Another three arrested over kidney racket

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2023

editor

Three persons including two Grama Niladharis have been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) in connection with the alleged kidney racket at the Western Hospital in Borella.

The CCD said a chief broker who supported the smuggling and two Grama Niladharis who forged documents were among the arrested.

The chief broker was arrested from Armour Street while the Grama Niladharis were arrested from Rajagiriya and Kaduwela.

The Grama Niladharis belong to Kolonnawa and Sri Jayawardenepura jurisdictions.

They have taken an amount of Rs.20,000 to prepare a fake certificate of residence.

The hospital has paid an amount of around Rs.100,000 to Rs.150,000 to the broker for each person who offers to donate a kidney.

The CCD has so far arrested four people in connection with this smuggling.

Although it has been revealed that a police officer was also involved in this racket, the police have not yet taken any action against him, the Sri Lanka Mirror learns.

It was reported that the Attorney General’s Department has also questioned why Professor Rezvi Sheriff, the owner of Western Hospital, has not been arrested yet.

It has now been revealed that one of the six people who complained to the police about the non-payment of money after donating their kidneys has donated his kidney to Professor Sheriff.

Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

Published

2 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.