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Fire at John Keells
A fire broke out at John Keells in Slave Island last night, but was brought under control by the Fire Brigade. The cause of the fire was believed to be an electrical short-circuit. Four fire engines were rushed to the scene immediately. Slave Island police are conducting further investigations.

Children and Women's desk launches 3-year plan
The Police Children and Women's Bureau has launched a three-year "Corporate Plan" under the theme "A violence free society for Children and Women".

DIG Jayantha Wickramaratne launched the action plan, which has been compiled by Senior Advisor Vajira Narampanawa, with UNICEF assistance.

The plan aims to promote community policing, a concept introduced by the IGP, and rehabilitation of offenders through religious, counselling and recreation programmes.

It proposes the setting up of a special task force, counselling service and an information unit. The plan also recommends the establishing of a public and inter-organisational system.

Draft bill against conversion
A committee comprising Buddhist and Hindu leaders has prepared a draft bill against unethical conversion. A committee spokesman said the proposed legislation while recognising an individual’s freedom to practise or adopt any religion, would make conversion through coercion, allurement or proselytisation a punishable crime.

"Whilst we recognise every citizen's freedom of expression and the freedom to manifest his religion, it must be emphasized that such freedoms cannot be expressed in such manner that would infringe another's freedom of thought, conscience or religion including the freedom to have and or adopt a religion or belief of his choice", the committee adds.

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