News

Deshabandu says several cops linked to Harak Kata’s drug mafia

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2025

editor

The ongoing investigation into the Weligama incident is primarily based on evidence submitted by supporters of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, according to Sanjeewa Weerawickrama, legal counsel for suspended IGP – Deshabandu Tennekoon.

He conveyed this during proceedings before the special commission probing allegations against Tennakoon.

Weerawickrama noted that future developments in the case may similarly rely on evidence from political affiliates. In response, Commission Chairman Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena stressed the importance of neutrality in the investigation and said all witnesses including those from the NPP may be summoned to assess the credibility of the evidence.

During the session, Tennekoon revealed that several police officers in the Southern Province are allegedly involved in a drug trafficking network linked to underworld figure Harak Kata. He suggested that fear and personal benefit had motivated some officers, particularly those from Matara to collaborate with the drug syndicate.

Justice Surasena advised Tennakoon to avoid unsolicited comments during this stage of the inquiry, assuring him that he would be granted an opportunity to present a full defense later.

Tennekoon also clarified that he had only authorized the arrest of individuals who had communicated with Harak Kata and denied forming or assigning any operational teams. He added that he first became aware of the Weligama incident on December 31.

(Excerpts : dailymirror.lk)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

6 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

7 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.