The Convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation Wasantha Mudalige attended a media briefing for the first in 167 days on Thursday (2).
At this media briefing, he made certain startling revelations about what he experienced during his detention.
According to Wasantha Mudalige he was arrested by a police officer identified as ASP Mahinda Wiloarachchi from the Peliyagoda Special Police Unit.
Mudalige said he was taken to the Peliyagoda Police and thereafter to an emptied out Enderamulla Police where ASP Mahinda Wiloarachchi from the Peliyagoda Special Police Unit had a pistol on the table pointed at him in a bid to instill fear.
“At the Enderamulla Police, the person identified as ASP Mahinda Wiloarachch placed a pistol on the table pointed towards me, and asked if I recall what happened to Wijeweera and Vijaya Kumaratunga. He said that is what I deserved, however given the situation I would not be killed. He hinted to return in a few years, by late post,” said Wasantha Mudalige.
Furthermore, he said that following his arrest he was moved to the basement room of the Foreshore Police Dorm and kept in the dark, and later moved to the car park close to the Nawagamuwa Devalaya.
“There is a 10 feet drop to the river. They took us there, handcuffed us, placed their weapons all around and started making phone calls. The officer said over the phone that we have arrived at the location. The vehicle was placed there, arousing suspicions, and a police officer assigned to the security of the Nawagamuwa Devalaya came and inquired over the suspicious vehicle. The police officers saw this, and wanted to chase away that inquiring police officer. That was how they acted,” he told the press.
He also added that one particular police officer revealed that this was the method used to kill the underworld members, including the one-time don Makandure Madush.
Wasantha Mudalige also revealed that the officer from the Terrorist Investigations Division ASP Ratnayake who took over the investigation is also the main accused in the case filed over the murder of a person called Army Suranga who was killed after being arrested.
“While there were officers like ASP Wiloarachchi from the Peliyagoda Police, and ASP Ratnayake from the TID many other police officers protected us. When we were taken away in secret to police stations, the police officers who were at those police stations protect us. That is why we are able to come forward and speak like this today,” he revealed.
The Media Division of the Ministry of Energy has dismissed media reports claiming the resignation of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, clarifying that he has only taken leave for personal overseas travel.
A senior ministry official stated that Dr. Siyambalapitiya had formally informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake about his temporary leave and denied any resignation.
“There is no truth in the media reports suggesting the resignation of the CEB Chairman,” the official emphasized.
Dr. Siyambalapitiya was appointed as CEB Chairman on September 26, 2023, following the formation of the NPP-led government. The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions on electricity tariff revisions and financial reforms in the power sector.
The CEB has recently been under scrutiny over proposed tariff hikes and compliance with IMF-mandated cost-reflective pricing, with speculation rising over leadership changes.
The ministry’s statement seeks to quell rumors and ensure stability in the institution’s administration.
Popular actress Semini Iddamalgoda, arrested for failing to appear in court over unpaid Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions linked to her private security company, was granted bail by Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe.
The Welikada Police had taken her into custody after multiple arrest warrants were issued against her. Court records revealed four warrants from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, two from Matara, and one from Tangalle over alleged non-payment of EPF and other employee dues.
Her defense counsel argued that Iddamalgoda, a well-known public figure, had no intention of evading court proceedings. They also stated that some of the pending payments had since been settled, leading the Labour Department to withdraw certain cases.
Magistrate Ilangasinghe granted bail on a surety of Rs. 100,000 and ordered the recall of all outstanding warrants. The court directed the submission of relevant documents by May 28 and requested a progress report on the Colombo cases by May 19.
The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny over employers’ compliance with mandatory EPF contributions, even involving high-profile individuals. Further hearings will determine the resolution of the remaining charges.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is considering a 25 to 35 percent electricity tariff increase, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging Sri Lanka to implement revised rates.
CEB sources confirmed that the proposed hikes align with a pricing formula agreed upon by the CEB and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
The new rates will require PUCSL approval before implementation.
Amid ongoing discussions, CEB Chairman Tilak Siyambalapitiya has resigned, reportedly due to political and regulatory interference in setting cost-reflective tariffs. Earlier this year, the PUCSL approved a 20 percent tariff reduction against the CEB’s advice, leading to renewed financial losses.
A senior CEB official revealed that after January’s reduction, losses began rising again.
In 2023 and 2024, tariff hikes had helped the CEB post profits of Rs. 61 billion and Rs. 141 billion, respectively, reducing accumulated losses from Rs. 473 billion to Rs. 271 billion. However, losses have climbed since February.
The IMF had set two key conditions: cost-reflective pricing and an automatic 10 percent hike if monthly cash flow falls below Rs. 15 billion.
The official noted that without January’s reduction, a 5 percent increase would have been needed in Q2.
The IMF has warned Sri Lanka twice in recent weeks for breaching cost-recovery benchmarks, raising fiscal risks.
A scheduled April tariff revision was skipped, with authorities offering unclear explanations.
The proposed hike aims to stabilize CEB’s finances while meeting IMF demands for sustainable energy pricing.
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