Sri Lanka’s Former National Security Spokesman In A Second Suicide Attempt

January 27, 2014

Former Director General of the Media Centre for National Security and close associate of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Lakshman Hulugalle has been re-admitted to hospital after a second failed suicide attempt by overdose, sources told Colombo Telegraph.

Lakshman Hulugalle

Hulugalle, who was staying in a hotel in Kandy was admitted to the Kandy General Hospital in the early hours of Monday morning.

Last month, Hulugalle was rushed to Lanka Hospitals in Colombo, for treatment after he walked in to the hospital claiming to have swallowed nearly 20 anti depression pills.  However, sources told Colombo Telegraph that doctors at the hospital had failed to find any traces of the drug in Hulugalle’s system. The top security official later denied allegations that he had overdosed.

He is said to be in recovery now.

Hulugalle has been embroiled in controversy after he ordered the transfer of 23 policemen responsible for the raid of a casino belonging to his alleged lover, Sudharma Netticumara, wife of Salaka Chairman, Gamini Nettikumara. President Mahinda Rajapaksa dissolved the MCNS retroactively from November 1st after racy details about Hulugalle’s liaison with businessman Gamini Nethikumara’s spouse came to light and he was found to have abused his power in a bid to rescue his paramour.

In Sri Lanka suicides rates, although down compared to the 90’s, are still high enough to cause concern, as at least one case is reported in newspapers every week. According to experts mental health literacy is very poor in Sri Lanka. To seek advice from suicide prevention experts please contact ;

Sri Lanka  Sumithrayo                                                      Read More

No Plans To Be Presidential Nominee – CBK

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga dispelled rumours earlier today that she would be the common candidate fielded by the opposition alliance at an impending presidential election.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

“Others are proposing that I contest but I have no such plans,” Kumaratunga told media personnel at the conclusion of a SAPRI event to unveil recommendations made by an interfaith dialogue forum on building harmony between religious communities earlier Tuesday (28).

Asked if she was likely to change her mind about this, the former President said according to the Buddhist philosophy nothing is permanent in life. “But this is not likely to change,” she said.

SAPRI the think tank chaired by the Former President is spearheading a campaign to promote peace between religious communities and alleviate tensions arising from recent acts of intolerance and violence against Muslims and Christians.

Speaking about why her organisation took the issue head on, President Kumaratunga said while only extremist discourse was reigning in the country, it was no longer possible to remain silent.

“The moderates were shocked about what was taking place, but they feared speaking out against it, because of the atmosphere of intimidation,`she explained to media personnel after the SAPRI event. “Someone said to me that as the only living ex-president and prime minister, I also had a responsibility to do something about this,`Kumaratunga added.                                                 January 28, 2014