News

Namal’s alleged unpaid electricity bill issue challenged before SC

Published

2 years ago

September 1, 2023

editor

A lawyer has filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to produce before Court all relevant files maintained by the CEB regarding an alleged unsettled electricity bill adding up to Rs. 2.6 million in lieu of providing electricity to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence in Weeraketiya.

The petitioner Vijitha Kumara, an Attorney-at-law representing the Polonnaruwa Bar Association filed this petition naming the CEB, CEB Chairman, Auditor General, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, MP Namal Rajapaksa, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, MP D.V. Chanaka and several others as respondents.

The petitioner is further seeking an order directing the Auditor General to provide a comprehensive audit report into providing electricity by the CEB during the period September 12, 2019 to September 15, 2019 to the Weeraketiya residence.

The petitioner states that JVP’s former Provincial Council member Nalin Hewage publicly disclosed that pursuant to a right to information request, it has been revealed that a sum of Rs. 2,682,246.57 was due and outstanding for a wedding held at the private residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2019.

The petitioner said it is public knowledge that Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa’s wedding was held on or about September 12, 2019 and a series of receptions were held at the Weeraketiya residence to celebrate the said momentous occasion.

The petitioner states that being a public spirited individual, he became curious as to how Namal Rajapaksa’s wedding was funded by public funds.

This petition had been filed through Attorney-at-Law Thamila Dinushi Perera and to be supported by Senior Counsel Thishya Weragoda. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

(dailymirror.lk)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

18 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

18 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

18 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.