A special State Banquet was hosted yesterday evening (April 05) at the President’s House in Colombo by President Anura Kumara Disanayake in honour of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who is currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of the President.
The Indian Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Disanayake upon his arrival at the President’s House.
The President, expressing his views at the occasion, stated that this visit of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka will expand opportunities for greater cooperation and closeness between the people of the two countries across many areas of mutual interest.
‘’We are known for our hospitality and extend a warm welcome to all visitors. In particular, I recall that our friends from across the Palk Strait are received with the utmost warmth and affection’’, the President said.
‘’We hope to see the citizens of your nation visiting this wonderful island continually, where they will meet warm-hearted community. We consistently say to our friends, “We eagerly anticipate your return, ready to welcome you back with open arms’’, the President further said.
We sincerely convey our heartfelt wishes for the good health of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and for continued progress and prosperity of Indian citizens, as well as for the strengthening cooperation and friendship between our two nations, President Disanayake added.
The distinguished gathering at the Banquet included Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Cabinet Ministers including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka along with senior diplomats and other dignitaries.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 11.
He will appear before the CID to provide a statement in relation to a complaint made by former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella over the alleged importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vaccines.
Several ministers from the former government have already provided statements as part of the related investigation.
A decision has been taken by the Cabinet of Ministers to send Commissioner General of Prisons – Thushara Upuldeniya on compulsory leave.
The decision has been taken during today’s (June 09) Cabinet meeting.
Meanwhile, an Additional Secretary attached to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration – Nishan Dhanasinghe, has been appointed as the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons with immediate effect.
In addition, the Superintendent of the Anuradhapura Prison, who was arrested by the CID over allegations of unlawfully releasing an inmate of the Anuradhapura Prison under the presidential pardon for Vesak Poya, has been remanded.
The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has ordered to remand him until June 11.
Medical Laboratory Technologist and prominent trade union activist – Ravi Kumudesh has been suspended from duty.
According to the letter issued by the Director General of Health Services, Ravi Kumudesh, (employed at the Medical Laboratory of the Colombo National Hospital), had contested the 2024 Parliamentary Election from the Colombo District, violating regulations of the Establishments Code.
According to the letter, the suspension is in effect from October 10, 2024.
Ravi Kumudesh will not receive a salary during the suspension and will also not be entitled to the privileges granted to government employees during the suspension period.
He is also prohibited from leaving the country during the period and is also required to notify the Ministry of Health of any change in his residential address.