News
‘Smuggling only one aspect of so-called VIPs’ corrupt practices’
Probe MP involved in gold racket for exchange control violations – KJ
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday (25) urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into Muslim National Alliance (MNA) MP Ali Sabri Raheem’s abortive attempt to smuggle in gold at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) as it couldn’t be considered just a mere violation of the Customs law.
Jayasuriya said so in a statement issued in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ). The former UNP Deputy Leader issued the statement close on the heels of the Customs concluding the investigation into the MP’s gold smuggling bid.
Customs released the lawmaker, after he paid a fine of Rs 7.4 mn, consequent to a brief inquiry. Customs confiscated the undeclared gold and smartphones found in his personal luggage estimated to be worth at Rs 74 mn and Rs 4.2 mn, respectively.
Since the last general election, the MNA has been re-registered as United National Alliance (UNA).
Jayasuriya said that the country should be ashamed of the conduct of and MP who made an abortive bid to smuggle in gold biscuits, gold jewellery and smartphones. Jayasuriya said that the thwarted attempt made by the MP exposed corruption perpetrated by those who were categorized as ‘VIPs.’
The former Minister/Speaker alleged that the MP’s corrupt conduct only exposed a fraction of the illegal activities a section of the so-called VIPs were engaged in.Jayasuriya emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry regardless of the status of the persons involved in this racket. The veteran company Chairman/politician said that such incidents disgraced the entire parliament.
Responding to The Island query, the former Speaker said that he felt ashamed to hear that the Puttalam District MP exercised his rights as a member of parliament soon after the Customs fined and released him.
The first time entrant to the parliament on Wednesday (24) voted with the Opposition against the government motion to sack Chairman of Public Utilities Commission Janaka Ratnayake. In spite of being in the Opposition, Raheem has always voted with the SLPP. The two notable occasions Raheem voted with the SLPP were the enactment of 20th Amendment to the Constitution in Oct, 2020 and election of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the President in July, 2022, to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s term.
News
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.
During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.
Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.
The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala district.
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 below 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.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
IPL 2025: Sensational Priyansh Arya condemns Chennai Super Kings to another loss
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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