News

“State Minister linked to Theft at KKS Cement factory”

Published

2 months ago

August 9, 2023

editor

Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation Gamini Ekanayake has lodged a complaint against State Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayake with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He alleged that theft amounting to billions of rupees has taken place at the state-owned Kankasanthurai cement factory with the endorsement of the Minister.

Mr. Ekanayake had told the CID that he had taken all the steps to implement the decision to sell the scrap metal in this land in the Tender procedure, as per the relevant Cabinet decision.

But instead of implementing the cabinet decision, the State Minister had first removed much of the army personnel that was guarding the factory premises, leaving the premises largely unguarded.

He also pointed out that there is a clear connection between the recruitment of seven people from Badulla to this factory and the sudden withdrawal of scrap iron worth 22 million in two months after the army was withdrawn.

Lodging the complaint with the CID, the former chairman also called for a full formal investigation in this regard.

Following a revelation made in parliament over the alleged theft, an irate State Minister Chamara Sampath had berated the MP who had raised the question and the former Chairman.

The manner of his speech was severely criticized by opposition MPs and addressing the schoolchildren viewing the debate at the premises, MP Dallas Alahapperuma apologized to them on behalf of their public representatives.

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

8 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

10 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)