Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been further remanded until June 19.

He was arrested and remanded over the recent discovery of a ‘gold-plated’ T-56 firearm from an apartment complex in Havelock Town, Colombo.

The Colombo High Court today (June 05) ordered the Controller of the Immigration and Emigration Department to revoke the overseas travel ban imposed on former minister – Udaya Gammanpila.

On March 24, 2025, Colombo High Court had acquitted Gammanpila and businessman Sydney Jayasinghe over charges related to the alleged criminal misappropriation of Rs. 21 million. They were charged over allegedly selling shares of a company owned by Australian businessman – Brian Shaddick using a fraudulent Power of Attorney.

Filing a motion, Gammanpila’s lawyer had stated that despite the acquittal, the overseas travel ban imposed on her client is yet to be revoked.

Considering the facts, Colombo High Court judge Pradeep Abeyrathna ordered to revoke the overseas travel ban imposed on Gammanpila.

Minister of Trade – Wasantha Samarasinghe has warned that the government will be forced to introduce a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for salt by this week, if importers attempt to sell imported salt at higher prices.

Speaking at a media briefing, he said that a kilo of imported salt will cost Rs. 77, along with the 40% tax imposed by the government.

“Let’s say it has been priced at Rs. 80 a kilo. Then, wholesale traders are allowed to keep a profit of Rs. 10, 20, or 30. But not beyond this margin. However, if importers are trying to use this shortage to create a racket, then I would like to warn them not to engage in such activities. We will be forced to impose a Maximum Retail Price if this continues,” he added.