Gazala Anver
It has been a rather serious week for local news, following the demise of Ven. Sobitha Thero, and the resignation of Minister of Prison Reforms and Law and Order, Thilak Marapana.
Local News
#SpaceDebrisDay
For those of you who missed out (or have forgotten), today is #SpaceDebrisDay and the Government has declared a No Fly Zone with effect from 11am to 1pm today, in anticipation of the bit of space debris that will enter the atmosphere above the Indian Ocean off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.
Ven. Sobitha Thero Mourned
Thursday, November 12, was declared a national day of mourning following the demise of Ven. Sobitha Thero, who played a key role in the anti-corruption campaign leading up to the January 8 elections. His cremation ceremony took place with full state honours yesterday at Parliament Grounds, Battaramulla.
New Ministers, Post-Avant Garde Fiasco
Following the Avant Garde fiasco, Thilak Marapana stepped down from his ministerial position as Minister of Prisons Reforms and Law and Order on Monday (November 9). Later in the week, D.M. Swaminathan and Sagala Ratnayaka were sworn in as ministers of Prison Reforms and Law and Order respectively, on November 11.
Meanwhile, the Government has cancelled all agreements with Avant Garde Maritime Services, reverting relevant operations to the Navy.
Bail for 31 PTA suspects
Hunger strikes were initiated to ensure demands were met – Image Courtesy – The Nation
On Wednesday (November 11), the Colombo Chief Magistrate granted bail to 31 suspects held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The order came after hunger strikes were carried out by the prisoners over the last few weeks, demanding their release.
Parking Meters for Colombo
In lighter news, 140 parking meters are to be installed in and around the Colombo Municipality, including both Duplication and Galle Road, with effect from January 1 2016.
International News
Myanmar: Landslide Victory for Suu Kyi
Suu Kyi – Image Courtesy, Independent.co.uk
Despite tensions running high, Myanmar’s first free election saw a landslide victory for Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). The country’s military later acknowledged the victory, creating hope for a peaceful transition of power.
Sweden: Border Checks
Due to the large influx of refugees, Sweden has introduced border checks with effect from November 11 to control the flow of migrants into the country.
Iraq: Kurdish Launch Attack to Take Sinjar from ISIS
Kurdish troops launched an attack yesterday, November 12, on the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar in an attempt to free it from ISIS hands.
