K. Velayudam, trade unionist-cum-politician and former State Minister for Plantation Industries, died in a private hospital India yesterday. He was 65. The former Minister, a leader representing Tamils of Indian origin, is survived by his wife and four sons, according to an official of the leader’s office. Hailing from Badulla in Uva Province, Mr Velayudam began his public career in the early 1970s as a member of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union (LJEWU), a trade union representing tea, rubber and other plantation workers. At the time of death, he was general secretary of the LJEWU, affiliated to the United National Party (UNP), and president of the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), of which the LJEWU is a member.
A Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the No. 72 squadron has crashed into the Madhuru Oya reservoir this morning, Air FOrce Media Spokesman Eranda Geeganage said.
Update: Five of the twelve passengers on board the bell 212 aircraft that crashed into the Maduru Oya today, have succumbed to their injuries, the SLAF said.
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