News
Church of Ceylon commends govt. for conducting an accelerated vaccination programme

The Church of Ceylon on Monday commended the government for conducting the vaccination programme in an accelerated manner to cover all parts of the country.
“We now urge the authorities to take necessary steps to secure a vaccination that can be safely administered to all above the age of 12 years as the next important phase of the vaccination drive,” the Church of Ceylon said in a statement.
The statement signed by Bishop of Kurunagala and Colombo Rev Keerthisiri Fernando and Presiding Bishop of Church of Ceylon Rev Dushantha Rodrigo said: We note with grave concern the present situation regarding the spread of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. We are disturbed by the rising number of deaths per day and the alarming increase in the number of new cases reported. It is imperative that we all take serious note of the current situation and act with responsibility since this country cannot afford to lose our valuable human resources and drain our limited financial resources. The management and control of this virus is now the responsibility of all sections of society.
As such, we appeal to all Sri Lankans to unite in our fight against this virus by adhering to the following:
1. Take all health guidelines seriously and adhere to the laid down protocol strictly through self-discipline and responsible conduct.
2. Refrain from engaging in non-essential transactions and limit movements even when there is no
Lockdown in the country.
3. Submit themselves to the vaccination programme without having reservations unless due to medical reasons.
4. Help each other by offering social and psychological support to our neighbours and those in our communities who may be recovering in their homes and also comforting those who may have lost loved ones. This is not the time to stigmatise the afflicted but the time to assist those who need our help.
We commend the State for conducting the vaccination programme in an accelerated manner to cover all parts of the country. We now urge the authorities to take necessary steps to secure a vaccine that can be safely administered to all above the age of 12 years as the next important phase of the vaccination drive. We are deeply concerned that school education has now been disrupted for over a year which will have far-reaching implications for the progress of our nation. Therefore, it is imperative that we explore all avenues to reopen schools without any further delay. It is also an opportune moment to device innovative mechanisms as alternatives for public examinations recognising the disruption that has already been caused due to the pandemic.
We hope that the State will ensure the steady supply of drugs, oxygen and equipment to all parts of the country to avoid any inequity in the supply of necessary medication and care to our people. Priority has to be given to protect the frontline medical staff who are exposed to the virus more than others including the provision of booster vaccinations based on medical practice. Given the extent of the crisis, the costs of drugs and hospitalisation and the need to allow for creativity on the part of our medical experts to respond to this crisis, we request that health authorities and medical experts be provided the space and opportunity to explore alternative treatments and strategies in managing the situation as a medical emergency.
It is common knowledge that our hospitals are now overcrowded and health services are stretched beyond limits owing to the high number of Covid patients. We offer to the health authorities the facilities of our church across the country to be used as make-shift hospitals, intermediate medical centres or quarantine centres which can be managed by health officials and supported by our institutions and personnel so that hospitals are reserved for those who really need them.
We urge the Media to demonstrate sensitivity in its reporting as they play a vital role in educating the people. We should not allow the contracting of this virus to be viewed as a crime but seek to promote responsible conduct in our day- to-day affairs. The dignity of life should be respected at all times particularly in relation to news reporting on those being afflicted and those who succumb to the virus.
Our congregations will continue to engage in prayer upholding our health workers and those engaged in frontline duties and seeking wisdom for those in charge of formulating policies. We pray that the grace of our Lord will carry this nation and the world through this phase of hardship.
News
Voter apathy grows as never before: PAFFREL

Public’s interest in the upcoming Provincial Council elections remains low, according to the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).
PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told The Island that there was an urgent need to encourage voter participation, noting that a higher voter turnout is essential for a functioning democracy.
Hettiarachchi said that the current level of political campaigning has been relatively subdued, with fewer aggressive or violent activities than seen in previous elections—a trend he described as a positive development.
He, however, stressed that local councils play a vital role in the lives of citizens, from birth- to death-related services, and also contribute to the legislative process. As such, voters must understand their importance and engage in the electoral process.
Despite the peaceful nature of the campaign so far, PAFFREL has received 20 complaints regarding the misuse of state resources and 15 complaints related to physical assaults. Hettiarachchi, however, added that no major incidents have been reported to date.
By Chaminda Silva
News
Many foreign diplomats witness sacred relic exposition on first day

A group of 44 diplomats, including those from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea, headed to Kandy, by train, yesterday morning, to witness the sacred relic exposition.
The group travelled to Kandy in a special observation saloon of a train that departed from the Colombo Fort Railway Station around 7:00 am.
The ‘Sri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, commenced yesterday (18), and will continue till 27 April.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, along with the ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomats, participated in the inaugural event.
“This initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka’s friendly nations that the country is recovering economically, overcoming previous challenges, and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka,” the PMD said.
Yesterday (18), on the opening day, the public had the opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm From today (19) onwards, it will open for public veneration, daily from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.
News
Ahungalla shooting ordered from Dubai for failure to carry out contract killing

Police investigations have revealed that the shooting of a 27-year-old man in Ahungalla on Thursday night was a revenge attack. The motive is said to be his failure to carry out a contract killing assigned by a prominent underworld gang leader currently hiding in Dubai.
The 27-year-old victim, who was seriously injured in the attack, is currently receiving treatment at the Balapitiya Hospital. Investigations have further revealed that the attack was ordered by an underworld figure, known as “Abrew,” who is reportedly hiding in Dubai.
It has come to light that Abrew had given the young man a contract to kill a rival. However, since the contract was not carried out, the attack is believed to have been an act of retaliation.On the night of 17 April, around 9:48 pm, the young man received a phone call from an individual who instructed him to come and collect a packet of ice (a term commonly used to refer to crystal meth).
Accordingly, the 27-year-old arrived near the Revatha Primary School, in Balapitiya, Ahungalla in a three-wheeler. At that location, a hired gunman, who had arrived in another three-wheeler, fired three shots at him and fled the scene.
Despite being injured by one of the bullets hitting him, the young man managed to reach the Ahungalla Police Station in the same three-wheeler he had come in. Police officers then arranged for him to be admitted to Balapitiya Hospital for treatment.
By Hemantha Randunu
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