Father and son from Sri Lanka drown in Queensland waterfall tragedy

A 21 year old Melbourne man who died at a popular waterfall in far north Queensland was trying to save his father from the treacherous waters when the pair drowned, devastated friends have revealed.  

Sisira Gajanayaka, 59, first got into trouble while swimming at Crystal Cascades, west of Cairns, on Tuesday afternoon. 

 The veteran bus driver who was migrated from Sri Lanka, was travelling with a group of 18 people from four different families when tragedy struck. 

 

His 21 year old son, Themi was trying to help save his father’s life when the pair drowned. The men were said to have been “struggling to get out of the water”, a police spokeswoman.

 

Bystanders called emergency services at about 5pm and a rescue operation was launched, but the men could not be found. Swift water rescue crews and two pump trucks were involved in the operation, before the men were found and pulled unresponsive from the water. 

 

Police said the pair were unable to be revived by paramedics and they were declared dead a “short time later”. Gajanayaka’s other son, Gomiya, was at the scene when the pair drowned and released a statement on Wednesday night, saying his dad “was the most selfless, amazing person” he has ever known. “He was always helping with community fundraisers and events and going out of his way to help those less fortunate. 

He loved his family and always wanted the best for us,” he said. Gomiya said his brother was “so beautiful and full of life” and said he was “a hero” for trying to save their father. “He lightened up everyone’s day and made us all laugh when we were down. I’m the luckiest person to have had him as a brother,” he said. “I’ll now look after my sister and mum for you just as I know you’ll look after dad for us.” 

 

More than 100 friends and family gathered to remember the pair on Wednesday, with loved ones telling Gajanayaka was a lovely friend who would do anything to help anyone. “I couldn’t breathe when I heard the news,” family friend said. 

 “Everybody has lost a very good friend, that’s all I can say. We’re not going to get him back again.” a friend said Themi would be remembered as “someone unique and unapologetically him”. “He would never fail to make us laugh or bring up our spirits in any moment,” he said. “We’ll miss him deeply.” 

The 21-year-old was said to be a talented musician and an avid Collingwood fan. “He tried to save his father, who was in an unfortunate situation while he was on holiday. He threw himself into a situation trying to save him,” friend added. “His heroic act in his final moment really epitomised him as a person.” The family and friends who were travelling with the pair have cut their holiday short and are flying back to Melbourne on Wednesday night. A report will be prepared for the coroner. The tragedy is not the first time visitors have ended up in trouble at the site. In 2020, a teenager needed to be rescued after slipping and falling from the waterfall. An 18-year-old man drowned there in 2014, having also reportedly slipped and fallen into the water.

CSE reopens on Monday

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) will resume trading on Monday (11 May 2020).

The stock market last traded on 20 March.

In view of the decision made by the Government that both public and private sector entities in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam should re-commence work from 11th May 2020, trading on the CSE will resume on Monday, CSE's Chief Regulatory Officer Renuke Wijayawardhane said.

Accordingly,The Trading hours will be as follows:

Pre open - 10.30 - 11.00

Auction - 11.00

Regular Trading - 11.00 - 13.00

Liquor stores to remain closed

Despite the relaxing of restrictions today (11) in many areas, all liquor stores have been ordered to remain closed, said the Deputy Commissioner of the Excise Department Kapila Kumarasinghe in a statement.

He said all liquor stores have been advised to remain closed until further notice. During the period the curfew was imposed all liquor stores were ordered to remain closed.

He noted that the decision to close liquor shops was not taken in line with the enforcement of curfew. Hence, liquor stores cannot reopen as soon as the curfew is relaxed.

These liquor stores will have to remain closed until the government issues a special order permitting them to reopen. He said that the Excise Department officers would be on alert to ensure that this order is adhered to country-wide.

Ajith Nivard Cabraal refuse claims of his children arriving at SL

Former Central Bank Governor and Senior Economic Adviser to the prime minister - Ajith Nivard Cabraal has refuse claims citing that his children were among the Sri Lankans who had behaved agitately at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport, after being repatriated from the UK.

