News

Amal Silva remanded in connection with ‘Club Wasantha’ murder case

Published

8 months ago

August 31, 2024

editor

Amal Silva, a former member of the Western Provincial Council, has been remanded until September 02 in connection with the murder of businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as ‘Club Wasantha,’ and another individual.

The order was issued by the Kaduwela Acting Magistrate.

Silva was arrested on August 29 by the Western Province (South) Crimes Division for allegedly aiding and providing lodging to the second gunman and the car driver involved in the shooting.

The investigation into the case has led to multiple arrests, including the second gunman and the car driver, who were apprehended on August 28 in Pinwaththa, Panadura.

The suspects, aged 29 and 32, were found to have traveled from Kadawata to Matara after the shooting.

Earlier, on August 23, the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) arrested Patty Arambage Ajith Rohana, a suspected gunman, in Dehiwala, along with a T-56 assault rifle, ammunition, and other weapons.

Another accomplice, Tharukara Varuna Indika de Silva, was also arrested for aiding the shooters.

The shooting, which took place on July 08 during the opening of a tattoo studio in Athurugiriya, resulted in the deaths of ‘Club Wasantha’ and another man, with four others, including popular singer K. Sujeewa, injured.

The police have so far arrested 17 individuals in connection with the case.

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

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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News

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

7 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.