News

Sanjeewa murder suspects to appear in court via Skype

Published

2 months ago

March 7, 2025

editor

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali has directed the Registrar to arrange for the nine suspects remanded in connection with the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder case to appear in court today via Skype.

In compliance with this directive, the Registrar has instructed prison officials to make the necessary arrangements.

The decision was made considering potential security risks associated with transporting the suspects to court. So far, 11 individuals have been identified in connection with the murder, with nine of them already in custody.

The primary suspect, who allegedly entered the court, disguised as a lawyer and fatally shot Ganemulla Sanjeewa, is currently being interrogated by the Colombo Crimes Division under a 90-day detention order.

The remaining nine suspects, believed to have assisted in the murder, remain in remand custody. Ganemulla Sanjeewa, a known member of an organized crime gang, was shot dead on the 19th of last month inside the Colombo No. 5 Additional Magistrate’s Court.

News

SLAF helicopter crashes into Maduru Oya during training session

Published

52 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has reportedly crashed today (May 09) into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

The incident occurred during a training exercise held as part of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces passing-out ceremony in Maduru Oya.

The aircraft was carrying ten Special Forces soldiers and two pilots at the time of the incident.

All personnel reportedly escaped without fatal injuries. Several have been hospitalised for treatment.

News

American Cardinal elected as new Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Published

58 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Following a 02-day papal conclave, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope yesterday (May 08) evening, Vatican time.

At 69, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

He becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The election follows the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, a day after participating in Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

News

Heavy rains expected in the afternoon

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (May 09).

Showers may occur in Western province and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts in the morning too.

Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts during the morning.