News

CID compiles Kudu Anju’s criminal records!

Published

12 months ago

May 4, 2023

editor

The criminal records of Sinharage Saminda Silva alias Rathmalane Kudu Anju, who is an international drug trafficker and an organized criminal arrested in France, have been called to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today.

These reports have been called to draft a comprehensive report regarding the crimes committed by Kudu Anju during his stay in Sri Lanka and to submit it to France to get him extradited.

It was said that information has been submitted against the suspect regarding an alleged murder, robbery and possession of a bomb while staying in Sri Lanka from 2007 to 2016.

Meanwhile, the media has reported that information on eight murders, including the murder of Cricketer Dhananjaya’s father Ranjan Silva, which were carried out under Kudu Anju’s instructions has been forwarded to the CID.

These crimes have been committed in Angulana, Piliyandala, Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia Police Divisions.

It was also reported that the Borella Police have received a complaint against Kudu Anju regarding an attempt to poison Roha, who was shot dead by the police a few years ago, in the prison.

Kudu Anju has been registered as a fugitive suspect under the Terrorism Act following a request made by the Sri Lankan police from the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court. Red notices have also been issued against him from the Interpol.

News

Prof. Nalin de Silva no more

Published

4 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

Philosopher, intellectual and academician Professor Nalin de Silva has passed away at the age of 79. Prof. de Silva initially served as a professor in the Department of Mathematics and later as the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya.

He was also a former member of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

In addition to his academic pursuits, de Silva also worked as a former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar.

News

‘Company issuing visa at BIA not Indian or Indian based’

Published

8 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued a statement over reports of Indian companies taking over visa issuance at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

The statement notes “companies referred to in these reports are not India based or Indian and are headquartered elsewhere. Any reference to India in this context is unwarranted.”

News

Chaos at BIA raises questions (Video)

Published

10 hours ago

May 2, 2024

nipuni

Questions have been raised after chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake last night (May 01) has sparked widespread outrage.

This is with regard to a controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at BIA by an Indian company – VFS Global since yesterday evening.

It is learnt that the company has levied an extra $25 alongside the standard $75 fee.

Long lines of frustrated travellers were also seen at the airport for several hours, which is a stark difference to the procedure smoothly managed in a matter of mere minutes by the Immigration and Emigration Department in the past.

Footage of a Sri Lankan citizen expressing outrage over Indian nationals deciding visa matters for fellow Sri Lankans, has also been making rounds on social media.

Although 10 Sri Lankan and Indian officers had commenced work from 5.00pm yesterday, the lines remained well over 9.00pm. Amid tensions, higher officials of the BIA and security forces had also arrived at the premises.

At 11.30pm the company officials temporarily suspended issuing visas and left the BIA with the money collected, reports say.

Upon the directive of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Ilukpitiya, Immigration officers have commenced their usual duties with no issues since then, enabling the previous process to continue smoothly.

Concerns have been raised over the lack of transparency in this arrangement.