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Release of Bathiudeen’s brother:

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AG finds fault with CID

‘Suspect received 7 calls from Cinnamon Grand bomber’

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Attorney General Dappula de Livera, PC, has asserted that the release of Riyaj Bathiudeen arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) on April 14, 2020 over his alleged involvement with those allegedly involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Riyaj is the younger brother of former Minister Rishard Bathiudeen, who is also under investigation in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

The AG expressed this view after meeting the DIG, CID Prasad Ranasinghe, CID Director Prasanna de Alwis, ASP Vijitha Perera and Chief Inspector Sugath Kumara at the AG’s Department, on Monday (12).

The AG called for a special meeting in the wake of allegations DIG Ranasinghe’s predecessor DIG Nuwan Wedasinghe authorised the suspect’s release under controversial circumstances.

During yesterday’s meeting, it transpired that both DIG Wedasinghe and SSP de Silva had failed in their duties as regards Riyaj Bathiudeen’s investigation.

AG’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne told The Island that the primary reason for Riyaj Bathiudeen’s arrest was his receiving seven telephone calls from Inshaf Ahamed, 36, who carried out the suicide attack on Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Ahamed owned the Wellampitiya copper factory, where explosive packed backpacks were alleged to have been made. Ahamed’s brother, Illham Ibrahim, 38, carried out attacks on Shangri-la along with Thawheed mastermind Zahran Hashim.

The AG found fault with the former DIG, CID and incumbent Director, CID for Riyaj Bathiudeen’s release on Oct 30.

The AG also noted serious lapses on the part of the CID in investigating certain aspects of the probe such as money laundering, terrorism financing, etc. Sources said that controversy surrounds a decision to hand over such an important investigation into clandestine financial transaction and related matters to an officer wholly incapable of handling it.

Out the 16 mobile phones used by Riyaj Bathiudeen, the police had been able to recover six and there was evidence to suggest that no serious been made by the CID to recover all of them, sources said.

The AG has issued written instructions to the police as regards the investigation asking for a comprehensive report within a month.

The AG called yesterday’s meeting in the wake of over 100 SLPP lawmakers requesting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to re-arrest Riyaj.



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Navy seize two Indian fishing boats poaching in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar

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The Sri Lanka Navy seized two [02] Indian fishing boats and apprehended 14 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during a special operation conducted in the sea area north of Mannar in the dark hours of 08 Feb 25.

The seized boats  together with the fourteen Indian fishermen were brought to the Iranativu Island and they were to be handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Kilinochchi for onward legal proceedings.

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Islandwide power outage

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A sudden power cut has been reported across the island.

Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said steps are being taken to restore the power supply.

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Business

President invites exporters to rise again from the economic setback

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President Anura Kumar Disanayake invited Sri Lankan exporters to rebuild and thrive on a robust economic foundation.

The President emphasized that our country faces the challenge of capturing market share from a position of relative weakness. He pointed out that, to overcome this, external support had to be sought. In this regard, he highlighted that the government is prepared to provide assistance for recovery based on the current economic stability.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake made these remarks at the 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony.

The 26th Presidential Export Awards, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was held on Friday (07) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of President Anura Kumar Disanayake.

The main objective of the awards ceremony is to recognize exporters who have made significant contributions to the economic development of Sri Lanka.

The Presidential Export Award, presented by the President, is the highest honour for Sri Lankan exporters who have made significant contributions to the export sector and economic development.

The Presidential Export Awards program, initiated by the EDB in 1981, has been held annually to recognize Sri Lanka’s top exporters. The awards ceremony for the 2023/24 financial year took place this year.

A total of 14 major awards and 51 awards in the categories of production and services were presented, with recipients gaining the opportunity to use the Presidential Export Award logo as a marketing tool for three years.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake further emphasized the critical importance of the trust placed in Sri Lanka by international economic stakeholders to stabilize the country’s economy. He noted that the global market economy is interconnected, not entirely independent.

He further pointed out that the primary challenge facing Sri Lanka is securing a substantial share of the market amidst the current global division of markets and the ongoing competition to reclaim market shares.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake noted that the global market has become an interconnected network. He emphasized that in order for the country to become a key participant in this market, it must engage in trade agreements that are beneficial to Sri Lanka. He cautioned that aggressive, reckless approaches to market penetration would not be successful, stressing the need for strategic, thoughtful engagement.

The President further stated that the government is already taking steps to provide the necessary technical support for Sri Lankan exporters to enter the market with high-quality products. He highlighted the government’s focus on supplying new goods and services in response to global changes, in line with international market trends.

Regarding the reduction of electricity bills, the President mentioned that the government is prioritizing renewable energy sources to maintain long-term stability in energy costs. He added that efforts are underway to lower costs and ensure stable pricing over the next few years.

President Disanayake also emphasized that the government is committed to playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s economy to new heights. He noted that even small or misguided decisions can have significant negative impacts on the economy, and therefore, decisions regarding the economy must be made with great caution and foresight.

In his remarks, the President assured that the government is fully committed to fulfilling exporters’ requests, which are vital to strengthening the nation’s economy and maintaining a strong economic foundation.

Finally, the President invited Sri Lankan exporters to unite in strengthening the economy, stressing the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding to navigate the challenges of economic recovery and growth effectively.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished individuals, including Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Duminda Hulangamuwa, along with various Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentarians, foreign diplomats, Secretaries to the Ministries, and members of the EDB.

[PMD]

 

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