News

Aiding ‘Buru Moona’ flee country: BIA police officers’ bank accounts to be probed

Published

1 year ago

February 27, 2023

editor

The bank accounts of the BIA Police OIC and other officers who are accused of aiding and abetting a wanted criminal involved in 19 murders escape the country would be inspected, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province, Deshabandu Tennakoon, said.

The suspect was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake. However, the police officers are accused of helping him escape the country.

It is suspected that following the release of the suspect Koralekankanamlage Ravindu Warnasinghe alias Buru Moona from the police custody, a transaction of around 15 million rupees has taken place.

The suspect, who attempted to travel abroad with a fake passport despite having a flight ban, was arrested by the immigration officials at the BIA and was handed over to the airport police at around 6 pm on the 24th.

This suspect, who was handed over to the police, was detained in the police cell until that night. Meanwhile, three persons appeared to be Buddhist monks have arrived at the police station and discussed with the OIC about his release.

They have told the OIC to remove the handcuffs of the suspect so that he can have his dinner.

The OIC had then instructed the officer in charge of the police cell to remove the suspect’s handcuffs and take him out of the cell.

The monks had left the police station saying that they would return with food. One of them had invited the officer who was on duty to come out of the police station to give him a bottle of whiskey.

When the police officer went outside to get the bottle of whiskey, the suspect had escaped the police station and had run away by pushing the police officers away.

The suspect had fled towards Chilaw in a yellow Aqua car and it is suspected that he had escaped to India by boat from Chilaw.

A senior police officer said that there is serious doubts regarding the escape of the suspect and that information has been received about a money transaction of 15 million rupees surrounding this incident.

The escaped suspect has been identified as the main suspect in the shooting to death of a restaurant owner at the Mosque Road in Hanwella on December 18, 2022.

The officers who investigated into this murder had come across a photo of the suspect’s passport.

Later, a flight ban was obtained from the Awissawella Magistrate’s Court against the suspect.

The suspect was arrested when he arrived at the BIA without knowing that a flight ban had been imposed on him.

Katunayake OIC Janaka Senadheera, Duty Sergeant Senaratne, Constables Rathnayake and Kumara were arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the escape of the suspect arrested by the police.

Three of the arrested officers, except the Duty Sergeant, were released after being produced in the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

Investigations have revealed that one of the Buddhist monks who helped the criminal escape has been identified as a monk residing at a temple in Hettipola under the protection of the underworld .

News

Japan grant to strengthen inland fisheries in SL

Published

6 mins ago

April 25, 2024

editor

The Japanese Government, through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has extended a generous grant of US$3 million to enhance inland fisheries and uplift rural livelihoods in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries.

This initiative aims to reinforce food and nutritional security while building resilience through various interventions. Key components of the project include establishing four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala districts, upgrading four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres, and one community-operated mini fish breeding centre.

These efforts seek to increase breeding and rearing capacity, enhance fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs, develop broodstock for breeding units, and promote cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.

Furthermore, the project will provide three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in production, management, processing, and value addition of inland fisheries.

Ambassador Mizukoshi highlighted Japan’s longstanding commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development and emphasized the significance of this new project in strengthening the fisheries sector, improving food security, and enhancing livelihoods.

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, underscored the historical importance of Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector and emphasized the pivotal role of this project in revitalizing the sector amid recent financial challenges.

The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation. Moreover, it is anticipated to have positive indirect effects on family members, consumers, producers of dry fish, and stakeholders in research and academia.

Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, emphasized the significance of partnerships in driving sustainable development and reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to fostering collaborations that empower communities and reinforce crucial sectors like inland fisheries.

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, stressed the importance of increasing inland fish production and ensuring the sustainability of the inland fisheries industry, highlighting the project’s role in uplifting livelihoods and fortifying resilience in rural communities.

🎣 Japan and Sri Lanka join hands with @FAOSriLanka to launch "Development of Self-sustained Culture-based Inland Fisheries" 🌊🐟. This collaborative project aims to boost food security and rural livelihoods, highlighting our commitment to sustainable growth. #FisheriesFortifySL pic.twitter.com/3MaFEVVoIh
— Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka（在スリランカ日本国大使館) (@JapanEmb_SL) April 25, 2024

News

Sannasgala bailed (Update)

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2024

editor

Upul Shantha Sannasgala has been released on bail by the Welisara Magistrate’s Court a short while ago.

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(Previous News : 2024/04/25 at 2:30 pm)

Sannasgala arrested

Popular tutor and social media personality – Mr. Upul Shantha Sannasgala has been arrested.

According to reports, he has been arrested over failing to return a borrowed sum of Rs. 01 million to an individual within a month’s time as promised.

He is to be produced before the Welisara Magistrate Court later today.

Further investigations are underway.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

News

Maithripala sends LoD to Mahinda Amaraweera

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2024

editor

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has sent a Letter of Demand to Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, seeking Rs. 1 billion in damages over defamation.

The LoD is with regard to statements made to the media by Minister Amaraweera on April 22 and 24 which allegedly contains inaccurate and malicious comments regarding the former President.

It further states that legal action will be initiated against Minister Amaraweera if Mr. Sirisena is not compensated within 14 days.