News

DWC urges public to help protect marine life

Published

11 months ago

July 18, 2024

editor

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has urged the general public to provide details of persons resorting to illegal fishing practices such as bottom trawling during the monsoon season, when normal fishing activities become less possible.

The DWC notes that officials have found around 10 carcasses of Turtles and Dolphins that were washed up on the western shores within a week. Upon being examined by veterinary surgeons, most turtles had died of breathing difficulties as well as broken flippers. They also added that most turtle carcasses were in a badly rotten state when found.

The DWC points out that turtles and marine mammals such as dolphins are unable to surface for air if they are caught in such bottom trawling nets as well as at risk of breaking flukes or flippers.

Therefore, such incidents can be prevented if the public tips off the relevant authorities of such illegal practices, the DMC adds.

News

Ex-chairman of Lindula-Talawakelle UC, remanded

Published

3 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

Former chairman of the Lindula-Talawakelle Urban Council – Asoka Sepala has been arrested today (June 02).

The Colombo Chief Magistrate has ordered to remand the suspect until June 11.

The former chairman has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for causing a loss of Rs. 2.38 million to the government, during the issuance of a tender to lease stall belonging to the Urban Council.

It is said that instead of awarding the tender to the highest bidder, it was given to a lower bidder, resulting in the aforementioned loss.

News

Halloluwa further remanded

Published

3 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

Former Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB) – Thusitha Halloluwa, has been further remanded until June 04, by the Fort Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Halloluwa remains in custody over alleged misappropriation of government assets belonging to the NLB.

He was previously arrested and released on bail on May 02 over the alleged misuse of a computer and a mobile phone valued at over Rs. 470,000 during his tenure as the Acting Director of the National Lotteries Board.

News

Electricity (Amendment) Bill challenged

Published

3 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, which was recently tabled in Parliament, has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court today (June 02) ordered that the petition filed by the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union requesting a ruling that certain provisions of the Electricity Bill are unconstitutional be taken up for hearing on June 06.

The order was issued when the petition was taken up before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Arjuna Obeyesekere and Priyantha Fernando.