News

Mervyn Silva stages coffin protest against OSB

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2024

editor

A group including former Parliamentarian Mervyn Silva was seen carrying a false coffin into the Borella Cemetery on today (04), in protest against the Online Safety Bill.

Security personnel at the entrance of the cemetery had reportedly attempted to prevent the group from entering into the premises.

Despite their attempt, however, the group had entered the premises and staged a protest against the highly controversial Online Safety Bill, which came into effect earlier this month.

The legislation which seeks to regulate online content was passed in Parliament, with amendments, on 24 January, amidst objections from opposition politicians and activists who allege the new law will muzzle free speech.

The controversial Bill garnered not only the attention of local activists and organisations, but also that of diplomats and large international organisations, claiming that the Bill had numerous problematic aspects.

The Sri Lankan government says the Online Safety Bill, published in the government gazette on 18 September, aims to ban online communication of certain statements in the country, prevent the use of online accounts – both authentic and inauthentic – for the use of prohibited purposes, to suppress the financing and other support of communication of false statements and other related matters.

Source – adaderana.lk

News

Special security measures implemented for Easter

Published

8 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has announced that steps have been taken to implement a special security program in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations.

As Easter services are scheduled to be held on April 18 and April 20, 2025, special police security will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees on those dates.

Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued instructions to all Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Senior DIGs) in charge of all provinces, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) in this regard.

Accordingly, the Acting IGP has further instructed officers to identify churches expected to attract large crowds as well churches where major religious services are held, to ensure security in and around those locations.

The Police, Special Task Force (STF), and tri-forces personnel are to be deployed to ensure security during the Easter celebrations.

News

Hot weather to continue

Published

9 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

The heat index – the temperature felt by the human body — is expected to rise to the ‘Caution Level’ in several areas tomorrow (April 18), according to the Department of Meteorology.

20250417HI Download

News

5 including a police officer, arrested with Rs. 30 Mn.

Published

9 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police has arrested five individuals, including a constable from the Western Province Intelligence Division, in Dondra Head.

The arrests were made early this morning, and the suspects were found in possession of approximately Rs. 30 million.

According to the police, the Special Task Force (STF) acted on a tip-off and conducted a search of a vehicle, leading to the arrests.

The five individuals, including the police constable, were taken into custody by the STF.

Investigations are currently being conducted under the supervision of the Police Narcotics Bureau to determine the source and intended use of the large sum of money.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)