News

UK Media Regulatory Office probes Channel 4 video

Published

8 months ago

September 11, 2023

editor

The British Electronic Media Regulatory Office has launched an investigation into the ‘Channel 4 video’ based on a complaint made by the head of State Intelligence, Major General Suresh Sallay, ‘Ada Derana’ reported.

Channel 4 recently released a video regarding the Easter Sunday terror attack, in which Major General Sallay was also accused.

Mr. Sallay has informed the British Electronic Media Regulatory Office that Channel 4 has deliberately broadcasted this video clip to defame him, even though he had previously given proper answers to the allegations with evidence.

Pasan Weerasinghe, the lawyer of Mr. Sallay, said the British Electronic Media Regulatory Office has informed that investigations have been launched regarding the relevant video.

According to Ada Derana, Mr. Weerasinghe has said that before releasing the video clip, Channel 4 had inquired about the allegations from Mr. Sallay on August 7.

Mr. Weerasinghe further stated that Mr. Sallay had told in writing to the channel the very next day that he denies all the allegations and that he was not even in Sri Lanka during the alleged period.

The video also accused Gotabaya Rajapaksa of carrying out the Easter attack paving way for him to become the President.

However, it is an open secret that Derana and its head Dilith Jayaweera contributed immensely to bring Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power.

News

Prof. Nalin de Silva no more

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

Philosopher, intellectual and academician Professor Nalin de Silva has passed away at the age of 79. Prof. de Silva initially served as a professor in the Department of Mathematics and later as the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya.

He was also a former member of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

In addition to his academic pursuits, de Silva also worked as a former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar.

News

‘Company issuing visa at BIA not Indian or Indian based’

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued a statement over reports of Indian companies taking over visa issuance at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

The statement notes “companies referred to in these reports are not India based or Indian and are headquartered elsewhere. Any reference to India in this context is unwarranted.”

News

Chaos at BIA raises questions (Video)

Published

13 hours ago

May 2, 2024

nipuni

Questions have been raised after chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake last night (May 01) has sparked widespread outrage.

This is with regard to a controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at BIA by an Indian company – VFS Global since yesterday evening.

It is learnt that the company has levied an extra $25 alongside the standard $75 fee.

Long lines of frustrated travellers were also seen at the airport for several hours, which is a stark difference to the procedure smoothly managed in a matter of mere minutes by the Immigration and Emigration Department in the past.

Footage of a Sri Lankan citizen expressing outrage over Indian nationals deciding visa matters for fellow Sri Lankans, has also been making rounds on social media.

Although 10 Sri Lankan and Indian officers had commenced work from 5.00pm yesterday, the lines remained well over 9.00pm. Amid tensions, higher officials of the BIA and security forces had also arrived at the premises.

At 11.30pm the company officials temporarily suspended issuing visas and left the BIA with the money collected, reports say.

Upon the directive of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Ilukpitiya, Immigration officers have commenced their usual duties with no issues since then, enabling the previous process to continue smoothly.

Concerns have been raised over the lack of transparency in this arrangement.