Showers or thundershowers will occur in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western, Uva and Central provinces and Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Mannar, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m. today (20). Misty conditions are expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts during the morning. The general public is urged to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Evening thundershowers possible in many areas today 

Kenya’s defence chief and nine other top brass died on Thursday in a military helicopter crash in a remote area of the country, President William Ruto said. “Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident... I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (CDF),” Ruto told reporters. The president, who had convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council after news of the accident emerged, said nine other “gallant military personnel” on board were also killed while two survived. Ogolla, 61, a trained fighter pilot, had only been in the post a year. Ruto said the Kenya Air Force had dispatched an investigation team to establish the cause of the crash, which took place in Elgeyo Marakwet county, about 400 kilometres (250 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi. Ogolla’s helicopter went down shortly after takeoff from the village of Chesegon, where he and his entourage had been visiting a school after making stops in other areas to see Kenyan troops and other sites. ‘Distinguished four-star general’ Ruto announced three days of mourning from Friday, with official flags to fly at half mast. The bodies of the victims, draped in Kenyan flags, were returned to Nairobi on an air force plane late Thursday, according to images shared by the presidency. “A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty and service of the country,” Ruto said. “Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women.” Kenyan media reports said this was the fifth military chopper crash in 12 months, with claims the aircraft were old and poorly maintained. Ruto said Ogolla had left Nairobi on Thursday morning on a “Huey” helicopter to visit troops in the North Rift area deployed as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swalihi), and other sites. Kenyan authorities have long battled insecurity in the North Rift region, with armed bandits and cattle rustlers rampant. The Bell UH-1B helicopter, nicknamed the “Huey,” was developed in the 1950s and widely used by the US military during the Vietnam War. ‘Significant loss to the nation’ “The helicopter burst into flames after crashing and it had more than 10 senior commanders on board including General Ogolla,” a police officer had told AFP earlier. “They were in the area on a security mission because there are KDF (Kenya Defence Forces) soldiers deployed in the region,” he added. Ogolla was appointed Chief of the Defence Forces by Ruto in April last year after a near two-year stint as deputy.&nbsp; Under Kenyan military regulations, the defence chief normally retires at 62 or after four years in the post, whichever comes first. Ruto told journalists last May that he appointed Ogolla despite him being among those who tried to overturn his narrow election win against opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2022. “When I looked at his CV, he was the best person to be (a) general,” Ruto said, adding his decision went against the wishes of many people.&nbsp; Ogolla joined the KDF in April 1984, rising through the ranks to command the Kenyan Air Force in 2018, a post he held for three years. Ruto’s predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta said Ogolla’s death was a “significant loss to the nation”. “The CDF was not only an accomplished military leader, but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country.” Workneh Gebeyehu, secretary general of the regional grouping IGAD, sent his condolences in a message on X. “This loss is not only felt by Kenya but also by the entire region,” he added. Source: AFP

Kenya military chief and nine other senior officers killed in military helicopter crash

