News

Deal sour between Excise and liquor manufacturers – Harsha De Silva

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2024

editor

Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr. Harsha de Silva, has alleged that recent raids in the North and East, which uncovered a large stock of liquor bottles with forged security stickers, were prompted by a dispute between the Excise Department and liquor manufacturers.

Addressing the media, Dr. Harsha de Silva, representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, claimed that a disagreement over payment between certain Excise officials and liquor manufacturers led to the raids.

He criticized the Excise Department for not disclosing information about the raids and the suspects arrested, suggesting that the detections were made to pressure the liquor manufacturers into paying bribes to settle the matter.

Dr. Harsha de Silva emphasized that such corruption should not be tolerated, and urged the Excise Commissioner General, M J Gunasiri, to take swift action against those responsible for issuing liquor bottles with fake security stickers.

The Department of Excise conducted multiple snap raids in the Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces, seizing a significant quantity of local liquor bottles with counterfeit security stickers.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

13 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

13 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

13 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.