Maithri’s ‘an unblemished journey’ with SLFP!

The SLFP will mark its 66th anniversary on 02 September under the theme ‘An unblemished journey’, say party sources.

The anniversary function at Campbell Park on the following day will be attended by president Maithripala Sirisena and other party seniors.


JO MPs too, invited

The president told journalists at JAIC Hilton in Colombo last night that invitations have been sent to MPs of the joint opposition too.

Responding to a question about there being talk that the SLFP’s foundation would be uprooted at the anniversary, he said with a smile that foundations could be uprooted and the banks collapsed, but those would not prevent the river from flowing.

Nimal Siripala de Silva, Duminda Dissanayake, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Mahinda Amaraweera, Sarath Amunugama, S.B. Dissanayake, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Faizer Mustafa, Chandima Weerakkody, Dilan Perera and Thilanga Sumathipala too, were in attendance.

More crowds this time than previously

This will be the third occasion the SLFP will be marking its anniversary after president Sirisena took office.

UPFA general secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said this time, there would be more crowds attending than at the previous anniversary celebrations at Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala.

He claimed that more and more people were rallying round the SLFP, which has the highest youth and women membership among all parties.

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Kapugedara to face disciplinary inquiry!

Sri Lanka Cricket is reportedly going to hold a disciplinary inquiry against Chamara Kapugedara, who captained the Sri Lanka team that lost the third one-day game against India at Pallekele.

He has allegedly concealed his back problem, and also went against a decision by the coaches and the team management to field first
after winning the toss.

It was Sri Lanka Mirror that broke the news about the second issue.

Kapugedara led the team in the absence of Upul Tharanga, who is facing a two-match ban for a slow over rate in the second game.

Meanwhile, Kapugedara is unlikely to play in the fourth ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium today (31),

In his absence, Lasith Malinga will lead the team, reports say.

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Two money laundering cases tomorrow against Namal

The Colombo high court will take up tomorrow (31) a money laundering case against Lakshman Namal Rajapaksa, eldest son of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The attorney general has filed the case under clause 241 of the criminal procedure code, accusing Namal and others of having
laundered Rs. 30 million of black money through Gower’s Corporate Services.

The other accused are Indika Prabhath Karunajeewa, Chandrasekara Pavitrika, Sujani Bogollagama, Nitya Senani Samaranayake and Batapola Arachchige Ornella Iresha Silva.

Karunajeewa and Silva are avoiding courts and are living in Melbourne, Australia.

A senior police official told Sri Lanka Mirror that information has also come to light about a sum of Rs. 312 million that was used to buy shares of the said company and to make several other investments.

Namal’s Ford Mustang

Imported on a 49,850 USD letter of credit

The Kaduwela magistrate court will hear tomorrow yet another money laundering case filed against Namal Rajapaksa for having bought a Ford Mustang (no. SP KS 2929) with undeclared money.

Imported by him on a 49,850 US dollar letter of credit, the car was later sold for Rs. eight million to a person identified as Shanthi.

It is now under the custody of the police.

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LTTE handbills distributed in Vavuniya

Security forces stationed in Vavuniya have reported that handbills penned by LTTE intelligence agencies were circulated among the people of Vavuniya last night (29).

The handbills that were titled ‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam’ contained several statements on the activities conducted by LTTE
intelligence agencies specifically targeting the behavior of women.

It has been reported that LTTE agents condemn any Tamil women interacting with Sinhalese males. It was also stated that strict action will be taken against any woman who is caught having intimate relations with a Sinhalese man.

Notably, the handbills were registered as documents drafted by the intelligence arm of the LTTE. The Police along with the Armed forces stationed in the North are currently conducting comprehensive investigations to weed out the authors of the controversial handbills.

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Cabinet approves housing allowance for Uma Oya victims

The cabinet has taken the decision to provide families whose houses have been destroyed by the Uma Oya Multi-purpose Development Project with a housing allowance of Rs. 10,000 to 25,000.

The sum will be accorded to those who have been evacuated from
their damaged houses for a maximum of 6 months, until they are resettled in safer lands.

The cabinet accordingly arrived at the aforementioned decision yesterday (29), based on the report compiled by the cabinet ad hoc committee.

The decision was announced today (30) at the weekly cabinet press briefing.

The cabinet has also approved the proposal to provide dry rations to the Uma Oya project’s victims for a further 8 months.

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I will rule until 2020 – president Sirisena

President Maithripala Sirisena says he will have to abide by the mandate given him by the public to govern the country until 2020.

He was responding to a question raised at a meeting with heads of media institutions this morning (30) to brief them about the 66th anniversary of the SLFP.

Noting claims by MPs by the UNP (which has 106 MPs) and the
SLFP (which has 96 MPs) that they would form their own government, the president said neither could command the 113 MPs required to form a government under the existing parliament, and that only consensual or coalition governments could be formed.

