News
CDRD presents an array of inventions to the state-run systems
An array of innovative products produced by the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) was handed over to the Military and respective State Departments under the direction of Defence Secretary and National Security and Disaster Management State Ministry Secretary Gen. (retd.) Kamal Gunaratne at the CDRD Head Office in Pitipana on Nov 8.
Among the items, Digital Mobile Radio, GPS Tracking Device for Special Operations, Smart Target System for Jungle Lane Firing, BTR – BDA Armoured Personnel Carrier Simulator, 81 mm Mortar Simulator, B-Vehicle Simulator and High-Tech Soldier Project were the innovations handed over to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
Army Commander General Shavendra Silva officially received those projects from the day’s Chief Guest Gen. Gunaratne. Meanwhile, Ten Digital Mobile Radio units each were handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) during the session.
Electronic Prosthetic Limb was handed over to Private D.W.M.K. Fernando of the Ranaviru Sevana of SLA and the Department of Wildlife Conservation received the Handheld Device to Repel Wild Elephants which was developed under the project to thwart wild elephant intrusions and attacks.
During the session, National Cadet Corps (NCC) received an Officers’ Database for NCC use.
The Document Management System, Land Acquisition and Management System, Mobile Phone and Drone Jammers were also showcased under the programme.
The respective CDRD sectional heads briefed the Secretary on its progress, discoveries and its future plans following the main function.
CDRD is an institution functioning under the purview of State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management headed by CDRD’s Director General Maj. Gen. (retd) Renuka Rowel which is pioneering in providing much-needed cost effective innovative solutions to the country.
The country’s premier research arm, CDRD is a brainchild of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was the Defence and Urban Development Secretary.
The CDRD was created with a vision to establish a world-class science and technology base providing the military a decisive edge, by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.
CDRD is now focusing on developing and delivering the ground-breaking defence related products to meet future needs.
During the session, CDRD’s Director General presented a memento to the Defence Secretary to mark the special occasion.
Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, SLN Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathne, SLAF Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe, officers of the Defence Ministry, Department of Wildlife Conservation, NCC and State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management were also present.
The Colombo Stock Exchange (GL 12) has contributed LKR 25 million to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund.
The cheque was handed over to the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake by the Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Dimuthu Abeyesekera, the Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike and Senior Vice Chairman Kusal Nissanka at the Presidential Secretariat.
News
Karu argues against scrapping MPs’ pension as many less fortunate members entered Parliament after ’56
Former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concerns over the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions.The letter was sent in his capacity as Patron of the Former Parliamentarians’ Caucus.
In his letter, Jayasuriya noted that at the time of Sri Lanka’s independence, political participation was largely limited to an educated, affluent land-owning elite. However, he said a significant social transformation took place after 1956, enabling ordinary citizens to enter politics.
He warned that under current conditions, removing parliamentary pensions would effectively confine politics to the wealthy, business interests, individuals engaged in illicit income-generating activities, and well-funded political parties. Such a move, he said, would discourage honest social workers and individuals of modest means from entering public life.
Jayasuriya also pointed out that while a small number of former MPs, including himself, use their pensions for social and charitable purposes, the majority rely on the pension as a primary source of income.
He urged the President to give due consideration to the matter and take appropriate action, particularly as the government prepares to draft a new constitution.The Bill seeking to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament was presented to Parliament on 07 January by Minister of Justice and National Integration Dr. Harshana Nanayakkara.
Five suspects, including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), were further remanded until 30 January by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The former Minister’s , sons Johan Fernando and Jerome Kenneth Fernando, and two others, were arrested in connection with the alleged misuse of a Sathosa vehicle during Fernando’s tenure as Minister.
Investigations are currently underway into the alleged misuse of state property, including a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa, which reportedly caused a significant financial loss to the state.
In connection with the same incident, Indika Ratnamalala, who served as the Transport Manager of Sathosa during
Fernando’s tenure as Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, was arrested on 04 January.
After being produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court, he was ordered to be remanded in custody until 09 January.The former Sathosa Transport Manager was remanded on charges of falsifying documents.
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