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JVP levels new charge against government showing its incapability

Published

2 years ago

2021/09/24

By Saman Indrajith

The JVP yesterday alleged that the government was engaged in subterfuge to get its cronies to arouse communal disharmony to cover up its failure to bring to justice those responsible for the Easter Sunday carnage.

Addressing the media at the party headquarters in Pelawatte, JVP Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath said two years and five months had elapsed since the Easter Sunday attack. “The government has not yet taken action against former President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for their failure to prevent the terror attacks. The government still has failed to identify who really masterminded those attacks. The Public Security Minister has come up with his own theory that Naufer Moulavi was the mastermind. People expected that justice would be delivered but that has not been done yet.

“The government has got its cronies to arouse communal disharmony and to attack those who are calling for justice to the victims of Easter Sunday terror attacks. Those middle men while trying to save the government are actually doing their utmost to derail the investigations. When Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith took the lead to prevent communal violence soon after the attacks, he was praised. Those who once praised him today have taken cudgels against him. Now the Cardinal is under malicious attacks and criticism. This is very unfortunate,” MP Herath said.

Responding to a question on internationalizing the issues pertaining to investigations on Easter Sunday attacks, the MP said: When the government failed to deliver justice, Lankans world over internationalize the issue to get the government to act. That was what we saw in Italy and New York. If the government does its duty, there is no need for the victims to seek the international forces involvement in this affair. Lankan expatriates raise this issue in those countries because the government failed to deliver justice and bring those responsible before the law. That is why we demand the government to act without further delay. All it has to do is to deliver what it had promised to get the votes of the people, that is to implement the law against those responsible for the crime,” MP Herath said.

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Renew firearm license for 2024 before 31st December 2023 – Ministry of Defence

Published

3 hours ago

2023/09/28

Priyan

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the renewal of firearm license of individuals/ institutions for the year 2024 will be carried out from 01 October 2023 to 31 December 2023 and the required details can be downloaded from the Defence Ministry’s website www.defence.lk.

Firearm license renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after 31 December 2023. It is also informed that possession of a firearm without a valid license is a punishable offense under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance.

Registration renewal of Private Security Firms for the year 2024/2025 will be carried out from 01.10.2023 to 31.12.2023. Any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action.

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“Unite to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048” – President

Published

7 hours ago

2023/09/28

Priyan

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Milad-Un-Nabi message urged all Muslim brethren in Sri Lanka, to unite at this juncture in working towards strengthening the path to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048.

“Let us together overcome the challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles espoused by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in ensuring a brighter future for all” he said.

The full text of the President’s message :

“My greetings to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world, observing Milad Un Nabi, being the auspicious occasion commemorating the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam.

He is celebrated as the final messenger of Allah, known for profound teachings of love and peace that encompass humanity. His journey to spread the message of Islam in the challenging societal context of that time, was marked by significant trials. Even in the face of adversity, the Holy Prophet’s unwavering patience and equanimous strength served as powerful attributes. He was victorious in attaining his aspirations, through boundless sacrifices for faith and humanity.

As we celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday today, it is timely to resolve to uphold the values that were the hallmark of his life, which include mutual understanding, brotherhood, assistance to one another and fairness. Our commitment to fostering social harmony is the most meritorious tribute which could be paid to his legacy.

I urge all Muslim brethren in Sri Lanka, to unite at this juncture in working towards strengthening the path, to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048. Let us together overcome the challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles espoused by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in ensuring a brighter future for all.

I wish all those of the Islamic faith, a joyous Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, filled with love, peace and prosperity!”

Ranil Wickremesinghe
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

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National Security Oversight Comm. Chief denied US visa

Published

8 hours ago

2023/09/28

Sahan Weerasooriya

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on National Security, Rear Admiral (retd.) Sarath Weerasekera has told Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena that the US should not deny a visa to an MP nominated by the Sri Lankan Parliament to join an official delegation unless he/she posed a threat to US interests.

In a letter dated 25 Sept., 2023, the former Public Security Minister has informed Speaker Abeywardena the issuance of visas was the prerogative of the US mission, but the issue of the US Embassy insisting that he be replaced with a member of a minority community must be taken up.

Of the Chairpersons of 17 Oversight Committees chosen for a 10-day study tour of the US organised by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and USAID, later next month, only Weerasekera has been denied a visa.

Declaring that he had B1 (business) and B2 US visa (tourism) or combination of the two, Rear Adm. Weerasekera said that he had no special interest or reason to join the delegation but it was wrong for the US Embassy to deny him a visa.

The MP has said that he will seek an explanation from Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardena in this regard. “In my capacity as Chairman of the Oversight Committee on National Security, I intend to call a meeting with Secretary Defence and Armed Forces chiefs to discuss this matter,” MP Weerasekera said.

Weerasekera retired in late 2006 after having served the Navy with an unblemished record for well over three decades.

Responding to another query, the former Minister said that the Parliament had been asked by the US Embassy to name another member of his committee, representing a minority community for the programme.