He said he believed the present administration would continue until 2020, and that a decision would be taken in December whether to continue with the related agreement signed in August 2015.

Both done at UNPs’ request

The president revealed that Wijedasa Rajapakshe was removed from his justice and Buddha Sasana portfolio at the request of the UNP that determined that he had violated the collective responsibility of the cabinet.

The gazetting of the two lotteries board under the previous foreign affairs minister too, was done at the UNP’s request and as per the powers vested in him under the 19th amendment, said president Sirisena.

Regrets delay in audit act

He expressed regret about the eight month delay in the presentation of the audit act in parliament, which he promised when he addressed the House in December 2015, to be in place by last January.

Activities of the audit commission are affected due to the act still not being adopted, he added.

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Corrupt persons in the legal system panicking over my statements: Ranjan

Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake today said only the corrupted law enforcement officers start panicking when one talks about corruption in the judiciary.

Mr. Ramanayake told a media briefing that lawyers who have not done any wrong should not get alarmed about his recent statement
that legal personnel are amongst the worst corrupted people in this country.

“Bar Association of Sri Lanka Chairman U R De Silva has threatened me by saying they will file legal action against me for contempt of court. I respect the judiciary, the judicial officers and the law. I clearly state that I have not made any statement which could be subjected to contempt of court. What has taken place is nothing but misunderstanding. I only referred to what Upul Jayasuriya, J C Weliamuna and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and what President Sirisena had said before. Late Prime Minister John Kotelawala said he would apply tar on the heads of corrupted monks. He said all monks should not panic about this statement. Likewise only corrupted judges and lawyers should panic about my statement. There are judges whom we could worship including the Jaffna High Court Judge. We can do the same to late Sarath Ambeypitiya,” he said.

“We saw how those who held the Chief Justice post in the past behaved. Buddha preached that when a king gets corrupted his ministers suffer the same fate so will the others including the citizens of the country. Chief Justice is the king of judges. Judges will have to obey the Chief Justice. A former Chief Justice has assured the head of state that he will deliver any judgement according to whims and fancies of the latter if his term is extended. This is a perfect example of corruption. Former Chief Justice and his wife were hovering around the President and Prime minister at the airport during the day the Pope visited Sri Lanka. They did it so that he could remain as the Chief Justice, I saw this with my own eyes,” he added.

Mr. Ramanayake said he believes that these cases filed against him will do some good to him. This he said because he represents the people. “My statements are based on what people come and tell me about lawyers”.

“People suffer as a result of shortcomings in the judiciary. There are instances where wrong verdicts are given. There are instances where sexual bribes are given. A judge had been accused of raring a servant. People talk about them. A former Chief Justice admitted that he gave a wrong judgement during his tenure. What did the BASL chief do about these judicial officers and lawyers. Aren’t we going to penalize these judicial officers? There are instances where people threw excreta at judges. Some Sri Lankan lawyers have been identified as ones who hold black money by Panama papers. I am going to be penalized when I talk about them. Wrong doers are spared,” he also said.

Mr. Ramanayake called for an institution where people could go when they are subjected to harassment from the judicial officers and lawyers. He said lawyers should not defend anyone who is charged with gang rape and this practice should be enforced in Sri Lanka as well. (Yohan Perera)


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UNP-SLFP coalition for LG polls?

A meeting is due this week between leaders of the UNP and the SLFP to discuss joining together to contest the upcoming local government bodies election, say government sources.

Their expectation is for a coalition of parties to contest under a
common symbol.

That is due to a decision by a group of the SLFP to contest separately as the joint opposition.

Meanwhile, president Maithripala Sirisena has been told by some SLFPers in the government that more representatives of their party could get elected if they contested together with the JO, rather than with the UNP.


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Arjuna Writes To President About ‘Dismal’ State Of Sri Lanka Cricket: Suggests A Commission Is Set Up To Investigate Wrongdoing

Former World Cup cricket captain and current Petroleum Resources Development Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has fired off a four-page missive to President Maithripala Sirisena, highlighting what he has termed the ‘dismal’ state of Sri Lanka cricket.

“I believe people elected me as a politician, not just because my family is linked to politics but also because of the respect and honor
I brought the sport,” the Minister said, reminding the President of his 1996 World Cup victory.

“As a cricket player, as a citizen of this country, and man who unconditionally loves the sport, I cannot remain silent when the game of cricket is being pushed to the brink,” he said, drawing attention the policies driven by ‘gamblers’ within the cricket administration.

He pointed out that the new government had come into power ‘on the promise of establishing rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and democratic ideals’ and that ethos must seep into the highly politicized cricket administration as well.

