News

World Fisheries Day celebrations in Beruwala today!

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2022

editor

The World Fisheries Day celebrations will be held at the Beruwala Divisional Secretariat premises at 10.00 a.m. today (21) under the aegis of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena .

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva will also join in this event and introduce the new fisheries insurance scheme, a new pension scheme under the ‘Dola Rala Saviya’ programme implemented on a concept of the State Minister.

Introducing the ‘Diyawara Kekulu’ Children’s Savings Account, issuing a commemorative stamp, awarding scholarships to the children of the fisheries community who obtained excellent results, providing financial assistance to new entrepreneurs in the ornamental fish industry and a discourse on the Fisheries Charter will also be held today.

A new insurance policy called “Dheewara Rakuma” will be introduced to fishermen in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation. In case of death or incapacity while engaged in fishing due to an accident, the fisherman or the family members will be awarded compensation ranging from Rs. 1.2 million – 2 million.

If a fisherman goes missing due to an accident while engaged in fishing, the family will be given Rs.7,500 per month for up to 12 months.

Fishermen can receive these benefits by paying premiums ranging from Rs.1,865-2,000 annually.

A new pension scheme is being launched in association with the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, to which fishermen aged 18 to 59 years can contribute. This pension is available to fishermen from the age of 60.

This pension will be given to the spouse of the member and their children in case of a death.

The Ministry of Fisheries together with the Bank of Ceylon will introduce the ‘Diyawara Kekulu’ children’s savings account today, under which money will be given to fishermen’s children every month for educational activities. The amount in the children’s savings account will be increased tenfold in case of the sudden death of their father.

News

17 Police officers discharged from service for drug use

Published

11 hours ago

February 11, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police have terminated the services of 17 officers in the past four months for consuming illegal drugs, including heroin and synthetic substances like ICE.

Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that the Intelligence Units and Special Investigations Unit compiled a list of officers within the Sri Lanka Police Department suspected of using drugs.

The officers in question were tested and medical reports were sent to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board. Following the results, the officers were dismissed from the police force.

SSP Manathunga also confirmed that investigations are ongoing into several other officers facing similar charges, and action will be taken based on their medical test results.

The Acting Inspector General of Police has instructed that strict action be taken against senior officers involved in the matter.

News

Missing police constable’s parents and accomplice arrested

Published

13 hours ago

February 11, 2025

editor

The parents of the police constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station, who went missing with his service weapon and is reported as having left for Dubai while on duty, have been taken into custody.

Meanwhile, police said that another police constable was also arrested for aiding and abetting him.

The court has granted permission for police to detain them and question for 48 hours, the Police Media Division added.

On Saturday (08), a constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station was reported missing, along with his T-56 firearm. Accordingly, the constable in question had reportedly departed to Dubai, the Police Spokesman said, adding that further investigations are ongoing.

Police also state that the Constable had in his possession a T-56 firearm and 30 rounds of ammunition with him when he left for duty at a checkpoint Friday night (07).

However, since the Constable had not reported for duty, attempts were made to contact him, but his mobile phone went unanswered.

Subsequent investigations have revealed that the suspect had departed for Dubai from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Accordingly, the police say they are currently taking necessary steps through Interpol to bring the suspected Constable back to the island.

The firearm in his possession has not yet been recovered, and the police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

(adaderana.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)