News

SJB: Why has CID baulked at probing Litro Gas?

Published

3 years ago

2022/01/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

… even after revelation of change in LPG composition

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) says that even after the top Litro management has been caught lying as regards the main cause of the LPG gas-related explosions, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has not conducted a probe.

Top SJB spokesperson Mujibur Rahman yesterday (6) alleged that the CID hadn’t at least recorded the statements of the top Litro management as regards a complaint he lodged with the CID on 03 Dec., with regard to gas-related incidents.

He said so at a media briefing at the Opposition Leader’s Office after having met a senior law enforcement officer attached to the CID. The former UNPer said that on behalf of the SJB he sought a clarification from the CID as to why no action had been taken against the top Litro management.

“Actually, we believed the report submitted by an expert committee appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would prompt a swift response from the government. Instead, that report has been shelved. Otherwise, how can one explain the CID’s failure at least to record the statements from senior Litro management,” the MP asked.

He said that Litro Chairman and CEO Theshara Jayasinghe had on 20 Dec., declared at a media briefing arranged by the President’s Media Division (PMD) that the Propane and Bhutane composition hadn’t been changed whereas on the following day the President’s committee asserted the primary reason for countrywide blasts was nothing but the change of the gas content formula.

Chaired by Prof Shantha Walpolage of the University of Moratuwa, the committee comprised Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Deshabandu Tennakoon, Prof Ajith de Alwis of the University of Moratuwa, Prof W.D.W. Jayathilaka of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof Pradeep Jayaweera, Prof Narayan Sirimuthu, Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, Dr Sudarshana Somasiri, Additional Director General of Technical Services and Sujeewa Mahagama, Senior Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Standards institute.

MP Rahman asked whether the government higher-ups had directed the CID not to inquire into the conduct of Litro management. Responding to another query, the MP said that the CID never bothered to record his statement though he lodged a complaint over a month ago.

The MP pointed out that the gas-related blasts erupted a couple of months back after the change of the top Litro management. The government brought in Viyathmaga activist Theshara Jayasinghe in place of Anil Koswatte. Recalling how Jayasinghe lambasted his predecessor at a hastily arranged media briefing at the Litro main office, MP Rahman asked whether the Treasury initiated a probe as requested by disgraced Koswatte.

MP Rahman emphasized the responsibility on the part of Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (retd.)Sarath Weerasekera to inquire into the CID’s conduct. The CID couldn’t ignore the fact that attorney-at-law Nagananda Kodituwakku has successfully moved the Court of Appeal against the two gas suppliers, Litro and Laugfs. In addition to the court action, several other organizations have lodged complaints in this regard with the CID though the country’s premier investigation unit remained inactive.

The SJB official said that it would be raised in Parliament later this month. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the advice of the SLPP prorogued the Parliament at the conclusion of the budget debate as the government was under tremendous pressure over a spate of issues. The MP pointed out that though the CID launched a high profile inquiry into allegations in respect of liquid fertilizer imports from India following explosive revelations in Parliament about Secretary to the President Dr. P. B. Jayasundera’s intervention in that mater, no one knew the outcome. The police even recorded a statement from Mahinda Illeperuma, the editor of ‘Aruna.’ There was another inquiry about an aide to the Public Security Minister and another aide of Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda hunting for LTTE gold, MP Rahman said.

The government and the police owe an explanation, the MP said, adding that similarly the public would like to know what the government did with a retired judge’s report on State Minister Lohan Ratwatte’s raids on Welikada and Anuradhapura prisons. MP Rahman asked whether the CID at least recorded the Sate Minister’s statement in spite of a directive given by Minister Weerasekera to inquire into the incidents. However, that case had now ended up in the Supreme Court, the MP said.

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News

“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital

Published

15 mins ago

2025/05/14

Priyan

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.

News

Battle for control of CMC rages; SJB draws fire for alleged bid to appoint defeated candidates

Published

3 hours ago

2025/05/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Flaws in law blamed for chaos

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is in turmoil over naming of members to the Colombo Municipal (CMC) where it won 29 slots – 14 elected and 15 on the list at the recently concluded Local Government elections.

