News
State Minister won’t be probed
Public Security Ministry consults Chinese Embassy
Allowing Chinese carrying two passports to enter SL:
by Shamindra Ferdinando
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles yesterday (22) found fault with the Immigration and Emigration officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for having allowed a Chinese national carrying two passports, to enter the country. Minister Alles said so when the media asked him why no action had been taken against the Immigration and Emigration officers and State Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Arundika Fernando (Gampaha District), for allegedly intervening on behalf of the wrongdoer.
The Chinese had been among a group of three detained at the BIA last Thursday (18) after he produced a forged passport purportedly issued by another country.
Disclosing that the group had arrived from Dubai, Minister Alles said that the Immigration and Emigration officers would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
When the media pointed out the culpability of State Minister Arundika Fernando, Alles said that the investigation would focus on the Immigration and Emigration Officers. He emphasised that regardless of representations made by politicians, or anybody else, including the media, public officials had to carry out their duties and functions properly.
Minister Alles revealed that the Chinese Embassy would be consulted on the issue and the Chinese national had been summoned to the Immigration and Emigration Department.
State Minister Fernando denied undue interference on his part. The lawmaker insisted that he intervened because the Chinese national in question was here on behalf of a company that was to investment as much as USD 100 mn to USD 150 mn.
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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