Referring to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala, the Petroleum Resources Development Minister said it was no secret that Sumathipala’s family was involved ‘book-keeping’ and other forms of gambling.

“There is a clause within the Sports Act that holds that no person linked to gambling, selling cricket equipment or with ties to the media can hold office, he said, “despite this, Sumathipala was elected as President in direct contravention of the law.”

He said three successive Sports Ministers had rejected Sumathipala’s nomination in keeping with Sports law, but the present Sport Minister and his cronies had approved Sumathipala as President, signaling the downfall of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Volunteering his ‘sincere commitment’ to the sport, the Petroleum Resources Development Minister entreated the President to change cricket’s administration body and to set up a commission or committee to look into the ailing sport.


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Sanath Jayasuriya and SLC selection committee resign

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee Sanath Jayasuriya and the other members of the committee have tendered their resignations to the Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara.

The selection committee chaired by former captain Sanath Jayasuriya and comprising of members Asanka Gurusinha, Romesh
Kaluwitharana, Eric Upashantha and Ranjith Madurasinghe tendered their resignations to the minister this afternoon.

Sri Lanka’s cricket team, the administration as well as the selection committee has come under heavy criticism in the wake of the national team’s poor run of form in all formats as of recently.

Sri Lanka suffered a home test series whitewash at the hands of India and have already conceded the five match ODI series by losing the first three games rather tamely which has caused massive unrest among the home fans.

Irate fans, angered by the Sri Lankan team’s continued poor performances, even threw water bottles into the ground as India reached within eight runs of winning the third ODI in Pallekele on Sunday.


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SPC Mace damaged over draft bill

The draft bill to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was defeated at the Southern Provincial Council today (29).

Due to a tense situation erupting  in the Southern Provincial
Council during the session today the mace was damaged, it was reported.

The situation turned violent when the Southern Provincial Council Chief Minister made a request to postpone the bill until September 12.

At that point the SPC – UNP – MP Chandana Priyantha had attempted to take the mace out of the chamber when a group of Joint Opposition MP’s had chased after him and in the resulting fist fight the mace had broken into four pieces.

Later four MPs had gathered the pieces of the mace and put it together and placed it back in the chamber.

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Best available team is fielded - Dayasiri

It is pointless to blame Sri Lanka Cricket or the selectors for the current debacle faced by the national team, says sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, noting that the best available team has been fielded.

He is referring to the water bottle and stone throwing incident at the
third one-day match against India at Pallekele.

Jayasekara criticized the spectator behaviour as disgusting and said it was an act of betrayal of the game and the country’s good name.

At a bad time for cricket in Sri Lanka like this, spectators should behave patiently and intelligently, without demoralizing the players further by such attacks, he said.

This is not the first time Sri Lanka suffered continuous defeats, and even South Africa and West Indies had experienced similar times, he said.

Many of our seniors are injured, and the current members have failed to perform well, he noted.

Jayasekara said talks would be held with the seniors on how to come out of this debacle and that views of the spectators too, would be welcome.

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Third match lost over Kapuge’s mistake!

In the third ODI played against India at the Pallekale grounds, although it was planned to put India to bat first in the event Sri Lanka wins the toss, but Captain Chamara Kapugedara had changed the decision, according to internal sources.

Having inspected the pitch the trainers and Sri Lanka Cricket
Selection Committee members had determined that it would be advantageous to put India to bat if Sri Lanka wins the toss.

Three fast bowlers were also included in the team based on this decision.

However, Kapugedara had contradicted the decision taken and instead, decided to bat first. Although an inquiry was suggested by the Cricket Board, it was later decided to let the matter go as it would only further demoralize the team.

In his defense, Chamara had told the officials that having won the toss, he had got confused and had made the wrong decision.

However, according to internal sources, head of the Selection Committee Sanath Jayasuriya had severely reprimanded Kapugedara over this incident.

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Thusitha Halloluwa demands Rs. 500 m compensation from Weerawansa!

Finance and media minister Mangala Samaraweera’s chief of staff Thusitha Halloluwa has sent a letter of demand to NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa, accusing him of having harmed his reputation and demanding Rs. 500 million as compensation.

Halloluwa has informed Weerawansa through his lawyer that he
would file court action within two weeks to claim the damages.

Wimal’s claims

Weerawansa has told parliament, and later claimed at a media briefing that Halloluwa had been detained by the Malaysian police for three days for having entered that country with a fake passport and without visa.

The NFF leader has gone onto say that Halloluwa had been released with the intervention of the topmost authority and by using diplomatic immunity.

None of the mainstream media reported his claim, and only the websites with links to him gave it publicity.

The truth

Sri Lanka Mirror investigated the matter and found that there was no truth whatsoever to Weerawansa’s claim.

Halloluwa had gone to Myanmar after obtaining visa and while on the way back home, visited Malaysia to meet with a friend, a Malaysian doctor.

