News
New SLAAS Chief promises coordinated response to crisis
Newly inducted General President of Sri Lanka Association of the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) Prof. Ranjith Senaratne has acknowledged that their contribution and engagement intended to resolve the current socio-political and economic crisis is far from adequate and it leaves much to be desired.
SLAAS is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Sri Lanka established in 1944 with a present membership of over 11,000.
Prof. Senaratne has proposed the establishment of a consortium of relevant scientific and professional bodies and associations such as National Science Foundation, National Academy of Sciences, IESL, SLMA, Institute of Architects, and Sri Lanka Veterinary Association under the umbrella of the SLAAS. The academic said: “They would form a cohesive and robust professional body able to serve as a guiding force, a lodestar, of the nation in proffering objective advice and guidance to the Government, public sector institutions and industry in matters of national interest. I am hopeful that objective and dispassionate advice and guidance from such a reputable professional body, reinforced and enriched by world-class Sri Lankan expatriates, in an actionable and pragmatic manner would be listened to and reckoned with rather than trifled with.”
Prof. Senaratne has been inducted by the outgoing General President Prof. Manuj C. Weerasinghe at an induction ceremony held on the 12th January at the Ariyana Reach Hotel, Maharagama.
Prof. Narada Warnasuriya, Senior Professor of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and former Vice–Chancellor, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was the chief guest and Professor Emeritas Ruchira Cumaranatunga, founder Dean, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, University of Ruhuna, was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Distinguished scientists, academics and entrepreneurs, including Senior Prof. Chandana Udawatta, Vice Chairman, UGC, Rizvi Zaheed, Chairnan, Agripreneurs’ Forum, past General Presidents of the SLAAS, its past and present council members and SLAAS members were present on the occasion.
Prof. Senaratne is the 82nd General President of the SLAAS.
However, in order for the SLAAS to serve as a pedestal for such a formidable body, its base needs to be strengthened, and its stature and visibility enhanced with a greater international profile. Hence as per the provisions already created, I propose to establish regional chapters of the SLASS in each province so as to strengthen the membership and increase presentations at annual sessions, thereby extending its footprint across the country. Forging partnership with the counterpart S&T institutions in the region, strengthening international cooperation, the establishment of an endowment fund, and promoting start-up ecosystems and PPPs are other plans on the drawing board. In fine, while pursuing the initiatives of the past General Presidents in earnest, we, the Council of 2023, will embark upon novel initiatives, adopt innovative approaches, open more doors, and remove hurdles. These initiatives will facilitate the greater growth and impact of the SLAAS in line with its mission and Rules and Regulations by effectively responding to existential national challenges and issues.
The countrywide dengue outbreak has intensified, with the death toll rising to 50, by July 16, as the number of reported infections surpassed 73,000, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The country has recorded 73,455 dengue cases so far this year, with the case fatality rate standing at 0.07 percent, highlighting the severity of the ongoing outbreak.
The Western Province continues to remain the worst affected region, accounting for more than half of the total cases, with 38,700 infections. The Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases in the province with 15,341, followed closely by Colombo with 14,625.
The Southern Province has reported 11,382 cases, while the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces have each recorded more than 6,000 infections.
Dengue cases have shown a sharp increase in recent months, with June recording the highest monthly total of 21,538 cases, while July has already reported 18,076 infections. In comparison, 8,590 cases were reported in May, and 5,651 in April.
Health authorities have identified 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk locations during the 27th epidemiological week. An average of 2,677 new dengue cases are being reported daily, prompting authorities to intensify prevention and mosquito control measures.
The Colombo High Court yesterday (17) resumed hearing the money laundering case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The proceedings were held before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, where evidence was recorded from prosecution witnesses, under the direction of Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara.
President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis, appearing for Yoshitha Rajapaksa, cross-examined the witnesses during the hearing.
After recording evidence, the court ordered that further examination of evidence be postponed until July 24.
The Attorney General has filed indictments, alleging that Yoshitha Rajapaksa committed an offence, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, by purchasing five plots of land in Dehiwala and Ratmalana, valued at more than Rs. 73 million.
Former IGP Chandana Deepal Wickramaratne died after sustaining a gunshot injury at his residence, in Thalangama, yesterday (17), with police saying preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was a suspected suicide.
Kaduwela Magistrate Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa, on Friday, ordered the Officer-in-Charge of the Malabe Police Station, Police Inspector Pradeep Ranasinghe, to conduct a formal investigation into the death and submit a report to court on its progress.
The order was issued after the Malabe Police Station presented facts before court regarding the incident.
According to police, the Malabe Police Station received information from the Police Unit of the Colombo East Base Hospital, in Mulleriyawa, that Wickramaratne, who resided in the Thalahena area, within the Malabe Police division, had died after being admitted to hospital, with gunshot injuries.
Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said Wickramaratne had allegedly used the firearm of his personal security officer and shot himself at his residence.
Police said the shooting had taken place at his residence on Parakum Road, Thalangama, on Thursday morning, before he was due to leave for his regular exercise routine. He was rushed to the Colombo East Base Hospital, in Mulleriyawa, with serious injuries but was pronounced dead upon admission, police said.
The deceased’s remains were placed at the Colombo East Base Hospital, where a post-mortem examination was scheduled to be conducted.
ASP Wootler said three police teams have been appointed to investigate the incident. Further investigations are being conducted by the Crime Division of the Western Province South Range and the Malabe Police Station.
Wickramaratne, 63, served as the 35th Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka from November 27, 2020, to November 23, 2023.
He joined the Sri Lanka Police in 1986 as a Probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police and later served in several senior positions.
A graduate of the University of Colombo and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, he also served as Acting IGP for more than a year, from April 28, 2019, before being appointed IGP, in November 2020.
He retired from the post of Inspector General of Police, in November 2023.
by Norman Palihawadane ✍️
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