A retail tycoon in China has introduced “unhappy leave” days to help employees achieve a better work-life balance. During 2024’s China Supermarket Week in late March, Yu Donglai, who is the founder and chairman of Pang Dong Lai, a retail chain in central China’s Henan province, announced that employees would be eligible to request 10 days of additional leave at their discretion. The event is a six-day gathering to promote the development of the country’s supermarket sector. “I want every staff member to have freedom. Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work,” said Yu. Yu wants employees to freely determine their own rest time, and for them all to have sufficient relaxation outside work. “This leave cannot be denied by management. Denial is a violation,” he said. The “unhappy leave” idea has garnered support on mainland social media. “Such a good boss and this company culture should be promoted nationwide,” one person said on Weibo. “I want to switch to Pang Dong Lai. I feel like I would gain happiness and respect there,” said another. More than 65 per cent of employees feel tired and unhappy at work, according to a 2021 survey on workplace anxiety in China. Low wages, complex interpersonal relationships and overtime culture are reportedly the main sources of negative emotions in the mainland workplace. In March 2023, Yu made a speech in which he condemned the culture of Chinese bosses advocating for long working hours. “Making staff work overtime is unethical and an expropriation of other people’s opportunities for growth,” he said. Yu’s employment policies stipulate that employees work only seven hours a day, have weekends off, are entitled to 30 to 40 days annual leave and five days off during Lunar New Year. Speaking about the future of his company, Yu said: “We do not want to be big. We want our employees to have a healthy and relaxed life, so that the company will too.” Pang Dong Lai’s philosophy is “freedom and love,” he said. The average monthly salary of employees at the company is 7,000 yuan (US$970). In comparison, the average salary of retail workers in China was 3,566 yuan in 2019, according to China’s retail news outlet linkshop.com. This year, Pang Dong Lai also introduced a job-level certification system. “Even a janitor can earn up to 500,000 yuan (US$70,000) annually as long as their professional capabilities reach a certain level,” said Yu. Despite having only 13 stores in Xuchang and Xinxiang – two third-tier cities in Henan province – Pang Dong Lai has earned nationwide recognition as “the ceiling of China’s industry” due to the high standard of customer service achieved over its 29-year history. The Pang Dong Lai supermarket is equipped with pet cabinets at the entrance, along with dedicated pet water and cooling devices. It also offers about 100 free services, including free blood pressure measurements, air conditioning cleaning and handbag maintenance. Source : South China Morning Post

China retail tycoon introduces ‘unhappy leave’

&nbsp;A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly stabbing an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney during a church service, Australian police said on Friday, as investigations continued into a riot after the knife attack. Police from the joint counter-terrorism team questioned the boy, who is in a hospital under police guard recovering from injuries, on Thursday and charged him with committing a terrorist act. If convicted, he could get a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life. He has been refused bail and is expected to appear before a bedside court hearing on Friday, New South Wales State Police Commissioner Karen Webb said during a press conference. Police will allege the bishop was stabbed as many as six times and that the boy had travelled for 90 minutes to reach the church from his home, Webb said. A riot broke out outside the church soon after the attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel after an angry crowd demanded the suspected attacker be handed over to them. More than 50 police officers were injured and 20 police cars were damaged. The 53-year-old bishop has a popular youth following on TikTok and has been a target of criticism, hate and online trolling. His sermons range from discourses on the Bible to fiery criticisms of homosexuality, COVID-19 vaccinations, Islam and the election of U.S. President Joe Biden. Bishop Emmanuel, in an audio message on social media on Thursday, said he had forgiven his attacker and that he was recovering quickly. Two knife attacks within three days - at a mall near Bondi beach that killed six people on Saturday and at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's west on Monday - have shocked residents of Australia's most populous city.The incidents have sparked calls for greater public security in Australia, where gun crimes and knife attacks are rare due to tough laws. The shopping centre will reopen for business on Friday, while a candlelight vigil will be held on Sunday to mourn the victims. The attacker, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot to death by police inside the mall. Source : Reuters

Teenager charged with terrorism over Sydney bishop stabbing

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed concerns regarding the tourism hotel project involving India’s Taj Samudra Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, stating that the project was lost due to protests. Last year (2023), protests erupted over reports suggesting that the Government intended to allocate the iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office building to the Taj Samudra Hotel for a hotel project. President Wickremesinghe clarified that the Government's intention was to develop hotels on the lands surrounding the Post Office building to enhance tourism in the region.&nbsp; According to him, the initial plan included renovating the historic Nuwara Eliya post office building while Taj Hotel would construct a hotel on the adjacent land.&nbsp; The President emphasised that the Government respects the views of the area residents, and if they agree, development plans for Nuwara Eliya will proceed. He reiterated that there were no intentions to demolish the Post office building, only to renovate it.&nbsp; He also noted that the establishment of one hotel could lead to the development of more hotels in the area, contributing to tourism growth.

