News Radio

Sexually abused 5 year old boy dies in hospital

Ishfaaq Imtiyas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:27:52 +0000

A 5 year old who had been sexually abused and was later the victim of a wasp attack has died subsequent to being admitted to hospital. The boy was unconscious when a woman admitted him to hospital. Doctors have concluded that the boy was severely abused. Nails had been inserted into the boy’s legs and doctors say several burn wounds were also visible on the victim. Police have commenced operations to arrest the father who is suspected of having abused the child while under legal custody.

Government says it has ensured the people’s right to protest

Ishfaaq Imtiyas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:27:16 +0000

The government says it has ensured the people’s right to protest. Minister Dinesh Gunawardene says although seeking assistance from the police and the military to control demonstrations was unconstitutional, such measures were legitimate if the protests are carried out in a manner that would inconvenience the public. The Minister made this statement in response to a question raised by JVP parliamentarian Anura Dissanayake under standing orders. Minister Gunawardene said obstructing main roads during busy hours and disturbing activities of hospitals while carrying out protests were unlawful. Minister Gunawardene said the police were forced to use minimal force to disperse the crowds as they were acting violently and were disrupting peace and order.

President says Sri Lanka hopes for Maldives to remain stable

Ishfaaq Imtiyas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:25:54 +0000

President Mahinda Rajapakse has said that the Maldives must remain a stable nation. The head of state shared this sentiment when he met with Maldivian special envoy, Mohammad Wahidudeen this morning. Issuing a statement the President’s Media Unit said the envoy called on President Rajapaksa to hand over a special epistle from the newly appointed Maldivian President Mohammad Waheed. President Mahinda Rajapakse had pledged Sri Lanka’s support to Maldives at all times.

Opposition Leader requests government to brief parliament on UNHRC plans

Ishfaaq Imtiyas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:24:29 +0000

Opposition Leader and the Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe requested a debate on the report of the Lessons learnt and Reconciliation Commission. Speaking in parliament to day the opposition leader said the government must brief the house on how it intends to implement the recommendations made by the LLRC. He also demanded the LLRC findings that will be forwarded to the UN, be tabled in the house.

Residents of Thammennawa still refusing to leave from gem site

Ishfaaq Imtiyas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:22:28 +0000

A large number of people are still gathered at the site which supposedly contains large reserves of precious stones. NewsRadio’s correspondent said that the police are using loudspeakers to order the public out of the area which is cordoned off. The police have also threatened to enforce the law on anyone who do not heed police orders. The area resident demand they be allowed to engage in mining at least temporarily. However addressing a media briefing held this afternoon the Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Prasad Galhena said the land will be divided into 49 blocks of 10 to 15 perches and will be auctioned off on the 24th of this month. 3 of these blocks will be distributed amongst area residents as well. The authority said the site consisted of well defined crystals of blue sapphires.

Department of Census and Statistics to commence activities for 2012 census

Ishfaaq Imtiyas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:17:29 +0000

The Department of Census and Statistics says it will commence gathering data for this year’s census on the 27th of this month. The process will continue until the 21st of March. Addressing a media briefing held this morning at the Government Information Department, Director General of the Department, Suranjana Widyaratne said this year’s census will be used to gather additional data as oppose to previous years. Widyaratne reiterated that the secrecy of the information provided will be maintained at all times.

6 students made to worship and plead for forgiveness from the Vice Chancellor in open court

Ishfaaq Imtiyas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:15:54 +0000

6 students who were charged with obstructing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rajarata from carrying out his duties pleaded guilty in court today. The Additional Magistrate for Anuradhapura ordered the 6 students to worship the Vice Chancellor and apologise publicly in open court. The Magistrate also postponed the sentencing to the 25th of April. The students were arrested by the Mihinthale police in 2008 for obstructing the duties of the Vice Chancellor, KA Nandasena, trespassing and for unlawful assembly.

Opposition Leader demands debate on LLRC report in parliament

Tamara Rebeira — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:44:32 +0000

Opposition Leader and the Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe requested a debate on the report of the Lessons learnt and Reconciliation Commission in parliament today. The opposition leader said the government must brief the house of its plans to implement the recommendations of the LLRC. The opposition leader made this claim making a special statement under standing orders. He also said the government was ignoring the parliament by not tabling the documents that will be produced before the United National Human Rights Council. He also requested the government to educate the house on the approach it intends to adopt when defending allegations that might be raised during the upcoming UNHRC sessions.

Mirihana police arrest group in connection with crimes committed across the island

Tamara Rebeira — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:44:17 +0000

A Special Team of the Mirihana police has arrested a group who was connected to various crimes committed islandwide. The police said 7 men were arrested accordingly in Katubedda, Wattala and Hambanthota. The suspects are said to be connected with 10 robberies including the robbery of a safe which housed 1.99 million rupees. A suspect who had escaped in Beruwala last year after firing at the police was also among the arrested. A foreign manufactured grenade, a 9 millimetre pistol with live ammunition and an oxygen cylinder were found in the possession. The police said they are being held under detention orders for interrogation.

MP Harsha De Silva says he is ready to take on anyone from the government in a debate on IMF conditions

Tamara Rebeira — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:43:51 +0000

United National Party parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva says he challenged the Governor of the Central Bank Aijth Nivard Cabraal and not Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya to a debate on the conditions lad down by the International Monetary Fund. Addressing a media briefing this morning Dr. Harsha De Silva however said he was ready to face anyone from the government in a debate. He also threatened Minister Siyambalapitiya to be prepared to resign from his post if he is proven wrong.