03 close associates of a former Presidential Director General (DG) have been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over the illegal land grabbing within the Haldummulla Bogahapelessa Reserve, which straddles the Badulla and Monaragala district border.

Investigations revealed that these lands were unlawfully occupied through political influence, with the former DG allegedly connected to the act.

Following a CID probe, the individuals were arrested as main suspects.

It is reported that one of those arrested is a female, while another had previously served as the former DG’s private secretary.

(Source: Silumina)

A tense situation arose yesterday (July 04) when officials from Sri Lanka Port Management and Consultancy Services Ltd. (SLPMCS), accompanied by police officers, had attempted to remove unauthorized stalls at Galle Face, Colombo.

The removal was part of an effort to ensure that trading activities in the area are conducted safely and with the necessary approval from Public Health Inspectors.

However, vendors who have been operating in the area for some time had strongly opposed the decision.

Vendors say that although they had been trading at this location for a prolonged time, officials were preparing to oust them citing the need to obtain PHI certification.

Following discussions at the site, officials informed the traders that they would be permitted to continue their business until this Sunday.

The Meteorology Department says that several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces and in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and Matara districts today (July 05).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.