Govt. intended renovation, not demolition, of historic Nuwara Eliya post office: President

Water supply in Gampaha will be interrupted for 12 hours starting from today at 8:30 a.m. due to emergency repair work on the electricity subgrid in Sapugaskanda, as announced by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&amp;DB). This interruption is necessary because the repair work will suspend water supply to the Biyagama water refinery unit. As a result, residents in various areas including Peliyagoda, Ja-Ela, Katunayaka Seeduwa Municipality areas, Kelaniya, Wattala, Biyagama, Mahara, Dompe, Katana, Munuwangoda, and Gampaha Municipality areas will be affected. The NWSDB regrets any inconvenience caused and advises the public to store enough water in advance to mitigate the impact of the interruption.

12-Hour water cut for Gampaha district

Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) premises this morning (19) to record a statement on the Easter Sunday terror attacks. Two days ago, the CID issued a summons to the Catholic priest who is also a spokesperson of the Colombo Archdiocese.

Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CID

The final rites of former Deputy Minister and UNP parliamentarian Palitha Thewarapperuma are scheduled to be held today (19). The funeral procession will begin after religious ceremonies at his residence in Yatadolawatta, Mathugama, and he will be laid to rest at the gravesite he had prepared himself. Thewarapperuma, the former Kalutara District MP, tragically passed away on 16 April at the age of 64.

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma’s final rites to be performed today

Polls opened today (19)for the first and largest phase of India’s marathon general election, kicking off a vote in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking to win a rare third consecutive term. About 969 million people are eligible to vote in the biggest election in human history, with polling taking place in seven phases over the next six weeks in the world’s most populous country. The nationwide vote is considered among the most consequential in decades as Modi’s powerful right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims for an outright majority and a mandate to widen its development and Hindu-nationalist policies established during its 10-year rule. Those policies have transformed India economically and culturally, and BJP rule has been defined by a pull away from India’s secular foundation, toward Hindu majoritarianism. Under Modi’s leadership, the country of 1.4 billion people has become the world’s fastest-growing major economy and a modern global power. The 73-year-old’s transformational rule has been marked by infrastructure and welfare projects, fervent Hindu nationalism, rapid economic expansion and an increasing presence on the world stage. But it has also been plagued by soaring youth unemployment and inequality, particularly in rural areas, and critics say Modi has driven religious polarization, which has included rising Islamophobia and persecution of the country’s 230 million Muslims. Still, Modi’s popularity is unparalleled for a two-term incumbent and his rallies have consistently drawn tens of thousands of supporters. As polls opened Friday, the leader had a message for voters. “I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers,” he wrote on X. “I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!” Development and democracy The BJP’s campaign manifesto centres on job creation, anti-poverty programs such as expanding food handouts and housing schemes, and national development with a particular focus on women, the poor, farmers and young people. Modi wants to turn the country into a global manufacturing hub, continue its massive infrastructure transformation, and achieve energy independence by 2047. On the world stage, Modi wants India to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, will push to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics and aims to land an astronaut on the moon. The BJP has also pledged to implement a uniform civil code, which would replace a sprawl of religious and customary laws with a standard rule that everyone, regardless of faith, would be required to follow. The BJP says it will protect the rights of women, though some communities say it will interfere with their freedom of religion and customs. Challenging the BJP is India’s main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, and its newly formed INDIA alliance of parties. But the once-formidable force in Indian politics has been languishing since Modi rose to power a decade ago. And the INDIA alliance is already starting to show cracks, with defections and infighting. The opposition bloc is banking on a unified approach to counter the BJP’s dominance over the past decade. The Congress party’s campaign is promising “freedom from fear” and vowing to protect democratic values such as freedom of speech, expression and religious belief espoused in the constitution. Its manifesto also emphasizes justice, equity and welfare, promising recognition of civil unions between LGBTQ+ couples, protection of religious minorities, and safety and empowerment of women, among other pledges such as apprenticeship for young graduates. It speaks directly to critiques from rights groups that the BJP is eroding democratic values, by promising to restore freedom of the media, to strengthen the autonomy of the Election Commission and other state agencies, and review laws passed by the BJP “without proper parliamentary scrutiny and debate.” India’s Election Commission has imposed restrictions on media, including CNN, that limit the publication of reporting and analysis in the run-up to and during polling days. Who is voting? Voters are casting their ballots for 543 seats in the lower house of parliament, or Lok Sabha, with a further two seats nominated by the country’s president. The party with the majority will form a government and appoint one of its winning candidates as prime minister. On Friday, voters from constituencies in 21 states and union territories across India will cast their ballots electronically. Some states are so big that voting is spread out over the seven phases, while others vote on one day. Among the most politically important states is Uttar Pradesh, home to 240 million people who vote in all seven phases. India’s largest state is a crucial battleground with 80 seats in the Lok Sabha up for grabs. Also voting Friday is the southern state of Tamil Nadu and its capital Chennai, where the regional Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party and INDIA alliance will be vying to prevent the BJP from making inroads into a corner of India it has historically struggled to penetrate. West Bengal, a state of 102 million people and 42 Lok Sabha seats, will also vote in all seven phases, starting Friday. The BJP has struggled to crack the state, which has been long ruled by the All India Trinamool Congress and headed by political heavyweight Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Indian movie icon Rajinikanth was filmed casting his vote in Chennai, at a polling station decorated with pink balloons and blue drapes. The actor, synonymous with South Indian cinema, has starred in more than 160 movies in a decades-long career. In the northern city of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, a bride arrived at a polling station early Friday to cast her vote. Dressed in a red lehenga (a traditional wedding dress) and draped in diamond jewelry, she said she wanted to support her uncle, who was standing for election. “It is the right of every citizen to cast their votes in elections,” she told Indian news agency ANI. Voters in the northeast state of Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, are also heading to the polls Friday. Video shared by the Election Commission shows workers trekking through forests, carrying election equipment on horses to reach a remote polling station. In the state of Meghalaya, also in the northeast, election workers carrying large boxes were filmed walking through lakes to reach polling booths. The remote Indian Ocean archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to indigenous tribes from among the world’s most isolated communities, will also vote on Friday. So too will the northeast states, including Mizoram, Nagaland on the border with Myanmar, as well as parts of Manipur, which has been gripped by ethnic violence over the past year, and the western state of Rajasthan. India’s Meteorological Department has predicted heat wave conditions in some of the places voting Friday, including parts of West Bengal and Puducherry. It also forecast severe rain for parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Source : CNN

