News

Abducted businessman found

Published

1 year ago

March 11, 2024

nipuni

A textiles businessman from the Horana area, who was abducted over the sale of a gemstone, has been found.

The businessman’s captors had urged his wife for an extortion of Rs. 3.5 million in exchange for his release.

However, the timely and smooth intervention of police had managed not only to find the captured businessman but also to nab his captors.

The businessman had apparently sold a gemstone for Rs. 01 million to a buyer through a broker in Maharagama. The deal had been finalised at a roadside in the Piliyandala area. However, a few days later, the buyer had informed the broker that the stone was fake.

The broker had arrived at the businessman’s home late one night with 03 others and urged the businessman to get into the vehicle to talk. He was then abducted and taken to a deserted area in Divulapitiya where he was held for a few days while the men had phoned his wife and threatened the businessman’s wife to give them money.

The wife had lodged a complaint with the Moragahahena police and worked with them, enabling the police to nab the captors in the Millewatta area, who were on their way to collect the extortion money.

News

Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

Published

15 hours ago

May 24, 2025

editor

Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.