News
Nuwara-Eliya estate in turmoil over workers demand for land
Police deployed outside threatened estate superintendent’s bungalow
Text and pic by Nalaka Ratnayaka, our Nuwara-Eliya corr.
Police, backed by the Special Task Force (STF) personnel, were deployed over the last weekend at Kandapola, Nuwara-Eliya after a group of estate workers, led by CWC lawmaker Marudapandi Rameshwaran, and Chairman of the Nuwara-Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha, T. Welu, allegedly threatened the Superintendent of Kandapola Park estate, Ajith Peiris, and his wife.
The Uda Pussallawa Plantation Company has been under pressure to release a part of the estate land for the construction of 306 housing units, under Indian-sponsored project. The company has offered uncultivated land for building 50 more houses in addition to those partially built structures, but workers demand 10 perches each.
MP Rameshwaran told The Island that the estate superintendent had disconnected the line when he tried to make inquiries about the issue. When a second call was made, someone had spoken to him, in a rude manner, the MP said, adding that he had not threatened anyone.
Welu also denied the allegation that he had issued threats. He said he had only expressed his views on the dispute.
The company said that a complaint would be lodged with the police.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
-
Foreign News5 days agoSearch continues in Dominican Republic for missing student Sudiksha Konanki
-
Sports3 days agoSri Lanka to compete against USA, Jamaica in relay finals
-
Features5 days agoThe Royal-Thomian and its Timeless Charm
-
News6 days agoDPMC unveils brand-new Bajaj three-wheeler
-
Features5 days ago‘Thomia’: Richard Simon’s Masterpiece
-
Editorial7 days agoCuriouser and curiouser!
-
Features7 days agoWomen’s struggles and men’s unions
-
Latest News6 days agoDebutant Madara, Athapaththu fashion Sri Lanka women’s first T20I win in New Zealand