News

Development projects linked to Bathiudeen suspended by Presidential Secretariat

Published

9 months ago

August 18, 2024

editor

More than Rs 200 million worth ongoing development projects secured by All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) leader and Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen in six districts have been put on hold with immediate effect following directives issued by the Presidential Secretariat.

Earlier, the ACMC leader secured approval to carry out development activities in six districts—Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Puttalam, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. Mr. Bathidueen said the projects were based on the requests of people, rural development societies, welfare societies, and other community-based organisations for the urgent development activities in those areas.

However, a directive was issued on Thursday by Presidential Secretariat accountant S.A.P. Kumari to the respective district secretaries, instructing them to halt those projects and directing them to transfer the funds to the Presidential Secretariat with immediate effect.

“I further request you to inform me of the receipt of this letter immediately and not to enter into any obligation using these provisions,” according to the letter signed by the accountant and seen by the Sunday Times.

On the following day, the ACMC leader wrote to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying that it was “extremely doubtable (sic) that these actions had been taken following his announcement to support Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming presidential election.”

“I hope that this sort of action had been taken by certain individuals and officials without Your Excellency’s knowledge unethically…,” the ACMC leader said in his letter seen by the Sunday Times while urging him to revoke the orders and instruct relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of the projects.

He warned he would be forced to appeal to the Elections Commission if the directives were not revoked, saying he believed these attempts were “unethical activities” and violations of election laws.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

21 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

21 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

21 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.