News

Ex-chief minister SM Ranjith files appeal against prison sentence

Published

3 months ago

April 3, 2025

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Former Chief Minister of the North Central Province, S.M. Ranjith, and his Private Secretary – Shanthi Chandrasena have filed an appeal, challenging the Colombo High Court’s judgment, which convicted them and imposed 16 years of rigorous imprisonment over a case filed by the Bribery Commission.

Ranjith and Mrs. Chandrasena, (who is also the spouse of former Minister S.M. Chandrasena) was sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment on corruption charges.

In addition to the prison sentence, Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige had also fined them Rs. 200,000 each , with an additional prison term imposed in case of default.

Through their appeals, the two appellants stated that they were seeking the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to review and set aside their convictions and the sentences imposed by the Colombo High Court. The two appellants are also seeking an order to acquit and release them from the indictments. In their appeal applications, the appellants alleged that the High Court judge had failed to duly consider several pieces of evidence, including documentary evidence presented before the court.

Related News :

2 including ex-Chief Minister sentenced to 16-years RI

News

Former Eastern Provincial Council member arrested

Published

7 hours ago

July 6, 2025

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Ampara District Organizer of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal party and former member of the Eastern Provincial Council K. Pushpakumar alias Iniya Bharathi has been arrested.

He was arrested over the abduction and disappearance of the former Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Prof. Subramaniyam Ravindranath.

Sivanathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and former State Minister, was arrested by the Colombo Criminal Investigation Department at his office in Batticaloa on April 8, over this incident.

He was later detained for 3 months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Iniya Bharathi, also known as Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, was arrested based on information revealed during the interrogation of Pillayan.

News

e-Revenue Licence system down due to technical glitch, ICTA says

Published

7 hours ago

July 6, 2025

editor

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) said the electronic Revenue Licence system (eRL 2.0) is currently unavailable due to a critical technical infrastructure issue.

According to the ICTA, the disruption began on July 3, 2025, and has made vehicle revenue licence issuing services inaccessible.

The unavailability is expected to continue until July 9, 2025.

The ICTA expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and assured that technical teams are working urgently to resolve the issue.

The agency also said that further updates will be shared as work progresses, with an official notice to be issued once services are restored.