News
Bogawanthalawa incident: Minister Thondaman’s statement
Minister Jeevan Thondaman issued the following statement yesterday evening: I categorically deny the allegations regarding an alleged confrontation between me with the Bogawantalawa Police. Contrary to the allegations, my intention was to address the issue of police brutality and ensure justice for the 28-year-old father of two who was reportedly subjected to violence and arrested on what appears to be a civil matter.
It is disheartening to witness instances where individuals from marginalised communities often become victims of police brutality due to their lack of awareness regarding their rights or full comprehension of the Sinhala language. As an elected representative, it is my duty to advocate for those who are often unheard and overlooked.
I firmly believe in upholding the rule of law, and that includes zero tolerance for any form of police brutality. I would like to emphasise that I never made any death threats towards the police officers involved nor threatened to cut their water (which is provided by the local municipality and not the Water Board). I engaged with the police officers reminding them of their moral and legal duty to be respectful and uphold the rule of law when treating the general public, including suspects of crime.
In addition, I will be releasing a video taken by a concerned member of the public, which captures the police manhandling the accused in a public setting. This serves as further evidence and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into this incident. We cannot turn a blind eye to such acts of police intimidation.
I am committed to transparency and ensuring accountability. I stand firmly against any form of violence, especially when it comes to those tasked with upholding the law. My aim is to foster a society where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected, irrespective of their background or social standing.
I call upon the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, review the available evidence, and take appropriate action to address any misconduct or abuse of power. It is essential that we establish a system that protects the rights and well-being of every individual within our society.I remain dedicated to serving the people and working towards a just and equitable society where no one is subjected to violence or injustice.”
Latest News
Food Policy and Security Committee recommends importation of rice to ensure an uninterrupted supply
The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended the importation of rice in the near future to ensure an uninterrupted supply for consumers.
A notable increase in rice prices has been observed in the market, along with reports of shortages of certain rice varieties, despite the current harvest season.
Given this situation, discussions were held regarding the need for the Cabinet to prioritize the maintenance of sufficient stock, through rice imports.
The Committee, chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Vasantha Samarasinghe, convened for the fifth time at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (01). The meeting aimed to formulate policy decisions to ensure food security.
During the discussions, it was revealed that due to excessive rainfall this year, crop damage occurred on two occasions, leading to a significant reduction in the expected harvest.
Furthermore, during the meeting it was stated that the improper use of rice for animal feed is another major reason contributing to the rice shortage. As a result, the Committee also focused on the importation of broken rice for animal feed and the use of alternative feeds to mitigate the impact on livestock production.
Accordingly, the Food Policy and Security Committee approved the formation of a Committee, led by the Director General of Agriculture, to oversee the importation of the required quantity of broken rice through proper mechanisms.
Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other members of the Food Policy and Security Committee, including Ministry Secretaries, participated in the discussions.
The People of Myanmar are facing immense hardships caused by the devastating earthquake on 28th March and as reported by the international media reports the death toll is over 2,700. Furthermore, it has been reported that many people are missing while, a large number of individuals have been injured and are receiving treatment.
Considering the long – term close relationship between the two nations as two Buddhist states, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to provide,
• A sum of United States Dollars One Million
• Transportation for the dry rations collected by Buddhist clergy and other donors
• To have a group of medical officers and health staff on standby for immediate departure to Myanmar if necessary
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Cabinet appoints ministerial committee to submit report on sanctions imposed on 04 Sri Lankans by the United Kingdom
Attention of the Cabinet of Ministers have been drawn on the decisions taken by the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals recently, and have decided to appoint a committee comprised of three ministers to submit a report with recommendations on the further measures to be taken after studying the facts in the regard and to empower the committee to obtain the service of any officer/intellect deemed to have subject expertise in the relevant field and considered essential.
The committee will comprise of :
– Vijitha Herath Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
– Attorney – at – Law Harshana Nanayakkara Minister of Justice and National Integrity
– Aruna Jayasekara Deputy Minister of Defence
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