News

Interpol arrests 4 Lankan criminals

Published

5 months ago

January 21, 2025

editor

Four Lankan criminals who have been wanted by the Sri Lanka Police for committing several crimes in the country have been arrested by Interpol.

The wanted criminals with red notices issued on them were arrested in Dubai and in three other countries, according to the Police Media Division.

Due to security reasons, Sri Lankan security authorities have taken steps not to reveal the names of the four suspects.

Sri Lankan security authorities had taken steps to submit to Interpol a list of names of Lankan criminals who have fled the country after being accused of committing several crimes, to continue their criminal and drug trafficking operations while staying in hiding overseas.

The Indian Police recently arrested in Mumbai, powerful drug trafficker and organised criminal Janith Madushanka Silva alias ‘Podi Lassie’ who was out on bail and fled the country illegally, while he was banned by Court from travelling out of the country. Sri Lankan authorities are currently in the process of making arrangements to repatriate Podi Lassie from India in consultation with Indian authorities.

Meanwhile, Police investigations have revealed that six out of the eight shootings that took place across the country so far this year have been carried out by organised criminal gangs.

According to the Police, five people had been killed and five others injured and hospitalised from these shootings that took place thus far in 2025. The most recent shooting took place in Mount Lavinia on Sunday (19) in which a 24-year-old youth named Savidu Tharusha, a resident of the Badowita area, was shot and killed by two gunmen on a motorcycle, who fled after the shooting.

The shooting was carried out near a restaurant on Siripala Mawatha, Mount Lavinia, by the two assailants. One of the suspects has been arrested by the Dehiwala Police together with the firearm used to carry out the shooting. Later, the motorcycle used for the crime was found abandoned in the Attidiya area on the same day by the Police.

Police probes have revealed that the victim is a close associate of the organised criminal gang member ‘Kos Malli’ who is currently living in hiding in Dubai. Police also suspect that the shooting has been carried out by the criminal gang leader ‘Badowita Asanka’.

(DailyNews)

(This story, originally published by DailyNews has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.