Monara TV, launched with much fanfare just a year ago under the Swarnavahini media network, has reportedly shut down operations.

Employees have been informed that the closure is temporary, citing the need to resolve certain administrative issues.

The channel, led by Buddhika Wickramadhara, was ceremonially launched on June 25, 2024, with a grand event at Waters Edge.

Producers who supplied teledramas to Monara TV say they are owed nearly Rs.200 million in unpaid dues.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the parent Swarnavahini TV channel is also reportedly grappling with a serious financial crisis, paying teledrama producers only after 60 episodes are broadcast.

Producers claim they are compelled to wait about 03 months to recover an investment of around Rs.15 million per teledrama. Even then, payments are made in small portions, covering just 05 episodes at a time.

Producers who supplied teledramas before the appointment of Mr. Susara Dinal as CEO say it is even harder to claim their outstanding payments, as they have been asked to recover the dues from former CEO – Udara Wijesinghe.

The Swarnavahini Media Network is owned by Subaskaran Allirajah – Chairman of Lyca Group, which also owns Lycamobile, a global telecommunications company.

A shooting incident has been reported in Kandana this morning (July 03).

Reportedly, two people traveling in a car were shot near the Kandana Public Market.

According to reports, Sameera Manahara, who served as the private secretary of late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, has been injured in the shooting.

The two injured individuals have been admitted to the Ragama Hospital, police say.

Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

A young woman was found in the Dewipahala-Dodam Ella area in Kuruwita, after being brutally attacked and her gold necklace stolen

According to the police, the victim was found collapsed on the roadside with severe neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon. She was rushed to the Ratnapura Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.

The victim has been identified as a 26-year-old.

Arrests are yet to be made and an investigation is underway.