News

Monk who kidnapped Asanka Nirmal arrested

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2023

editor

A Buddhist monk named Monaragala Chandananda, who went along with two Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel to kidnap a businessman by the name Asanka Nirmal, was arrested by the Dematagoda Police at a temple in Dodanduwa.

The arrested is a former teacher of several main schools in Colombo and the victim, who is a resident of Makola, has worked as the owner of a television channel and a financial institution.

A sergeant and a constable of the STF headquarters had travelled in a cab numbered 2552-2509 along with the monk to kidnap the businessman.

The STF personnel had impersonated as officers of the Criminal Investigation Department.

The monk has invested Rs.4.6 million at a financial institution located in Dematagoda.

Following an argument over withdrawing the amount deposited, the monk had gone to the Malabe house of the victim with his two STF friends to kidnap the owner of the financial institution.

The businessman had given a cheque for Rs.4.6 million saying that he could not give the money right away upon request as per the agreements signed.

The monk who had refused to accept the cheque had abandoned the businessman in the Rajagiriya area after forcibly taking his house deed and passport.

The kidnapping took place on May 11 and the businessman had complained to the Dematagoda Police on June 10.

Following the arrest of the monk, investigations have been launched to arrest the two STF personnel and the vehicle they have used.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

16 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

16 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

16 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.