News

Champika slams govt. over rising poverty levels

Published

1 year ago

January 3, 2024

editor

MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, the leader of the United Republican Front (URF) has said a population of 2.7 million persons have been reduced to poverty due to the conduct of the present government, leading to a humanitarian tragedy.

He was speaking today (Dec. 03) at a media briefing held at the party headquarters.

Noting that it is not possible to win elections by distributing clothes, he pointed out that whether or not the IMF calls for it, things such as increasing state revenue, controlling state funds and restructuring debt, should be done anyway.

He further stated that just because there are no more queues for petrols, no dearth of fertilizer or commodities, no import bans and just because many travelled during the festive season, statements are being made that the country has reached normalcy.

However, skyrocketing expenses including electricity bills, fuel costs and phone bill costs could lead up to a standstill of economic growth and subsequently an economic contraction, he stated.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

6 hours 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

6 hours 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.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

6 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.