News
Prof. Peiris strongly defends re-opening of schools
Education Minister Prof. G.L Peiris yesterday (23) strongly defended the government decision to re-open schools in areas not affected by the rampaging coronavirus epidemic.
Schools in the Western Province and some areas isolated due to the epidemic remained closed.
Addressing the media at Waters Edge, Prof. Peiris emphasised that all schools couldn’t be kept shut, pending total eradication of the epidemic.
Such a strategy wouldn’t be realistic, Prof. Peiris said, pointing out that the government decided to re-open schools after having studied the situation.
Responding to a barrage of questions regarding possible risks faced by the student population, the Education Minister asked how schools could remain closed indefinitely.
“Of course, the Education Ministry took the decision in line with overall government response to the corona threat,” Prof. Peiris shot back, pointing out that the situation would be monitored closely.
The Education Minister assured that sufficient funds had been allocated to regional school authorities to provide whatever material support necessary. The minister provided a breakdown of funds made available to provinces while acknowledging the possibility shortcomings.
The minister said that a perfect system couldn’t be expected during the ongoing crisis.
Responding to another query, the minister said that in areas where schools were re-opened some remained closed in terms of the decision taken by school authorities in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Prof. Peiris said that the Education Ministry permitted school authorities to decide on the re-opening in terms of the overall approval given by the ministry. Therefore, six schools in the East, 14 in Central Province, 14 in North central, 12 in Sabaragamuwa, 48 in North Western Province and 1 in the South remained closed.
Prof. Peiris pointed out that the government conducted the Year 5 Scholarship Examination and GCE Advance Level examination though some opposed the idea. What would have happened if both examinations were cancelled to appease those who opposed everything for the sake of opposing, the minister asked
(SF)
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) MURASAME arrived at the Port of Colombo on a replenishment visit this morning (22 Mar 25).
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
JMSDF MURASAME is a 151m long Destroyer commanded by Commander HAYAKAWA Masahiro. Meanwhile, she is manned by a crew of 200.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city of Colombo and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 25 Mar 25.
It has been reported that two persons riding a motorcycle were killed in a shooting incident that took place around 11.45pm on Friday [21] night , in front of the southern entrance of the Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, on Sinhasana Road.
The unidentified gunmen, who arrived in a van, opened fire using a T-56 assault rifle and 9 mm firearms before fleeing the scene. The police have recovered 39 T-56 bullet casings, two T-56 rounds of live ammunition, a T-56 magazine, three 9 mm bullet casings, and one 9mm live ammunition.
The van suspected to have been used by the shooters was found abandoned and set on fire on a side road about 800 meters from the crime scene.
The two deceased victims have been identified as Tikira Hennedige Yomesh Nadishan and Marakkala Manage Pasidu Tharuka, both residents of Sinhasana Road, Devinuwara.
Matale Dirstrict SJB MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna yesterday tabled a list in Parliament naming 1,300 members, leaders, trade unionists, and activists of the UNP, who were allegedly assassinated by the JVP. The list was submitted during a parliamentary session as part of the government’s ongoing effort to document victims of political violence.
Along with the names of the victims, MP Wijerathna also introduced over 900 family members of the alleged victims, providing further context to the extent of the violence.
Speaking during the session, MP Wijerathna stated, “Child soldiers were recruited by the JVP even before the LTTE. ‘Kantale Bonikki,’ a 13-year-old child was used to murder a 70-year-old female UNP supporter.” She accused the JVP of using children to kill numerous UNP members during the JVP’s second insurgency.
The MP said that names not included in the current list would be submitted during the upcoming “Batalanda Debate” in April.
MP Wijerathna invited the public, via her Facebook page to submit further details on family members affected by political violence to ensure their inclusion in the extended record.
Trump revokes security clearance for Harris, Clinton and others
London Heathrow Airport restarts flights after closure causes travel chaos
JMSDF MURASAME calls Port of Colombo
-
Foreign News7 days agoSearch continues in Dominican Republic for missing student Sudiksha Konanki
-
Business1 day agoCargoserv Shipping partners Prima Ceylon & onboards Nestlé Lanka for landmark rail logistics initiative
-
Sports4 days agoSri Lanka to compete against USA, Jamaica in relay finals
-
Features6 days agoThe Royal-Thomian and its Timeless Charm
-
Features6 days ago‘Thomia’: Richard Simon’s Masterpiece
-
Business1 day agoSri Lankans Vote Dialog as the Telecommunication Brand and Service Brand of the Year
-
Features1 day agoThe Vaping Veil: Unmasking the dangers of E-Cigarettes
-
Business4 days agoAffairs of SriLankan Airlines could be turned around using local expertise – former CAA chair