President Dissanayake Vows to Pursue Justice in Long-Standing Criminal Cases
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing justice in long-standing criminal cases. Speaking on Sirasa TV’s Satana program, he emphasized that his government would not allow past crimes to be forgotten with the passage of time. The President detailed the institutional framework in place for investigations, citing the Criminal Investigations Department, the Attorney General’s Department, and the judiciary. He revealed that approximately 650 key detectives had been transferred and faced travel restrictions during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure. His administration is now working to reinstate these investigators and bring in new officers, though he acknowledged this process has been time-consuming. Regarding specific cases, Dissanayake addressed several high-profile investigations, including the 2009 assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickremetunge. While acknowledging the challenges of investigating a 16-year-old murder, he assured the public that the case would remain active. The President also discussed obstacles in other prominent cases. In the Thajudeen murder investigation, a significant setback occurred with the death of the Chief Judicial Medical Officer, a key witness. The Poddala Jayantha case faces similar challenges, with crucial medical documentation having disappeared. Despite these difficulties, Dissanayake reported progress in the Easter Sunday Terror Attacks investigation and expressed optimism about impending legal action in the Keith Noyahr assault case. Regarding the Wasim Thajudeen investigation, he noted ongoing complications, stating, “We are at a point where statements need to be recorded from several naval officers. However, missing documentation has made it difficult to even identify these officers.”
Pioneering Women-Led Hotel Opens in Sri Lanka
In a historic first for South Asia’s hospitality sector, Sri Lanka celebrated the inauguration of “Amba Yaalu,” the region’s first entirely female-operated tourist hotel, on January 10th. The innovative property marks a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to women’s empowerment in the tourism industry. Nestled within a picturesque mango plantation featuring 457 TJC mango trees, the resort offers breathtaking views of the Kandalama Reservoir. The concept draws inspiration from the beloved novel ‘Amba Yaluwo’ (Mango Friends) and pays homage to Sri Lanka’s golden age of cinema, creating a unique cultural experience for guests. Developed by “Thema Collection,” the hotel’s opening ceremony drew distinguished guests including diplomatic representatives, government officials, and leading figures from the tourism sector. In a particularly meaningful gesture that bridged tradition with progress, two female Buddhist monks blessed the establishment and its all-women staff through a traditional Pirith ceremony, underlining the deep cultural significance of this pioneering venture. The hotel’s distinctive design pays creative homage to its literary namesake, the iconic Sinhala novel ‘Amba Yaaluwo’ by B. Ilangaratne, while celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich cinematic heritage. A fully restored vintage movie theater serves as a centerpiece of the property, complete with carefully curated displays of classic film posters, promotional banners, and antique camera equipment. The restaurant embraces this theatrical theme, designed to evoke the ambiance of a retro cinema hall, offering guests an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s cultural past while enjoying contemporary hospitality excellence.