News

Thihagoda SI remanded !

Published

2 years ago

October 29, 2022

editor

The police sub-inspector who was arrested on suspicion of shooting a 15-year old boy in Matara, Thihagoda was remanded until 2nd November.

The 55-year-old police officer was remanded after he was presented to the Matara Magistrate Isuru Netthicumara on Saturday (29).

The incident had taken place at around 4.30 p.m. last evening (Oct. 28) in the area of Middewala, Thihagoda in Matara.

The injured boy, identified as Haresh Hasanka Deshan from Katuwanthuduwa area in Nayimbala, Matara, was rushed to the Matara District General Hospital soon after the incident and later transferred to Teaching Hospital in Karapitiya for further treatment.

Hospital sources revealed that his condition has slightly improved.

According to the police, a group of police officers attached to the crimes division unit of Thihagoda Police had given chase to a three-wheeler being recklessly driven on the road.

The police stated that the three-wheeler had failed to heed the orders to stop. The vehicle was then pulled off.

The firearm of the Sub-Inspector was discharged during the inspection, causing critical injuries to the 15-year-old’s head.

Following the incident, a tense situation ensued as the residents of the area gathered in front of the Thihagoda police station. The protesters had hurled stones at a police jeep during the tense situation.

DIG in Charge of Southern Province Ajith Rohana also arrived at the Thihagoda police station to help take the situation under control.

News

Prof. Nalin de Silva no more

Published

6 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

10 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

12 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.