News

GMOF applauds new anti-terror law, urges prez to tackle ‘TU terror’

Published

2 years ago

2023/04/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Rukshan

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Amidst growing opposition to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Law that it could be used to suppress political dissent and trade unions, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital yesterday (04) bravely declared that the government should enact the new law fast.

Speaking on behalf of the Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) Dr. Bellana said that the vast majority of the population wanted the government to deal with what he called trade union terror.

Dr. Bellana said that as the public sector trade union movement was on the rampage the government should enact new legislation to meet the challenge.

The medical administrator found fault with the government and all political parties represented in parliament for their pathetic failure to rein in trade unions’ law unto themselves behaviour. Whatever their differences over political, economic and security issues, they couldn’t allow the public sector to cause further debilitation.

Asked whether he also opposed the ongoing public sector trade union campaign against Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government’s new tax formula, Dr. Bellana said that it should be reversed. Declaring the new tax regime was unacceptable under any circumstances, Dr. Bellana said he opposed taking hapless people hostage in a bid to pressure the government.

Regardless of a massive mandate received by Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the last presidential election in Nov 2019 followed by SLPP’s landslide victory at the parliamentary poll in Aug 2020, the President failed to exploit the situation. Had the President paid attention to issues at hand, he could have realised the need to revamp the public sector and rein in trade unions, Dr. Bellana said.

The proposed anti-terrorism law was nothing but a dire necessity, Dr. Bellana said, adding that President Wickremesinghe should go ahead with it. The trade unionist urged Opposition political parties not to shed crocodile tears for trade unions and media but throw their weight behind the proposed legislation.

Recent reportage of trade union activity exposed their terrorist like strategies, therefore they shouldn’t expect any mercy from the government, Dr. Bellana said. Responding to another query, Dr. Bellana alleged that some trade union leaders and senior representatives lived in luxury. “Some of them are in the habit of taking as much as Rs 200,000 to arrange a transfer or someone to secure a lucrative appointment,” Dr. Bellana said.

“I’m not afraid to say that the health sector is one of the most corrupt here,” Bellana said, urging the public to be cautious of utterly corrupt elements masquerading as trade unionists.

Dr. Bellana said that unless President Wickremesinghe received the backing of the parliament to strengthen law enforcement, the country could plunge into chaos. Having been elected as the President last July to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five-year term, the UNP leader had taken necessary measures to control those causing mayhem. The proposed introduction of anti-terrorism law seemed a step in the right direction, Dr. Bellana said, demanding that the Opposition stopped playing politics.

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It is our collective responsibility to build a nation grounded in unity and strength – President

Published

17 hours ago

2025/02/26

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake in his Maha Shiva rathri message said that it is our collective responsibility to build a nation grounded in unity and strength.

The full text of the message issued by the President’s media division:

Maha Shiva Rathri is a sacred and joyous occasion celebrated by Hindu devotees across the world in reverence of Lord Shiva. This divine night marks the celestial union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as the powerful Tandava, Shiva’s cosmic dance of creation and destruction. It symbolises the triumph of wisdom over ignorance, dispelling the darkness of illusion and lighting the path to enlightenment.

On this auspicious night, Hindu devotees observe fasting and engage in spiritual practices, praying for the darkness of ignorance to be replaced by the radiance of wisdom. It is also a time to seek divine blessings for prosperity, peace and fulfilment in life.

The union of Shiva and Parvati is a profound representation of knowledge and power coming together. It reminds us that breaking free from the illusions of division allows us to embrace the truth with open eyes. Today, as we stand at the dawn of a new era, this message is more relevant than ever. Let us tear down the barriers that have kept us apart for generations and unite as one, casting aside discord and embracing togetherness. This is a moment to nurture interfaith harmony, celebrate our diversity and move forward with love and mutual respect, dedicating ourselves to the progress of our beloved motherland.

