News

Specialized medical and disaster relief team departs for Myanmar (Pics)

Published

3 months ago

April 5, 2025

editor

A specialized medical and disaster relief team, consisting of 26 members from the Sri Lanka tri-services led by Brigadier Punya Karunathilake, has departed for Myanmar on a special flight today, (April 5), to assist those affected by the recent earthquake.

These disaster relief operations are being conducted under the supervision of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), following directives from President Anura Kumara Disanayake. It is noteworthy that the tri-service Commanders promptly mobilized these special relief teams within a very short timeframe.

Myanmar, a Buddhist nation that has significantly contributed to the re-establishment of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, is receiving not only disaster and humanitarian aid but also essential supplies, including medical assistance. These supplies were donated and collected by the people of Sri Lanka nationwide, under the guidance of the Venerable Maha Sangha, led by the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist chapters, and are being sent to the Myanmar government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary to the Ministry, played a crucial role in coordinating the diplomatic arrangements for this mission. Sri Lanka’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, has also supported this humanitarian effort.

These operations reflect Sri Lanka’s commitment, alongside the Ministry of Defence and the tri-forces, to enhancing regional cooperation and providing essential support to friendly nations in times of crisis.

(President’s Media Division)

News

CoI on Deshabandu concludes examining evidence by both parties

Published

3 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The examination of evidence by both the Respondent and the Prosecution before the Committee of Inquiry concluded.

The Committee recommends that both parties submit their written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on the 8th of July.

Examining evidence before the Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power, concluded yesterday (July 01), with the presentation of evidence by both the Respondent, representing Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and the Prosecution.

The Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena and comprising Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman, National Police Commission, convened today, during which, testimonies were obtained from two additional witnesses by the Prosecution.

These two witnesses had been overseas on official duty. Thus, in accordance with the prior agreement between the two parties, reached to obtain the evidence post June 26, held before the Committee of Inquiry with the participation of Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and

Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, and R.S. Weerawickrama Attorney-at-Law, appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, it was decided to record the statements of these two witnesses today.Furthermore, both the Prosecution in representation of the Attorney General’s Department and the Respondent Inspector General of Police agreed to submit their respective written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on July 08, 2025.

News

Govt to present 2026 Appropriation Bill in October

Published

6 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

Cabinet approval has been granted to a proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance , Planning and Economic Development to present the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 to Parliament in October 2025.

Approval has also been granted to present the Budget speech in November 2025 and to hold the third reading and budget debate during November and December.