News
Sinister plot to bring govt. into disrepute internationally
– Minister Weerawansa
By Saman Indrajith
Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa told Parliament yesterday that the Mahara Prison riots had been planned as a part of a sinister plot to bring the government into disrepute internationally. “The aim of this plot is to mislead the world into believing that prisoners were killed while Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the Defence Secretary and they were being killed on his watch as the President.
Weerawansa said that he had made inquiries into the incidents and found that there had been a plan to instigate a riot at the Welikada Prison. He said the prison intelligence officers had received information that a drug dealer by the name of Chaturanga, a close associate of late notorious drug dealer, known as Samayang, had distributed drugs to prisoners at the Mahara Prison. “The new drug was smuggled into the Welikada Prison sometime ago. It was commonly known as ‘Sarup’ and also known as ‘Reverse’. The tablet was tested twice using two inmates. Those who take the tablet become aggressive and want to see blood. They were getting ready to give the tablet to many inmates and create a riot in the Welikada Prison. After the plot came to light, prison officials separated Chaturanga and his allies. Now, it has been found that a large number of such tablets had been distributed among the inmates at Mahara Prison on the day of the incident. There were several leading drug dealers involved in the conspiracy. They have been hit bad by the ongoing anti-narcotic operations and wanted to take revenge from the incumbent administration by getting foreign powers to accuse the government of President Rajapaksa of killing inmates in prisons.”
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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