News

3 nabbed at BIA from smuggling aquatic animals from Bangkok

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

editor

03 individuals, including a woman, were arrested by Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle aquatic animals into Sri Lanka from Bangkok without valid permits.

The 03 suspects, including a female, are residents of Veyangoda and are reportedly involved in the ornamental fish trade.

Their attempt to bring in the animals to their country violates Sri Lanka’s Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.

Hidden in their baggage were a large number of aquatic species including red-eared sliders, albino red-eared sliders, redtail catfish, alligator gar, various types of goldfish, and pig-nosed turtles – species considered invasive and potentially harmful to Sri Lanka’s ecosystem.

A Customs Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection (BCNP) Unit personnel stated that the red-eared slider is among the world’s most invasive turtle species, while the red-tailed catfish is known for its predatory nature and ability to consume fish much larger than itself.

Following further investigations, Customs plans to re-send the smuggled aquatic animals to Thailand.

News

Mahindananda files anticipatory bail petition over bribery case

Published

1 hour ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed a petition before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14), seeking anticipatory bail against his possible arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The application has been filed over his possible arrest over the importation of a shipment of substandard organic fertilizer during the tenure of the previous government.

Following the submission of the petition, Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued a notice to the Bribery Commission, directing it to present its position regarding the matter to the court on May 19.

News

Youth Affairs Ministry denies links to NYSCO courses

Published

1 hour ago

May 14, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued an official statement over the ministry’s name being used by courses and programmes of the National Youth Services Cooperative (NYSCO).

The ministry states that NYSCO has been unauthorizedly using its name and the official state emblem to promote their courses and while using them in the relevant certificates as well.

The ministry says that they have also appointed a separate committee to investigate the issue, on the directives of the COPE committee.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs further reiterated that it is not affiliated with any of the courses or programmes offered by NYSCO.

The full statement issued in this regard, is as follows :

තරුණ_කටයුතු_සහ_ක්_රීඩා_අමාත්_යාංශය Download

News

Divisional Secretariats to disburse financial assistance for Kotmale bus accident victims

Published

2 hours ago

May 14, 2025

editor

On the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the funds allocated from the President’s Fund for those who lost their lives in the recent bus accident in the Garandi Ella area, Kotmale have now been forwarded to the relevant Divisional Secretariats.

Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 1 million will be provided for each individual who lost their life in the accident, and the funds will be handed over to their respective family members.

These funds have been released to the Divisional Secretariats of the following areas -Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathawilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale and Rambewa where the 22 individuals who lost their lives in the accident were residents.

(President’s Media Division)