News
Maldivian Coast Guard, acts on SLN tip-off, intercepts SL fishing craft with haul of narcotics
By Norman Palihawadane
The Maldivian Coast Guard, acting on intelligence provided by the Lankan Navy, successfully intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing trawler on Saturday (23), which was found carrying a significant haul of illegal drugs.
The operation, which took place in the Maldivian waters, resulted in the seizure of 344 kilos of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”) and approximately 124 kilos of cocaine.
According to a statement from the Sri Lanka Navy, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo was alerted by the Maldivian Coast Guard’s MRCC in the early hours of 23 Nov. The Maldivian authorities reported that the Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawler, named ‘Ashen Putha,’ had entered the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prompting concerns that it might be experiencing mechanical issues or in distress.
Upon receiving the alert, the Sri Lanka Navy reviewed its records on the trawler and, based on available intelligence, discovered it had possible links to drug trafficking activities. The Sri Lankan Navy immediately shared this information with the Maldivian Coast Guard to facilitate a coordinated response.
In response, the Maldivian Coast Guard launched a special search operation targeting the vessel. The operation uncovered the large drug shipment hidden aboard the trawler, leading to the seizure of the narcotics. Five individuals aboard the trawler were arrested during the operation. The suspects, aged between 21 and 37, are residents of Dondra and Trincomalee.
The Sri Lanka Navy said that the trawler, along with the five suspects and the seized drugs, was taken into custody by the Maldivian authorities. Both Sri Lankan and Maldivian intelligence agencies are now jointly investigating whether the drug consignment was intended for Sri Lanka or another country in the region.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
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Dr. Bellana suspended for speaking to media
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