He got to know only at the airport there that Malaysia has recently canceled the visa exemption for foreigners with official level passports.

Malaysian immigration and emigration officials checked Halloluwa’s passport and finding that it contained visa stamps of the US, Japan and several other countries, issued him with a special permit to stay in the country.

Sri Lankan high commissioner there A.J.M. Muzammil has officially informed the foreign affairs ministry that it was a falsehood that Halloluwa had been arrested in Malaysia.

The documents

To prove that Weerawansa’s claims are wrong, given below are copies of Halloluwa’s passport, visa stamp for Myanmar and the special permit to stay in Malaysia:

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Chemistry tuition master remanded

The tuition master, who was wanted in connection with the alleged distribution of leaflets containing questions from the Advanced Level chemistry paper, has been remanded till August 30.

The tuition master, Jinendra Ranasinghe who was wanted in
connection with this incident and was absconding arrest, surrendered to Court through his lawyer Suranga Jayawardena yesterday (28).

The case was called through a motion and Gampaha Chief Magistrate D.A. Ruwanpathirana ordered the suspect be remanded until August 30.

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4 ex-LTTE among workers building Fonseka’s house

It has been found that four ex-LTTE members were among the workers who are building a house for regional development minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka.

Located at Heen Ela in Narahenpita, the plot of land where the house is being built was gifted to him by the government following
the war victory.

The media has reported that STF protection has been given to the house.

Previously, Narahenpita police arrested four Tamil youths for allegedly having photographed Fonseka house.

They were later found to be residents of Lindula, working at a hotel at Nawala.

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Hakeem’s Visal Dambulla project no more than leaky plumbing?

Residents of the area are facing severe inconvenience due to the water leakage of the main pipelines of the Visal Dambulla water supply project.

Even last 27th there were leakages in several areas and water was being wasted, while due to a severe water seepage at the Jalasha junction on the main Kurunegala, Dambulla main road, water fountain of around 30 feet was reported obstructing movement on the main road for around an hour.

Several vehicles were also damaged as large stones were being propelled into the air due to the massive water fountain created by the leakage.

While the Visal Dambulla water project was ceremonially commissioned in April by the City Planning and Water Supply Minister Rauf Hakeem, to date residents have not received a single drop of water under this Dambulla water scheme, the residents said.

They allege that renovations are being carried out on a daily basis, costing colossal amounts of public money and water being wasted.

Although Sri Lanka Mirror attempted to contact the main Engineer of this project Saman Piyaratne on several occasions, our attempts failed.

This project was initiated to provide drinking water to the residents of Dambulla, Matale and Anuradhapura districts.

The area covered by this project is 1,600 sq. km. of 5 Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

It was earlier revealed that this project would benefit 174,000 residents while the daily water supply through this project would be around 30,000 cubic metres.

The purpose of this project was to distribute water from seven water purification plants, through two water towers, pumped along 72 km of transmission pipelines and distributed along 220 km of pipelines.

The project cost was Rs. 10,000 million ($ 77.8 million).

The investment for this project is borne by the Sri Lankan Government, Indian Exim Bank and People’s Bank.

The water purification capacity of this project is 30,000 cubic metres in the first stage while the water is obtained from the Ibbankatuwa reservoir.

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Sri Lanka V India: Tourists Win ODI Series After Crowd Trouble In Pallekele

Opener Rohit Sharma scored a century as India clinched a one-day international series win in Sri Lanka which was marred by crowd trouble in Pallekele. Jasprit Bumrah's maiden five-wicket haul helped India restrict the injury-hit hosts to 217-9 from their 50 overs.
With India needing eight runs from six overs, fans threw bottles onto the field, halting the game for 35 minutes.

But Rohit's unbeaten 124 ensured a six-wicket win and an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Sharma and wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, who hit an unbeaten 67, shared an unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 157 as India - who won the Test series 3-0 - chased down Sri Lanka's modest total.

Earlier, Lahiru Thirimanne (80) was the only Sri Lankan to pass 40, while they lost four wickets for only 18 runs towards the end of their innings. With Danushka Gunathilaka, Asela Gunaratne and Nuwan Pradeep already on the injured list, Test captain Dinesh Chandimal will miss the rest of the series after fracturing a thumb during his innings of 36. The series now returns to Colombo for the last two ODIs (31 August and 3 September) and a Twenty20 international (6 September).

Scorecard
Third one-day international, Pallekele:
Sri Lanka 217-9 (50 overs): Thirimanne 80, Chandimal 36; Bumrah 5-27
India: 218-4 (45.1 overs): Rohit 124*, Dhoni 67*
India won by six wickets

-BBC

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Three Rajapaksa cronies to FCID this week!

