News

47-year-old suspected of killing wild elephant arrested in Nikaweratiya

Published

8 months ago

August 31, 2024

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A 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of killing a wild elephant and burning its remains in a pit, according to the Nikaweratiya Wildlife Office.

The arrest follows an investigation initiated after wildlife officers received information that parts of a dead wild elephant had been burned and buried on private land in the Kotuattawala area of Nikaweratiya.

Wildlife officials believe the elephant may have died a few days ago after becoming entangled in an electric wire set up for pigs.

The owner of the land was apprehended in the Kurunegala area and is expected to be presented before the Nikaweratiya Magistrate’s Court.

Charges under the Animal and Flora Protection Act, including killing an elephant using traps and concealing the crime, will be brought against the suspect.

The investigation revealed that the elephant, which was 7–8 feet tall, had been dismembered with an electric saw before its remains were buried.

The body parts were recovered on August 30 with the assistance of a backhoe, and under the supervision of wildlife veterinarian Isuru Hewakotta, the remains were exhumed and then reburied.

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

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Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

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Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

8 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.