News
Wijeyadasa recalls his warning of Islamic extremists, which UNP ridiculed
By Rathindra Kuruwita
If the previous government had heeded his warning in Parliament about Sri Lankans fighting for the Islamic State (IS), both the Easter Sunday attacks and the disintegration of the UNP could have been prevented, MP Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, on Monday night, told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.
The witness made the following statement during cross-examination led by SJB MP Mujibur Rahman at the Commission.
Earlier, Rajapakshe listed a number of politicians that he had alleged had links to Islamic extremists, and MP Rahman’s name was also on the list. MP Rahman then requested the Commission permission to cross examine Dr. Rajapakshe.
MP Rahman asked the witness why he believed that he (Rahman) had links to extremists.
Rajapakshe said that he had mentioned several politicians including M. L.A.M. Hizbullah and Azath Sally.
Rajapaksa said: “You along with former Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne challenged me over the statement I made in Parliament on November 18, 2016 regarding Sri Lankans joining IS. You tried to undermine what I said and divert attention from the issue. What you did can be considered as an act of encouraging terrorism. If the previous government had paid any notice, all this could have been stopped.”
Four persons including a Budhist monk died and 32 others were injured when two SLTB buses collided head on at Weerawila at arond 12 noon today (18).
Three of the deceased were women. 22 of the injured were admitted to the Hambanthota Hospital while 10 others have been admitted to the Debarawewa hospital.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship OONAMI which arrived at the port of Colombo on a goodwill and replenishment visit on 09 Mar 26 departed on 11 March.
The departing ship was given a formal farewell from the Sri Lanka Navy, in keeping with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.
The 150.5m long JMSDF OONAMI is commanded by Commander IIO Hiromasa.
During the stay in the island, crew members of the ship explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. The itinerary also included a coastal clean-up drive participated by naval personnel of both countries and engagements with the Sri Lanka Navy, designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
The Central Cultural Fund established under the provisions of the Central Cultural Fund Act No. 57 of 1980 is responsible for development of cultural and religious monuments in Sri Lanka, settling the expenditure borne for development, renovation and conservation of local and foreign cultural monuments, awarding financial donations for artisans as well as awarding those who served the nation in the fields of culture and religious sectors.
The said act has been passed in Parliament 45 years back and, the requirement to revise the provisions of the act according to the contemporary requirements haa been recognized.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted their policy
approval to amend the said act, considering the resolution furnished by the Minister of Buddhasashana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
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JMSDF ship OONAMI concludes goodwill visit
Cabinet nod to amend Central Cultural Fund Act No. 57 of 1980
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Establishment of Supervisory Committees for restoring economic activities.
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