News
Church not interested in reports sought by Gammanpila: Spokesperson
“Let Shani lead fresh inquiry”
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando yesterday (17) urged Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila not to play politics with Easter Sunday carnage.
The top spokesperson for the Catholic Church said that they had never asked the then President Ranil Wickremesinghe to appoint committees to probe Easter Sunday issues. Therefore, the Church was not interested at all in the reports sought by ex-MP Gammanpila. “We earnestly urge the PHU leader not to cause unnecessary trouble but to allow the Criminal Investigations Department to conduct inquiries,” Rev. Father Fernando said.
The priest said so when The Island sought the response of the Church to the continuing controversy over the inordinate delay in releasing reports submitted by retired Supreme Court Justice S.I. Imam and retired Judge A.N.J. De Alwis. Imam’s committee examined Channel 4 allegations primarily directed at the one-time head of Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) whereas Alwis probed specific aspects of intelligence services pertaining to Easter Sunday attacks.
Rev. Father Fernando said that they didn’t have any issue with the appointment of retired Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne as Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and reinstatement of SSP Shani Abeysekera.
Former minister Gammanpila owed the public an explanation why he remained silent when the Church repeatedly asked the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to implement the recommendations made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry. Referring to the ex-MP’s role in the six-member cabinet-sub committee that examined the PCoI report, Rev. Fernando said that Wickremesinghe, too, ignored their request to launch an independent investigation after having removed those officers named in the report.
“We have had plenty of reports over the years on Easter Sunday carnage. Let there be a CID-led impartial inquiry into the attacks. We are confident the CID can ascertain the truth,” Rev. Fernando said.
Responding to another query, Rev. Fernando said that after the former government had removed SSP Abeysekera from there hadn’t been any progress in the investigation. The Easter Sunday investigation had been undermined by relentless political interference, Rev. Fernando said, questioning whether Gammanpila took up this issue seeking political advantage in the run-up to forthcoming parliamentary election.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala 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 table below 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.
Peru’s ex-president and first lady sentenced to 15 years in jail
China’s Xi hails ‘new golden era’ with Malaysia during trade tour
Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather
-
News5 days agoSuspect injured in police shooting hospitalised
-
Features6 days agoRobbers and Wreckers
-
Business6 days agoBhathiya Bulumulla – The Man I Knew
-
Business5 days agoSanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
-
Business7 days agoNational Anti-Corruption Action Plan launched with focus on economic recovery
-
Features4 days agoLiberation Day tariffs chaos could cause permanent damage to US economy, amid global tensions
-
Business4 days agoMembers’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
-
Features4 days agoMinds and Memories picturing 65 years of Sri Lankan Politics and Society