News
Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron honoured with President’s Colours
Ranil Wickremesinghe the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka awarded President’s Colours to the Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) on Friday (01st March 2024). The momentous ceremony was held at the main parade ground of the Special Boat Squadron Headquarters, Trincomalee, in precision with time-honoured naval tradition. The distinguished honour was bestowed upon the Special Boat Squadron, in recognition of its significant role in the success of humanitarian operation and its members’ ongoing efforts to achieve the country’s maritime aspirations by combating an assortment of illegal activities at sea.
The Special Boat Squadron, demonstrating its commitment to the motto “Fortune Favours the Brave”, has been commanded twice in the past by Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the current Commander of the Navy. Trained in specialized combat techniques across sea, land, and air, its men possess a noble resolve for the motherland, beyond their call of duty. The Special Boat Squadron was established on 08th November 1993 in Karainagar, Jaffna, meeting the need for a special unit to suppress terrorist activities in the shallow waters around the northern islands and lagoons. Established with 02 officers and 38 sailors, it was led by then Lieutenant Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne.
In the daring missions undertaken by the SBS to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, forty-two (42) personnel have been disabled, and sixty-two (62) brave men have sacrificed their lives.
The bestowment of the prestigious President’s Colour is testament to the squadron’s unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions in humanitarian operation and relentless efforts to safeguard our seas, battling illicit activities to advance country’s maritime ambitions.
A heated argument broke out between Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar during the Kilinochchi District Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday (16).
A video footage of the incident shows the MP and the Minister engaging in a heated verbal exchange, following which a physical confrontation appeared to develop when the Minister attempted to grab files reportedly in the possession of MP Ramanathan.
“If you lay a hand on me, I’ll lay a hand on you too… got it?” Ramanathan is heard telling the Minister during the exchange.
Police and officials present at the meeting intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation were not immediately clear.
Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has filed an intervening petition before the Court of Appeal in connection with a petition filed by former head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act over investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The Cardinal has sought permission from the court to make submissions in relation to Sallay’s petition and requested that it be dismissed.
The Colombo High Court yesterday fixed for Aug. 31 the pre-trial conference in the money laundering case filed by the Attorney General against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, and his great-aunt Daisy Forrest.
The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli.
State Counsel Oswald Perera requested court to fix a date for the pre-trial conference and informed the judge that the prosecution would announce its position regarding the second accused, Daisy Forrest, at the conference. He also said the prosecution intended to notify court of amendments to the indictment.
After considering the submissions, Judge Singappuli ordered that the pre-trial conference be held on Aug. 31.
The Attorney General has indicted Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Daisy Forrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, alleging that they deposited nearly Rs. 59 million in bank accounts knowing, or having reason to believe, that the funds had been unlawfully acquired.
A few showers may occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts
Harmer, Markram and Wolvaardt win top honours at CSA awards
War of words erupts between Minister Chandrasekar and Archchuna in North
Cardinal seeks dismissal of Sallay’s petition
Money laundering case against Yoshitha, fixed for pre-trial conference
More illicit hooch found
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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