News

Navy seizes 6230kg smuggled Tendu leaves in August alone

Published

3 weeks ago

September 6, 2023

editor

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of over 6230kg of Tendu leaves, during special search operations conducted in the month of August alone in 2023. During these operations the Navy also apprehended 09 suspects and 03 dinghies in connection to these incidents.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the coastal areas of the island, with a view to prevent the influx of smuggled and illegal items into the island, via sea routes.

Continuing such efforts, these separate operations were mounted by SLNS Vijaya, SLNS Thambapanni, SLNS Kelani, Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard in the western and northwestern sea and coastal areas. The operations resulted in the seizure of about 6230kg and 570g of Tendu leaves and apprehension of 09 suspects and 03 dinghies in the month of August alone.

Meanwhile, the apprehended stock of Tendu leaves along with the suspects and dinghies were handed over to relevant authorities for legal action.

With continuous naval operations, it is expected to deter the unlawful smuggling of Tendu leaves into Sri Lanka via sea routes, promote the lawful import of them in adherence to the established legal framework, and thereby bolster the government’s tax income. As long as the consignment of Tendu leaves held by the Navy is considered, it is believed that the government incurred a loss of more than Rs. 37 million in tax revenue, as they have been smuggled into the island by illegal means.

(navy.lk)

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

5 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

7 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)