News
Patali: Operation Yukthiya has left some children destitute
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The ongoing countrywide drug bust known as the Operation Yukthiya has created serious social problems with many children being left without their parents due to indiscriminate arrests, Patali Champika Ranawaka, leader of the United Republican Front (URF) says.
“Police have arrested a large number of former and current drug addicts. Sometimes, both mother and father have been taken away. The operation has created a situation where boys join underworld gangs and girls take to prostitution.
All across Colombo, there are many instances where children are starving because their parents are being held on remand. Most of them cannot afford to pay legal fees,” Ranawaka said on Wednesday (03)
Although the crackdown on the drug mafia had entered its third week, none of the key figures in the underworld had been arrested, Ranawaka said, criticising the police for demolishing selected buildings near the beach on the grounds that they had been built with proceeds from narcotic sale.
“The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) is empowered to remove structures that have been built too close to the ocean, he said. “In some areas, you can’t build permanent structures within 100 metres of the beach. In some areas it is 30 metres. The CCD has the legal authority to get rid of these structures. If necessary, they can take legal action for the removal of these constructions.
However, now the police have alleged that these buildings were constructed with drug money. This is illegal,” Ranawaka said, adding that there could be an ulterior motive for removing certain business places while allowing others to continue with their operations. During the latter part of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term, the security forces had been deployed to demolish buildings selectively and that had led to his electoral defeat, Ranawaka said.
Under a URF administration, new laws would be brought in to make it a punishable offence to come to power by making false promises. For example, some people in Viyathmaga told the people that the GDP growth under the Yahapalana administration was 3% and under the Gotabaya administration it would rise to 7%. Ultimately, under that government the economy contracted by 7%. “Bankrupting a state is a serious crime. We know who is responsible. The entire Cabinet of ministers under Gotabaya are responsible for the calamity we are facing now,” Champika alleged.
Ranawaka said the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration’s disastrous handling of the pandemic and the economy would be thoroughly investigated under a URF government.
“We don’t accept the official COVID death figures. More than 15,000 people died. We will investigate this and the economic mismanagement and punish those responsible,” Ranawaka said.
The Indonesian Naval Ship, ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’, arrived at the port of Colombo today (22 Jan 26) on a scheduled port call for logistics replenishment and a goodwill mission.
In keeping with time-honored naval tradition the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival.
The 90.71m – long Sigma Corvette FS is commanded by Commander Annugerah Anurullah.
During the stay in Colombo, the crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city limits.
Further, this visit provides an avenue to enhance professional interaction and courtesy engagements among two navies.
The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a logistics replenishment visit today (22 Jan 26).
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
The 75m – long ship is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Hamad Bin Mohammed Aldarmaki. The port call will facilitate professional interaction and goodwill exchanges between the two navies.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city of Colombo.
News
Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is taking steps to establish a comprehensive mechanism, supported by an appropriate legal framework, to bring together university academics, experts and all relevant parties in order to resolve issues arising during the implementation of education reforms.
The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) held on Wednesday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, FUTA members emphasized the challenges encountered while trying to implement educational reforms through a framework established by the National Institute of Education, in line with the current laws and regulations.
They further emphasized that while their association acknowledges the need for new education reforms, the urgency of such reforms is greater for students in rural schools than for those in urban schools.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations further stated that they appreciate the decision taken by the Government, under the leadership of the President, to address the issues arising from education reforms and affirmed their readiness to contribute to this process.
As a continuation of the previous discussion, proposals addressing the challenges faced by academics within the university system, along with possible solutions, were presented to the President. In response, the President emphasized that the Government would take all possible measures to safeguard the university system and strengthen education.
The discussion also covered proposed amendments to the Universities Act.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, the Government has been effectively implementing a nationwide rebuilding programme, addressing economic stability, development and all critical sectors. The President also called upon university academics to actively support these reconstruction efforts.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, as well as representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, including its President, Prof. P. R. Weerathunga, Vice President M. A. M. Sameem and Secretary Charudaththe Ilangasinghe.
Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’ arrives in Colombo
Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ calls at Port of Colombo
Jacks out with illness as Sri Lanka bat against England
Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President
New integrated framework to bring all stakeholders together to safeguard and rebuild Central highlands – President
ICC T20 World Cup Trophy tour in Sri Lanka launched under President’s patronage
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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