<ul><li>Police assigns personnel to each request for security protection including those from hotels &amp; restaurants</li><li>Threat assessment done based on observation while no. of cops assigned depends on threat/fear levels; if necessary, cops even accompany tourists during countrywide travel&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The Police has been receiving daily requests for security protection from Israeli and European tourists, both in the form of in person visits to Police stations and calls to the dedicated hotline, and the Police has been providing physical security for each such request.“These requests come from individual tourists, and the majority are from Israel and countries in the European Union, as well as from locally run tourist establishments such as hotels and restaurants,” Police Marine and Tourist Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Damayantha Wijaya Sri, who has been appointed as the central contact point for tourists in this context, told The Daily Morning yesterday (6). “Several of them phone us but a few come in person and then we conduct observation based risk assessments and give protection to each tourist or business that requests for it.”Wijaya Sri stated that these calls for security stem from the fear caused by several foreign diplomatic missions based in Sri Lanka issuing travel advisories against visiting Arugam Bay following warnings of threats against Israeli tourists and tourists.Wijaya Sri added that several Police officers are stationed at various other divisions and are also guarding tourists, with several of them accompanying the tourists in question as they travel around the country if the tourist feels unsafe.“The number of Police officers present will depend on the nature of the threat and the fear of the tourist,” Wijaya Sri said, adding also that while their Division handles the observational aspects of the matter, other Police arms deal with logistics and related aspects.However, despite the travel advisories, Wijaya Sri said that tourists are less fearful at present. “The atmosphere is improving and we have several tourists who tell us that they want to enjoy their holiday and that they don’t want Police officers next to them as they vacation,” Wijaya Sri said.&nbsp;“However, we will still be taking the maximum security precautions as we don’t want any tourist to feel unsafe or threatened,” he went on to say.These comments follow the United States Embassy’s travel advisory to Arugam Bay citing threats. Following this, the Israeli Government issued warnings against their citizens travelling to Arugam Bay and certain other beachside areas which was followed by several other countries following suit.&nbsp;The authorities arrested six suspects including a Maldivian national for questioning regarding alleged plans to attack Israeli tourists. Following this, the Government has provided security to the area and all other relevant parts of the country and had introduced a special hotline to assist Israeli tourists during their travels in the country.

Terror threat on tourists: Israelis & Europeans make daily ‘security’ requests 

Muslim customary law reform activists condemned the National People’s Power (NPP) Government’s stance that there is no immediate necessity to amend the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) and also that any such amendment would be done only upon prior consultation with the relevant religious leaders. The activists claimed that the NPP is well aware of the harmful effects of the Act.“The NPP’s coalition members are aware of the discrimination and harm under the MMDA,” human rights activist and attorney who was also a Member of the Advisory Committee Appointed to Propose Reforms on Muslim Personal Laws in Sri Lanka Chaired by attorney Shabry Haleemdeen, Ermiza Tegal told The Daily Morning yesterday (6).&nbsp;“As such, there can be no reason why a clear commitment cannot be made to necessary MMDA reforms with the purpose of ensuring safety, non-discrimination and which are beneficial to the Muslim community.”These comments follow the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday (6) where Cabinet Spokesperson and Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath addressed growing discussions concerning potential amendments to the MMDA, No. 13 of 1951. He acknowledged that a number of groups had raised concerns about the Act, highlighting the Government's commitment to respecting these viewpoints.&nbsp;Herath further explained the Government’s approach to amending religious laws, noting that any revisions to legislation governing religious practices would be conducted with the guidance of the relevant religious authorities.&nbsp;“If amendments are required for religious Acts, they will be made after discussions with the religious leaders of the respective institutions. Changes to any religious Act will only be implemented following the recommendations of leaders within that religious community,” Herath said.&nbsp;“Many parties have raised issues related to the MMDA, and we respect their right to express these concerns. The Government has not taken any decision to amend the MMDA and has not found a need to make such a decision yet,” he went on to say.“While it is appreciated that any legislative reform can only take place after the Parliament is elected, it is imperative that political parties are clear about their priorities and promises,” Tegal said in response to Herath, stating that the Government has found no need to take a decision with regard to the MMDA.Several provisions in the MMDA have been criticised as being discriminatory to women such as the male guardian signing their marriage certificate instead of the woman, and the prohibition of women becoming Quazi Judges, amongst others.&nbsp;

