News
Oshala complains to CID over Immigration Chief’s conduct
Diana’s citizenship case:
Civil society activist Oshala Herath has, in a letter dated March 07, 2023, requested DIG CID S.P. Ranasinghe, to conduct an investigation into the alleged disappearance of documents pertaining to State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage’s forged birth certificate case.
Referring to proceedings at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s court, on March 03, complainant, Herath, said if documents, at the Immigration and Emigration Department, had been misplaced, the head of the Department, Harsha Illukpitiya, should be held responsible over his direct, or indirect, involvement.
Member of former President Maithripala Sirisena’s media team,and unsuccessful UNP candidate at the last general election held, in August 2020, Herath has sought a ruling that Gamage couldn’t serve as an MP due to she being a British citizen.
Herath told The Island that he had sought the immediate intervention of the CID Chief after the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) recently referred a complaint he lodged with the independent commission, pertaining to the conduct of Illukpitiya, to the CID.
Responding to another query, Herath said that he brought to the CID Chief’s attention how SJB lawmaker Gamage was issued with a new passport, bearing number D 5659393, at the behest of Illukpitiya, on Sept. 22, 2022 in spite of his predecessor, Sarath Rupasinghe, declining to issue a passport, as she carried a British passport.
Herath has also brought to the DIG’s notice a certificate of naturalization issued in terms of the British Nationality Act of 1981 as tweeted by Bharatha Prabhash Tennakoon, based in France. According to Herath’s letter to DIG Ranasinghe, British citizen Gamage so far had obtained three Sri Lanka passports, bearing numbers N5091386, OL5654794 and D5659363, after having obtained a National Identity Card, bearing No. 658534300.
Herath alleged that the lawmaker had two British passports, bearing numbers 521398876 and 094425352. (SF)
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.
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