News

UNP dangles its proposals before govt again, while expressing willingness to support it

Published

5 years ago

2021/08/20

By Piyasena Dissanayake

The UNP would extend its support to the government and its leader to save the lives of people as the nation was facing a crisis situation, the party said yesterday issuing a press release.

“We are bound by the duty to help the government during this crisis. In past times of crisis the UNP has come forward to support existing governments. We do not need positions or power if the government wants to do the right thing. UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe supported the then President Chandrika Kumaratunga to sign an agreement with Liam Fox during the war. Likewise, our leader met the thethe the the with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday to explain to the president that action should be taken to save the lives of people and in the meantime to maintain the economy,” the press release read.

The UNP has also put forward a 21-point plan for the government to conthr The President. The plan, titled ‘The United National Party’s Policy for Health Security and Economic Security’, is as follows:

• Temporary field hospitals should be constructed with the assistance of the Army and construction companies. This will include the provision of new beds for patients.

• The government must immediately seek international assistance in obtaining more ventilators and oxygen supplies for patients while these supplies must be airlifted.

• Obtain the services of retired medical professionals and private practitioners to assist the health services in the country.

• The procurement of vaccines must be increased, it is recommended that the procurement process for COVID-19 related matters be suspended, and an emergency procurement process be put in place.

• The vaccine program must be expanded to include children aged 12 upwards, with the approval of their parents.

• The vaccine programme must be accelerated and a realistic time frame for the vaccine program must be established by the medical authorities.

• The PCR testing of the public must be increased.

• All members of the health service must undergo regular PCR testing and be provided with Personal Protective Equipment.

• Proper statistics must be maintained of those infected by COVID-19 and the deaths.

• There is no provision in the law for anti-COVID19 Task Forces. The powers are vested in the Cabinet of Ministers, the Disaster Management Council and the Director-General of the Health Services. The Task Force must be immediately abolished, and the Cabinet must assume responsibility. The Disaster Management Council composed of relevant Ministers, Opposition Leader and officials must be convened. The Cabinet shall operate through them.

• A special advisory group of experts composed of individuals recommended by the World Health Organization must be set up to assist the Cabinet.

• The Parliamentary Consultative Group on Health must meet on a weekly basis to provide an update to the Members of Parliament on the situation in the country regarding COVID-19.

• The lead role in all COVID-19 related matters must be taken by the medical authorities, with the military and other necessary institutions providing support. All anti-COVID-19 efforts must be under the direct control and supervision of the health experts in accordance with the Health Services Act.

• The Opposition drafted ‘Public Health Emergency Bill’ must be immediately enacted by Parliament. The Government’s ‘Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Temporary Provisions)’, which provides partial relief, must also be enacted.

• The International Monetary Fund issued special drawing rights to member countries to enable them to provide resources to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund provides additional financial resources for the health sector, therefore the $ 800 million allocated to Sri Lanka must be utilised for COVID expenditure including purchasing vaccines.

• The economy is under severe strain due to COVID-19 and the lack of foreign exchange reserves. There is no space for an emergency economic relief program, therefore the Government must immediately begin talks with the IMF to obtain the necessary funding.

• The public and private sector must adopt a Work from Home strategy to reduce the movement of the citizens.

• Usage of public transport must be limited to half capacity, and the public must be restricted to only essential travel.

• The country’s borders must be immediately closed to all non-vaccinated tourists.

• The Disaster Management Council must work out a plan for the education sector to ensure the resumption of safe schooling for children.

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News

Manjot Kalra denies fixing allegations in LPL 2026

Published

6 hours ago

2026/07/19

Priyan

Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was taken to court in Colombo [Cricinfo]

Former India Under-19 player Manjot Kalra has been remanded by the Magistrate’s Court in Colombo until July 31, Sri Lanka police has confirmed, after he was arrested on July 16 on charges of corruption relating to the 2026 Lanka Premier League season.

Kalra, who is one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise along with entrepreneur Mayank Goel, was produced before the court on July 17.

According to local media, the court heard that Kalra had allegedly approached players participating in LPL 2026 – Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sri Lanka national players Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando – all of whom play for the Jaffna Kings franchise. Investigators revealed in court that Kalra had allegedly offered the players over USD 30,000 to influence the outcome of games, and that they had in their possession recorded phone conversations and video evidence to support their case.

Following the initial approach, the players are said to have contacted the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports, after which they had, on instructions of the SIU, negotiated a payment of LKR 11.5 million with LKR 9.5 million as an advance. Kalra and an unnamed second person were arrested when the second person had brought a bag containing the advance payment to a pre-agreed location, according to media reports of the court proceedings.

