News

Claims of political victimisation in Police Dept. raise eyebrows

Published

4 years ago

2021/02/22

By Saman Indrajith

Senior and junior ranks in the Police Department have expressed their dismay at 84 colleagues for attempting to obtain promotions and salary increments citing as reasons political victimisation under the previous government.

A senior police officer said: “The list contains names of 84 officers and men. Among them are six retired officers, including one Senior DIG, who had been interdicted for his alleged involvement in a murder case. There are many who had been interdicted on disciplinary grounds.

They are now trying to get promotions citing political victimization. It is unfair by those who have had exemplary records in conduct and service. This has demoralized many officers and men in the department.”

“Among those on the list is a senior officer punished for dereliction of duty. Under his watch a bottle of water was smuggled into the closed protective circle of the then President Maithripala Sirisena..”

Another officer said that there were two SIDGs, five DIGs, 11 SSPs, four SPs, eight ASPs, 27 CIs, five IPs, five SIs, six sergeants, four constables, one police driver, one WPC and one WSI on the list.

“They went before a committee appointed soon after the incumbent government came to power and said they had been politically victimized. They are trying to get promotions. One month ago they tried to get the list processed and submitted to the Cabinet, but the Public Security Ministry officials suspended it stating that they needed to study it. It is now said that the list is going to be presented to the Cabinet meeting this week.”

A spokesman for the Public Security Ministry said that Minister Rear Admiral (retd.) Sarath Weerasekera had got a team of ministry officials to study the list and they had found that there were some officers who had obtained promotions, transfers and salary increments during the Yahapalana government citing political victimisation under the previous administration. “It is a serious issue if the same officer is victimised politically by two different governments. This has been brought to the notice of the President, who has instructed the minister not to submit the list to the Cabinet meeting.”

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Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather

Published

4 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

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.

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We should start working collectively to rebuild the country -PM

Published

7 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

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]

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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]

Published

16 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

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.