responsibility to address this issue urgently and to restore normalcy. Additionally, he directed officials to continue working towards solving the flooding issue in the Matara region.

–PMD–

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Sri Lanka to face New Zealand in first T20 at Dambulla Tonight

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The first of the two-match T20 series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand takes place tonight at Dambulla, starting at 7 p.m. 

The Blackcaps hold a slight advantage in their head-to-head, winning 5 out of 10 past T20 encounters. 

This marks the teams’ first T20 match at Dambulla, with New Zealand arriving after a 3-0 Test victory over India but fielding a younger T20 lineup. 

The last series between the sides, in 2019, saw New Zealand win 2-1 in Pallekele.

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