<ul><li>Loss of Rs. 24 b uncovered along with Rs. 5 b unpaid loans, Rs. 11 b supplier dues&nbsp;</li><li>250 out of 454 branches unprofitable owing to public non-patronisation, political ownership of buildings</li></ul> A loss of Rs. 24 billion has been uncovered at the Lanka Sathosa, with billions more in unpaid loans and supplier dues adding to a crisis within the institution, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security R.M. Jayawardana said.Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said that the Sathosa has suffered a loss of Rs. 24 billion over the past years, in addition to failing to repay loans amounting to Rs. 5 billion, while more than Rs. 11 billion is owed to suppliers.&nbsp;“Because of this, suppliers now deliver goods to the Sathosa only after providing to others. We are maintaining the Sathosa under this crisis,” he said.He also said that the institution currently operates 454 branches across the country. Of these, he claimed that about 250 are not making profit. “We studied the branches and found that some were set up for purely political reasons in areas where people don’t gather. Some have even been established in buildings owned by politicians. These branches don’t generate income. We have planned to relocate them in the coming months”The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security earlier announced that a comprehensive audit is underway into past irregularities and corruption within the Sathosa and cooperative institutions. Jayawardana said at the time that while a large number of institutions under the ministry generate significant revenue, they also present a high risk for fraud and malpractice.Lanka Sathosa, established in 2005, is Sri Lanka’s largest State-owned retail network, operating over 450 outlets and employing more than 4,500 people. It was created to strengthen food security by ensuring affordable goods for the public.

State-Owned Enterprise: Sathosa in dire straits 

<ul><li>Encourage HRC/int’l support to nationally-owned processes as external processes risk polarisation/interference in domestic affairs</li></ul> During the interactive dialogue on the report of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) on the HR situation in Sri Lanka at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday (8), a total of 43 countries spoke expressing solidarity with Sri Lanka.These include Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, the Philippines, Japan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thailand, Vanuatu, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nepal, India, Zimbabwe, Viet Nam, China, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Türkiye, Belarus, Egypt, Venezuela, the Maldives, Cuba, South Sudan, the Sudan, the Russian Federation and Burundi.Expressing solidarity with Sri Lanka, the above countries welcomed Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with the HRC and the HCHR’s visit as a sign of the country’s enhanced cooperation with the HRC; acknowledged the significant developments and tangible progress, including ongoing legislative reforms and encouraged the HRC and the international community to support Sri Lanka in its nationally-owned processes; questioned the allocation of resources to the external mechanism on Sri Lanka when vital mandates in the HRC risk being unfulfilled due to resource constraints; emphasised that externally imposed parallel processes risk polarisation; stated that the imposition of country specific mechanisms on targeted countries undermines the HRC’s founding principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity; expressed concerns at the double standards, politicisation and instrumentalisation of HR to interfere into the internal affairs of countries; and underlined the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation within the HRC to reach productive results in the promotion of HR.Meanwhile however, the United Kingdom (UK) has called for “tangible and sustained progress” on HR and accountability in Sri Lanka while also emphasising the importance of exhuming and investigating mass grave sites in accordance with international standards.&nbsp;The statement at the dialogue was delivered by the UK’s HR Ambassador Eleanor Sanders. In her remarks, Sanders raised concerns over ongoing issues, including arbitrary detention, custodial deaths, the intimidation of HR defenders, and the targeting of minority communities. Sanders expressed particular concern over the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA), despite public commitments by the Government to repeal the law.&nbsp;“We remain deeply concerned about the continued use of legislation such as the PTA to restrict fundamental freedoms despite public commitments to abolish it,” the statement said.&nbsp;The UK further urged the Government to reinvigorate the work of domestic institutions focusing on reparations and missing persons. The statement underscored that reconciliation and accountability processes must be inclusive, comprehensive, and aligned with international standards, with the participation and confidence of the affected communities. The UK also called on the OHCHR to continue its work on addressing conflict-related sexual violence, identifying this as a matter requiring urgent attention. “We encourage you to take forward your office’s important work on conflict-related sexual violence and stress the need for this issue to be addressed as a matter of priority in Sri Lanka.” Reaffirming its position, the UK concluded by expressing its willingness to work constructively with the Sri Lankan Government to advance progress on these issues.

