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St. Thomas’ Prep School closed after portion of building collapses

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The St. Thomas’ Preparatory School (STPS), located in Kollupitiya, Colombo has been closed down indefinitely after a portion of a school building had collapsed, just two days before the school was to be reopened after the New Year holidays.

According to internal reports, the collapse could have been tragic if it took place when the school was open.

In this backdrop, questions are being raised over the building standards of the school buildings of STPS, which functions as a private school under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.

Earlier this January, parents of students in Grade 6-8 have also raised safety concerns over the reconstruction of the Middle School classroom block which houses 25- students while construction activities are taking place. They have formally communicated their concerns with the current principal of the school – Fr. Nihal Fernando.

The Principal is yet to reply to the parents and ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ learns that he had verbally informed parents that he hoped the Old Boys’ Association would respond to the matter since they are funding the construction activities.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that a number of issues have been raised with the Principal’s arbitrary approach over the matter.

It is revealed that the constructions have not been done by a recognized contractor and there had been no independent evaluation as requested by the parents.

Also, another wall in the school, deemed as unsafe, had also collapsed three months ago. This has also been concealed by the Principal.

In the meantime, it is reported that the Principal has not revealed the identity of the contractors as well financial details such as how much was spent on the project.

It is also said that the parents are not briefed on whether the assessments of its renovation were carried out by a recognized, licensed structural engineer or an engineering firm.

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Hingurakgoda runway expansion moves forward

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The next phase of construction for the Hingurakgoda runway, which includes an additional 850-metre extension, is set to commence today (15).

The project aims to upgrade the runway to international standards, enabling operations of A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. 

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is leading the design and construction efforts, with the Road Development Authority (RDA) providing consultations and the Civil Aviation Authority and Airports and Aviation Sri Lanka offering regulatory guidance.

Officially inaugurated on August 19, 2024, the project is divided into four phases. 

The first phase focuses on constructing the main runway and includes seven stages. So far, stages one and two have been completed, covering 850 metres of the total 2,500-metre runway with an asphalt binder course.

A key milestone was achieved on Monday (13) when a Y-12 aircraft, piloted by Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, conducted a successful test landing on the completed section. 

The event was attended by Air Vice Marshal Sumedha Silva and Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera, among other officials.

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2 Chinese nationals arrested at BIA with gems worth over Rs. 17 mn.

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Two Chinese nationals have been nabbed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (Jan. 13) after attempting smuggle a stock of gemstones out of the country.

The customs officers had apprehended the 45-year-old male and his 21-year-old daughter who had hidden gemstones in their undergarments, reports say.

According to Sri Lanka Customs, he stock of gemstones includes Moonstones, Hessonite Garnets, Star Sapphires, Cats Eyes and Emeralds weighing around 689.5 grams in total and valued around Rs. 17,450,875.

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100 families in Suduwella village, evacuated

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100 families residing in Suduwella village, Gal Oya have been evacuated to safety, District Secretary of Ampara District, Chinthaka Abeywickrama says.
Noting that the Gal Oya is near to breaching its banks, Mr. Abeywickrama has said that the evacuation was done in the face of a possible flood situation.

Meanwhile, the banks of the Gal Oya have been severely eroded in the Kota Vehera area.

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