As we journey towards a brighter future, it is our collective responsibility to build a nation grounded in unity and strength. We are stepping into a time of transformation, embracing political, economic and social renewal, shaping a future that holds promise and hope for all.

On this sacred night, as the glowing lamps of Maha Shiva Rathri illuminate our surroundings, let them also illuminate our hearts, guiding us with unwavering faith along the path we have chosen. Let us walk forward together, hand in hand, in the spirit of peace, unity and shared prosperity.

News

USD 900,000 paid monthly for three unused SriLankan aircraft– Dy. Finance Minister

Published

22 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Harshana

By Saman Indrajith

Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma told Parliament yesterday (25) that SriLankan Airlines was in debt due to political interference under previous governments.

Answering a question raised by Anuradhapura District SJB MP Rohana Bandara, Dr. Suriyapperuma said that such interference had resulted in an ongoing case in international courts.

Dr. Suriyapperuma stated that SriLankan Airlines had earned notoriety for corruption not only here but also abroad.

“Currently, there is an ongoing case in an international court over claims that commissions were sought in respect of the purchase of aircraft. Aircraft have been leased at exorbitant rates, far beyond prevailing market rates,” he said, adding that the actions and decisions of past regimes over the last few decades regarding SriLankan Airlines must be taken into account when examining its debt.

Outlining the measures taken by the government to tackle the staggering debt, the Deputy Minister of Finance said that a five-year programme would be implemented from 2025 to 2030.

Dr. Suriyapperuma explained that despite the allocation of Rs. 20 billion from the 2025 Budget for SriLankan Airlines, the funds would not be utilised for the airline’s operational expenses. Instead, the management had been tasked with transforming it into a self-sustaining entity. Discussions had already begun with relevant stakeholders to restructure the debt, which includes loans obtained in US dollars.

Dr. Suriyapperuma revealed that SriLankan Airlines had been paying USD 900,000 per month in installments for three aircraft that had remained unused for several years. He added that the national carrier currently owned a total of 22 aircraft and employed 3,194 staff members in its main airline operations, along with 2,862 employees in its strategic business units.

Dr. Suriyapperuma also highlighted that the Ministry was currently evaluating those plans, with the expectation of achieving operational profitability and securing government support within the five-year period.

Suriyapperuma assured that measures would be taken to address SriLankan Airlines’ debt without burdening the public.

News

NPP govt. continues ban on Tamil organisations

Published

22 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Thuyyakontha

… Easter Sunday carnage suspects among them

The government has issued a gazette extending the ban on several Tamil diaspora groups, alleging they supported “terrorism-related activities,” The Tamil Guardian has reported.

The gazette, signed by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyyakontha, declared that these organisations have “repeatedly provided financial support for terrorism.” As a result, their financial and economic assets remain frozen, and Sri Lankans are prohibited from having any contact with them. Those that do risk being arrested.

The list also reaffirms the ban on 222 individuals allegedly linked to terrorism.

The organisations blacklisted by the Sri Lankan government include:

* Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

* Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO)

* Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC)

* World Tamil Movement (WTM)

* Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE)

* World Tamil Relief Fund (WTRF)

* National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT)

* Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO)

Other organisations listed include several linked to Islamic groups, such as the National Towhead Jema’ah (NTJ) and the Sri Lanka Islamic Student Movement (SLISM).

The Tamil Guardian reported that successive Sri Lankan governments have used terrorism laws to ban Tamil organisations that continue to function openly and legally in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and throughout Europe. This ban, however, stifles links between these diaspora organisations and Tamils, making it a criminal offence for Sri Lankan citizens to maintain contact with them.

The reposition of the ban follows a pattern seen in previous years. In 2024, Sri Lanka renewed its prohibition of Tamil diaspora organisations, days after India extended its own ban on the LTTE. The move was widely condemned as politically motivated and an attempt to justify Sri Lanka’s military presence in the “Tamil homeland”.