UNHRC: 43 countries stand with SL

<ul><li>The former PC is also a suspect in Raviraj murder&nbsp;</li><li>Cab. Spokesperson wants SLPP-Namal to surrender him&nbsp;</li></ul> Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed that Sampath Manamperi, who is accused of concealing two container loads of raw materials allegedly used to manufacture the drug crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’), which belong to organised crime suspect ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, has been identified as a former Police intelligence officer.Participating in the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday (9), Dr. Jayatissa said that the absconding suspect has also been identified as a suspect in the murder of the former Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian Nadarajah Raviraj.&nbsp;He further stated: “This person named Manamperi has served as a Police Constable for a while. He has also served as an intelligence officer for a short period. He had also been identified as a suspect in the murder of Raviraj.”&nbsp;Jayatissa stated that despite those allegations, he had contested as a candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and that therefore, simply cancelling his Party membership would not suffice.&nbsp;“This Manamperi family is a family that politicians in areas including Tangalle, Middeniya, and Hambantota have closely associated with and visited. Therefore, the biggest thing that the SLPP Members including Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa can do is to hand over Manamperi to the Police,” he said.

Meth ‘ICE’ production: Manamperi was a Police Intel. Officer: Jayatissa

<ul><li>Cite inexperienced drivers as a risk factor&nbsp;</li></ul> Private bus owners noted that paying attention to increasing the road capacity is a key step in improving road safety, especially concerning buses.In the backdrop of the recent accident in Ella that claimed the lives of 15 persons who were on a bus, the Lanka&nbsp;Private Bus Owners’ Association’s Chairperson Gemunu Wijeratne further told The Daily Morning that drivers’ experience is also a concern.&nbsp;“Experience is necessary for drivers to operate buses on such roads. Ordinary (passenger transporting) buses don’t get into accidents like this as they are experienced. When drivers are inexperienced, chances are that they get into accidents.”He further pointed to unnecessary and obstructing modifications made to buses as a key concern, also adding that this has been allowed through a circular.Meanwhile, with regard to doing away with unnecessary and obstructing accessories installed on buses, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Government has decided to enforce the Motor Traffic Act, while also acknowledging that the abovementioned circular has allowed such modifications.&nbsp;During the weekly Cabinet press briefing held yesterday (9), he further said: “We arrived at a decision to abolish the circular in question, and to take action in accordance with the Motor Traffic Act. Around 50 modified buses have been reported. Instructions have been issued to remove them. Kindly adhere to this law, as it is important for us to protect people’s lives.”With regard to the quality of services offered by Sri Lanka Transport (SLTB)-owned buses and vans transporting schoolchildren, especially concerning safety, Dr. Jayatissa said that as replacing dilapidated SLTB buses will take time, it is crucial to adhere to existing motor traffic laws aimed at ensuring safety.Attempts to contact the National Council for Road Safety in this regard were not successful.

Public transport: Pvt. Bus owners want improved roads

The main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) questioned the Government’s plans and ability to prevent the importation of harmful chemicals into the country&nbsp;as it has become a concern, adding that&nbsp;ongoing&nbsp;probes into the same&nbsp;seems to be&nbsp;lacking&nbsp;transparency.SJB Parliamentarian Suranga Rathnayaka made this statement at a media briefing yesterday (9) while referring to the substances found in several places that are believed to have been brought into Sri Lanka to manufacture crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as Ice).He expressed concerns about politicising the issue, which he said will cause a disservice to the public. “Instead of conducting proper probes into this container issue, the Government is trying to gain various political advantages. The Government is pointing fingers towards the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), while the SLPP is also leveling allegations against the Government in this regard. Both these parties are trying to gain political advantages through this incident.”The&nbsp;Customs was not reachable for immediate comment yesterday regarding steps taken to address the importation of chemicals implicated in Ice manufacturing-related allegations.&nbsp;However, quoting&nbsp;the Customs and the Police,&nbsp;media reports said that&nbsp;while the Customs&nbsp;has called for a report regarding the containers, the Criminal Investigation Department is conducting a separate investigation.Meanwhile, Rathnayaka criticised the Government for the latter’s failure to present to the Parliament the inquiry report pertaining to the 323 containers that were released earlier this year without being subjected to the relevant checks. He further said that no person has been penalised regarding the matter.

