News
Kumudesh’s suspension condemned
15 probes have been launched against him
The Health Professionals’ Trade Union Alliance has condemned the suspension of one of their prominent union leaders, Ravi Kumudesh, calling it a deliberate attempt to suppress the voices of healthcare workers advocating for their rights.
Kumudesh, a long-standing advocate for the rights of health sector professionals, was suspended allegedly because he contested an election. However, union leaders argue the action is politically motivated and violative of due process.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday (10), Chanaka Dharmavikrama, co-convener of the Federation of Health Professionals, said Kumudesh had acted in full compliance with guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health.
“After deciding to contest, Ravi consulted the Ministry and received official instructions. He proceeded according to that advice. Now he has been punished for following the proper procedure,” Dharmavikrama said.
He added that Kumudesh had been a vocal critic of corruption and malpractice within the health sector, and claimed that over 15 investigations have been launched against him in what appears to be a campaign to intimidate and silence him.
“This is clearly an effort to suppress a trade union leader who has consistently spoken out against wrongdoing. Others in similar union roles have contested elections before—what action was taken against them? We are prepared to raise these questions directly with the Ministry,” he said.
The union further announced plans to initiate legal action against what it described as an “unlawful and politically motivated” suspension.
by Sujeewa Thathsara
News
SAARC journalists meet in New Delhi
Members of the South Asian Journalists Forum have gathered at the University of New Delhi for a two day conference themed ‘Peace and Co-operation’.
Journalists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India are attending the conference hosted by the University of Delhi in collaboration with the India Chapter of SJF, and will deliberate on how the media can act as a catalyst for regional stability and mutual coexsistence.
A tree plantation campaign was also held at the Ghandi Bhawan premises of the University to mark the event and symbolize growing regional ties.
The Sri Lanka delegation is led by President of SJF’s Sri Lanka Chapter Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi.
News
Governor of Gujarat met with Sri Lanka PM to discuss exposition of Devnimori Relics
The Governor of the of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghvi, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursdy [February 05] at the Parliamentary Complex to discuss the arrangements related to the exposition of the Devnimori Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, which have been brought to Sri Lanka under the patronage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India.
These sacred relics of Lord Buddha were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Until now, these relics had never been taken outside India. As a result of discussions held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, the people of Sri Lanka have been granted this rare opportunity to venerate these sacred relics.
The exposition of the relics is being held for a period of seven days, from February 05 to February 11, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo. Discussions were held between both parties regarding the arrangements related to this event.
The discussion was attended by Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Culture; Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Acting High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka; Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation; along with several others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
News
INS GHARIAL makes port call in Colombo
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) GHARIAL made a port call in Colombo for operational turnarounds on 04 Feb 26. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
Commanded by Commander Gaurav Tewari, INS GHARIAL is a vessel with a length of 124.8 meters.
During this visit, ten (10) Bailey Bridges, brought by ship, through the coordination of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, will be handed over to the Disaster Management Center. These bridges will provide temporary transportation links while bridges damaged across the island by adverse weather conditions are repaired.
The crew’s itinerary features scheduled goodwill activities with the Sri Lanka Navy, alongside visits to several tourist attractions across the island.
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