NEW ALLIANCE PROPOSED BY SLFP TO BE LED BY CBK

CBK to lead new alliance proposed by SLFP

A leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has announced that former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has been chosen to lead the new alliance proposed by the SLFP.

The decision comes as preliminary work for the formation of the new alliance is underway, with discussions with various political parties and politicians already concluded.

The leadership structure of the new alliance is designed to involve a leadership board, including Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and heads of other parties joining the alliance. The SLFP will hold a 50 percent majority stake in the alliance, while the remaining 50 percent power will be shared with other participating parties.

This innovative approach aims to foster collaborative decision-making within the alliance.

The alliance, still in its formative stages, is set to select either the betel leaf symbol or the chair symbol as its emblem.

The final decision on the symbol is expected to be discussed and decided upon in the future.

Additionally, groups with the old ideology of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have also shown interest in joining the new alliance, further expanding its potential reach.

Despite the ongoing developments, the post of General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) remains a point of contention between Thilanga Sumathipala and Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has urged a swift resolution to this issue, after which an agreement will be reached on the symbol for the new alliance.

As negotiations progress, the SLFP and its potential allies are preparing for a main meeting of the new alliance in Colombo, signaling the advancing stages of the political collaboration.

Reports indicate that a new alliance led by MP Nimal Lanza has expressed interest in negotiating an alliance with the SLFP.

NEWS

Police to continue taking street children into custody

The Sri Lanka Police have announced their intention to persist in taking street children into the custody of the state as part of ongoing efforts to address the welfare of vulnerable children.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Renuka Jayasundara, shared this information at a recent press briefing, emphasizing the success of a similar operation conducted in 2023.

During the 2023 operation, the police were able to take 102 street children into custody, many of whom were reportedly involved in begging activities.

The subsequent initiative focused on placing these children in the care of suitable guardians to provide them with a more stable and secure environment.

DIG Renuka Jayasundara stated, “We were able to place them with suitable guardians. We will continue this operation in 2024,” underscoring the police’s commitment to addressing the welfare of street children.

Additionally, the Sri Lanka Police have introduced a dedicated hotline, 109, for child and female victims of abuse to seek assistance.

This hotline is managed by female officers, ensuring privacy and a sensitive approach to handling cases of abuse.

The move aims to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents without the fear of mistreatment.

Furthermore, officials mentioned that the government is actively working on improving laws to combat child molestation and is in the process of compiling a sex offender list.

NEWS

Red notices issued for arrest of Al-Qaeda suspects abroad

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasinghe yesterday (26) ordered the issuance of a red warrant in English, ordering the arrest of four suspects who are said to be currently abroad for aiding and abetting the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

The red notices have been issued on the request of the Terrorists Investigation Division (TID).

The red warrants were issued against the father and son and two other people who are said to be residing in Kaleliya, Kalagedi Henawala areas and are currently residing in Australia and Syria.

The TID has filed a case against 16 suspects in 2021 and issued red warrants to four of those suspects.

Thus the red warrants were issued to four people named Ahmed Khalil Luqman Talib, Ahman Luqmand Haleen, Abdul Bahin Mohammad Lebbe and Mohammad Pahir Ripon who are said to be residents of Australia.