News

Buried treasures are a myth – Archeology DG

Published

2 weeks ago

November 25, 2024

editor

Archeology Director General Prof.Thusitha Mendis says that it is a complete myth that great precious ancient treasures are buried in the earth.

“The Archeology Department has carried out excavations all over Sri Lanka. In no case did the Department unearth such valuable treasures of great financial value. Some items with archaeological value have been found in these excavations. Although they have no monetary value, they have priceless archaeological value. Important information about the history of this land can be found in various places in the form of monuments, deposits and other structures. Don’t destroy them. Our history can be carried forward into the future only if these are preserved. “We kindly request from people not to go after these myths and destroy our cultural heritage,” he has said.

Mendis has also said some people are following the myth based on talks about ‘Nidan Wadula’ (ancient documents that are said to contain details of where treasures are buried) written after the 18th century.

Meanwhile, excavations done on court orders at a site in Wewagedara, have revealed nothing but stone blocks which were later broken into smaller pieces using a drilling machine.

Over the course of three days, excavations were conducted under a Court order and concluded without unearthing any foreign or valuable artefacts. The excavations took place near the Wandurawa Rajamaha Viharaya on paddy land taken over for the construction of the Central Expressway.

Although the two-day excavation, initially ordered by court on November 11, could not be completed on 21 and 22, police secured an extension to continue work on a third day. On the 23rd, by 1:15 pm, the collected stones were inspected by officers of the Police Special Task Force (STF). Their specialised equipment also failed to detect any significant findings.

(Excerpts : dailynews.lk)

News

Faiszer Musthapha’s name gazetted as MP

Published

10 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

Former Minister Faiszer Musthapha’s name has been gazetted by the Election Commission as a National List MP of the National Democratic Front.

The NDF contested under the symbol of a Gas Cylinder at the recently concluded General Election.

2414-11_E Download

News

CID ordered to develop program to reimburse ‘Onmax DT’ depositors

Published

11 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that a total of 2,017 complaints have been filed by depositors who claim to have been cheated out of their money after investing in ‘Onmax DT,’ a private firm alleged to have been operating a pyramid scheme.

According to the CID, the total estimated financial losses incurred by the complainants amounts to around Rs. 2.96 billion.

During a hearing before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage today (11), CID officials disclosed that a total of 865 new complaints have been received since the last hearing, and that additional complaints continue to be received.

Nine suspects, including the directors of Onmax DT, appeared before the court for the hearing. The CID further informed the court that three other suspects remain overseas, and open warrants have been issued for their arrest.

Investigations against the suspects are being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the CID revealed that inquiries into two suspects have been completed and the excerpts of the investigations have been referred to the Attorney General.

Additionally, the CID officials informed the court that properties belonging to the suspected directors have been identified in foreign countries, including Australia, and investigations are being carried out in collaboration with the INTERPOL.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage instructed the CID to immediately develop a program to reimburse the depositors who suffered financial losses.

The court ordered the CID to present an update on the progress of the investigation at the next hearing, scheduled for February 5, 2025.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

New Naval Attaché at Chinese embassy in SL calls on Navy commander (Pics)

Published

11 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

The new Naval Attaché at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Captain Zheng Zhaoping called on Commander of the Navy – Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters on Dec.10.

During the ensuing meeting, they exchanged views on several matters of bilateral importance, and the cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes, as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation.

Director General Health Services, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Director Naval Operations, Commodore Aruna Weerasinghe and Defence Attaché at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Colonel Zhou Bo were present on this occasion.