News

Muthu Raja harassed by mahout: Minister intervenes

Published

10 months ago

November 16, 2022

editor

The Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister has instructed the Ministry Secretary to take necessary steps to place the Muthu Raja Tusker at the care of the Dehiwala Zoo.

The tusker was a donation from Thailand to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and she later handed over the elephant to the Aluthgama Kande Vihara.

However, it was later revealed that the elephant was harassed by the mahout.

Therefore, the Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka had taken away the tusker from the temple and placed it in the custody of Dehiwala Zoo.

It is reported that the elephant is currently being cared for by the staff of the Dehiwala Zoo but the Thai Ambassador has decided to take the elephant back to Thailand.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had held a lengthy discussion with Ministry Secretary Chandra Herath yesterday (15) over the matter and on keeping the elephant in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, it was reported that the National Zoological Department has agreed to keep Muthu Raja in the Dehiwala Zoo and the Minister has instructed the Secretary to take necessary steps in consultation with the Thai Ambassador.

News

Student caught selling moonshine at school

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

A student of a popular school in Kalawana, has been nabbed for selling moonshine at his school.

Upon being discovered by a teacher, he had been handed over to the Kalawana police.

Police say that the Grade 09 student had brought moonshine into the school in his water bottle and sold cups of it to older students.

He had been released after being strongly warned.

News

One dead in explosion at Kalpitiya Air Force firing range

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

An explosion reported at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Field Firing Range in Kandakuliya, Kalpitiya earlier today (26 Sep.) resulting in one death, Sri Lanka Police has confirmed.

Accordingly, an explosion which had occurred at the Air Force Field Firing Range in Kalpitiya, has resulted in the death of an 28 year old airman while injuring another, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa has said.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway, he added.

News

4 Excise officers interdicted for assaulting Beedi businessman

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

Four Excise officers who were arrested for allegedly assaulting and soliciting a bribe from a ‘Beedi’ manufacturer in Walasmulla have been interdicted by the Commissioner General of Excise.

The decision has been taken following the instruction of State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

The four Excise officers including the OIC of the Tangalle Excise station have been interdicted over the allegations of assault and soliciting a bribe from a ‘Beedi’ manufacturer for not implementing the law against him for possession of Beedi leaves without a valid license.