Quick Look

Freedom for prisoners

Chithraratne KALUARACHCHI, Hiniduma Group Correspondent

One hundred and thirty seven prisoners were freed from the Anuradhapura Prison yesterday on Presidential pardon to mark the Independence Day. Altogether 1,000 prisoners from 37 prisons islandwide received special pardon from the President on Independence Day.

Talking point

Corporal punishment is still being regularly meted out in a leading non-fee levying private school in Colombo North.

Students from Grade 1 to 5 are regularly berated and whipped with canes and foot rulers. At a PTA meeting the then Principal of the school informed the parents that they will be using corporal punishment on the students to 'make them'. Further, parents were told that if any of them did not agree or protest the child would be ignored or the parents could remove their child from the school.

The former primary principal known for his affinity with Bacchus once punished several students who did not bring their school ties by making them kneel and asking them to slap themselves. He has since been replaced. However, students are still threatened with corporal punishment if a parent cannot attend a PTA meeting. Parents in fear of retaliation against their children do not complain or protest.

Suspects re-remanded

Puttalam Group corr.

Puttalam District Judge Sesiri Herath remanded the three suspects till February 17 who were involved in the murder of a person and causing injury to ten others while they were on their way to participate at a UPFA Presidential Election rally at the Madurankuli area.

These suspects included one UNP councillor from Puttalam Pradeshiya Sabha and were earlier remanded on charges of alleged involvement in a shooting incident on January 16 at Madurankuliya where UPFA supporters had sustained injuries. When the case was called on February 03, the prosecution informed court that the witnesses are still taking treatment in the hospital.

Hacked to death

Rafik JALALDEEN

A mother of three was hacked to death when she spurned a murderer’s sexual advances in Puliyankulam, Vavuniya, police spokesman SSP I.M. Karunaratna said.

He said B. Chandradevi (30), a resident of Puliyankulam had been threatened by a suspect living in her neighbourhood and made sexual advances. “When Chandradevi rejected him, the suspect had killed her,” the SSP added.

The incident occurred near the Puliyankulam Junction at around 9.45 pm.

The suspect consumed poison following the incident. He was admitted to the Vavuniya Hospital under Police custody. The Vavuniya Police are investigating.

Book launch

Dr. Bandara Jayaweera's latest medical publication titled "Lecture Notes on ECG" is to be launched at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium, (Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha) on (7th Sunday) February 07 at 3.30 p.m. The function will be held till 5.15 p.m.

Professor Carlo Fonseka will be the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour will be Dr.(Mrs) Anula Wijesundara, Specialist. He is an old boy of Ibbagamuwa Central College.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa pardoned 1,000 prisoners to mark the 62nd Independence Day yesterday. Here 156 prisoners including seven women from the Welikada prison are leaving the prison premises. Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

At an Independence Day celebration held at Lake House yesterday, company Chairman Bandula Padmakumara hoisted the national flag to mark the occasion. Editorial Director Nihal Ratnaike, General Manager Abhaya Amaradasa, Security and Marketing Manager Captain Nalin de Ilangakoon, Chief Administrative Officer Rohana Aryaratne, Daily News Editor Jayathilake de Silva, Dinamina Editor Mahinda Abeysundera, Silumina Editor Karunadasa Suriyarachchi, Thinakaran Editor Siva Subramaniam, Transport Manager Sunil Sendanayake and Deputy Security Manager Captain Silva are also in the picture. Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

North Central Province Governor Karunaratne Divulgane inspecting the guard of honour in Independence Day celebration held at Anuradhapura public ground yesterday. Chitraratne Kaluarachchi, Hidogama group corr.

Students participate at the Independence Day celebrations in Kalutara yesterday. Picture by B. M. Mukthar, Beruwala Spl Correspondent