News

Sri Lankan suspected of being held hostage by Hamas dies

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2023

editor

The Sri Lankan national, who was believed to have been taken hostage by the Islamic militant group Hamas in Palestine, has been confirmed dead, according to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tel Aviv.

The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, stated that the death of 48-year-old Sujith Bandara Yatawara was confirmed by the Interpol branch of the Israel Police. This confirmation came after DNA samples provided by Bandara’s children were matched with an unidentified body.

Yatawara had been missing since October 7, the day when Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli towns near the blockaded Gaza Strip to carry out an unprecedented attack.

Following his disappearance, his children provided DNA samples, which were then sent to Israel for further investigation.

Yatawara who had traveled to Israel in 2015, is a resident of Wennappuwa

The Sri Lankan Embassy expressed its condolences to Yatawara’s family and assured their commitment to providing assistance during this difficult time.

(dailymirror.lk)

News

Helicopter crash during SLAF training session

Published

18 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

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

It crashed during a training session at the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base.

Further reports indicate that the helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

News

American Cardinal elected as new Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Published

24 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

2 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.