News

Govt. trying to arrest Gota & Salley over Easter Sunday bombings – Gammanpila

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2025

editor

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader – Udaya Gammanpila has alleged that the government is attempting to create a new plot with regard to the mastermind of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.

As a part of this narrative, the government is planning to arrest former Chief of Intelligence Maj. Gen. Suresh Sallay and former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, he charged.

Speaking at a media briefing today (Feb. 03) Gammanpila stated that the government is now engaged in an elaborate plan by raising allegations that Sri Lanka’s intelligence services carried out the bombings with the objective of bringing Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power.

Gammanpila referenced a three-member presidential investigation committee, comprising a former Supreme Court judge, a former Air Force commander, and a President’s Counsel, which he said had dismissed allegations made by a UK-based Channel 4 documentary linking Sri Lanka’s intelligence agencies to the attacks. He accused the government of ignoring the report and pushing a misleading narrative.

He also alleged that Asad Maulana, the key witness in the alleged government plot, faces multiple criminal accusations, including fraud and identity deception. Gammanpila claimed the government was facilitating Maulana’s return to Sri Lanka to obtain a statement against intelligence officials while suppressing investigations into his alleged crimes.

News

Special security measures implemented for Easter

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has announced that steps have been taken to implement a special security program in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations.

As Easter services are scheduled to be held on April 18 and April 20, 2025, special police security will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees on those dates.

Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued instructions to all Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Senior DIGs) in charge of all provinces, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) in this regard.

Accordingly, the Acting IGP has further instructed officers to identify churches expected to attract large crowds as well churches where major religious services are held, to ensure security in and around those locations.

The Police, Special Task Force (STF), and tri-forces personnel are to be deployed to ensure security during the Easter celebrations.

News

Hot weather to continue

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

The heat index – the temperature felt by the human body — is expected to rise to the ‘Caution Level’ in several areas tomorrow (April 18), according to the Department of Meteorology.

20250417HI Download

News

5 including a police officer, arrested with Rs. 30 Mn.

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police has arrested five individuals, including a constable from the Western Province Intelligence Division, in Dondra Head.

The arrests were made early this morning, and the suspects were found in possession of approximately Rs. 30 million.

According to the police, the Special Task Force (STF) acted on a tip-off and conducted a search of a vehicle, leading to the arrests.

The five individuals, including the police constable, were taken into custody by the STF.

Investigations are currently being conducted under the supervision of the Police Narcotics Bureau to determine the source and intended use of the large sum of money.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)