News in brief

Rural development projects with Japanese aid

COLOMBO: The Japanese Government has granted US$ 191,365 for three rural development projects in Mannar, Moneragala and Puttalam Districts.

The signing of the contracts took place at the Japanese Embassy. Akio Suda, Ambassador of Japan and representatives of each Organisation signed the grant contracts. Dr. Yuji Miyahara, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan and officials of each Organisation were also present.

Police remember colleagues

COLOMBO: DIG S. K. Shankar, Field Force Headquarters said the Police Commemoration Day has its roots in the supreme sacrifice made by Police Constable Sabhan of the then Ceylon Police on March 21, 1864 .

"He was a member of the police party that had gone to apprehend, the Robinhood of Ceylon - Saradiel. A much wanted criminal, and a proclaimed offender had a reward of 150 Sterling Pounds on his head.

But Saradiel and his gang of accomplices Hawadiya, Baya, Mammala Marikkar and Samath evaded arrest effectively till the police party with Sabhan confronted them. He was shot dead by Saradiel's confidante - Mammala Marikkar," .

He said from then, hundreds of officers have laid down their lives in their all call of duty.