News

Editors Guild condemns CID for hounding editors

Published

4 years ago

2021/10/3

The Editors Guild of Sri Lanka (TEGOSL) strongly condemned a move by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to summon and record statements from three senior newspaper editors and several

journalists regarding the complaint lodged by Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena against former director of the Consumer Affairs Authority Thushan Gunawardena related to the Sathosa garlic scam.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Sisira Paranathanthri, TEGOSL has questioned the right of the CID to pursue journalists including editors who reported certain incidents in the country by viewing what was believed to be an accurate report of an offence in a civilized society.

The statement said: “Instead of shamelessly hounding the media which exposed the scam, the CID should have questioned the parties directly accused by the minister and brought them before the law

after conducting proper investigations.

“We would like to question whether the CID, despite its professional responsibility, decided to summon the President of The Editors Guild of Sri Lanka, who is also the Chief Editor of the Lankadeepa, Siri

Ranasinghe, and its members, the Editor of Divaina, Anura Solomons, and the Editor of The Island,

Prabath Sahabandu, as though they were connected to the scam.

“The letter dated 28.09.2021 sent by the CID to the Lankadeepa Editor says that the Trade Minister has lodged a complaint claiming that he had been defamed and insulted by the print and electronic media publishing hateful statements by Thushan Gunawardena.

“It is shocking that Bandula Gunawardena, who sat as a minister in Parliament in 2002 was not aware that Parliament unanimously voted to repeal the criminal defamation laws in the same year. Under

what legal provision did the CID attempt to obtain statements from Lankadeepa Editor Ranasinghe

and other journalists at the Lankadeepa office on Sept 28.

“We once again denounce the shameless and ridiculous act of the CID hounding editors and journalists instead of dealing with the parties directly involved in the scam according to the law in a context

where the criminal defamation laws have been repealed in Sri Lanka. This is a huge threat and a danger on the freedom of media.”

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“The future needs leaders who can adapt, learn, and respond to change without losing ethical direction” – Prime Minister

Published

5 hours ago

2025/12/17

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was the chief guest at the Graduation Ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College Course 19 held at the Nelum Pokuna Theater.on 16th of December.

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), the highest seat of military learning, marked the graduation of Course 19 by recognizing 149 graduates, including 26 Foreign Course participants, whose presence underscored the growing international engagement and the spirit of regional and global military cooperation.

The special Awards [the Golden Owl Award, the Golden Pen award and the Commandant’s honours] were awarded to graduates who excelled in academic achievements by the Prime Minister. The10th edition of Defence and Security Journal and the Owlet were officially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister reflected on the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah and paid tribute to those who lost their lives, with special remembrance of members of the Armed Forces who were engaged in rescue and relief operations. The Prime Minister commended the Armed Forces for their professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment, emphasizing their coordination with civil authorities and the public to deliver timely rescue, relief, and recovery assistance during a period of national adversity.

The Prime Minister extended appreciation to the foreign course participants for the valuable contributions made through the sharing of operational experience and national perspectives, which enriched the programme and strengthened mutual understanding.

The Prime Minister further stated that the future will demand leaders who can adapt, learn, and respond to change without losing ethical direction. Technology will continue to transform military operations, but sound judgment, discipline, and responsibility will remain central to leadership. The professional relationships formed at Defence Services Command and Staff College will matter in future peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, multinational exercises, and regional responses to crisis.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister to the Ministry of Defense Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, Army Navy and Air Force Commanders, former Commanders of the DSCSC, serving senior officers from the tri services and representatives from the diplomatic corps, other distinguished guests, and family of the graduates.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

PM’s attention draws attention to the Salary Issue of the Government Translators’ Service

Published

5 hours ago

2025/12/17

Priyan

A meeting was held between the officials of the Government Translators’ Service Union and Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday [December 16], to discuss the issues faced by the officers of the Government Translators’ Service.

Attention was drawn to the existing salary issue in the Government Translators’ Service, the salary disparity between grades, and vacancies.

The Prime Minister stated that several issues have arisen due to the previous governments not implementing salary increases in the public service through a proper and logical method, and that the discussions regarding salary disparities are currently underway. The Prime Minister also mentioned that a positive course of action is expected to be taken on this matter within the coming year.

The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputantri, President of the Government Translators’ Service Union Mujibar Rahman, and a group of officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Hatton National Bank donates Rs. 100 Million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

Published

10 hours ago

2025/12/17

Priyan

The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, launched to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to facilitate national recovery efforts, continues to attract generous support from local and international organizations, the business community and philanthropists.

In this context, Hatton National Bank has contributed Rs. 100 million to the Fund. The cheque was presented on Tuesday (16) at the Presidential Secretariat by the Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Damith Pallewatte, together with Chief Operating Officer Sanjaya Wijemanna, to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.