News

Boxer addicted to drugs beaten up by underworld gang in Kandy

Published

1 year ago

December 16, 2022

editor

Police investigations have revealed that the incident in which a former boxer was abducted at Hospital Lane in Kandy, beaten up with iron rods and left near a stadium in Hanthana, was the result of a conflict between two underworld gangs involved in drug trafficking.

The 22-year-old man, who was once known as a skilled boxer, was arrested earlier with 10 grams of drugs. He was released on bail after being remanded.

The police have received the report of the seized heroin after it was sent to the Government Analyst, and it has been confirmed that there were 8 grams of pure drugs in it.

The ruling in the case is to be delivered by the Kandy High Court next month.

Meanwhile, this youth was abducted by four persons who came in three-wheelers near his house at Hospital Lane, Kandy at around 8:00 pm recently (12).

The youth’s relatives said his legs and fingers were broken when he was found abandoned near a stadium at Hanthana. They also said that several burn injuries were seen on his body.

The mother of the youth said an individual came to their house to talk about an issue related to a motorcycle with her son. When he had come out of the house, a group of people arrived in two three-wheelers had attacked him and taken him away in one of the three-wheelers.

A relative of the victim said that they searched all over Kandy and the youth was later found abandoned near the stadium.

His father has passed away while his mother is also facing three cases in court for drug possession, police said.

A brother and a sister of this youth have also been arrested by the police and remanded after being presented in the court for drug possession.

The victim, who was once a talented boxer, has travelled to several countries like Malaysia and India as a player.

Police suspect that he may have been kidnapped by a major gang involved in drug trafficking in the Bogambara area.

Source: Dinamina

News

Planters’ Association clarifies on daily wage increase

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon, in a statement has issued a clarification with regard to the reported wage increase in the tea and rubber sector.

“Given the facts stated in the Gazette notification, the implication in media reports that the increased payments will be applicable from 1st May 2024, is inaccurate and misleading. Neither the effective date – on which the new proposed minimum payment will be applicable – nor the quantum of such payment has, as yet, been determined,” the statement notes.

Noting that the relevant gazette also notes that objections to the proposed determination will be received until May 15th, the Association also states they will be filing objections to these proposals within the time frame stipulated by the Labour Commissioner.

News

China – SL to expedite implementation of MoUs

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong had called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday (May 02) to discuss ways and means of early implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) reached between the two countries during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in March 2024.

The Prime Minister said the implementation of the MOUs would begin a new chapter in the long-term friendship and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake had signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka, and the secretaries of nine Ministries signed on behalf of China in the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
During the talks with Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, the Prime Minister stated that in addition to implementation of the MoUs, Sri Lanka would also welcome direct private investments from China as well as investments in agriculture, renewable energy, IT, education and water supply sectors to provide long term solutions to economic issues.

Ambassador Qi Shenhong said he was pleased to see the resilience of Sri Lanka to overcome difficulties and assured China’s continuous support to Sri Lanka’s current efforts at debt restructuring and meeting economic challenges.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Mr. Anura Dissanayake and Chinese Economic Counsellor were also present at this meeting.

(Prime Minister’s Media)

News

Special notice for O/L candidates as school term ends

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

The second phase of the first term of Government schools ends today (May 03) and will reopen on May 20.

The GCE Ordinary Level Examination will be held May 06 – 15.

Meanwhile, selected branches of the Department for Registration of Persons will be operational tomorrow (May 04) for students sitting for the upcoming GCE Ordinary Level Examination 2023 (2024).

The Department announced that its main office in Battaramulla and its provincial offices in Galle, Kurunegala, Vavuniya, and Batticaloa will be open on Saturday.

These selected offices will be operational from 08.30 am to 01.00 pm tomorrow for only the O/L students to obtain their National Identity Cards (NIC).

Applicants who have not yet submitted their NIC applications have been requested to carry their completed application forms certified by the Principal or Grama Niladhari.