News

Justice Minister proposes deducting remand custody, appeal duration from jail terms

Published

1 year ago

May 12, 2024

editor

According to the Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, an amendment to the Penal Code is being proposed where the time spent in remand custody and the duration taken for the appeal hearing will be deducted from the total jail term. This initiative aims to address the disparity where some prisoners spend more time in remand custody and appeal processes than their actual jail sentences.

Minister Rajapakshe informed the Sunday Times that a committee, chaired by a High Court judge, will be responsible for determining the remission period to be granted. However, he clarified that individuals convicted for narcotic offenses and drug trafficking will not be eligible for remission.

The proposed amendment seeks to streamline the justice system by ensuring that individuals are not unfairly detained for extended periods beyond their prescribed sentences. This move underscores efforts to promote fairness and efficiency in the legal process.

The initiative, once approved by Parliament, is poised to bring significant changes to the penal system, offering relief to individuals who have faced prolonged periods in custody awaiting trial or appeal hearings.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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.