Demolished Soul Beach hotel, owned by drug smuggler!

Published

1 year ago

January 2, 2024

editor

The Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resource Management yesterday (01) took measures to remove illegal structures of the hotel ‘Soul Beach,’ located in Dehiwala.

The removal took place amid police security and two employees including a person said to be a director of the hotel, have been arrested.

The hotel is said to belong to Shiran Basik, a major drug smuggler currently operating from abroad.

After the ‘Yukthiya’ operation revealed that large amounts of money from drug smuggling had been invested in businesses, police have been investigating hotels along the Dehiwala coastline.

Accordingly, police officers including DIG in charge of Colombo – Hasantha Marapana had made a site inspection on Dec. 20.

After observing that the said site had involved illegal constructions, SSP Mangala Dehideniya who is in charge of the Mt. Lavinia division has been ordered to remove them.

Chilandewa

Meanwhile, a musical event too, was scheduled to be held at the venue on Dec. 23.

Titled as ‘Chilandewa’, the event was to feature the band 2Forty2 as well as artistes Bathiya and Santhush (BNS), IRAJ, Billy Fernando, Hana Shafa and Shan Putha.

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

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

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.