News

Trishaw operators in Dambulla stage protest against NPP candidate (Pics)

Published

1 week ago

January 8, 2025

editor

The members of Trishaw Operators Associations in Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Habarana areas yesterday staged a massive protect against the arrest of six trishaw drivers on charges of assaulting a car driver transporting a tourist and over robbery of a gold chain.

The six suspects taken into custody had been produced in court and remanded.

The protesters said the complainant was a former soldier of the army who had had forwarded nominations to contest the election to Thambuttegama Pradeshiya Sabha representing the National People’s Power (NPP)

They said he had clashed for two days with the trishaw operators in Dambulla town when transporting a tourist in his car and behaved in an unruly manner claiming that he was a supporter of the government.

They pointed out that he had later made a false complaint to the IGP that he was assaulted and robbed him of his gold chain that resulted in the arrest of six trishaw operators who were produced in court and remanded.

The protesters said by allowing individuals from other areas to operate taxi services in Dambulla town would result in the loss of livelihood of hundreds of trishaw operators in the area.

They accused the police of arbitrary arrest of six trishaw drivers at the instigation of senior police officials, without a formal investigation of the complaint made by an individual who had forwarded nominations to contest the local government election under the banner of the NPP.

They said they did not expect the government of political favour to its supporters in this manner and political interference.

They requested the IGP to hold formal investigations based on data on CCTV and to mete out justice.

Dambulla police had deployed a police contingent to step up security in the town.

(DailyMirror)

This story and photos, originally published by DailyMirror have not been edited by SLM staff

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

8 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

8 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

SL President holds talks with globally renowned Chinese companies (Pics)

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

During his four-day state visit to China, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a series of strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organized by both public and private sector entities in China.

Among the prominent companies involved in these discussions were the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), Huawei and BYD Auto.

President Disanayake highlighted the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and assured these corporations that the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to investors to foster a business-friendly environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also participated in these significant engagements.

(President’s Media Division)