Two MPs of the joint opposition and former MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardena have been summoned to appear before the FCID this week for questioning in connection with instances of major fraud and corruption that had taken place during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime.

Gunawardena, former CEO of Mihin Lanka, should be at the FCID
at 9.30 am today (28).

He will be questioned over a car bearing no. KE 8347 in a Rs. 33,656,226 loss caused by selling two buses owned by the airline to a third party through the LOLC.

A court case is yet to be filed about this matter.

PABC account

MP Bulathwalage Prasanna Ranaweera should report to the FCID at 9.30 am tomorrow in connection with an account maintained at Pan Asia Bank.

The Kiribathgoda magistrate’s court is hearing a case (M/U B 516/16) in this connection.

Assets and liabilities

Meanwhile, MP S.M. Chandrasena has to be at the FCID on August 31 to be questioned over his assets and liabilities, over which a case (M/U B 707/16) is pending before the Anuradhapura magistrate’s court.

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FCID sends match-fixing report to AG

An investigation report by the FCID into match fixing accusations in cricket has sent to the Attorney General’s Department.

A senior official for the FCID said they would be unable to take further step until the Dept. advises action against the accused.

There have been disputes over match-fixing among seniors like
Arjuna Ranatunga and Kumar Sangakkara.

The FCID investigations have reached a decisive juncture, with several persons to be questioned, the official said.

Among them is a key member of the 1996 world cup winning team.

Furthermore, information will be obtained from Arjuna Ranatunga, Kumar Sangakkara, Aravinda de Silva and other seniors.

Attention has also been drawn to two leading businessmen involved in cricket betting too.

When contacted, an official for Sri Lanka Cricket said they could not give any precise details in this regard.

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21 districts affected by drought

The drought prevailing in 21 districts are affecting 1,809,895 persons belonging to 522,874 families, according to the Disaster Management Centre.

The worst affected are 256,542 persons belonging to 78,016 families in Kurunegala district.

The Centre also says 218,016 persons belonging to 68,786 families
and 91,522 persons belonging to 27,195 families in Puttalam and Polonnaruwa too, are affected.

Drinking water and dry rations are being provided to these families, said spokesman for the Centre Pradeep Kodippili, adding that Rs. 1.8 billion has been given to district secretaries for the purpose.

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Ravi gets special powers, office at Temple Trees!

Former minister Ravi Karunanayake has been given office room no. 105 at Temple Trees to coordinate UNP activities in Colombo district, according to lankatruth.com website.

He has also been given powers similar to a cabinet minister, with the prime minister empowering him to use letterheads with the logo
of the state to issue instructions to ministers and MPs, it says.

According to the website, Karunanayake is in charge of the rural infrastructure facilities development programme 2017 that is to be implemented by the National Policies and Economic Affairs Ministry next month.

It goes onto say that these are revealed in a letter he has sent on 22 August 2017, and that he is spending state money on a political project.

The letter, copied to the PM and general secretary and chairman of the UNP, accompanies a form to be filled by UNP ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers, MPs and electoral organizers, who will receive Rs. 20 million per electoral division.

Two telephone numbers mentioned in the letter are located at room 105 at Temple Trees.

The letter also gives instructions that a name-board detailing each of the projects costing no more than Rs. 6,000 be included in the project estimate.

Karunanayake resigned from the foreign minister portfolio pursuant to revelations at the bond commission that he received gratifications from Perpetual Treasuries that is implicated in the Central Bank bond issue.

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Malinga to sit out, Malinda to debut?

Lasith Malinga is likely to sit out the third one-day international against India at Pallekele today (27) as he has failed to perform up to expectations.

Returning to the team following injury, he has captured only eight
wickets in 10 games.

He went wicket-less in the first two ODIs against India, while giving away 101 runs.

In the event Malinga does not make it to the team, paceman Malinda Pushpakumara is tipped to make his one-day debut today.

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SLFP wants president to take a decision

The SLFP has sent its final set of proposals with regard to the new constitution to president Maithripala Sirisena.

The party committee on constitutional formulation has not mentioned anything precise on the executive presidency.

Instead, it has said that it would be up to the president to take a
decision on that account.

The proposals contain the SLFP’s views with regard the electoral system, devolution of powers etc, say party sources.

All parties are required to handover their proposals to the constitutional steering committee by August 31, after with the final constitutional draft will be formulated, committee chairman, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said.

The UNP is yet to handover its proposals.

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Naval personnel involved in gold racket in Northern seas?

On October 01, 2014, three years ago, the Sri Lanka Navy had apprehended two persons smuggling 45 Kg of gold to India in the Northern seas, while the seized gold had been handed over to the customs on the instructions of the Northern Naval Commander.

