Randenigala Distilleries lends a hand to Bodu Bala Sena!

 Friday, 04 July 2014 

Randenigala Distilleries Company Ltd. is the most noteworthy amongst the parties that provide funding for the activities of Bodu Bala Sena, reports say.

Owned by a retired prison officer by the name R.D. Sarath K. Wijewickrema, this company and BBS general secretary Galagodaatte Gnanasara had got their connection started after the owner was cornered by the Sri Lanka Customs over an ethanol racket. Using his political clout, the BBS general secretary had got Wijewickrema freed from this ethanol charge. As a mark of gratitude, the owner has given Rs. 30 million to Galagodaatte Gnanasara. That money had changed hands through Roy, an official of the Nugegoda United Traders Association.

After this, the ‘love’ between BBS and Randenigala Distilleries had grown thicker and faster and is now taking various directions. Most of the properties owned by Wijewickrema are the ones acquired for him by the BBS general secretary through various nefarious rackets. The Special Investigation Unit of the Department of Inland Revenue has carried out a special investigation into Randenigala Distilleries and its owner. However, Gnanasara Thera has ordered the Inland Revenue Department ‘not to become a party to the conspiracy against Sinhala Buddhist businessmen.’

Nowadays, the Randenigala Distilleries owner is telling his friends that he has now got hold of a wish-conferring gem. However, he is careful not to reveal what that is. But, his friends say that it is none other than BBS.

Anura Senanayake nears record!

Friday, 04 July 2014 

Senior DIG Anura Senanayake is nearing a record to become the oldest serving police officer in the 147 year history of the Sri Lanka police, as he has received service extensions on political grounds for more than three years upon reaching the retirement age of 60 years, according to police headquarters sources.

The service extension given to him last year ends on July 07. Previously, the defence secretary had wanted Senanayake to be appointed chairman of the Urban Development Authority after that date. However, all retired military officers serving at the UDA, in one voice, have requested him not to make that appointment. Later, he had planned to appoint Senanayake as the governor of the Northern Province, but the senior DIG that declined to accept that offer.

In such a scenario and in view of the prevailing situation in the country, the defence secretary has approved the granting of a further extension to Senanayake. However, that could not be implemented as the Public Services Commission had been inactive until yesterday. The president has now appointed new members to the commission, with Satya Hettige, retired Supreme Court judge and closest relative of the wife of minister Basil Rajapaksa, as its chairman. The first task of that new commission will be to implement the service extension of senior DIG Anura Senanayake.