The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) yesterday said that it was stepping in to help Sri Lankans reconnect with loved ones affected by the recent escalation of hostilities in Iran and other parts of  West Asia.

An SLRCS statement said: In response to the recent escalation of hostilities in Iran and other countries, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) is providing support to people in Sri Lanka who are unable to contact their loved ones in affected regions, through its Restoring Family Links (RFL) programme.

The ongoing situation has significantly disrupted internet and communication services, particularly in Iran, leaving many families around the world anxious and uncertain about the safety and wellbeing of their relatives.

To address this urgent humanitarian need, SLRCS is facilitating the collection and transmission of “Anxious for News” messages through the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Family Links Network. These messages are shared with the respective Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in affected countries to help re-establish contact between separated family members, wherever possible.

Individuals who are concerned about relatives in Iran or other affected countries, or who have lost contact with their loved ones, are encouraged to reach out via the RFL Hotline: +94 70 378 8614.

They may also contact any of the 25 SLRCS branches across the country at their convenience. Contact details of all branches are available on the official Sri Lanka Red Cross Society website (www.redcross.lk).

Restoring Family Links remains a vital humanitarian service provided by SLRCS as part of a global network of 191 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Reconnecting families lies at the heart of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s humanitarian mission. In times of crisis and conflict, restoring contact between loved ones is a critical form of support that brings reassurance and hope to those affected.

This service is free of charge and confidential, and is carried out in coordination with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and other Red Cross and Red Crescent partners worldwide.The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society calls on the public to make use of this service. We are here to support you in reconnecting with your loved ones.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was yesterday indicted before the Colombo High Court over alleged corruption.

The indictments were served before High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela, with the Minister appearing in court, pursuant to an earlier summons.

The accused was ordered to be release on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 1 million each. The Judge also directed that his fingerprints be obtained and a report submitted.

The case was fixed for pre-trial conference on May 6.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which filed the charges, alleges that in 2016, while serving as Manager of the Procurement and Import Division of the Ceylon Fertiliser Company, Jayakody committed an act of corruption.

He is accused of causing a loss of Rs. 8,859,708 to the State by allegedly influencing a procurement process relating to carpeting work at the Hunupitiya warehouse complex in order to confer an undue benefit on a private company.

The Court of Appeal has ordered a fresh trial before the High Court into the murder of former TNA MP Nadaraja Raviraj.

Allowing an appeal filed by the Attorney General, the Court of Appeal bench, comprising Justice Sasi Mahendran and Justice Amal Ranaraja, directed that the case be retried.

On December 23, 2016, the Colombo High Court acquitted and released three Navy intelligence officers and two others accused in the case after a jury returned a not guilty verdict.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal observed that the High Court verdict had been delivered at 12.50 a.m., describing the timing as highly unusual. It further held that the trial judge had failed to properly direct the jury in respect of the evidence of Prosecution Witness No. 1, an accomplice.

Justice Mahendran noted that an analysis of the accomplice’s testimony revealed sufficient material to establish a case against the accused.

Raviraj was shot dead near his residence at Manning Town, Narahenpita, in November 2006 while driving along Martha Road.Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath appeared for the Attorney General.