The gold was confiscated through a roundup carried out by the
naval vessel ‘Ranadheera’ and handed over to the customs, but the reward that was scheduled to be given to the naval and customs officers involved in this operation has still not been given to them. The reason being the shortfalls in the report issued by the navy in this regard.

The navy has also pointed out that certain incidents with regard to this incident is a clear indication that certain members of the navy could be involved in this racket.

However, for some unknown reason all details regarding this racket is being kept secret.

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Money issues foils rugby youth Olympic dreams!

Sri Lanka has lost the opportunity to participate in the selections for the seven a side rugby tournament for next years (2018) Youth Olympics, it is reported.

The reason being the shortage of finances to participate in the selections.

According to sources in the field, the reason is the rug-of-war
between the Sri Lanka Rugby Federation and the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Association.

Secretary reveals views

Secretary, Sri Lanka Rugby, Nasim Mohomed told media that his association lacks the funds for this tour.

He further said, “We cannot continue to fund youth rugby and that is something that the schools rugby association should do. Last year we spent Rs. 25 million for school rugby and in addition we gave the School Rugby Association Rs. 5 million. To date we have not received this money back. We have also sent a letter of demand for this money. It is the responsibility of the School Rugby Association to develop junior rugby. We have the responsibility to develop senior rugby.”

“Now what we are forced to do is to spend for junior rugby and we can’t continue to do this. There is so much that needs to be done for senior rugby such as development of sports clubs and development of women’s rugby and many more.

“The School Rugby Association should know to allocate funds for junior rugby. If they had done that these issues will not arise. As the junior rugby is what provides the resources for the senior rugby, they should know to develop junior rugby accordingly. But they are not interested in developing the sport neither are they interested in the tournaments. They have no proper plan for  the development of junior rugby either. Last year they facilitated a tour of Dubai for the under 18 schools female ruggerites, but this year they have failed to organise it. These are things that the schools associations should do,” he added.

Selection for touring team, 38 chosen!

The selections are scheduled to take place on September 09 and 10 in Chinese Taipei.

It is said that 38 players had been chosen for the under 17 squad while the final selections are expected to take place under the leadership of National Rugby Selection Committee head, Michael Jayasekara.

Youth Olympics in Argentina

According to a Schools Rugby Spokesman, according to an invitation received through the Rugby Association, the initial preparations are being done by them.

However, he said although the National Rugby Association was expected to facilitate the team to participate in this tournament, due to financial crisis, the National Rugby Association had taken measures to cancel the tour.

Meanwhile six teams each of junior males and female are expected to participate in the seven a side junior rugby tournament at the Youth Olympics to be held in October 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Together with the host Argentinian team, each team will be selected from the selections rounds held in  South America, North America, Europe, Africa and the Asian continent.

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Judge hearing the ‘Sil’ cloth case changed!

The High Court Judge Gihan Gunatillake who was presiding over the case regarding the ‘sil’ cloth incident where Rs. 6 million from the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Fund was utilised for the propaganda project of Mahinda Rajapaksa during the
previous Presidential election, has been transferred to another Court.

Recently, a group of lawyers had requested Chief Justice Priyasad Depp to transfer Judge Gihan to another Court.

The case pertaining to the Sil cloth incident against the former President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Director General of the TRC Anusha Pelpita  was heard before Judge Gihan.

The final verdict of the case is due shortly.

However, when Sri Lanka Mirror inquired from the President of the Sri Lanka Lawyers’’ Association U.R. de Silva, he said information cannot be revealed yet.

He said he would be able to comment on this issue after August 30.

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PC elections can be held within the calendar year – Deshapriya

The elections commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya stated that, the provincial council elections can be held within the calendar year, if the speaker of parliament signs the proposed amended Local Government elections Bill before September 15.

Providing his views at a special discussion held with Ada Derana
reporters, the commissioner stated that a bill will only become a legally binding document only after the signature of the speaker is placed.

It was also stated that the elections commissioner will require a mandatory 75-100 days once the bill has been handed over to him to formulate means for an election. He however stated that should all proceedings be completed by September 15, the elections may be held before the GCE Ordinary Level examination this year.

Mahinda Deshapriya also mentioned that should proceedings get delayed; the elections will have to be postponed to January 2018.


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Legalising abortion: Catholic Church objects

While the Cabinet and medical Specialists have approved abortion under special circumstances the Sri Lanka Catholic Church has vehemently opposed this decision.

Cabinet approval was granted for the proposal where the right should be given for an abortion with the consent of the mother in
instances where a woman has been impregnated due to rape or the child is identified to be suffering from a fatal defect.

The consent of two specialist gynaecologists should be obtained prior to the abortion in such circumstances said Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, Consultant Community Physician and the National Programme Manager for Maternal and Child Morbidity and Mortality Surveillance at Family Health Bureau.

“It is really a right, but those who are unwilling can opt not to do so,” he said.

