Let us resolve ourselves to fill our lives with compassion – President

Poson Poya Day, which falls today recalls historical reminiscences that enrich the Sinhala culture and its moral values through the influence of Buddhist culture that was introduced with the establishment of Buddha Sasana with the arrival of Arahath Mahinda, said President Maithripala Sirisena in his Poson Day message. 

Nonviolence, tranquility, humanity, equality, frugal lifestyle, and national pride became a part of our proud cultural features as a result of the arrival of Arahath Mahinda, the President further stated. 
Full text of the message: 
Poson Poya Day, which falls today recalls historical reminiscences that enrich the Sinhala culture and its moral values through the influence of Buddhist culture that was introduced with the establishment of Buddha Sasana with the arrival of Arahath Mahinda. Intellectuals rank this historical instance, which occurred 2,323 years ago as the most significant milestone of the Sinhala culture. We received an extraordinary spiritual stimulant and cultural pride through Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy. 

Nonviolence, tranquility, humanity, equality, frugal lifestyle, and national pride became a part of our proud cultural features as a result of the arrival of Arahath Mahinda. 

The field of the visual arts, including the Sinhala literature nourished in a comprehensive, vibrant and unprecedented manner as a result of that cultural revitalization. The Anuradhapura Samadhi Statue, Moon-stone carvings and Aukana Buddha statue symbolize our rich aesthetic cultural heritage to the world. 

We should recall on this important Poson Poya Day that none of the external forces that invaded our country from time to time could succeed in vandalizing our rich and unique culture. As persons who grew up with that pure philosophy and culture there is no obstacle for us to see the world with an open and compassionate mind. Let us resolve ourselves to fill our lives with compassion and contentment on this Poson Poya Day.

NPC to introduce new Code of Ethics for policemen

The National Police Commission (NPC) has taken steps to create a new system of code of ethics for policemen.

Secretary of the Commission, Ariyadasa Cooray noted that permission was granted for the process when they gathered last Thursday. He went on to note that the code of ethics contains the manner in which policemen should carry out their job with the general public, respectfully.

Explaining further, he noted that all policemen will pledge their service to be within the set code of ethics by using a signature.

SL authorities assign officers to identify immigrants on Indonesian shores

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Sri Lanka High Commission to Indonesia has assigned an officer to to identify as to whether the illegal immigrants who landed on the Achae shores of Indonesia, are in fact Sri Lankan.

Spokesperson, Maheshini Colonne stated that it has yet to to be confirmed that the illegal immigrants are of Sri Lankan nationality. Indonesian authorities have granted permission for the illegal migrants to step ashore.

Women and children are among the 44 illegal immigrants. The boat which was heading for Australia, arrived on the Ache coast on the 11th of June following technical difficulties that were experienced during the journey.

Although the boat was in close proximity to land, migrants were restricted by officers of Ache County, from stepping ashore. However, following requests made by several international human rights organisations, these individuals were permitted to step ashore.

Supporters disappointed after Ronaldo misfires, leaving team in dangerous place

Portugal supporters were disappointed following a misfire by Cristiano Ronaldo during a crucial match against Austria on Saturday (June 18), leaving the team in a dangerous place.

Ronaldo missed a second-half penalty and had a late headed effort disallowed as Portugal’s future at Euro 2016 looked in jeopardy following a 0-0 draw against Austria in a wide open Group F at Paris’ Parc des Princes stadium.

Ronaldo won his 128th cap to break the record of Luis Figo, who was watching from the stands, but fired his 79th minute spot kick against the post, having already missed several chances in an entertaining game at the Parc des Princes.

The forward thought he had made amends in the 85th minute by grabbing the winner with a header it was ruled out for offside.

Supporters of Portugal were not impressed. Hailed as potentially tough opponents after an impressive qualifying campaign, Austria, ranked 10th in the world, again failed to live up to expectations after a 2-0 defeat by Hungary in their opener.

Hungary top the group with four points after earlier snatching a 1-1 draw against Iceland, who are level with Portugal on two points and ahead of Austria on one. But Austria supporters appeared satisfied with the draw.

Portugal, who were knocked out in the first round at the 2014 World Cup, face a tense final match against Hungary while Austria will play Iceland. Austria had the first clear chance when Martin Harnik headed wide from Marcel Sabitzer’s perfect cross from the right.

Portugal, held 1-1 by Iceland in their opener, had three opportunities in the space of three minutes but Nani, Vieirinha and William Carvalho were denied by alert keeper Robert Almer.

Portugal came closer seven minutes later when Nani’s header hit the woodwork. Stefan Ilsanker bossed the Austria midfield, breaking up several Portugal attacks and orchestrating play for his team mates as David Alaba appeared to be having an off night.

Ilsanker provided Austria with their first shot on target early in the second half with a powerful low drive that was tipped away by Rui Patricio. Ronaldo was then denied twice in quick succession, Almer parrying away a shot from 20 metres and a header to keep his team afloat as Portugal stepped up the pressure.

Alaba and Ricardo Quaresma, both supposed to provide a creative spark for their respective teams, were substituted midway through the second half after disappointing displays. Ronaldo had the perfect chance to snatch the points for Portugal after being fouled by Martin Hinteregger but his penalty struck Almer’s right-hand post and six minutes later he was given offside after planting a precise header into the net.

Former Egyptian president Morsi sentenced to 40 years in jail

A Cairo court on Saturday sentenced former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi to a total of 40 years in prison for leaking state secrets to Qatar.

Morsi received life in prison, carrying a sentence of 25 years, for leading an unlawful group, and an additional 15-year jail term for stealing documents related to national security.

Before announcing the verdict in the latest in a series of trials for the embattled former president, the judge gave a long speech in which he indicated that he had no shred of doubt that Morsi and his six co-defendants were guilty.

He had earlier consulted the government’s highest Islamic cleric on the death penalty for the other six defendants. The response came to assure the judge he is taking the right decision. The six were sentenced to be hanged.

Defense lawyer Abdel Moniem Abdel Maqsoud said the defense team is likely to appeal the verdict. “We have 30 days within which the court will publish its reasons behind the verdict. We will study this document and prepare to file an appeal within 60 days from that. I think the verdicts for Morsi and Dr. Abdel Aaty will be canceled and it’s easy to expect there will be an appeal,” he said.

According to the defense team, the verdict is contradictory as Morsi was found innocent of espionage charges but convicted of stealing national defense secrets.

The verdict is the fourth handed down to Morsi. His total sentences now add up to 85 years in prison and a death penalty, and a fifth case is still pending.