News
Public disillusionment grows over NPP government, says Chandima Weerakkody
Former MP Chandima Weerakkody, speaking at a press briefing at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) headquarters on Wednesday, claimed that public expectations of President Anura Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP) government have now faded.
He stated that many who had placed their hopes in President Dissanayake and the NPP for change were now feeling disillusioned.
“What has happened to many groups today is similar to moths drawn to light. All the country’s teachers united to elect Anura Dissanayake as President. Advanced Level teachers urged students to vote for him, believing he would bring about change. Teachers even visited students’ homes to convince parents to support the NPP,” he said.
During the election campaign, the NPP had promised executive-level salaries for teachers. While salary revisions have been made, the increment is negligible, he said.
“Doctors played a key role in enabling the NPP’s victory. However, allowances previously granted for extra services and leave have now been cut, leaving doctors frustrated. Nurses, who campaigned for Anura Dissanayake in uniform, are now facing cuts to their additional allowances.
“Similarly, graduates without employment were assured that immediate steps would be taken to provide them with jobs. However, when unemployed graduates took to the streets demanding employment, the government deployed the police to suppress them. These very graduates who played a crucial role in electing Anura Dissanayake are now being treated inhumanely. Their hopes have been shattered,” he said.
Weerakkody further criticised the government for focusing on issues that do not address pressing national concerns. He stated that instead of conducting a census to assess the number of people living in poverty or carrying out the necessary survey to address unemployment, the government is prioritising the counting of monkeys and langurs.
“This raises serious concerns about the direction in which the country is heading.”
An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.
Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.
Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.
Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.
Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)
News
Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism
In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.
The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.
Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.
Kalutara is the worst affected district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of approximately 200 houses partially damaged so far, about 90% are in the Kalutara district.
DMC said that 22 houses had been damaged in the Ratnapura District, 14 in the Galle District, 4 in the Moneragala District, 25 in the Batticaloa District, 5 in the Colombo District, 4 in the Jaffna District, 25 in the Gampaha District, 2 in the Hambantota District, 2 in the Anuradhapura District, 5 in the Mannar District, and 2 in the Trincomalee District..
One house was destroyed in the Ratnapura District.
The DMC further stated that 1,582 families had been affected by the inclement weather.
The affected families are in 66 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.
Accordingly, a total of 5,267 individuals from 1,582 families have been impacted by adverse weather, according to the statement issued by the Centre.
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Opp. alleges CIABOC tool in govt.’s hands
Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism
Inclement weather: Kalutara District worst affected
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