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.

Easter Attacks PCOI report handed over to CID

Published

5 hours ago

April 20, 2025

editor

The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has confirmed that Secretary to the President – Nandika Sanath Kumanayake handed over the report.

CID probe launched over photo of tooth relic

Published

6 hours ago

April 20, 2025

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into a photo circulating on social media, allegedly showing the sacred tooth relic during the ongoing special exposition – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ in Kandy.

According to Police Headquarters, the circulating image is seemingly an image taken by a devotee who attended the exposition, which is being held until April 27.

The police emphasises that devotees are not permitted to take photos or use their phones.

In this backdrop, the CID is investigating to ascertain whether the circulating photo was indeed taken during the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition, and whether it was a photo captured by someone or whether it is merely an edited image.

The CID investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Acting Inspector General of Police.

News

Brazilian nabbed at BIA with cocaine worth Rs. 240 mn.

Published

8 hours ago

April 20, 2025

editor

A Brazilian national was arrested by the Narcotics Control Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this (April 20) morning over attempting to smuggle nearly 05 kg of cocaine concealed in his suitcase.

The suspect is a 59-year-old Brazilian teacher and the seized cocaine (4kg and 855g) is valued around Rs. 240 million.