News

General Election set for Nov. 14 – EC confirms

Published

5 months ago

November 4, 2024

editor

Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake has confirmed that the General Election will be held on Nov. 14 and preparations are well underway.

In a media briefing earlier today (Nov. 04), he assured the public that all electoral officials, including assistant and deputy commissioners, are actively working to ensure a smooth election process. He expects around 1.7 million voters to have the chance to cast their votes at polling stations on that day.

Ratnayake emphasized that the elections will follow the regulations outlined in the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981. Despite facing some legal challenges, he confirmed that there will be no delays in the election schedule.

He also added that any citizen who feels they have been treated unfairly has the right to file a petition for their fundamental rights and that unless directed by the courts, election preparations will continue as planned.

However, we are aware that there is no legal obstacle. Therefore, the General Election will be held on Nov. 14, he said.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition challenging the decision to hold the General Elections on November 14.

A three-member bench of judges comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Shiran Gunaratne and Priyantha Fernando issued the order after an extended review of the presented facts.

The court ruled to dismiss the petition without proceeding to a formal hearing.

News

Special security measures implemented for Easter

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has announced that steps have been taken to implement a special security program in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations.

As Easter services are scheduled to be held on April 18 and April 20, 2025, special police security will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees on those dates.

Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued instructions to all Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Senior DIGs) in charge of all provinces, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) in this regard.

Accordingly, the Acting IGP has further instructed officers to identify churches expected to attract large crowds as well churches where major religious services are held, to ensure security in and around those locations.

The Police, Special Task Force (STF), and tri-forces personnel are to be deployed to ensure security during the Easter celebrations.

News

Hot weather to continue

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

The heat index – the temperature felt by the human body — is expected to rise to the ‘Caution Level’ in several areas tomorrow (April 18), according to the Department of Meteorology.

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News

5 including a police officer, arrested with Rs. 30 Mn.

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police has arrested five individuals, including a constable from the Western Province Intelligence Division, in Dondra Head.

The arrests were made early this morning, and the suspects were found in possession of approximately Rs. 30 million.

According to the police, the Special Task Force (STF) acted on a tip-off and conducted a search of a vehicle, leading to the arrests.

The five individuals, including the police constable, were taken into custody by the STF.

Investigations are currently being conducted under the supervision of the Police Narcotics Bureau to determine the source and intended use of the large sum of money.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)