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Massive forest land clearing in Mihintale

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The Additional Magistrate of Anuradhapura, Kanchana Narthana Abhimani Seneviratne has directed Anuradhapura Range Forest Officer Sumith Suvaris to initiate legal proceedings against a businessman accused of clearing 18 acres in the Mihintale Forest Reserve in the Maradankulama area, and illegally attempting to acquire an additional six acres by setting it on fire. 

The Forest Conservation Department highlighted that all four permits allegedly associated with the land are fraudulent.
Consequently, the Additional Magistrate has further instructed Ranger Suvaris to file a complaint with the Anuradhapura Special Crime Investigation Division and pursue further legal action.

During the Court proceedings for case number B/123/2024, Suvaris reported that the accused businessman had unlawfully cleared and destroyed portions of the land within the Mihintale Divisional Secretariat Division’s No. 586, Grama Seva Thulane. He also presented evidence of the accused having forged documents purporting ownership. The Range Forest Officer informed Court that a written inquiry conducted by the Director General of Forest Conservation with the Divisional Secretary of Mihintale revealed inconsistencies in the permits provided by the defendant. Assistant Divisional Secretary M.M.K.Chandragupta, on behalf of Divisional Secretary N.B.J.A. Nayaka Bandara, communicated that the Mihintale Divisional Secretariat holds no records or documents supporting the licences claimed by the accused.

Further, the Court was informed that one of the authorisation papers bore a signature falsely attributed to the former District Secretary of Anuradhapura, T.K.Dasanayake. Sirimevan Dharmasena, the former Mihintale Divisional Secretary, confirmed in writing to the Director General of Forest Conservation that the signature was not that of former District Secretary Dasanayake’s.

(dailynews.lk)

 (This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Indian High Commissioner meets Defence Secretary

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The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha met the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry yesterday (07).

The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, underscoring the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two nations.

They exchanged views on regional security and maritime cooperation aimed at enhancing defence collaboration.

The Indian High Commissioner emphasized India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka in defence and security matters, particularly in counter-terrorism, maritime security and disaster response.

The Defence Secretary expressed appreciation for India’s continued assistance and acknowledged the significant role of defence partnerships in ensuring stability and security in the region.

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Security enhanced around Krrish Building after fire incidents

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The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs says security measures have been reinforced around the Colombo Fort Krrish Building following two recent fire incidents.

Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that nearly 20 police officers have been deployed for the security of the area. 

A report from the Government Analyst regarding the fires is expected soon. 

Fires were reported over the past two days, at the Krrish Building, which is currently under construction. 

A fire erupted on the 24th floor yesterday and was extinguished with the help of six fire trucks. 

A fire broke out on the 35th floor the day before and spread to the 34th floor, prompting a multi-hour firefighting operation.

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Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara transferred

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Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Waruna Jayasundara, who served as the Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF), along with several other high-ranking police officers, have been transferred.

The transfers include Senior DIGs and DIGs while they have been approved by the National Police Commission. These transfers are scheduled to be implemented from February 12.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that several Officers-in-Charge (OICs) are also scheduled to be transferred.

Following the transfers, the respective OICs will resume their normal duties in their new postings.

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