News

Dhammika pulls out : Will Dinesh or Namal be SLPP candidate?

Published

10 months ago

August 6, 2024

editor

Entrepreneur Dhammika Perera has turned down the presidential candidacy of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), just hours before the party was due to announce the candidate.

In a letter addressed to SLPP General Secretary – Sagara Kariyawasam, Perera has said that he was pulling out due to a personal reason.

Namal or Dinesh?

In a statement issued earlier today (Aug. 06), the SLPP had said that the function to announce their presidential candidate will be held at the party HQ at 7.00am tomorrow, under the patronage of party leader – Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, ‘The Leader’ website has reported that prime minister Dinesh Gunawardena has been requested by the party hierarchy to accept the candidacy.

Quoting sources at the PM’s office, the website further says that Gunawardena has reportedly turned down the offer.

However, the ‘Daily Mirror’ has quoted SLPP founder Basil Rajapaksa as confirming that Namal Rajapaksa would be announced as the SLPP presidential candidate.

Earlier today, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had also announced to Parliament that MP Namal Rajapaksa has resigned from his position as Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

20 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

20 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

20 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.