Political sources said that resistance was growing within the party over moves to accommodate defeated candidates as well as those listed at the expense of successful candidates. Among the defeated is SJB’s mayoral candidate Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa.

Sources said that in terms of the Local Government Election Act there was no restriction in the number of defeated candidates that could be accommodated at the expense of those who were elected. As 25% of the members of a particular council has to be women, more successful members had to be dropped, sources said, pointing out that none of the female candidates were among the 14 SJBers elected at ward level.

The National People’s Party (NPP) won the CMC by securing 48 seats, including six from the list. Political sources said that in spite of both NPP and SJB declaring that they could a secure majority in the 117-member CMC. NPP polled 81,814 votes (48 seats), SJB polled 58,375 votes (29 seats), UNP polled 26,297 votes (13 seats), SLPP polled 9,341 votes (05 seats), SLMC polled 8,630 votes (04 seats) Independent Group 03 polled 5,934 votes (03 seats), Independent Group 05 polled 4,659 votes (02 seats)

United Peace Alliance polled 4,473 votes (02 seats), Sarvajana Balaya polled 3,911 votes (02 seats), Independent Group polled 3,640 votes (02 seats), People’s Alliance polled 2,754 votes (01 seat), National Freedom Front polled 2,398 votes (01 seat), United Republican Front polled 2,157 votes (01 seat), Independent Group 01 polled 1,909 votes (01 seat), Independent Group 02 polled 1,791 votes (01 seat), Democratic National Alliance polled 1,370 votes (01 seat) and National People’s Party polled 950 votes (01 seat).

Political sources said that the Local Government Election Act had caused much turmoil with many of those who had been elected by the people deprived of an opportunity to serve their respective local government body. Sources alleged that the system in place at Local Government was far worse than appointing defeated candidates to Parliament through the National List. In terms of the Parliamentary Election Act, an elected member could be replaced only by the candidate who polled the next highest number of votes at the election from the same district, sources said, pointing out Local Government winners at ward level were axed to accommodate both defeated as well as those on respective lists of political parties.

Sources said that once the appointment of all CMC members was finalised the number of elected people axed by political parties could be known. Sources said that perhaps political parties and election monitoring groups should inquire into the shortcomings in the Local Government Election Act.

by Shamindra Ferdinando

News

Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025 celebrated

Published

3 hours ago

2025/05/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Severine Chappaz, head of the ICRC delegation in Sri Lanka lighting the traditional oil lamp at the commencement of the main event.

Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) recently organised commemorative events across Sri Lanka, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), volunteers and local communities World Red Cross Red and Crescent Day

At the national level, the SLRCS in Colombo hosted a special ceremony to appreciate outstanding volunteers from each of the 25 district-level branches, honouring their commitment to humanitarianism. The event celebrated their courage, selflessness and unwavering service especially during disasters and emergencies, reflecting the true spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its founding principle, Humanity. Concurrently, all 25 branches of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society commemorated the day by engaging youth across the country through Red Cross Junior Circles in schools, organising essay and art competitions that encouraged creative expression on humanitarian themes and inspired their active participation in humanitarian service.

Around the world, the World Red Cross Red and Crescent Day is commemorated annually, on May 8, uniting millions in honouring the birth and legacy of Henry Dunant, the visionary humanitarian and the founder of the Red Cross Movement. This year’s theme, ‘On the Side of Humanity’, is closely linked to Humanity, the overarching principle that motivates the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

K. Balakrishnan, President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and pride in the organisation’s volunteers said: “Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers whose commitment and tireless efforts make them the first responders, stepping forward when others hesitate. Their selfless dedication exemplifies the true spirit of humanitarian service.”

Dr. Mahesh Gunasekara, Director General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, added:

“The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) proudly stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, offering unwavering support in times of disaster, conflict, crisis, and other emergencies. As the global community marks International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, SLRCS reflects on a year of steadfast humanitarian efforts across the country.