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Wimal questions JVP’s deafening silence over CIA Chief’s visit

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Chairman of the Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya (ULS) Wimal Weerawnsa, MP, has questioned the failure on the part of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to protest against the recent clandestine visit here by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director, William Joseph Burns.

The Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (JNP) leader, Weerawansa, said that at the time he represented the JVP, the party always took the lead in taking up issues which undermined national security.

The former JVP parliamentary group leader Weerawansa asked whether the incumbent JVP leadership changed its stance on the US after having received a good character certificate from US Ambassador Julie Chung.

The JNP leader was referring to Ambassador Chung meeting JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, MP, and Vijitha Herath, MP, on 14 May, 2022.

Lawmaker Weerawansa responded to questions raised by the media, following a ULS’s leadership council meeting.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), a constituent party of ULS, has raised the CIA Chief’s visit with the Immigration and Emigration Department, which comes under the purview of the Public Security Ministry.

MP Weerawansa said that the JVP owed an explanation why it refrained from commenting on the CIA Director’s visit. The former JVPer pointed out that the US embassy has declined to either confirm or deny the development, whereas the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government, too, has remained silent.

Burns is alleged to have arrived in Colombo, on 14 Feb., with a large delegation, in two massive cargo aircraft, and left the following day.

MP Weerawansa alleged that the JVP remained quite clearly silent on Western machinations, pertaining to the continuing political-economic-social crisis here. (SF)



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EC asked to ensure level playing field at LG polls; complaint lodged against President AKD

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EJP spokesman Theekshana

Eksath Janaraja Peramuna (EJP) yesterday complained to the Election Commission (EC) regarding President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent threat that the government would release funds only to local government bodies to be won by a clean party at the May 06 LG polls.

The EJP, led by former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, complained that President Dissanayake has claimed during a public rally at Weligama that the NPP was the only clean party.

The EJP is contesting 37 LG bodies at the forthcoming election.

The new party said that the rights of the other contesting political parties and groups had been violated by the President.

The EJP asked the EC to ensure a level playing field

Having handed over their complaint, EJP spokesman Theekshana Gammanpila told the media outside the EC office that Anura Kumara Dissanayake had won last year’s presidential election and then the parliamentary election as the then government ensured a free and fair election. But now President Dissanayake was making a despicable attempt to influence the electorate in the run-up to the vital mini polls. Gammanpila alleged that the President’s intervention could have a far reaching impact on the electorate.

The EJP spokesman emphasised the responsibility on the part of the EC to intervene and take tangible measures to prevent President Dissanayake from manipulating the electorate to their advantage. (SF)

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Former CM, and private secretary sentenced to 16 years RI for corruption

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Former Chief Minister of the North Central Province S.M. Ranjith and his brother S.M. Chandrasena’s wife Shanthi being taken to the prison vehicle after the Colombo High Court sentenced them to 16 years rigorous imprisonment. (Pix by Sujatha Jayaratne)

Former North Central Province Chief Minister S. M. Ranjith and his private secretary Shanthi, who is his brother, former Minister S.M. Chandrasena’s wife, were yesterday (02) sentenced to 16 years rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of corruption charges. They were also ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 200,000 each.

The judgment was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi.

They were convicted on charges filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

S.M. Ranjith was found guilty of enabling Shanti to secure an additional fuel allowance between Sept 2012 and Dec 2014 to the tune of Rs 2.68 mn.

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Traditional Japanese musical concert and cultural performance

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Traditional Japanese musicians in concert

The Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka hosted a concert of Japanese traditional music by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra featuring the performers of NYSC on 28th March in honour of the visit of Most. Ven. Ohtani Chohjun Nayaka Hamuduruwo, the 25th Head Priest of Higashi Hongan-ji Grand Temple.

The event featured a Japanese tea ceremony and breathtaking musical performances by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra, showcasing traditional Japanese instruments such as the Koto and Shamisen. The evening was further enriched by violin and vibrant dance performances by students from the National Youth Council (NYSC) and Lanka Nippon Biztech Institute (LNBTI).

This cultural celebration further strengthened the deep ties between Japan and Sri Lanka, offering a unique experience of Japanese tradition and heritage.

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