News

Heavy metal & arsenic testing mandatory from today

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2023

editor

The Food Advisory Committee of the Health Ministry has decided to make the testing of heavy metals and arsenic levels mandatory when importing dried fish, sprats and fruits from today.

This step has been taken after it was revealed that some of the imported dried fish, sprats and fruits contain large amounts of heavy metals and arsenic.

A survey conducted by the Food Control Administration Unit at the Health Ministry has revealed that certain imported fruit stocks contain a large amount of lead, which is a heavy metal.

Since heavy metals can harm people’s health, it has been decided to make it mandatory to check the levels of heavy metals and arsenic when importing sprats and fruit and to check the percentage of lead in imported fruit.

The Food Control Administration Unit said that companies and individuals should be careful to import only food items that do not contain excessive amounts of heavy metals.

Meanwhile, the Food Control Administration Unit has also introduced a special telephone number 0112 112718 to get more information in this regard.

(Newsradio)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.