Haputale murder victim was under 24-hour police protection

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2023

editor

The man who was shot to death in a hotel in Haputale last night (22) had been killed because he was a witness in a murder case, police sources said.

Police said that the owner of the hotel was also injured in the incident.

The murder victim was a resident of Gandara and has been working in the hotel for about one and a half years.

Police said that six people are in prison in connection with a murder based on the testimony given by the deceased and that he has received death threats for giving the testimony.

Accordingly, the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses has ordered the police to provide him round-the-clock protection.

During his stay in Gandara, police protection was provided round-the-clock.

It was reported that he has been living a life in secret away from Gandara since his life was in danger.

When the Dewundara Perahera festival was held recently, he had returned to Gandara and had stayed there for three days.

As the police told him that staying in Gandara was life threatening, the man had left Gandara again. The police said that they provided 24-hour security during his stay in Gandara.

Police said that the victim was working as an employee of a hotel located on the Colombo Road in Haputale, away from Gandara.

A group of four had arrived at the hotel and carried out the shooting.

The police are currently analyzing security camera footage to identify the shooters and the vehicles they came in.

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.