Posting on social media he has said that he has only two sons and no daughters.

Noting that he was grieved by such claims were made to attain political mileage, Cabraal says that one of his sons are already in Sri Lanka while his other son is living overseas.

He has also added a Facebook post saying that none of his children arrived in Sri Lanka as claimed by these reports.

New Twilight book 'Midnight Sun' set for summer release

The Twilight book series will be getting a new installment

later this year as author Stephanie Meyer has confirmed that Midnight Sun will finally be published on 4 August.

The original series told the story of human Bella Swan who fell in love with vampire Edward Cullen, now the new book is set to tell the tale from Edward's perspective.

It comes 12 years after Meyer halted the writing on Midnight Sun after an unfinished manuscript was leaked on the internet in 2008.

In a video message on US talk show Good Morning America, Meyer said: “I am very excited to finally, finally announce the release of Midnight Sun on 4 August.
“It’s a crazy time right now and I wasn’t sure if this was the right time to put this book out, but some of you have been waiting for just so, so long. It didn’t seem fair to make you wait anymore.

“Sorry about the bad timing. Hopefully this book can be a distraction from the real world. I’m so excited to finally be able to share it with you.”

At the time of the leak, Meyer said: "I did not want my readers to experience Midnight Sun before it was completed, edited and published. I think it is important for everybody to understand that what happened was a huge violation of my rights as an author, not to mention me as a human being."

She went on to say the book would be postponed "indefinitely".

The original four books were turned into a five-film series starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson as Bella and Edward. The first instalment hit cinemas in 2008, with the finale released in 2012.

Meyer's announcement comes after a countdown clock appeared on her website in the days prior, hinting that she would be releasing new material.

Nurse at CNH tested positive for Covid19 - Deth toll 9

A female nurse working at the Colombo National Hospital has reportedly tested positive for Covid19 yesterday ( 5th ).

20 persons have been tested positive for Covid19 in the country so far yesterday, bringing the total number of cases to 771.

The new cases reported today are from Kolonnawa, Colombo 15, Rajagiriya and the Kandakadu quarantine centre.

The ninth Covid 19 death in Sri Lanka was reported a yesterday too.

The victim, a 52 year old resident of the Col. 15 area, was being treated at the ICU of the IDH.

126 Dead, 97 Missing, Over 400,000 Affected By Extreme Weather Conditions

The number of deaths reported in floods and landslides was increased to 126 while 97 people had gone missing, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said today.

In its latest situation report, the DMC said the adverse weather condition had left 49 people injured. In total, 423,068 people of 109,773 families had been affected by the weather calamity. The South-West monsoon unleashed torrential rains, which ravaged fourteen districts in the western and southern parts of the country on Friday and Thursday.

The disaster is described as one of the worst-ever calamities since the 2003 floods.

The Disaster Management Center issued an urgent evacuation warning last evening instructing residents living along the Kelani River and within the Divisional Secretariats of Kollonnawa, Kaduwela, Wellampitiya, Kelaniya, Biyagama, Sedawatte, Dompe, Hanwella, Padukka and Avissawella to move to safer areas.

The DMC said the residents of Meethotamulla were already evacuated.

It said water levels in the Kelani River were rising rapidly as indicted by the water gauges at Nagalagam Street, Hanwella and Glencourse and warned residents to move away from the vulnerable area as it was under an imminent flood threat.

Those living along the banks of Nilwala Ganga, The Gin Ganga and Kalu Ganga were also asked to move to safer areas because of the rising water levels.

Meanwhile, the DMC requested the people to be vigilant on rising water levels and requested the public to call 011-2136136, 011-2670002 and 117 for emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department said that rain and windy condition is expected to continue over the South-Western part of the country due to South-Western monsoon. “Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western provinces. Heavy falls (about 150 mm) can be expected at some places,” it said.

Bring this gang of hunters to justice

A supporter of former Kandy politician is said to be the leader of a gang of hunters whose pictures have been posted on social media.
Having a facebook account to the name Saad Sharaff, this man has posted photographs of killed animals, firearms and ammunition.

