News

‘Born again’ allegations; committee submits report!

Published

3 weeks ago

January 11, 2023

editor

The report prepared by the six-member committee chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, investigating the allegations levelled against the cricket team during the T20 World Cup and the allegations against the conduct of ‘Born Again’ religious group in relation to the team, was handed over to Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe yesterday (10).

The report has been prepared with recommendations in two parts including the committee report and evidence. A copy of the report has been sent to Sports Ministry Secretary K. Maheshan as well.

It was reported that the Minister is currently studying the report in order to take necessary measures.

The report will also be sent to the National Sports Council and the National Selection Committee.

In the report of the committee, information is recorded at length about several key issues such as the misuse of funds, and the influence of social media.

The committee has recorded evidence from all relevant parties regarding the influence of the ‘born again’ religious group on the Sri Lankan cricket players.

Sports Minister Ranasinghe said the report prepared by the six-member committee investigating the allegations levelled against the Sri Lankan team during the T20 World Cup is a precedent not only for cricket but for the entire field of sports.

Based on this report, he said measures will be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future in the sports field and to develop the entire sports sector including the safety and welfare of the athletes.

The committee appointed by the Sports Minister included former Ministry Secretary Kingsley Fernando, retired DIG Sudath Nagahamulla, retired Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris, former cricketer Nalin de Alwis and lawyer Shalani Roshana Fernando.

News

No COVID-19 deaths yesterday

Published

1 hour ago

January 30, 2023

editor

No COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed yesterday (29) by the Director-General of Health Services.

Accordingly, the current COVID-19 death toll remains at 16,828.

News

Racecourse murder : Boyfriend further remanded

Published

2 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

The university student who was held in remand custody for allegedly murdering his girlfriend with a sharp weapon at Race Course grounds in Colombo has been remanded further.

Taking up the case today (30) Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis ordered him to be further remanded till February 13.

The magisterial inquest into the death was held today before Colombo Chief Magistrate and

A testimony of the deceased’s father was recorded before Chief Magistrate and further magisterial inquiry was fixed for February 13.

The suspect was not produced before Court by prison authorities since he is currently receiving treatment at the Mental Health Unit of prison hospital.

News

Constitutional Council approves several judicial appointments

Published

2 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

The Constitutional Council met today (30) in Parliament presided by Speaker and the Chairman of the Constitutional Council – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, MPs Sagara Kariyawasam, other council members Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. (Mrs) Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere, Dr. (Mrs) Dinesha Samararatne were present at the Council meeting held.

MP Kabir Hashim, had informed his inability to attend this meeting due to unavoidable circumstances.

The Constitutional Council considered the recommendation of the President to appoint K.P. Fernando, President of the Court of Appeal as a Judge of the Supreme Court, to the post which fell vacant with the retirement of L.T.B. Dehideniya, Judge of the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Council unanimously approved the above recommendation.

Further the Constitutional Council unanimously approved the nomination of N.B.P.D.S. Karunarathna, Judge of the Court of Appeal to be appointed as the President of the Court of Appeal, and the nomination of Mr M.A.R. Marikkar, High Court Judge to be appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal to the resultant vacancies.

The Constitutional Council further decided to publish the advertisement on newspapers of 1st February 2023, calling for applications for the appointment as Members of the Commissions specified in Schedule to Article 41B of the Constitution. Draft format of the application would be published on the Official Parliament website. The deadline to submit applications is 15th February 2023.