The defence counsel rejected all allegations, asserting there was no evidence of Kalra offering or paying a bribe. Bail was sought but denied, with the Chief Magistrate stating that doing so could prejudice the investigation.

In a statement released on his behalf, Kalra denied the allegations and said he was “fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation” and “is confident that the facts will establish his innocence and clear his name”.

“Having had the privilege of representing India with honour, Mr. Kalra fully understands the responsibility and integrity expected of those associated with Indian sport. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to upholding those values,” the statement said. “Mr. Kalra became a co-owner in the league as a minority shareholder, entering the venture in good faith and with complete integrity. Prior to his association, the league conducted all requisite background and due diligence checks, which connfirmed his clean reputation.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, Mr. Kalra will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and will refrain from making any further comments at this stage. He remains confident that the truth will prevail.

“Senior Counsel K Wasantha S Fernando, Attorney at Law and his able team of Junior Attorneys at Law are currently taking care of his interest and have expressed the confidence in disproving and negating the allegations leveled against Kalra and will ensure all possible steps are taken within the provisions of law to bring all perpetrators involved in fixing Kalra into this undesired situation to light while assisting law enforcement officers and Honorable Court to arrive at Justice in the right manner.”

The news of Kalra’s arrest broke on Friday, hours before the LPL season opener between Kalra’s team Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants , a fixture that Kings lost by 36 runs.

[Cricinfo]

News

10th Navy Open Shooting Championship concludes

Published

7 hours ago

2026/07/19

Priyan

The 10th Navy Open Shooting Championship, organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, concluded successfully following events held from 1 to 12 July 2026 at the Small Bore Firing Complex,
Welisara.

The awards ceremony took place on 18 July at the Commander Parakrama Samaraweera Memorial Indoor Sports Complex at SLNS Gemunu, under the patronage of the Commander of
the Navy.

More than 900 shooters representing the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and a number of shooting clubs from across the island competed in this year’s championship. Notably, over 800 of the participants were school athletes, highlighting the growing interest and participation of young athletes in the sport.

The championship provided a valuable platform for members of the Tri-Forces, Police, shooting clubs and school competitors to compete alongside one another, exchange experience and further develop their technical skills in shooting. It also reaffirmed the championship’s role in nurturing young talent and supporting the development of future national and international-level shooters.

Competing in a highly competitive field, marksmen representing the Sri Lanka Navy delivered an impressive performance, securing a number of medals and bringing distinction to the Navy through their achievements.

The event also made a significant contribution to the promotion of shooting sport in Sri Lanka by identifying emerging talent and strengthening cooperation, sportsmanship and healthy
competition among participants representing a wide range of institutions and organisations.

News

Former IGP’s death likely due to an accidental weapon discharge

Published

21 hours ago

2026/07/19

Thilina Walpola

Wickramaratne

He was examining security officer’s new weapon while waiting for his wife to join him on a morning walk

Friday’s shock death of former IGP Chandana Wickramaratne due to gunshot injuries on his chest was possibly due to an accidental discharge of his personal security officer’s (PSO’s) pistol. Wickramaratne, who was kitted for his walk and waiting on the verandah for his wife to join him, was examining the PSO’s new weapon, knowledgeable sources said.

These sources said the wife who was putting on her shoes inside the house heard a bang and found Wickramaratne fallen on the verandah.

The retired IGP had noticed the security officer carrying a new weapon and had asked to examine it. Saying he carried a similar weapon years ago, he found no magazine and said, “are you planning to accompany me on my walk with a pistol without a magazine?”

The PSO had then handed the loaded magazine and gone into the house to fetch a requested bottle of water when the weapon had gone off.

The sources said that Wickramaratne was in no way depressed and had attended an Ananda College old boy’s event a few days ago, had dinner with friends and chatted with them. He had an appointment to meet a friend on Saturday.

Friends and family saw no reason for Wickramaratne to take his own life and there was no evidence whatever of an external agent shooting him. The former IGP was pronounced dead at the Colombo East Teaching Hospital to which he was rushed.

Police said investigations were proceeding and an autopsy report was awaited.

Wickramaratne was appointed the 35th Inspector General on November 25, 2020 and retired three years later in 2023. He had also set a record as the longest serving acting IGP since his naming to that position in May 2019 after his predecessor Pujith Jayasundara was sent on compulsory leave.

He joined as a trainee Assistant Superintendent in June 1986 after graduating from the Colombo University. He was absorbed to the National Intelligence Bureau where he worked till 1995. Thereafter he reverted to the uniform service and had been posted across the country, including the northern and eastern areas at the height of the war.