Only at a government hospital:

This procedure can only be performed at a government hospital.

The panel of specialists had made this proposal taking into consideration the mental trauma a woman has to undergo when she has been raped and the suffering of parents in the event the child suffers from severe disabilities, said Dr. Jayaratne.

The proposal prepared by the Attorney General’s Department having received Cabinet approval will be presented to parliament shortly.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference statement

However, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference vehemently condemned the legalisation of abortion in Sri Lanka under any circumstance.

“The Catholic Church believes that life begins from the moment a mother conceives. This is sacred and no one has the right to destroy it even at the time of conceiving,” the statement noted.

Pope Francis last year, relaxed the rigid  policy on abortions so far maintained by the Vatican.

“One cannot violate the rights of another to safeguard the rights of another,” the statement further adds.

However, Pope Francis relaxing the rigid policies maintained by the Vatican so far, granted permission for priests the right to pardon a women who has had an abortion.

According to a survey conducted by the Kelaniya University last year, around 650 illegal abortions are performed in Sri Lanka daily.

While religious leaders and human rights activists have maintained opposing views with regard to abortions, conservative state leaders too have opposed abortion.

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PM to visit Sri Mookambika Temple in Karnataka

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would be visiting the Sri Mookambika Temple at Kollur in Udupi, Karnataka on Saturday, the Hindu reported on Friday.


Quoting the Information Department, it said Mr. Wickremesinghe
would arrive by helicopter from Bengaluru at Areshiroor near Kollur at around 11 a.m. He will then go to the Mookambika Temple guesthouse.


He will be given the traditional “purna kumbha” welcome at the entrance of the temple.


He will then participate in the “mangalarti” ritual at the temple. Later, he will participate in a “chandika homa” and offer the “purnahuti” at the “homa kunda” at around noon.


After lunch, he will leave by helicopter to Bengaluru at 1.30 p.m.


The Prime Minister’s wife, Maithree Wickremesinghe, and Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, V. Krishnamoorthy, would also accompany them.


Police said that there would be changes in the timings of darshan for people at the temple on Saturday.

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Rajitha should be protected - Ravi

The no-confidence motion by the joint opposition against minister Rajitha Senaratne should be defeated with a two-third majority and the confidence in him should be established, said MP Ravi Karunanayake.

Karunanayake was speaking to the media at the Government
Information Department yesterday (25) together with a group of UNP backbenchers, ‘Lankadeepa’ reports.

Karunanayake asked if a no-confidence motion was moved against the health minister for having reduced the prices of medicines by 85 to 90 per cent, or for having rendered many other services to the country.

The JO also says it will be brought to oppose the privatization of higher education, he said.

The no-confidence motion has been planned by MPs Dinesh Gunawardena and Udaya Gammanpila, persons who have faked signatures in sworn affidavits, Karunanayake pointed out.

These are being done at a time when the country needs to go forward after 11 years of ruin and theft.

Senaratne is a person who was in the forefront to form this government and is outspoken too, he said.

Some in the JO are involved in this conspiracy, which will be rejected and defeated with a two-third majority, Karunanayake added.

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Tharanga gets 2-match ban

Sri Lanka have called up Test captain Dinesh Chandimal and top-order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne to the ODI squad after skipper Upul Tharanga received a two-match ban from the ICC for a slow over rate offence during the second match of the ongoing series against India on Thursday (August 24) at Pallekele.

Sri Lanka were found three overs short by Match Referee Andy
Pycroft after India completed a sensational come-from-behind win after being 131 for 7 in the chase of 231. Tharanga has previously served a similar two-match suspension during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 after Sri Lanka were found guilty of slow over rate during their tournament opener against South Africa.

Cricbuzz understands Sri Lanka also will miss the services of opener Danushka Gunathilaka after he hurt his shoulder while fielding. He is unlikely to be available for the next two games. Thirimanne is expected to open batting while Chandimal will take up the No. 4 position.

Sri Lanka's selectors were meeting in Kandy to name the interim captain in the absence of Tharanga.

Sources said that middle-order batsman Chamara Kapugedera has emerged as the leading candidate despite his mediocre record, although Chandimal and Thirimanne have been groomed as captains since long.

Sri Lanka trail the five-match series 0-2.

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SLFP finds Sanath Nishantha guilty

The SLFP has found its Puttalam district MP Sanath Nishantha guilty in a disciplinary inquiry.

He was accused of having criticized the party leadership and of having promoted another party.

The disciplinary committee headed by lawyer Champani
Padmasekara has handed over its report to party general secretary Duminda Dissanayake.

The SLFP executive committee will take a final decision at its next meeting regarding Nishantha.

According to the 19th amendment to the constitution, a MP cannot remain in his seat if he is removed from his party.


