News
Ambassador designate to France assumes duties in Paris
The newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO Manisha Gunasekera assumed duties in Paris on Monday, February 27, the Foreign Ministry announced yesterday (o1)
Her assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organised by the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy there.
In her address to the staff, the Ambassador-designate referred to the longstanding vibrant relations between Sri Lanka and France; the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year; the need to further elevate trade, investment and tourism ties as well as cultural cooperation; and expanding bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining an efficient and effective consular service by the Embassy towards Sri Lankan nationals and the community of Sri Lankan heritage residing in France.
The Chief of State Protocol and Diplomatic Events of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ambassador Philippe Franc met Ambassador-designate Gunasekera at the Embassy on the same day. The Chief of Protocol welcomed the Ambassador-designate and assured her of his fullest cooperation as well as that of the French Foreign Ministry during her tenure in France. He extended his best wishes to the new Ambassador-designate.
Ambassador-designate Gunasekera presented the open copy of the Letter of Credence of her appointment to the Chief of State Protocol, and deeply appreciated the warm reception extended to her, as well as the sentiments expressed.
Ambassador-designate Gunasekera has served in various portfolios in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in her career spanning 27 years. She most recently served as the Additional Secretary/ Bilateral Affairs (West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has previously served as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.
Ambassador-designate Gunasekera has a BA (Hons.) in English from the University of Delhi, an MA in International Political Economy and Development from the International Institute of Social Studies in the Hague, an MA in Women’s Studies from the University of Colombo, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Studies from Sciences Po, Paris. She is a past pupil of Musaeus College, Colombo.
by Saman Indrajith
TheBatalanda Presidential Co-mission report was tabled in Parliament yesterday (14) by the Leader of the House and Transport Minister, Bimal Ratnayake.
Minister Ratnayake announced that the government has decided to forward the report to the Attorney General for legal advice. Additionally, a Presidential Committee will be appointed to provide guidance and recommendations on how to proceed with the findings of the report.
Ratnayake said that the Cabinet-of-Ministers, along with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has made a policy decision to take necessary action in response to the report. He reassured the public that steps are being taken to ensure that such a dark chapter in the country’s history is never repeated.
Minister Ratnayake said that a two-day debate on the Batalanda Commission report will be scheduled in Parliament at an appropriate time, allowing for a detailed discussion on the report’s findings and recommendations.
The report, which will be printed in all three official languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English—will be made available to the public in the near future. Ratnayake confirmed that printed copies would be provided to Members of Parliament, as well as the general public, for review.
The Leader of the House revealed that there are 28 evidence volumes associated with the Commission’s work, which will be submitted to Parliament at a later date for further scrutiny.
Ratnayake said that as the entire country is concerned about the findings of the Batalanda Commission, the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised, and preventing future atrocities, stands clear. The next steps, including legal action and policy recommendations, will be shaped by expert advice and informed parliamentary discussions, he said.
The Parliamentary watchdog Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has found that there were fake documents regarding the importing of medicines under the emergency procurement system in 2022 and 2023.
This was revealed during a COPE meeting held at Parliament probing the transactions of the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA).
NMRA CEO Saveen Semage told the Committee that several fake documents have been found due to the lack of registration of medicines.
Stating that six such fake documents were found last year alone, Saveen Semage said he had recorded statements regarding each of the documents with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division.
He revealed that, however, no investigations have been conducted yet into the incidents.
“We have documents with confessions from a woman accepting that fake documents had been made. However, a statement has not even been recorded from that woman yet,” he said.
Meanwhile, COPE member MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana also revealed that the highest number of waive-off registrations (WOR) for medicines had been obtained in 2022 and 2023.
He said 656 waive-off registrations (WOR) had been obtained in 2022 and 261 in 2023, adding that this proves that discrepancies have taken place during the emergency procurement of medicines during these periods.
Furthermore, Deputy Director General of the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. G. Wijesuriya, said discussions are underway on allowing the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) to directly import essential medicines.He pointed out that it was essential to take a policy decision in this regard as a solution to mitigate such discrepancies.
by Norman Palihawadane
Department of Prisons’ Media Spokesperson, Gamini Dissanayake said yesterday that retired Superintendent of the high security Boossa Prison, Siridath Dhammika, who was tragically gunned down at Thalagaha, in Akmeemana, on Thursday (13), had been provided with a firearm for his protection during his tenure, considering the potential threat to his life.
Dissanayake said that during his service period, he had received threats from certain individuals.
Furthermore, the Prison Department stated that during his service, there were no significant issues or shortcomings found in his personal records.
Dissanayake said that the majority of detainees at the Boossa Prison are individuals linked to organized crimes.
Batalanda Commission report tabled … finally
COPE finds fake documents submitted for emergency procurement of drugs
Retired Superintendent of High Security Boossa Prison had threats – Prison Spokesman
-
Editorial6 days agoRanil roasted in London
-
Latest News7 days agoS. Thomas’ beat Royal by five wickets in the 146th Battle of the Blues
-
Features6 days agoThe JVP insurrection of 1971 as I saw it as GA Ampara
-
Opinion5 days agoInsulting SL armed forces
-
Features6 days agoMr. JR Jayewardene’s passport
-
News3 days agoAlfred Duraiappa’s relative killed in Canada shooting
-
Features6 days agoAs superpower America falls into chaos, being small is beautiful for Sri Lanka
-
Opinion6 days agoBeyond Victory: sportsmanship thrives at Moratuwa Big Match