Evening thundershowers possible in many areas today

Kenya military chief and nine other senior officers killed in military ...

Kenya military chief and nine ...

China retail tycoon introduces ‘unhappy leave’

China retail tycoon introduces ...

Teenager charged with terrorism over Sydney bishop stabbing

Teenager charged with terroris ...

Govt. intended renovation, not demolition, of historic Nuwara Eliya po ...

Govt. intended renovation, not ...

12-Hour water cut for Gampaha district

12-Hour water cut for Gampaha ...

Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CID

Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CI ...

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma’s final rites to be performed today

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperu ...

India heads to the polls in world’s biggest election

India heads to the polls in wo ...

Kenya military chief and nine other senior officers killed in military ...

Kenya military chief and nine ...

China retail tycoon introduces ‘unhappy leave’

China retail tycoon introduces ...

Teenager charged with terrorism over Sydney bishop stabbing

Teenager charged with terroris ...

Govt. intended renovation, not demolition, of historic Nuwara Eliya po ...

Govt. intended renovation, not ...

12-Hour water cut for Gampaha district

12-Hour water cut for Gampaha ...

Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CID

Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CI ...

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma’s final rites to be performed today

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperu ...

India heads to the polls in world’s biggest election

India heads to the polls in wo ...

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Kenya military chief and nine other senior officers killed in military ...

Kenya military chief and nine ...

China retail tycoon introduces ‘unhappy leave’

China retail tycoon introduces ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Teenager charged with terrorism over Sydney bishop stabbing

Teenager charged with terroris ...

Govt. intended renovation, not demolition, of historic Nuwara Eliya po ...

Govt. intended renovation, not ...

12-Hour water cut for Gampaha district

12-Hour water cut for Gampaha ...

Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CID

Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CI ...