Wimal denies allegations but TUS continue protests

Minister Wimal Weerawansa has responded to a report in these columns that he was using some 30 vehicles belonging to the State Engineering Corporation (SEC). He says he is only using three vehicles including those for backup by his personal protection group.

The allegation was made last week by trade unions, including those of the government, when they staged a protest outside the SEC headquarters. They alleged that Weerawansa had more than 30 vehicles for his use. The other vehicles referred to, he noted, were assigned to different road development projects undertaken by the Ministry.

He also countered the union allegations about 40 Sales Promotion Officers being paid additional salaries. "They were being used to pro- mote the activities of the corporation," he said. As for the lease of 22 acres of land at Peliyagoda, that was for 250 "one- stop shops" to help consumers.

These claims notwithstanding, the trade unions repeated their protest campaign again this week.

Cortege leaves residence at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 15th July, 2012 for Service at Moratumulla Methodist Church and thereafter for burial at the Church Cemetery. 120, 'Kidron', Willorawatte, Moratuwa. STM 509940

GRERO - GODWIN WILFRED - At Rest with Jesus. (Ex-Serviceman, Sri Lanka Army), Retd. Ceylon Tobacco Company), beloved husband of late Pearl, darling dada of Blanche (Shirley), Antoinette (Deanna, UK), Annesley (Australia) & Rosemarie (Rosie), fatherin-law of Joe (UK), Sally (Australia), darling papa of Rosanne (Dubai), Sharon (Chicko, Papyrus Papers), Michelle & Maria (UK), Graham & Dominic (Australia), Joel & Joanna, expired. Remains will lie at A F Raymond's Funeral Parlour from Sunday 15th. Cortege leaves A F Raymond's Funeral Parlour at 4.30 for cremation at General Cemetery, Kanatte on Monday 16th at 5p.m. 3, Mallika Mawatha, Templer's Road, Mt. Lavinia. Australian & UK Papers please copy. STM 511258.

JOSPIN PERERA, loving wife of late Sylvester Silva, loving mother of Rev. Fr. Victor Silva (Former Rector, St.Joseph's College, Colombo 10) Late Abdon, Lawry, Ruby, Gladys, Bernard (Formerly at Ceylon Oxygen), Nimal - Italy (Formerly at Browns Beach Hotel) passed away at the age of 93 years. Cortege leaving residence Monday 16th 3.15p.m., for the Holy Mass at St. Sebastians's Church, Diyalagoda and burial at the cemetery. Thulapitiya, Diyalagoda, Maggona

PERERA, DILRUKSHI DUSHAMANI - Beloved wife of Denzil Perera, loving mother of Dilshan and Nimesh, mother-in-law of Anushi (Italy), passed away yesterday. Funeral will take place at the Wattala Catholic Cemetery at 4 p.m. on July 16. No. 190/13, Uswatte Road, Enderamulla, Wattala (011-2946168). STM

WICKRAMANAYAKE- MRS. NANDAWATHI MUKTHALATHA (MENIKE) NEE BAMUNUSINGHEBeloved wife of late Mr. Tudor Ariyarathne (Nilame) (Irrigation engineer), loving mother of Swarna Sarangapali (Retd. People’s Bank) Shirani Manel ( New Zealand). Lion Mano (Environmental Technologies Holdings (Private Limited), Lady Lion Haripriya Sanathani (Doha,Qatar), loving mother-in-law of Anton Tissera (Associates), late Mr. Edward Perera (DGM, Balangoda Plantations) Vasantha Manel, Palitha Vithanage (Doha, Qutar). sister of late Mrs. Kalyani Kothalawala, late Mr. Jayawardana, Mr. Dayawansa, late Mr. Jayathilleke, Mr.Samaranayake , Mr. Chandrapala, Mrs. Sunila Bamunusinghe Adroos, Mrs. Kamalani Wijesinghe, Indrani Hapuarachi, loving sister-in-law of Karuna, Idroos, Wilfred, Walter, Padma Rajakaruna, Soma Wickramanayake, Dingiri Amma, Rajakaruna (Pannala). Beloved grandmother of Mekala Taylor (New Zealand) Tamara Senanayake, Elmo Senanayake, Reshani Wickramanayake, Ikshani Wickramanayake (Methodist Collage), Angel Vithanage (Doha, Qatar) Colin Taylor (New Zealand) Beloved great grandmother of Natalie Taylor and Kenneth Adihetty, (New Zealand). Cortege leaves residence at 5.30p.m .on Monday the 16th of July. Cremation at General Cemetery Kotikawatte at 6 p.m. No. 192, School Lane KudabuthgamuwaKotikawatte, Mulleriyawa New Town, Tel: 5621954