News

Air India flight delayed as sky marshal detained with weapon at BIA

Published

2 years ago

May 7, 2023

editor

Chennai-bound Air India (AI) flight was delayed by over four hours at Sri Lanka‘s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo on May 6 after the sky marshal of the aircraft was detained by the security agency with a weapon at the BIA airport.

“The sky marshal was detained at the transit terminal (passengers) area with loaded firearms, delaying the flight by over four hours,” an official with knowledge of the incident told ANI.

In India, sky marshals or flight marshals were introduced in 1999 after the hijacking of the flight Air India IC 814 in Kandahar to prevent hijacking in future. Sky marshal travel with loaded firearms/weapons in passenger (commercial) aircraft and can also take action in the aircraft for the purpose of preventing hijacking. Sky marshals are recruited from the National Security Guard (NSG) India‘s elite commando force.

According to the rules, “the sky marshal is strictly prohibited from taking his weapons out of the aircraft and if the security officer wishes to exit the aircraft, he must hand the firearm over to the aircraft‘s pilot in command (PIC).”

According to sources, “The matter was reported with the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the issue was resolved diplomatically.”
A statement from Air India was not available till the time of publishing the story.

Source – ANI

News

‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ Chief Editor’s mother passes away

Published

26 minutes ago

April 22, 2025

editor

We solemnly announce the passing of Mrs. Pushpa Ranjani Liyanage, cherished wife of late Milk Board manager – Mr. L.S. Rodrigo and the beloved mother of ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ Chief Editor – Mr. Kelum Shivantha.

Remains will lie at Supreme Rest Funeral Parlour, Kelanimulla from 11.00am to 10.30pm on April 23 and on April 24 morning.

Final rites will be held at the Pilapitiya Cemetery crematorium on April 24 at 3.00 pm.

News

Country has sufficient insulin stocks – Nalinda

Published

32 minutes ago

April 22, 2025

editor

Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has assured that the government has already distributed sufficient insulin stocks for the next four months.

Therefore, he urged the public not to have any unnecessary fears over the matter.

Speaking earlier today (April 22) during the weekly Cabinet briefing, he assured that there is enough insulin available in the country until September this year.
He added that measures are taken to maintain medicine stocks sufficient for a period of four to six months to prevent any shortages.

News

Weather advisory for severe lightning & heavy rain

Published

4 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for strong lightning and heavy rain in several parts of the country, effective until 11:00 pm today (April 22).

Thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning are expected this evening and tonight in the Eastern, Uva, Central, and Northern provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Polonnaruwa districts.

Temporary strong winds may also occur during these storms.

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