News

Gangster Mahesh issues death threats to Gampaha businessmen

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2023

editor

Members of the business community in Gampaha are receiving calls from a network of extortionists demanding millions of rupees, it was reported.

A daily newspaper revealed that the head of this extortion network ‘Heenatyana Mahesh’ who currently lives in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE.

Some businessmen have given money in response to these phone calls while others have been threatened with death.

The extortionists have demanded ransom from the businessmen in order to spend for the suspects who killed two youths a few months ago over a dispute over a kite in Gamangedara in Minuwangoda.

It was reported that five to 10 million rupees have been demanded from many textile businessmen at Andiambalama in Kovinna.

Some businessmen have sent their children abroad since the extortionists have threatened to harm them if money is not given.

The newspaper revealed that a group of henchmen of Mahesh, who came to the office of a sand mining businessman, had demanded Rs.1,000 per sand truck.

When the businessman had refused to do so, he had been threatened with life.

It was reported that Mahesh has been charged with murder and drug trafficking and he has fled to the UAE when he was about to be convicted in two cases pending in the High Court.

It has been reported that Mahesh has been posting various posts on social media threatening the police officers who arrest his henchmen.

Mahesh is said to have also used the name of Kesel Baddara Padmasiri.

The security forces have also revealed that Heenatiyana Mahesh is said to be in close contact with Ganemulla Sanjeewa who is currently in India.

It was also said that many businessmen have abandoned using telephones due to Mahesh’s threats.

Say no to ransom: Police Spokesman

Police Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of a division or an Assistant Superintendent of Police could be informed in writing or verbally if anyone receives calls demanding ransoms.

“The police will always protect the confidentiality of the complainants and carry out investigations. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid to report any incident,” he said.

Source – Aruna

News

Royal pardon for 44 Sri Lankans in UAE

Published

42 mins ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

Forty four Sri Lankans who were in different prisons across the United Arab Emirates have been pardoned by a Royal order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates has formally conveyed to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi that these Sri Lankan prisoners received pardon by the Royal order on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, April 2024.

These forty four Sri Lankans who have received the Royal pardon will be repatriated to Sri Lanka by the Government of the United Arab Emirates in due course. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi will collaboratively coordinate with the United Arab Emirates Government authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka to ensure their safe repatriation.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi Udaya Indrarathne wishes to extend his deep appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates, and its Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior for making arrangements to pardon these Sri Lankans. The Embassy of Sri Lanka appreciates the empathy and generosity shown by the leadership of the UAE in this regard.

(MFASL)

News

Weather advisory for high waves issued

Published

51 mins ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

The sea areas along the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota may see a rise in the swell waves today (3) approximately 2.5 m – 3.0 m height and wave period around 12s-16s, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Nearshore water areas off the coast that stretch from Kalpitiya to Matara to Galle and Colombo are likely to see surges as a result of swell waves.

Choppy seas are expected in offshore areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

It is recommended that the fishing and naval communities exercise caution when conducting their operations in the above-water regions and were further requested to be on alert on future forecasts released by the Met. Department.