News

AKD sworn in as 09th Executive President of Sri Lanka (Pics)

Published

7 months ago

September 23, 2024

editor

President Elect – Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as the 09th Executive President of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

Following the swearing in ceremony, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the nation as follows :

“The most fundamental aspect of democracy in our country is the election of leaders by the people. However, democracy extends beyond voting in elections and selecting leaders. While this is a core element, I believe that to truly strengthen democracy, we must also focus on reinforcing our institutions and ensuring the robustness of our laws. Therefore, I pledge to the people that, during my tenure, I will work tirelessly to uphold and advance democracy in this nation.

Our country has a proud history of democratic transitions of power following elections. No leader has ever refused to respect the results of an election. In this regard, I commend former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for accepting the people’s mandate and setting an example through his dedication to the peaceful transfer of power.

We fully recognize that we are inheriting a country facing significant challenges. There is an urgent need to cultivate a more ethical and transparent political culture, one that aligns with the expectations of the people. We are committed to this goal. Public perception of politics and politicians has deteriorated, and I am dedicated to doing everything within my power to restore trust and respect in both our political system and its representatives.

We do not believe that the profound crisis before us can be resolved by a single government, political party, or individual. As I’ve said before, I am not a magician. I am simply an ordinary citizen of this country, with both strengths and limitations, knowledge and gaps. My most important role is to leverage my abilities to gather the necessary information, make informed decisions, and guide the country forward. It is my responsibility to be part of a collective effort.

At the same time, every citizen and professionals from all sectors share a crucial responsibility in overcoming this crisis. I look forward to the support of everyone in fulfilling that shared responsibility.”

Updated last at 6.00pm Sep. 23, 2024)

News

STF arrests two in Gampaha with T-56 weapons; Plot to kill ‘Gampaha Osman’ uncovered

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2025

editor

The Special Task Force (STF) today (19) arrested two suspects in Gampaha in possession of two T-56 firearms.

During interrogations, the suspects revealed information leading to the arrest of five additional individuals connected to the case.

Furthermore, during the interrogation, it was revealed that they were planning to assassinate an individual known as ‘Gampaha Osman’.

Authorities are conducting further inquiries into the matter.

News

Probe launched into tuition teacher’s police escort

Published

18 hours ago

April 19, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police have launched an investigation into a video going viral on social media, which depicts a female tuition teacher being escorted by police motorcycles and vehicles to an event organized by her.

Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga confirmed that the individual in question is a private tuition teacher who conducts classes for students preparing for the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

Addressing the controversy, SSP Manathunga explained that the Sri Lanka Police may provide officers and vehicles for specific public affairs — such as for filming a movie — but only after a thorough intelligence review of the request and its context, including the script.

He further clarified that police officers may also be deployed for public events such as musical shows or ticketed functions, but this is permitted only upon payment of a required fee.

In this particular case, the teacher is reported to have requested police support, claiming it was needed for a ceremony honoring students who had successfully passed the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination. The event was said to involve nearly 8,000 students and 35,000 parents.

However, preliminary investigations have revealed that the teacher may have used the police escort to boost her personal image, raising serious concerns about the misuse of state resources.

Police have since launched an inquiry into how the vehicles and officers were allocated for the event, and whether any police personnel were complicit in the unauthorized use of official resources, SSP Manathunga said.

(Source : adaderena.lk)

BIZ

SriLankan retired cabin crew amid ‘work to rule’ campaign

Published

18 hours ago

April 19, 2025

editor

According to reports, the SriLankan Airlines’ management has decided to immediately call up retired cabin crew members to service, following the ‘work to rule’ campaign launched by the Cabin Crew Members Association.

The SriLankan Airlines Cabin Crew Members Association launched a ‘work to rule’ campaign in April, citing several demands, including the reallocation of their onboard meal allowance.

In this backdrop, the national carrier is said to be operating with a reduced number of cabin crew which was further affected by the recent retirement of a significant number of experienced senior staff.

The staff were retired stating that individuals over the age of 60 would no longer be retained.

Efforts to extend the retirement age had been unsuccessful.

Even though they had directed a formal request to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Dec. 12, 2024, no response was received, reports add.