 According to sources he is a estate superintendent in estate close to Knuckles Conservation Forest. They are doing these killing in the conversation forest.

please help authorities to bring this killers to justice. 

Help to identify these barbarians

There are some photos circulating in social media showing some people skinned a eagle alive. Freedom Sri Lanka Foundation and Let Them Live are ready to bring this people to court under FAUNA AND FLORA PROTECTION ACT, No. 22 OF 2009.

Please inform below numbers if you know any information.
0703303022
0713664019

Couples Barred From Entering Colombo Independence Square ?

A video shared on social media shows several security officers at the Independence Square in Colombo arguing with a couple in an attempt to evict them from its premises.

"Me and my girlfriend were just sitting and chilling at Independence square and these idiots came and said that it was culturally wrong for a male and female to sit together at a public space. According to these idiots we have to have a child with us to sit together at independence square. I urge all you lovers or couples to go there and do the same. Lets see what these idiots do again", Mirshad Buckman, who shared the video on Facebook said.

According to the exchange seen in the video, it is apparent that the young couple was merely sitting there when the security officials asked them to leave. The security officials are unable to describe any ‘wrongful act’ made by the couple and claim that they are merely carrying out the orders of the Cultural Affairs Department. Any query regarding the regulation barring couples from sitting together at the Independence Square have to be made to the Department, they say. The security officers are unable to give a coherent answer when the young woman asks if males and females have to stay separate in public places in Sri Lanka. They once again maintain that the question has to be asked from the Cultural Department.

UPDATE

A silent protest is to be held within the Independence Square limited against the Cultural Affairs Ministry's decision to bar "couples" from sitting together at the Independence Square.

The protest will start on Sunday (March 06) at 4 pm. Those who wish to take part in the protest are requested to be present at the venue with a loved one or a friend. The protest will be held under the theme "Occupy the Square".

The Facebook page launched in support of the protest says any concerned citizen is welcome to take part in the protest, with a loved one or a friend. The protest comes in the wake of the video shared on social media on Saturday showing three security officers ordering a couple to leave the Independence Square as they sat together at the venue in violation of the rules and regulations imposed by the cultural Affairs Ministry.

The security officers are unable to describe any ‘wrongful act’ made by the couple and claim that they are merely carrying out the orders of the Cultural Affairs Department. Any query regarding the regulation barring couples from sitting together at the Independence Square have to be made from the Department, they say. The move came under severe criticism on social media platforms as it was in stark violation of Fundamental Rights granted to citizens by the country's constitution.

Rohan Weliwita and Nishantha Ranatunga also arrested

Four persons including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha Rajapaksa, CSN chairman Rohan Weliwita and former CEO of the channel Nishantha Ranatunga have been arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today.

Rajapaksa was arrested following questioning carried out by the FCID earlier today at the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters in Colombo and is expected to be produced at the Kaduwela’s Magistrate’s Court.

He was summoned to give a statement regarding financial irregularities at the Carlton Sports Network (CSN), a private company allegedly linked to him.

Meanwhile CSN chairman Rohan Weliwita, former CEO Nishantha Ranatunga and another individual have also been arrested by the FCID in connection with the case.

Weliwita, who is former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s media coordinating secretary, was taken in for questioning by the FCID this morning.

He was questioned regarding alleged financial irregularities at the television channel.
Ranatunga, the former Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), was the Chief Executive Officer of SCN for a brief period and has also been charged in connection with the case.
They are also to be produced at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today.

Sunil Hettiarachchi passes away

A well known comedian and character actor Sunil Hettiarachchi passed away this morning (03) at the age of 78.

He who has contributed to teledramas, films as well as radio dramas had suffered from ill health for sometime.

He entered the world of cinema in 1982 by joining the cast of 'Kadaunu Poronduwa' and has played roles in number of films including 'Hitha Hoda Chandiya', 'Newa Gilunath Ben Chun', 'Demodara Palama', 'Cherio Captain','Come or Go Chicago' , 'Hai Hui Babi Achchi', 'Weda Beri Tarzan' and 'Machan'.

