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Spain Wins Its First Women’s World Cup Title

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Spain has won the Women’s World Cup for the first time after beating England 1-0 in the final at Stadium Australia.

Captain Olga Carmona scored in the 29th minute, drilling in from the left of the area after England lost possession in midfield and Spain countered quickly to take advantage in the clash at Stadium Australia.

Spain were awarded a penalty shortly after the hour mark for a handball by midfielder Keira Walsh. However, goalkeeper Mary Earps saved Jennifer Hermoso’s spot kick by diving to her left.

England coach Sarina Wiegman made a number of changes, including bringing on forward Lauren James, but they could not find an equaliser as Spain clung on to win their first major title.

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Wharf Services Union dismisses recent container release allegations

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The Lanka Wharf Services Union has dismissed recent allegations regarding the release of certain containers by Sri Lanka Customs as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Government procedures. 

The union clarified that such releases have occurred in the past and may continue in the future, under standard protocols.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (12) at the Sambodhi Vihara in Malwatta Road, Colombo, where the recent release of 324 containers was discussed, Union President Ranjith Liyanarachchi stated that Sri Lanka Customs follows established procedures to examine and clear imported containers.

“With over 34 years of service, I can confirm that containers are never released without scrutiny. Customs conducts random inspections, scans, and document verifications. Of the nearly 1,500 containers arriving daily, only a select number are inspected based on documentation. During periods of backlog, even with all three terminals operating, congestion cannot be avoided. If every container were to be physically checked, ships would be delayed or rerouted- as has happened in the past,” Liyanarachchi explained.

He added that even containers released to external destinations can be re-inspected if necessary, and that Customs tracks their destination and the importers’ history, sometimes spanning over a decade. “All documentation is reviewed before release. We are confident that only the declared goods are present in the released containers.”

Union Secretary Irshad Niyas echoed this stance, adding,” There is still public commentary on the container releases. Previously, when there were long queues and public frustration over road blockages, Customs officers worked efficiently to reduce delays. The current criticism is being unfairly directed at the Minister, but these decisions are taken collectively by Customs teams, not individuals.”

Niyas also refuted sensational claims made in the media and on social platforms that firearms, bombs, or gold were found in the containers. “These are baseless. Some even falsely claimed the containers belonged to the Western Province Chief Minister. None of that is true. Customs and port operations are currently functioning very well. If weapons were truly involved, complain to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), not just shout accusations in public. Customs has scanning systems and follow-up mechanisms. If needed, any container can be re-inspected at any time,” he said.

Referring to a list circulated by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila, Niyas stated, “According to our practical knowledge, none of the containers on that list pose any issue. We speak from experience.”

Union Vice President Nilantha Kumara and Treasurer H.Irshad also spoke at the event.

(dailynews.lk)

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Over Rs.201 mn. in Chinese gem merchant’s bank account, confiscated

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The Colombo High Court yesterday (June 12) had ordered to confiscate over Rs. 201 million in a private bank account of a Chinese businessman who was involved in the gem trade without a licence.

Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige sentenced the businessman, found guilty of money laundering, to a two years’ rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 15 years.

The case was filed by the Attorney General’s Department accusing the suspect of 03 charges.

The accused was found guilty only on the charge of depositing the proceeds from the gem trade in a bank account without a licence.

Considering the facts, the Colombo High Court Judge had ordered the suspension and confiscation of Rs.201,664,274.20 that he had earned through illegal activities.

(Excerpts : dailynews.lk)

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Heavy rain of 100mm expected today

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The Department of Meteorology said that showers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces today (June 13).

Heavy rains of about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

Several spells of showers may occur in the Northern province and in Anuradhapura district.

Strong winds of about 50-60kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern provinces and in the Trincomalee district.

The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds.

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