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Drugs being sold through eZ cash transactions

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The Select Committee of Parliament to look into and identify the mechanisms to be implemented in order to immediately control and eradicate the rapidly spreading drug menace in the country and to submit observations and recommendations to Parliament in that regard too into discussion the current setup of establishing a drug destruction center.

This was taken up for discussion when the said committee met in Parliament recently (23) under the Chairmanship of  Minister of Public Security – Tiran Alles.

Ministry Of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, Ministry of Fisheries, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Customs, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, Postal Department and Prison Department were called before the Committee where the measures taken by these departments to control the drug menace in this country were discussed.

Drug destruction center in Kalpitiya

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force appointed to control narcotics, stated that a drug destruction center will be built in Kalpitiya area and if the Committee intervenes to get water, electricity and road facilities for this purpose, this center could be prepared by the end of this year.  In light of the said, the Committee Chair, Hon. Tiran Alles, mentioned that necessary interventions will be made for this purpose.

Delay in Government Analyst’s reports

Furthermore, Members of Parliament who were present inquired about the delay in Government Analyst’s reports and the officials present mentioned that in the past it took about 9 months for this and now it only takes about 3 months. The officials present mentioned that the lack of officers has affected this and accordingly, they will take steps to recruit the necessary officers in the future.

Drugs being sold through eZ cash transactions 

Drugs being sold through cash transactions through eZ cash and the measures that can be taken by the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission regarding this was also discussed. 

Furthermore, the State Minister – Sisira Jayakody, suggested to the Ministry of Health to seek the support of the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine for the task of controlling drugs.

The measures taken to prevent the arrival of drugs through mail, the measures taken to reduce the spread of drugs related to schools and the measures taken to prevent the arrival of drugs through sea routes were also discussed here.

Moreover, the Leader of the Opposition – Sajith Premadasa, also joined this committee and he mentioned that controlling the menace of drugs is directly related to national security and necessary steps should be taken for this purpose.

State Ministers Sisira Jayakody, Dr. (Mrs.) Seetha Arambepola, Members of Parliament – Buddhika Pathirana, Jayantha Samaraweera, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Major Sudarshana Denipitiya,  and Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha were present at the committee meeting held.

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Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

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Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

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12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

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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

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Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

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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.

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