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Thalatha, Gamini sworn in

The Minister of Foreign Employment Thalatha Athukorala and Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Gamini Jayawickrama were sworn in as the Minister of Justice and Minister of Buddha Sasana respectively before the President a short while ago.

The two ministers were appointed tp replace the ministerial
portfolios vacated by the removal of the former Minister of Justice and Budda Sasana, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

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President to take over AG’s Dept.!

A gazette is to be issued to bring the Attorney General’s Department under the purview of the president, government sources say.

During the previous regime, Mahinda Rajapaksa had the Dept. under him, but after the present government took office, it was
handed over to the justice minister.

That was due to accusations by civil society organizations that the institution had been made completely politicized through the presidential secretariat.

However, the UNP leadership has strongly criticized the Dept’s officials over their conduct at the presidential commission that inquires into the Central Bank bond issue.

Wijedasa Rajapakshe has said that he had been removed from his portfolio in order to save certain UNP leaders from corruption accusations relating to the matter.

Meanwhile, an organization called ‘Heta Delakshaye Kotaskaruwo’ says in a statement the president should have the justice ministry under him until the bond commission completes its deliberations.

‘I don’t like criticism against AG’s Dept.’

Meanwhile, president Maithripala Sirisena told journalists at President’s House yesterday that he did not see anything wrong in the functions of the AG’s Dept.

The Dept. should be allowed to carry out its duties in freedom, he said, adding that he would not like it if anyone criticized the Dept.

Will be fully independent in the future too

The bond commission and the AG’s Dept. will continue their duties independently and freely in the future too, he said, without allowing the public faith in them to suffer.

The opposition has charged that with the removal of Rajapakshe as the justice minister, the independence of the Dept. and independent commission would be harmed.

The president said the next course of action with regard to the bond commission would be taken through the AG once the commission submitted its recommendations.

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Wickrema Weerasooria disobeys minister’s order, opens tender!

Wickrema Weerasooria, a director of the Development Lottery Board, has disregarded an order by finance minister Mangala Samaraweera and opened a tender for the printing of lottery tickets on August 22.

After a gazette notification was issued announcing the return of the
DLB as well as the National Lotteries Board to the finance ministry, the subject minister informed their directors to resign, and to halt all tender activities.

However, Weerasooria has remarked that he was not bound to obey the minister’s order and opened the tender, the DLB’s director general has informed the ministry secretary.

Samaraweera has instructed the secretary to immediately investigate the matter, and also to cancel the tender.

Meanwhile, reports say the president and the prime minister have taken steps to appoint news chairmen and directors to both the DLB and the NLB.

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SLFP initiates disciplinary action against six JO members

During a discussion held between President Maithripala Sirisena and SLFP ministers on August 22, it was decided to hand over a proposal to the SLFP Central Committee seeking disciplinary action against six Joint Opposition MPs.

Prasanna Ranatunge, Ranjith Soysa, Pavithra Wanniarachchi,
Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Kumara Welgama and Dilum Amunugama are the MPs facing the possibility of disciplinary action being taken against them.

Several of the SLFP Ministers within the government had on numerous occasions urged the President to take disciplinary action against these JO members who have continued to criticize the party and its leader President Sirisena during press briefings.

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‘Luck has abandoned us’ - Tharanga

Spectators gave tremendous support in Dambulla although the first match was lost, says one-day skipper Upul Tharanga.

Speaking to the media yesterday (23) at Pallekele ahead of the second game, he said he expected the same level of spectator support at the remaining games too.

The team always wanted to win matches, he said.

Commenting on Sri Lanka’s having to depend on the outcome of the series against India for
qualification for the 2019 World Cup, Tharanga said that they took each game on its merit without planning for the entire future.

But, all the players know that they have to win at least two matches to qualify, he said.

However, things are not working for the team, and luck too, has abandoned us, said the skipper.

He noted that Lasith Malinga was back in the team after around 20 months and that his performance has declined.

However, his presence is important for the young pacemen in the team, said Tharanga.

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Sagala Ratnayake too, should be removed – Chatura Senaratne

After Wijedasa Rajapakshe, there is another minister who should be removed from his position, said MP Chatura Senaratne.

Participating in Neth FM’s ‘Unlimited’ programme last night (23), Senaratne said that long before Ravi Karunanayake was removed, he had maintained that both Rajapakshe and Sagala Ratnayake
should be removed from their portfolios.

He said that in his struggle against corruption, anyone who struck deals with thieves would be strictly dealt with.

Chatura Senaratne is the son of health minister Rajitha Senaratne was in the forefront of the campaign for Rajapakshe’s removal.

The MP said he had gathered much information about ministers like Ratnayake who disrupt the government’s programme, and the leaders briefed about them.

If those leaders do not take action, the president will mediate, according to him.

‘Unlimited’ programme is here:


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