News
Church claims Gota ally Namal Kumara’s allegation a ploy to derail Easter Justice
(UCAN)Colombo Magistrate Nilupuli Lankatilake on Jan 1 remanded social activist Namal Kumara for 14 days, after he was arrested for insulting the nation’s only Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.
Kumara’s statements have not only insulted the Church leader but also offended Christians across the nation, police told the court. They wanted Kumara’s remand, citing potential religious and social unrest.
An audio recording that Kumara released during Christmas week insulted Cardinal Ranjith. The recording went viral on social media.
Police arrested Kumara on the complaint of Rev Jude Chrisantha, the director of National Catholic Communication. The complaint called for a thorough police investigation into the “harm caused.”
Chrisantha alleged Kumara is an “accomplice in the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks in which bombs went off almost simultaneously in three Churches and three luxury hotels, killing 270 people and injuring some 500.
The priest alleged that Kumara was “plotting another incident at the request of a third party.”
“We believe this was a deliberate attempt to defame” the cardinal’s reputation, Chrisantha told media on Dec. 30.
He alleged the audio recording was associated with former MP Ranjan Ramanayake.
Chrisantha suggested it was intentionally used to damage the reputation of the cardinal, who spearheads a campaign seeking justice for the families of the Easter Sunday victims.
Kumara is reportedly a supporter of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Media reports quoting investigators say officials loyal to the powerful Rajapaksa family were complicit in the Easter Sunday bombings.
Kumara met journalists after he filed a complaint with the presidential secretariat seeking an investigation into the audio clip. However, he said his “aim is to defend the Cardinal, not to defame him.”
Rajapaksa supporters are also accused of fabricating stories to mislead the bombing investigation and to divert public attention from it, allowing criminal collaborators to escape accountability.
“Kumara played a key role in this mission and now appears to be setting the stage for another conspiracy,” said activist Surin Sarath.
Sarath wanted police to conduct “a thorough investigation” and ensure justice.
He told UCA news on Jan. 2 that the allegations have “severely harmed Cardinal Ranjith’s reputation and the feelings of the Catholic community.”
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the “Ranaviru Sevana” Rehabilitation Centre in Ragama this morning (19) and inquired into the well-being of military personnel receiving residential treatment there.
During the visit, the President engaged in cordial discussions with the soldiers and commended the sacrifices made by all of them in safeguarding the unity of the motherland.
Thereafter, President Dissanayake also held discussions with the medical staff, including doctors serving at the “Ranaviru Sevana” Rehabilitation Centre, and looked into the possibility of further improving medical and other welfare facilities available for the military personnel undergoing treatment.
Minister of Science and Technology Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Director of Ranaviru Services and Rehabilitation of the Sri Lanka Army Brigadier R.G.L.K. Weerakoon, and Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority Brigadier Senarath Kohona (Retired) were among those who attended the occasion.
(PMD)
An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.
Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.
Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.
Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.
Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)
News
Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism
In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.
The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.
Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.
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