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Cops irked by Cabinet paper on cases of bogus political victimisation

Published

4 years ago

2021/06/30

By Saman Indrajith

A Cabinet decision taken on Monday to grant 87 policemen alleged to have been politically victimized, promotions and salary increments has irked many senior and junior ranks in the police department.

A senior police officer told The Island that 87 policemen in officer and other ranks were attempting to obtain promotions and salary increments by claiming that they were politically victimised.

The officer said: “As per the Cabinet paper the list contains names of 87 officers and men. Among them are six retired officers including one Senior DIG, interdicted for his alleged involvement in a murder case.

There are many interdicted on disciplinary grounds. There are four senior DIGs, seven DIGs, 11 SSPs, four SPs, eight ASPs, 27 CIs, five IPs, five SIs, six sergeants, four constables, one WSI and one police driver. They are now trying to get promotions claiming political victimisation. It is unfair by those who have exemplary records in conduct and service. This has demoralised many officers and men in the department.

“Among those on the list is a senior officer punished for dereliction of duty. Under his watch a bottle of water was smuggled into the closed protective circle of the then President Maithripala Sirisena.”

“They went before a committee appointed soon after the incumbent government came to power and said they had been politically victimised. They are trying to get promotions. Last February, they tried to get the list processed and submitted to the Cabinet, but the Public Security Ministry officials suspended it stating that they needed to study it. It was presented to the Monday’s Cabinet meeting and got the approval.”

Another senior officer said: “One of those to be promoted to the rank of senior DIG claiming political victimisation is citing as reason a punishment transfer given to him when Pujith Jayasundara was the IGP. The officer is a DIG and was caught with his paramour by his wife, who requested the IGP him to transfer the man to save their family. He was transferred to Mannar. Now, that DIG says he was politically victimised and trying to get promotions and other benefits denied to him because of his indiscipline and behaviour unbecoming of an officer.”

A spokesman for the Public Security Ministry said that the ministry had received complaints that on the list of alleged victims were some officers who had obtained promotions, transfers and salary increments during the Yahapalana government, by claiming political victimisation under the previous administration.

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

4 hours ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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 above table 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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AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

6 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

6 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.