News

BoC’s loan to Nawaloka also grabs minister’s attention

Published

2 months ago

April 1, 2025

editor

Reports reveal that the state owned Bank of Ceylon (BoC) has granted a significantly large loan to Nawaloka Group for the purchase of an AI-powered MRI machine, despite the company already owing around Rs.2.3 billion to multiple banks.

During last week’s Cabinet briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Mass Media – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was asked about the matter as well.

In response, the minister stated that he was unaware of this and said he would respond after looking into the related particulars.

Following the media briefing, the minister had sought further details from journalists on the issue.

It is learnt that prior to obtaining the BoC loan, the Nawaloka group was already paying over Rs. 335 million as monthly loan repayments to pay off already existing bank loans.

Last year, the HNB had even obtained a court order to auction off Nawaloka hospital premises in Colombo 02 due to non-payment. However, Nawaloka had secured a temporary stay order from the Court of Appeal, halting the process. However, the case is currently under legal examination.

BoC loan help to repay HNB loan?

It is learnt that a portion of the BoC loan is to be utilized by Nawaloka to settle a loan amounting to Rs.0.63 billion to Hatton National Bank (HNB).

Attempts to contact BoC Chairman – Kavinda de Soysa and several other officials at the bank were unsuccessful.

However, upon inquiring from Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU) President, Channa Dissanayake, ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ was informed that although he was aware of the bank loan’s approval, he lacked authority to make a public statement to the media.

Related News :

HNB depositors at risk as Nawaloka defaults while spending Rs.1.3 bn. on equipment

Nawaloka in danger: Business moguls line up to buy hospital

News

Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

Published

12 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.