News

Nirmala Sitharaman calls on Chief prelates ; visits Sri Maha Bodhi (Video)

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2023

editor

Visiting Union Finance Minister of India – Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, who is currently on a visit to Sri Lanka, had called on the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters yesterday (01).

Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter – Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero had acknowledged the deep cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations and also thanked the Indian Finance Minister for the economic assistance during the time of economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

During her call on the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter – Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana, Ms. Sitharaman had also mentioned the MoU which will be signed today for the solar electrification of religious places in Sri Lanka. For this project, India will allocate Indian Rs. 82.40 crore out of the GOI grant assistance of Indian Rs. 107.47 crore earmarked for the promotion of Buddhist ties.

Thanking the minister and India, the Chief Prelate had indicated that it is a timely and supportive step towards their energy needs.

Ms. Sitharaman had also paid homage to the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy as well as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

Glimpses from Day One of Smt @nsitharaman's three-day official visit to Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/SXCOcowJSz
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) November 1, 2023

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.