Activists condemn NPP over MMDA stance 

<ul><li> Contract of no. plate supplier extended to address issuing delays&nbsp;</li></ul>The Government has directed the Postal Department and the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) to accelerate the distribution of approximately one million driving licences currently held in post offices and regional DMT offices, in response to significant delays in licence distribution, affecting individuals who have been waiting for their permanent licences for up to three years.Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath, addressed the issue during the weekly Cabinet press conference held yesterday (6), noting that the distribution backlog is not due to printing delays but rather issues with delivery. “The delay is not because of any printing issues but because of problems in distribution,” he stated. According to Herath, the Postal Department cited its involvement in two major Elections as a reason for the distribution delay, explaining that Election duties had diverted resources and caused a backlog. As a result, the DMT has been instructed to prioritise the delivery of licences from their regional offices to expedite the process.&nbsp;This delay has caused inconvenience for a significant number of people, with some still waiting for their permanent licences for several years. The Government is now actively working to address the distribution backlog and ensure that licences reach applicants in a timely manner.Herath also discussed delays in issuing vehicle number plates, noting that new tenders are necessary for the production of number plates. He added that the Government has submitted a Cabinet paper to extend the contract of the current supplier for an additional six months until the tender process for a new supplier is completed. “The number plates would be issued as soon as possible,” he assured.

1 m driving licences stuck at regional offices

<ul><li>Govt. to decide following stakeholder consultations&nbsp;</li></ul>The Government announced its intention to amend the Online Safety Act following consultations with the relevant parties, said the Cabinet Spokesperson and Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath.The announcement was made at the weekly Cabinet press briefing held yesterday (6), where it was emphasised that a broad discussion would be held before moving forward with amendments to the Legislation. “The Government will take measures to amend the Act once a new Parliament is convened,” Herath stated.&nbsp;He explained that careful consideration would be given to whether the current Act requires revisions or if an entirely new Bill should be presented to the Parliament. “A decision will be taken on whether the Act requires amendments or a new Bill altogether needs to be presented to the Parliament,” he noted.The Act was first published in the Government Gazette in September of last year (2023) and passed by the Parliament in January of this year. The Legislation was introduced to address concerns over online safety, misinformation, and cyber harassment. While the Bill received the majority support of Parliamentarians, Opposition parties voiced concerns, claiming that certain amendments made to the Bill did not align with the Supreme Court’s (SC) rulings on its constitutionality.&nbsp; Following these concerns, the Government agreed in October to revise the Bill to better reflect the SC's determinations announced on 7 November 2023. Consequently, the Online Safety (Amendment) Bill was published in the Government Gazette and tabled in Parliament in August 2024. However, it was not passed, as it faced significant criticism from various sectors.Herath further acknowledged the public's concerns regarding the Act, stating that “wide discussions are needed before any amendments” to ensure that all viewpoints are taken into account.&nbsp;

