News
Pujith now says he should have done more
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Former Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF), SDIG, M. R. Latheef was informed of the possibility of a terror attack, after he had received information from the SIS, both in writing and over the phone, former IGP Pujith Jayasundara, on Monday, told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.
Jayasundera said so when a Commissioner pointed out that SDIG Latheef had told the Commission that he had not been informed of a possible terrorist attack by the IGP over the phone.
“This is his opinion, but I informed him of it over the phone,” the witness said. Jayasundara added that Latheef was among the first officers he had conveyed the information about a possible terrorist attack to. Latheef had been informed because he as the STF Commandant was a capable officer with a wealth of experience, the former IGP said.
“I received the information from then SIS Director SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena on 9 April, 2019 and I forwarded it to four senior police officers on the same day. I, as the IGP, believed that they would take appropriate action,” the witness said.
Commissioners asked the witness why he had not given specific instructions to the Police officers. Jayasundara said those SDIGs had a lot of experience and expertise. Moreover, given the political climate at that time, there was nothing more he could do, the former IGP said.
However, given the turn of events, he now felt that he should have given specific instructions.
Jayasundara added that he had realised the seriousness of the information on a possible terrorist attack and conveyed it to officers under him on the same day he received it.
Officers had taken steps to inform security officers of VIPs and the Indian High Commission. Additional security officers had been detailed to protect the Indian High Commission since it had been mentioned as one of the targets of the bombers.
The Commissioners then asked the witness on why he had not informed the Senior DIG in charge of the Eastern Province of that information since Zahran Hashim, Rilwan Hashim, Army Mohideen and Milhan, whose names were mentioned in the intelligence information, were from the Eastern Province. Jayasundera said he had not done so.
“At that time it did not occur to me to inform SDIG – East of it. But now I think it would have been much better if he had been informed.”
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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