News

Appointment of new IGP to be expedited – PM

Published

2 years ago

July 7, 2023

editor

An expedited decision is due to be made pertaining to the appointment of new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena revealed.

Speaking in Parliament this morning (07 July), the Premier assured that a decision in this regard will be made ‘very soon’, possibly within the next 48 hours.

Gunawardena stated this in response to a question raised by MP Dullas Alahapperuma in this regard.

The Prime Minister’s statement comes against a backdrop in which sources have claimed that former IGP C.D .Wickramaratne’s tenure may be extended, for a second time, until a decision is made pertaining to the new IGP.

The names of the Senior DIGs Nilantha Jayawardene, Lalith Pathinayake, Deshabandu Tennakoon, Priyantha Weerasooriya and Ajith Rohana have been nominated for the position so far.

However, sources have revealed that in order of seniority, Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon and SDIG of Administration Nilantha Jayawardena stand the best chance against other nominees for the position, adding that a majority of the work within the police department is currently being overseen by the latter.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Hingurakgoda runway expansion moves forward

Published

17 minutes ago

January 15, 2025

editor

The next phase of construction for the Hingurakgoda runway, which includes an additional 850-metre extension, is set to commence today (15).

The project aims to upgrade the runway to international standards, enabling operations of A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is leading the design and construction efforts, with the Road Development Authority (RDA) providing consultations and the Civil Aviation Authority and Airports and Aviation Sri Lanka offering regulatory guidance.

Officially inaugurated on August 19, 2024, the project is divided into four phases.

The first phase focuses on constructing the main runway and includes seven stages. So far, stages one and two have been completed, covering 850 metres of the total 2,500-metre runway with an asphalt binder course.

A key milestone was achieved on Monday (13) when a Y-12 aircraft, piloted by Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, conducted a successful test landing on the completed section.

The event was attended by Air Vice Marshal Sumedha Silva and Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera, among other officials.

News

2 Chinese nationals arrested at BIA with gems worth over Rs. 17 mn.

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2025

editor

Two Chinese nationals have been nabbed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (Jan. 13) after attempting smuggle a stock of gemstones out of the country.

The customs officers had apprehended the 45-year-old male and his 21-year-old daughter who had hidden gemstones in their undergarments, reports say.

According to Sri Lanka Customs, he stock of gemstones includes Moonstones, Hessonite Garnets, Star Sapphires, Cats Eyes and Emeralds weighing around 689.5 grams in total and valued around Rs. 17,450,875.

News

100 families in Suduwella village, evacuated

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

editor

100 families residing in Suduwella village, Gal Oya have been evacuated to safety, District Secretary of Ampara District, Chinthaka Abeywickrama says.
Noting that the Gal Oya is near to breaching its banks, Mr. Abeywickrama has said that the evacuation was done in the face of a possible flood situation.

Meanwhile, the banks of the Gal Oya have been severely eroded in the Kota Vehera area.