News
Govt. confirms extremist group operating in East
by Rathindra Kuruwita
The government has received information that an extremist group is operating in Kalmunai, in the Eastern Province, says Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.Security forces and intelligence agencies are uncovering information on this group, he has said.
“Addressing the Parliament last week President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed some information about this group and the security forces are keeping an eye on the activities of this group,” Minister Jayatissa said, adding that the government would not allow any extremism or racism in any part of the country.
Minister Jayatissa said so in response to a question posed by a journalist about a statement made by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, who said there was an extremist group operating in Kalmunai, in the Eastern Province.
“At this moment, we have only received information about such a group operating in the Eastern Province. Intelligence and security agencies are in the process of verifying and investigating the matter. The President had also addressed some concerns related to national security during discussions with officials. What we can confirm right now is that the security forces are closely monitoring the situation,” the Minister said.
Addressing the Parliament last week, during the debate on the expenditure for the Defence Ministry, the President said that there were certain groups in the North and East who might stir up trouble and they may be having links to political forces that were afraid of ongoing investigations.
It has been reported that former Minister Mervyn Silva has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Aslat arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit this morning (05 Mar 25).
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance
with naval traditions.
PNS ASLAT is a 123m long Frigate (FFG) commanded by Captain Muhammad Azhar Akram and is manned by a crew of 243.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, its crew members will explore several of the city’s popular tourist destinations.
Wrapping up its visit, PNS Aslat is scheduled to depart the island on 06 Mar. As it sets sail, the vessel will engage in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a Sri Lanka Navy ship in the waters off Colombo.
by Saman Indrajith
Opposition MPs, led by SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, yesterday, in Parliament, accused Speaker Jagath Wickremesinghe of preventing the MPs speaking in the House and thereby depriving them of their rights.
The Opposition made that allegation when the Speaker warned that he would be compelled to have MPs Ramanathan Archchuna and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam removed from the House for disrupting the proceedings.
The MPs alleged that extra-judicial killings were taking place in the North and the East just like in other areas of the country.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the Speaker should not discriminate against the Opposition MPs.
“You give opportunities to other MPs to raise points of order but you don’t give that opportunity to these two MPs,” Premadasa said.
Leader of the House, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayke, who responded, said there was no discrimination.
“We cannot afford to allow MPs to raise points of order regarding unimportant matters. What will happen if all 224 MPs raise points of order in that manner?
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