News
SJB raises alarm over Colombo Port losing its position as regional shipping hub
The SJB yesterday raised concerns over continuing significant delays and congestion at the Colombo Port, already forcing some vessels to bypass it.The SJB has also warned that the vital money spinner, serving as a shipping hub to the sub-continent, is at risk of dropping in international rankings if the problem persists, to the benefit of rivals like Singapore and Dubai.
Addressing a press conference at the SJB headquarters, in Colombo, Chief Opposition Whip and Galle District MP Gayantha Karunathilake said that despite directives from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to clear container backlogs within four days, the situation remained unresolved.
Karunathilake highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the delays, including cargo ships skipping the Colombo Port, importers being burdened with demurrage charges and extra customs fees, and increased demand for transport vehicles due to inefficiencies.
He said that several major shipping lines had rerouted their vessels to avoid congestion in the Colombo Port.
“The delays in the cargo unloading section last week caused a ripple effect, forcing vessels to turn back. If this continues, it could significantly impact the Colombo Port’s operations and lead to a decline in its global rankings,” Karunathilake warned.
He criticised the government’s inability to resolve the crisis, adding that while discussions have been held regarding the Port’s problems and other pressing issues, like the rice and coconut shortages, no concrete solutions have been implemented.
The SJB called on the government to take swift and effective measures to address the congestion and prevent long-term damage to the Port’s reputation as a key regional shipping hub.
By Norman Palihawadane
Authorities have launched an investigation into the disappearance of over 70 assault rifles from an undisclosed Army camp.The police confirmed that two of the missing T-56 assault rifles had been recovered.
A 47-year-old Civil Defence Force (CDF) member has been arrested in connection with the incident. Acting on information from the suspect, police recovered a T-56 with 11 rounds of ammunition in Kotawila, Matara, on Friday. The arrest followed an earlier recovery of another T-56 rifle and a grenade in Ruhunuketha, Welikanda, which the suspect was allegedly attempting to sell.
Investigations have revealed that the suspect had sold one more T-56, with ammunition, for Rs. 200,000. The CDF member’s arrest came after a person, detained by the Wellampitiya Police with a pistol, confessed to purchasing the weapon from him, providing contact details that led to his arrest.
The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) obtained a 90-day detention order for further questioning of the suspect.
Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya confirmed to The Island that details of the Army camp and officers involved were being withheld for now.
Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said that the CCD and CID were conducting parallel investigations into the case.
Further updates on the missing firearms and their potential links to crimes are expected as the investigation progresses, SSP Manatunga told The Island.
More than 35 people were hospitalised following a head-on collision between two privately-owned buses in Matara yesterday morning.Six persons sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Matara Hospital, police added.
Police Spokesman SSP K.B. Manathunga said that there was a rising number of road accidents involving privately-owned buses in recent times. In response, police have intensified legal actions against passenger bus drivers who violate traffic regulations.
SSP Manathunga announced on Saturday that the government has approved the recruitment of an additional 10,000 police officers. This move aims to strengthen efforts in preventing road accidents, as well as supporting broader anti-crime and anti-drug operations.
Investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing, SSP Manatunga said. (RK)
Text and Pic by Dinasena Rathugamage
A 25-year-old elephant that had been struggling in pain and hunger for 14 days due to suspected severe gunshot injuries died on Saturday near the Iranamadukulam tank in Kilinochchi.
Villagers who noticed the injured elephant informed Wildlife officers about its condition. Although a team of officials rushed to the location and attempted to treat the elephant, its condition was critical due to severe injuries and its extreme weakness, making recovery impossible.
Wildlife officers said that the elephant was about 25 years of age and they suspected that the elephant’s injuries had been caused by a gunshot. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The Kilinochchi Police and Wildlife officials have launched an investigation into the death of the elephant.
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