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More PSD men to be arrested
By Tania Fernando
More than 20 Presidential Security Division (PSD) Personnel are to be arrested for various incidents in which musicians and journalists were attacked. CID Sources said that at present a total of 10 PSD men have been arrested, however 25 more are to be questioned and arrested. Three PSD men were arrested on Friday for the alleged attack on singing duo Rukantha and Chandraleka. The three men who were produced before the Kesbewa Magistrate have been remanded and are to be produced for an identification parade along with the others who were arrested for their involvement in the attack.

A driver of President Chandrika Kumaratunga was also arrested for his involvement in the attack when he had driven the singing duo's vehicle. Rukantha and Chandraleka were attacked in January 2000 when their hair was cut by an armed gang who stormed their house.

Meanwhile, the CID with regard to the Cricket Board fiasco has also recorded a statement of the DIG - PSD. CID sources said , after recording the DIG's statement, more PSD men are to be questioned for their alleged involvement during the Cricket Board elections in 2000.

CWE offers drugs at low cost
In a bid to help people cut down medical bills by getting safe and effective drugs at the lowest possible price, the CWE has set up its first 24-hour pharmacy at its largest supermarket in Welisara.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ministry Media Manager Ashwin Hemmatagama said yesterday the CWE's Welisara pharmacy and the others to be set up soon were selling low cost drugs under generic names instead of the expensive brand names sold at private pharmacies.

He said CWE pharmacies working under the guidance of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation would also be set up soon at Jawatte, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Galle and Kandy.

In response to an appeal made by the Action Committee on Justice for Patients and other patients' rights groups, Minister Ravi Karunanayake has assured 24-hour pharmacies would be set up in about 150 major outlets and they would provide safe and low cost drugs under generic names.

Pahan Pooja on May 11
The Association of Families of Servicemen Missing in Action will hold an islandwide Itti Pahan Pooja on May 11 at 8p.m. It is held for the safe return of the loved ones who went missing in action and in remembrance of those who have lost their lives and for those who have become disabled .

They will also pray for lasting peace in Sri Lanka. The proceedings of this pooja will go towards teaching family members the skills to start home-based projects. This will help them get on with their lives while waiting for news of their missing family members.

The public is requested to light a pahan and gather with household members and neighbours in prayer for peace for ten minutes.

Alick in wander-land
Minister Alick Aluvihare and his family have been accused of breaking Yala Wildlife Park rules by going off road despite several warnings by park rangers. Yala Park Assistant Director B.V.R. Jayaratne said several visitors had complained to him and the Wildlife Department regarding the incident last weekend. He said the range officer had told him the vehicles went off the road to get a better view of an elephant.

Artillery meeting
The Ceylon Artillery Association will meet at the Sri Lanka Artillery Headquarters at Panagoda on Sunday, May 12 at 11.00 a.m. All those wishing to avail themselves of transport will require to be present at the Ex-Servicemen's Headquarters, Colombo Fort by 9.30 a.m.

Suzuki denies Ravi K claim
The Suzuki International has denied that its Indonesian car manufacturing plant will be relocated in Sri Lanka. The denial came after agency reports quoted Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Karnunanayake as saying at a Colombo news conference that the Indonesian car manufacturing plant would be relocated in Sri Lanka.

The Managing Director of PT Indomobil Suzuki International, Gunadi Sindhuwinata told the Jakarta Post: "In my opinion, it is not logical to shift the car manufacturing plant from Indonesia to Sri Lanka."

The local agents for Suzuki in Sri Lanka, Browns and Company, confirmed there would be no relocation of the car manufacturing plant from Indonesia, but a feasibility study was on to set up a separate plant. However it has not yet been decided the type of the plant, a spokesman for the company said.

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