News
JVP accuses Speaker of stuffing family members into whatever high posts available
By Saman Indrajith
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena may be able to stay in his position by mustering a majority to defeat the no-faith motion against him, but he would never be able to get re-elected, JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament yesterday.
The level of abuse of power for personal gain by Speaker Abeywardena was unprecedented in Parliament history, Dissanayake said, participating in the debate on the no-faith motion against the Speaker.
“Abeywardena always acted partially towards the government. When Ranil Wickremesinghe and Basil Rajapaksa took oaths as MPs, Abeywardena rose from his chair but when some other MPs took their oaths he remained in his chair.
“Abeywardena filled Parliament’s vacant posts by recruiting his kith and kin. He and his family acted as parasites of this system. His brother Wasantha Yapa Abeywardena is his Private Secretary, another brother Sarath Yapa Abeywardena is a Coordinating Secretary, brother-in-law Premananda Kumasaru is another Coordinating Secretary, another brother Indunil Yapa Abeywardena is the Media Secretary, son Chameera C Yapa Abeywardena is Public Relations Officer. In addition to these posts, one of his sons was appointed to the post of Chairman of the Lotteries Board by the Finance Minister. During his tenure whenever a Parliament delegation was to represent in foreign tours, it became a delegation representing the Yapa family.
In addition, the Speaker also held the post of Chairman of the Development Coordination Committee in his area. This post is an extension of the Executive. How could the head of legislature become an extension of the executive?
There were many more reasons for the removal of Abeywardena than what was stated in the motion of no-faith against the Speaker. Even if the government defeated the motion, people knew the truth and would defeat him at the next election, Dissanayake said.
News
Ceylon College of Physicians’ 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions this week
The 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions of the Ceylon College of Physicians will be held from 16th to 19th of September 2026 at Shangri-La, Colombo. Professor Namal Wijesinghe, the president of the college and the council of the Ceylon College of physicians said that the sessions bring together experienced physicians, academics, researchers, postgraduate trainees and other healthcare professionals from all over the globe. The programme provides opportunities to discuss recent advances in medicine, emerging challenges in healthcare and developments that have the potential to improve patient care.
An important feature of the College’s academic vision is the strengthening of relationships with international professional colleges and medical institutions. The Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, European Federation of Internal Medicine, College of Physicians of Malaysia, Association of Physicians of India, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, Association of Physicians of Bangladesh and Society of Internal Medicine of Nepal are officially collaborating with the Ceylon College of Physicians in organising 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions.
These international collaborations provide opportunities for the exchange of expertise, collaborative research, professional development and exposure to different approaches to healthcare and medical education. Interaction with international colleagues can broaden professional perspectives, encourage research collaboration and create opportunities for academic and career development.
At the same time, Sri Lankan physicians have much to contribute to the international medical community through their clinical experience, research and expertise.
The Anniversary Academic Sessions also highlight the importance of research in advancing healthcare. The presentation and discussion of research findings encourage evidence-based practice and provide researchers with opportunities to establish new academic collaborations. Encouraging young physicians to engage in research and scholarship remains an important investment in the future of the profession.
News
Airmen who killed deer up a gum tree
Five Air Force personnel, including a junior officer, have been arrested for allegedly killing a deer in the Mattala area. Air Force headquarters confirmed the arrest of the group attached to the Mattala detachment.
According to Mattala Police, the Airmen allegedly shot the deer, within the premises of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, and sold the meat to civilians in the area. Police have also arrested two civilians who allegedly bought the venison.
An Air Force vehicle, allegedly used to transport the meat, and a motorcycle used by the officer, have also been taken into police custody. Police have reportedly recovered the venison, a deer skull and firearms allegedly used in the shooting.
News
Rotary board for the year 2026-2027
President Chathuri Ranasinghe, and members of the Board are: Sriyantha Senaratne, Lasika Jayamaha, Shanta Gunaratne, Jayendra Pinidiyapathirag, Anjali Walisundara, Amjath Yusoof, Ranjini Goonetilleke, Asif Shukri Asoka Peiris, Justin Meegod Dayani Panagoda, Anthea Senaratne, Ariya Wcirema, Shewantha Rodrigo, Tusitha Kumarakulasinhm, Marshad Barry, Lucien Pereira, Haneekah Rahil, Dahara de Costa.
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