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Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera joins Navy’s Christian commemoration service ahead of 73rd anniversary

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Bishop of the Diocese of Galle lighting the traditional oil lamp. The Navy Commander looks on.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, accompanied by the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mala Lamahewa, participated in the Joint Christian Commemoration and Thanksgiving Service held at All Saints’ Church, Borella, on November 21.

Organised by the Navy Christian Council, this event was part of a series of diverse spiritual gatherings aiming to seek blessings for the upcoming 73rd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy, scheduled for December 09.. The Christian Commemoration and Thanksgiving Service were led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe, Bishop of the Diocese of Galle, along with a group of clergy.

During the ceremony, Christian religious customs were observed in blessing the Naval Ensign and Command Flags. Honours were paid to fallen naval war veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Additionally, prayers were offered for both serving and retired naval personnel, disabled members, and their families.

The event saw the presence of former Commanders of the Navy, such as Admiral Basil Goonesekara (Retd.), retired senior officers, Chief of Staff of the Navy Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, President of the Navy Christian Council and Director General Personnel Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, Director Generals of the Navy, Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force Rear Admiral Saman Perera, Area Commanders, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, executive committee members of NSVU, Vice President of the Navy Christian Council Commodore Prashantha Anthony, Navy Christian Council officers, as well as a contingent of officers and sailors from the Navy Headquarters and Western Naval Command.



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India and Sri Lanka commit to more cooperation in education and skills training

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To commemorate 60 years of capacity-building partnership between India and Sri Lanka, through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, the High Commission of India in Colombo celebrated ITEC Day 2025 on Wednesday (05).

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Arun Hemachandra, graced the occasion. The event was attended by over 200 participants, including ITEC alumni from Sri Lanka, as well as officials and professionals from diverse sectors who have benefited from various training courses in India, under different ITEC programmes.

 In his address, Arun Hemachandra lauded ITEC initiative for not only serving as a conduit for knowledge exchange but also as a bridge fostering strong bilateral ties built on historical, cultural, and economic affinities. The Minister highlighted India’s commitment to international cooperation through the ITEC programme, which focuses on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and skill development for partner countries. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for its unwavering support through the ITEC programme, which has been instrumental in empowering Sri Lanka’s professionals and enhancing public service capabilities. He also acknowledged the contributions of ITEC alumni, whose expertise strengthens bilateral relationships and enhances global collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner acknowledged the keen interest Sri Lankan officials have shown in the ITEC programme over the years. He emphasized India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s education sector, including higher education, through partnerships between academic institutions in both countries, and informed that in addition to the 402 ITEC slots currently allocated annually, 1500 Sri Lankan officers will be trained at the National Good Governance Centre (NGGC) in India. He reiterated that India, guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family), will continue to play a leading role in capacity-building initiatives for Sri Lanka.

 Senior officials reflected on their experiences with ITEC training in India, expressing deep appreciation for the programme’s comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. They highlighted the diverse range of training areas, including inclusive governance, climate change, renewable energy, digital transformation, startup ecosystems, artificial intelligence in governance, cybersecurity, quality management, quantum computing, information science, and fostering innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. These programmes have equipped participants with valuable insights and practical skills, enabling them to drive progress and contribute effectively to their respective fields.

 Launched in September 1964, ITEC is a flagship programme of the Government of India aimed at extending technical assistance and enhancing capacities in developing countries. It has become a key instrument in India’s contribution to human resource development, with over 200,000 individuals from 160 partner nations having participated in the programme. Sri Lanka currently benefits from more than 500 annual training slots under ITEC. ‘ITEC Day’ is celebrated each year by Indian diplomatic missions worldwide, underscoring this unique pillar of Global South cooperation.

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Protesters slam Attorney General’s alleged moves to drop key cases

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Protestors. Pic by Nishan S. Priyantha

By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon and A.J.A. Abeynayake

Journalists, civil activists, lawyers, and members of civil organisations staged a protest on Thursday (06) to voice concerns over alleged moves by the Attorney General to withdraw from several high-profile cases, including one pertaining to the murder of The Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.

Protesters displayed placards with slogans such as “Deliver justice for the slain Mahara prisoners,” “Justice for Lasantha,” and “Attorney General, go home,” and continued their demonstration for over an hour and a half.

During a media briefing at the protest, lawyers claimed that certain unlawful actions by the Attorney General’s Department, carried out in contravention of legal provisions, were encroaching on the rights of victims.

Among the cases highlighted were the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court inquiry into Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, the case involving the killing of 11 inmates at the Mahara Prison, and the Balapitiya High Court case regarding the murder of Mahesh Indika, alias Poddi Indika, of Embilipitiya. Protesters alleged that the Attorney General had recently withdrawn or was preparing to withdraw from these matters.

Following the protest, a group of five representatives—including lawyers, journalists, and civil organisation members—visited the Attorney General’s Department to hand over a letter detailing their concerns.

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Underworld fugitives nabbed abroad with Interpol’s aid

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By Norman Palihawadana and Hemanta Randunu

A senior police officer told The Island that several underworld figures, involved in diverse criminal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion, who had fled to Dubai, are being apprehended with Interpol’s assistance.

Thus far, seven criminals, hiding in different countries, have been taken into custody.

Meanwhile, police confirmed that the identities of notorious criminals, listed in the police database, have been forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to prevent them from leaving the country.

A large number of underworld leaders had left the country in the past decades and manage their criminal empress from the safety of foreign nations.

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