Online Safety Act to be amended

<ul><li> Public Security Min. denies CBK’s security detail reduction&nbsp;</li></ul>The Government stated that it currently spends around Rs. 1,100 million annually for the Police protection given to former Presidents while noting that the committee appointed to examine the matter will assess security-related needs and suggest necessary adjustments.&nbsp;Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press conference yesterday (6), Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised that enhanced security detail would be provided to those identified by the said committee as having “special security concerns.” He noted that the Government will be submitting a Cabinet paper based on the recommendations of the committee, and that security will be provided proportionately to all the former Presidents accordingly.He also pointed out that the current expenditure on protecting former leaders surpasses that of maintaining the Police Hospital, a situation which is unacceptable. “This is something that should not happen. This should be stopped,” Herath asserted, underlining the Government's intention to curb unnecessary spending.In response to a query about former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's recent letter to the Ministry of Public Security, where she claimed that her security detail had been significantly reduced, Herath clarified that no such action has been taken. “Currently, the former Presidents, especially Kumaratunga, have claimed that their security is being removed. No such removal has taken place. She has sent a letter claiming that her security has been reduced to 30, which is incorrect. She has been provided with 57 personnel so far,” he explained.Herath further disclosed that all the other former Presidents (except Kumaratunga) currently have over 100 security personnel assigned to them, along with access to specialised vehicles, including defenders.

Ex-Presidents security: Rs. 1,100 million spent annually  

<ul><li>Restaurants allowed to sell disease-free meat</li><li>1/2 of the pigs in WP dead, most in Gampaha&nbsp;</li></ul>The Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) has announced steps to issue a new Gazette notification, relaxing some of the restrictions imposed earlier due to the African swine fever outbreak.The Department Director General Dr. Hemali Kothalawala stated that permission has now been granted for the transportation of healthy animals. “Based on the current situation in the field, there has been a slight decrease in the spread of the disease this week, and it’s essential to protect the industry,” Dr. Kothalawala explained.&nbsp;“We have relaxed certain restrictions and issued a new Gazette, which will be effective from Monday (4) until further notice. Previously, animal transportation was prohibited, but, under the new Gazette, non-infected animals may now be transported, provided that they have an animal health report from a veterinarian,” she said.“These animals can be slaughtered in slaughterhouses registered with the Provincial office of the DAPH. An authorised officer will certify and grant this registration,” she further said. The new Gazette also mandates that slaughterhouses and meat refrigeration facilities must be registered. Meat processing and the sale of prepared meat from non-infected animals are now permitted, allowing restaurants to sell meat from animals confirmed to be free of the disease.Meanwhile, the Western Province (WP) DAPH reported that around 50% of the pigs in the WP have died due to African swine fever.&nbsp;Its Director, K.K. Sarath noted that the Gampaha District recorded the highest number of pig deaths.

New Gazette on African swine fever: Healthy animal/meat transport permitted 

<ul><li> AG informs insufficient evidence of amassing assets through suspicious means, performing illegal sterilisation surgeries, having terror links&nbsp;</li></ul>Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen who is attached as a Senior House Officer in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital (TH) has been acquitted from all charges by the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court.&nbsp;The case against Dr. Shihabdeen, who had been suspected of allegedly amassing assets through suspicious means, performing illegal sterilisation surgeries and having links to terrorist activities, was taken up for hearing yesterday (6). The Kurunegala Magistrate ordered the case to be dismissed, after the Attorney General’s (AG) Department informed the Court that there was not enough evidence to proceed with the case, and hence the Court ordered the acquittal of defendant Dr. Shihabdeen from all related charges. Furthermore, the Court also lifted the overseas travel ban which was imposed on Dr. Shihabdeen.In 2019, Dr. Shihabdeen was arrested for allegedly amassing assets via suspicious means. Allegations were levelled against him by various parties claiming that he had performed illegal sterilisation surgeries on women who were treated by him during their caesarean deliveries. He was later detained under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act. A large number of complaints were lodged at the Kurunegala TH and the Dambulla Base Hospital by mothers who claimed to have been treated by Dr. Shihabdeen and experienced complications in conceiving.

Witch-hunt ends: Dr. Shafi acquitted on all counts 

The Colombo High Court has sentenced four former officials of the Customs to 35 years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) each after they were found guilty of charges of accepting a bribe of Rs. 125 million in 2015 to release bus spare parts imported for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).Furthermore, Judge Namal Balalle also fined each of them Rs. 125 million while delivering the verdict in the case yesterday (6).The four former officials of the Customs were found guilty over charges of accepting a bribe of Rs. 125 million from a businessman in the Panchikawatta area in 2015 in order to release from Customs a stock of bus spare parts imported to be supplied for the SLTB.

