News

Water cannon, tear gas used to disperse IUSF protest

Published

2 years ago

January 16, 2023

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Police used tear gas and water cannons in Colpetty as well near the Colombo University’s Faculty of Aesthetic Studies, located near the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, to disperse a protest march of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), reports say.

The march was held as a mark of protest against several factors including tax burdens, calling to repeal the PTA and to slash commodity prices as well as to release IUSF convener – Wasantha Mudalige.

Earlier, the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court had issued a restraining order preventing protestors from entering the Galle Face Green in Colombo from Lipton’s Circus via Union Place.

However, the court order had further mentioned that the protestors will be allowed to carry out the protest they have organized peacefully, without entering the Galle Face Green.

Heavy traffic was reported in the area.

News

Arsenic contaminated tinned fish stock to be re-exported

Published

1 hour ago

October 12, 2024

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A consignment of canned fish, containing the toxic heavy metal ‘Arsenic’, has been found from the Customs storage complex in Orugodawatte.

In a statement, the Department of Government Information says that the consignment in five containers amounts to USD 215,000.

The toxic canned fish was inspected by the Secretary to the Ministries of Environment, Wildlife, Forest Resources, Water Supply, and Irrigation Prabath Chandrakeerthi yesterday (Oct. 11)

Mr. Chandrakeerthi has said that measures will be taken to re-export the stock instead of being destroyed in Sri Lanka.

“These canned fish were imported in May 2022. This contains toxic heavy metal ‘Arsenic’ beyond the stipulated weight level. Therefore, it is unfit for human consumption. It has been notified as usable as animal feed. As it is unfit for human consumption it clearly cannot be used as animal feed as well,” he said.

Further investigations are underway.

News

Luxury vehicle confiscated after CIABOC probe

Published

2 hours ago

October 12, 2024

editor

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the confiscation of a luxury vehicle seized by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage issued the order following a request made by CIABOC.

It is revealed that the vehicle, a Mitsubishi Montero jeep, belongs to a businessman from the Badulla area.

Investigations had uncovered that the vehicle was imported using falsified information provided to the Customs, resulting in the government being defrauded of more than Rs. 55 million in taxes.