Harmful chem. imports: SJB queries Govt. plan 

<ul><li>P’ment SOC approves Bill&nbsp;</li></ul> Speaker of the Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced yesterday (9) that the Supreme Court (SC) has determined that no provision of the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill is inconsistent with any provisions of the Constitution.&nbsp; Accordingly, the SC held that the Bill can be enacted by a simple majority in the Parliament.Through the Bill, residences, official transport, such other facilities provided to former Presidents or the widow of a former President, and the monthly allowance/monthly secretarial allowance paid to the same, along with the monthly pension paid to the widow of a former President, will no longer be provided or paid.&nbsp;The Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice, and Civil Protection has also approved the said Bill. The said committee met in the Parliament yesterday under the chairpersonship of Dr. Najith Indika.&nbsp;Commenting on the Bill, officials of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration said that, as stated in the Government Policy Statement, the Bill is expected to remove non-economic entitlements granted to former and future Presidents and their families, taking into account the economic conditions of the country.&nbsp;The officials further noted that retired Presidents or Heads of State in other countries receive pensions and privileges similar to those in this country because they often continue to perform certain official duties or responsibilities even after leaving office. They added that the repeal Bill includes provisions to limit the pensions and extensive privileges of former Presidents and their families who have not been assigned any official responsibilities.The Parliament is to hold the debate on the Second Reading of the Bill today (10) from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Prez entitlements: SC finds repealing, constitutional 

Nepal lifts social media ban

<ul><li>1,870 dead in 1,757 accidents during 1 Jan.-4 Sept., 7-8 daily fatalities&nbsp;</li></ul> Last week’s bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road occurred due to the negligence of the driver, according to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Traffic Indika Hapugoda. Hapugoda stated that the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a precipice.The accident took place on 4 September near the 24th milepost on the Ella-Wellawaya main road. The bus was transporting a group of Tangalle Urban Council staff members and their families, who were returning from a leisure trip. The crash resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to 17 others. Multiple agencies have launched investigations into the incident.&nbsp;Speaking at a media briefing held on Monday (8), Hapugoda confirmed that a special investigation is being conducted over the bus accident and noted that Motor Traffic inspectors have already examined the site. He said that under the guidance of the Senior DIGs in charge of the Badulla and Bandarawela Divisions, a special Police team has been appointed to carry out inquiries. Hapugoda said that preliminary investigations reveal that the accident occurred primarily due to the driver’s carelessness. He stated: “The bus was driven by a 25-year-old man who was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, leading it to plunge off the road into a ravine.”&nbsp;Hapugoda also revealed that from 1 January to 4 September, a total of 1,757 fatal road accidents had occurred in Sri Lanka, claiming 1,870 lives. Hapugoda noted that around seven to eight people are killed daily due to fatal road accidents. Therefore, he stated that all road users – including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and passengers – must strictly follow traffic laws, adhere to road signs, and act with self-discipline to minimise the number of accidents.

Ella-Wellawaya tragedy: Traffic DIG blames driver negligence 

Thailand’s Supreme Court said that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve a one-year prison term for previous convictions on graft and abuse of power charges, after investigating whether officials had mishandled his return to Thailand in 2023 to begin serving the sentences.&nbsp;A Judge said that the enforcement of Thaksin’s penalty was not done properly, and that therefore, his detention in a Police hospital did not count as serving prison time.Following his return to Thailand after more than a decade of living in self-exile, Thaksin was sent to a suite at Bangkok’s Police General Hospital, reportedly for medical reasons, after spending less than a day in prison.His eight-year sentence was then commuted to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and he was released on parole after six months in the hospital.The circumstances raised questions about whether he received special treatment and many were suspicious whether he was genuinely ill.Thaksin is expected to be sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison following the ruling.(Associated Press)

State-Owned Enterprise: Sathosa in dire straits

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Nepal lifts social media ban

Ella-Wellawaya tragedy: Traffic DIG blames driver negligence

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UNHRC: 43 countries stand with SL

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Public transport: Pvt. Bus owners want improved roads

Public transport: Pvt. Bus own ...

Harmful chem. imports: SJB queries Govt. plan

Harmful chem. imports: SJB que ...

Prez entitlements: SC finds repealing, constitutional

Prez entitlements: SC finds re ...

Nepal lifts social media ban

Nepal lifts social media ban

Ella-Wellawaya tragedy: Traffic DIG blames driver negligence

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Previous convictions: Ex-Thai PM to serve prison term

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