News

Gangster Mahesh issues death threats to Gampaha businessmen

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2023

editor

Members of the business community in Gampaha are receiving calls from a network of extortionists demanding millions of rupees, it was reported.

A daily newspaper revealed that the head of this extortion network ‘Heenatyana Mahesh’ who currently lives in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE.

Some businessmen have given money in response to these phone calls while others have been threatened with death.

The extortionists have demanded ransom from the businessmen in order to spend for the suspects who killed two youths a few months ago over a dispute over a kite in Gamangedara in Minuwangoda.

It was reported that five to 10 million rupees have been demanded from many textile businessmen at Andiambalama in Kovinna.

Some businessmen have sent their children abroad since the extortionists have threatened to harm them if money is not given.

The newspaper revealed that a group of henchmen of Mahesh, who came to the office of a sand mining businessman, had demanded Rs.1,000 per sand truck.

When the businessman had refused to do so, he had been threatened with life.

It was reported that Mahesh has been charged with murder and drug trafficking and he has fled to the UAE when he was about to be convicted in two cases pending in the High Court.

It has been reported that Mahesh has been posting various posts on social media threatening the police officers who arrest his henchmen.

Mahesh is said to have also used the name of Kesel Baddara Padmasiri.

The security forces have also revealed that Heenatiyana Mahesh is said to be in close contact with Ganemulla Sanjeewa who is currently in India.

It was also said that many businessmen have abandoned using telephones due to Mahesh’s threats.

Say no to ransom: Police Spokesman

Police Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of a division or an Assistant Superintendent of Police could be informed in writing or verbally if anyone receives calls demanding ransoms.

“The police will always protect the confidentiality of the complainants and carry out investigations. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid to report any incident,” he said.

Source – Aruna

News

Details of SL recruits in Russian military, sought

Published

43 mins ago

April 20, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka has sought a report from Russian authorities on details of Sri Lankan military recruits and how many of them have died during the Russian-Ukraine conflict, the ‘Aruna’ newspaper reports.

According to a directive by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia has forwarded this request to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Previously, the Human Trafficking, Human Smuggling and Maritime Crime Investigation Division (CID) arrested a retired major and an employment agent, identified as leaders of an organized scheme that recruited retired military personnel as mercenaries for the Russian army.

The Defence Ministry in Sri Lanka has urged the Tri Force commanders to brief Tri Force personnel not to fall for such rackets.

(Source : Aruna)

News

Delegation to visit NZ over opening a SL High Commission in Wellington

Published

52 mins ago

April 20, 2024

editor

Following the decision by the Cabinet of Ministers to open a Sri Lanka High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand.

An official delegation led by Director General, Overseas Assets Management & Development Division of the Ministry Pradeepa Saram, is to visit New Zealand next week to attend to matters related to the opening of the High Commission, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs state.

A media release by the MFA states that the delegation will visit New Zealand from April 22- 25 and will engage in meetings with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand as well as with other related agencies and stakeholders.

Sri Lanka is to open a Sri Lanka High Commission in Wellington following a Cabinet decision to do so.

New Zealand has a significant Sri Lankan expatriate community comprising mostly professionals and students. The opening of a resident Mission will facilitate outreach to the community and pursuit of stronger collaboration in the fields of trade, education, sports, science & technology, tourism and health.

News

Bondholders express concern over debt restructuring amid political uncertainty

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2024

editor

The representatives of bondholders who hold more around 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s outstanding international sovereign bonds (ISB) , during closed door interactions with the representatives of Sri Lankan political parties, have expressed fear whether any debt restructuring agreement will be honored in case of a regime change at the elections pending this year, Daily Mirror learns.

The bond holders held talks with various political leaders including from the opposition parties such as the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the National People’s Power (NPP) and the United Republican Front (URF) led by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka during the New Year holiday period.

During talks with the NPP, the party has assured that the programme with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) will not be derailed.

Currently, the Sri Lankan government has concluded the initial restricted discussions with nine members of the Steering Committee of the Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders over a span of three weeks. Sri Lanka was joined by its legal and financial advisors Clifford Chance and Lazard, respectively, while the restricted members of the Steering Committee were joined by the Group’s legal and financial advisors, White & Case and Rothschild & Co., respectively.

The Steering Committee as a whole comprises ten of the largest members of the Group, with the Group controlling approximately 50% of the aggregate outstanding amount of ISBs.

Earlier, the Finance Ministry said in a statement that the parties failed to come to an agreement on restructuring terms, despite the constructive discussions.

During this period, Sri Lanka, the Steering Committee and its advisors met during a two-day working session in London on 27 and 28 March to discuss the Group’s latest debt treatment proposal. Prior to the meetings, March 15 Sri Lanka had also sent its own debt treatment proposal to the Group’s advisors which was rejected by the Steering Committee.

Also, Sri Lanka rejected last week international bondholders’ proposal to restructure more than $12 billion in debt, putting at risk critical International Monetary Fund support and delaying its efforts to resolve a two-year-long debt crisis.

(dailymirror.lk)

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