Damitha Saluwadana passes away

Veteran character actress Damitha Saluwadana who had served as an actress for more than 45 years, passed away Friday evening. She entered the film and scene in the sixties, showcasing multiple talents. Her role as ‘Asilin’ in Kopi Kade was one of her most popular characters. She had acted in more than 300 stage plays, 200 tele dramas and 25 films.

Death sentence for former DIG Vaas Gunawardena and five others

Former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena and four police officers were yesterday sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court for committing the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam in 2013 at Dompe area.

While handing out a 802-page judgement, Colombo High Court Trial–at-Bar Bench comprising judges Lalith Jayasuriya (President), Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena and Amendra Seneviratne unanimously decided that the prosecutors have proved the accused’ guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The accused who were ordered to be sentenced to death were; former DIG Vaas Gunawardena and his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, Sub Inspector Indika Bamunuge, Police Constable (PC) Gamini Sarath Chandra, PC Priyanka Sanjeewa and PC Kelum Ranga. The President of the Trial–at-Bar Bench High Court Judge Lalith Jayasuriya read out the sentence ordering all accused to be taken to the Welikada Prison and within the four walls of the prison that on a day and time appointed by the President that he be hanged by the neck until they are dead.

The accused were charged under 10 counts including committing, conspiring to murder, abducting, aiding and abetting to kill businessman Mohammed Shyam on or around May 22, 2013. Out of 10 counts filed by the Attorney General, eight counts had been filed against former DIG in which he found guilty for all charges. The accused had been charged under section 296, 102 and 355 of the Penal Code. The High Court observed that person called Fausdeen had sought the assistance of first accused Vaas Gunawardena to recover money owed to him from deceased Mohamed Shyam. The Court further held that evidence have proved that Fausdeen had invested money at a factory that belongs to Mohamed Shyam. The Court further held that the first accused had instructed the other accused to abduct Mohamed Shyam on or around May 21-22, 2013. The High Court further observed that evidence have proved that all accused involved in abducting and killing of businessman Shyam. Meanwhile, the High Court further observed that the first accused Vaas Gunawardena had performed his duties within an environment where he lives under his own regime. Prior to the pronouncement of the judgement, the High Court asked all accused whether they have anything to say why judgement of death should not be pronounced against them. In reply, all accused denied the charges levelled against them and told that they never involved in this incident.

While expressing his views over the judgement, the former DIG informed Court that the CID is arresting innocent persons under the provision of Terrorism Prevention Act (PTA) in an unfair manner. He said that the CID fabricated evidence against him and arrested him after labeling him as a terrorist. He further said he had no intention of killing a person for the sake of earning money and after using his own son for committing a murder. Meanwhile, accused Ravindu Guanawardena, the son of former DIG told Court that he is proud to be a son of the former DIG.

Deputy Solicitor Genenral Ayesha Jinasena appearing for the Attorney General moved Court that all accused be subjected to death sentence in accordance with the section 296 of the Penal Code. She moved Court that the maximum sentence be passed against the accused in a manner of bringing an example to the society. She further maintained that the first accused had tarnished the image of entire Police Department after holding a higher ranking position. President’s Counsel Anil Silva, Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, Nevil Abeyratne and Jaliya Samarasinghe appeared for the accused. Deputy Solicitor Genenral Ayesha Jinasena with Senior State Counsel Wasantha Perera appeared for the AG.

Pan Asia Bank Crew Ragging a Girl - Video

Pan Asia Bank Crew Ragging a newly employed girl. Even though this kind of behaviors should not acceptable both parties seem to be enjoying it.
By saying that the victimized girl may pretending to be ok with this as she got no choice.

Ven. ​Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera passes away

The Most Venerable Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Kotte Naga Vihara, has passed away at a private hospital in Singapore early Yesterday morning. The Thera was rushed to a Singapore hospital on Tuesday (03) night due to a sudden illness. A government official said that they had decided to conduct the Thera’s funeral with full State honors.

Srilankan flight UL 309, carrying the body of the Most Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera from Singapore, landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Katunayake a short while ago.