The 16th death anniversary of slain Sri Lankan journalist – Lasantha Wickrematunga was commemorated today (Jan. 08) morning.
Friends and family as well as prominent activists and politicians were also present.
Mr. Wickremetunga’s family had expressed hope that the present government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake would be able to deliver justice.
Speaking to the media, Lasantha Wickrematunge’s brother said there were four governments within the 16 years since the death, but none had a political motive to investigate the incident.
Mr. Wickrematunge, a leading journalist and an outspoken critic of the Rajapaksa regime, was brutally murdered in Aththidiya, Rathmalana while he was driving to work, by two assailants on 2009 Jan. 08. 16 years later, his killers still remain at large.
The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has confirmed that Secretary to the President – Nandika Sanath Kumanayake handed over the report.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into a photo circulating on social media, allegedly showing the sacred tooth relic during the ongoing special exposition – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ in Kandy.
According to Police Headquarters, the circulating image is seemingly an image taken by a devotee who attended the exposition, which is being held until April 27.
The police emphasises that devotees are not permitted to take photos or use their phones.
In this backdrop, the CID is investigating to ascertain whether the circulating photo was indeed taken during the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition, and whether it was a photo captured by someone or whether it is merely an edited image.
The CID investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Acting Inspector General of Police.
A Brazilian national was arrested by the Narcotics Control Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this (April 20) morning over attempting to smuggle nearly 05 kg of cocaine concealed in his suitcase.
The suspect is a 59-year-old Brazilian teacher and the seized cocaine (4kg and 855g) is valued around Rs. 240 million.