2015 bus spare parts case: 4 ex-Customs officers get 35-yrs. RI; Rs. 500 m fine 

The Government stated that it is focused on strengthening existing anti-corruption frameworks and institutions in Sri Lanka while also considering the establishment of new agencies to combat bribery and corruption, especially within the public sector.&nbsp;These remarks were made by the Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Public Security Vijitha Herath at the weekly press conference held yesterday (6) in response to a media query on the potential formation of new anti-corruption bodies to curb bribery and corruption, particularly in the public service.&nbsp;Herath explained that the Government’s immediate priority is to reinforce the current institutions, such as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), while also enhancing the legal framework. “We have the intention of new institutions to address the issues. But, it will take time. It is not a problem with a lack of institutions. We should make the current institutions more strong and push them to work to achieve their objectives,” he said.&nbsp;Herath clarified that the Government is taking a systematic approach to ensuring that existing institutions are empowered to function effectively before establishing new ones, claiming that establishing additional anti-corruption bodies would require Parliamentary action and could be a lengthy process.&nbsp;He stressed that the delay in combating corruption is less about the absence of institutions and more about the need for the stronger implementation of existing laws and mandates. Herath also mentioned that the Constitutional Council is in the process of selecting a new Director General (DG) for the CIABOC following the recent resignation of the previous DG. While the position remains vacant, the Deputy DG has been appointed to act in the role, ensuring that the CIABOC’s work continues uninterrupted.

Terror threat on tourists: Israelis & Europeans make daily ‘ ...

Activists condemn NPP over MMDA stance

Activists condemn NPP over MMD ...

1 m driving licences stuck at regional offices

1 m driving licences stuck at ...

Online Safety Act to be amended

Online Safety Act to be amende ...

Ex-Presidents security: Rs. 1,100 million spent annually

Ex-Presidents security: Rs. 1, ...

New Gazette on African swine fever: Healthy animal/meat transport perm ...

New Gazette on African swine f ...

Witch-hunt ends: Dr. Shafi acquitted on all counts

Witch-hunt ends: Dr. Shafi acq ...

2015 bus spare parts case: 4 ex-Customs officers get 35-yrs. RI; Rs. 5 ...

2015 bus spare parts case: 4 e ...

Anti-corruption frameworks: Govt. to strengthen implementation

Anti-corruption frameworks: Go ...

Activists condemn NPP over MMDA stance

Activists condemn NPP over MMD ...

1 m driving licences stuck at regional offices

1 m driving licences stuck at ...

Online Safety Act to be amended

Online Safety Act to be amende ...

Ex-Presidents security: Rs. 1,100 million spent annually

Ex-Presidents security: Rs. 1, ...

New Gazette on African swine fever: Healthy animal/meat transport perm ...

New Gazette on African swine f ...

Witch-hunt ends: Dr. Shafi acquitted on all counts

Witch-hunt ends: Dr. Shafi acq ...

2015 bus spare parts case: 4 ex-Customs officers get 35-yrs. RI; Rs. 5 ...

2015 bus spare parts case: 4 e ...

Anti-corruption frameworks: Govt. to strengthen implementation

Anti-corruption frameworks: Go ...

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Activists condemn NPP over MMDA stance

Activists condemn NPP over MMD ...

1 m driving licences stuck at regional offices

1 m driving licences stuck at ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Online Safety Act to be amended

Online Safety Act to be amende ...

Ex-Presidents security: Rs. 1,100 million spent annually

Ex-Presidents security: Rs. 1, ...

New Gazette on African swine fever: Healthy animal/meat transport perm ...

New Gazette on African swine f ...

Witch-hunt ends: Dr. Shafi acquitted on all counts

Witch-hunt ends: Dr. Shafi acq ...