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Police get 30 hi-tech speed guns.

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The Police Department has purchased 30 advanced speed guns with cutting-edge global technology to identify and prosecute speeding drivers. These devices have been distributed among traffic divisions in 30 police stations across the country.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, Director of the Traffic Headquarters, these speed guns can not only record the speed of a vehicle but also automatically capture images of the driver and the vehicle’s number plate. When a driver is caught speeding, a printed copy of the data, including the date, time, and speed, can be provided on the spot. This advanced laser technology allows clear images to be captured even at night.

SSP Ranagala highlighted that the data recorded by these speed guns eliminates any possibility of false accusations against drivers.

With documented evidence of the driver’s face, the vehicle number, and the exact speed, both officers and drivers are held accountable, leaving no room for disputes.

Previously, basic speed guns were used to catch speeding drivers on regular roads, while high-speed highways had more advanced equipment. The new devices, costing Rs. 91 million, surpass the technology of the existing speed monitoring systems. These laser-based devices, produced in the United States, are specifically designed for nighttime operations, said Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga.

On November 11, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya distributed the new devices to traffic officers at the Police Headquarters. Training sessions have also been initiated for officers to ensure proper use of the equipment. Additionally, the Police Department plans to acquire 15 more speed guns in the near future.

SSP Manatunga further revealed that of the 24,589 road accidents reported in 2024, 731 were caused by speeding. Police filed 31,182 cases related to speeding during the same year. He acknowledged that a significant number of older speed guns were non-functional, making it challenging for traffic officers to enforce speed regulations and minimise accidents.

Before receiving the new devices, each district only had one or two operational speed guns. The National Audit Office reported that since the purchase of 25 speed guns in 2016, no new devices were acquired until the end of 2023. Despite repeated requests for 500 speed guns from 2018 to 2023, only a fraction was approved.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Tissa Attanayake withdraws from SJB-UNP discussion’s

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Tissa Attanayake, National Organiser of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), announced on Monday (16) that he has withdrawn from the committee tasked with holding discussions with the United National Party (UNP) and will no longer participate in future talks between the two parties.

 Addressing a special press conference, the former parliamentarian criticized the lack of clarity surrounding the dialogue process, stating, “Our Working Committee and Management Committee had decided to initiate these discussions.

 If there was any ambiguity regarding the process, it should have been reported.” Attanayake emphasized that if the SJB-UNP discussions are deemed unnecessary, the party should formally discontinue them rather than engage in internal blame games. 

“Blaming each other is not relevant to the matter. If the party has taken a certain stance on these discussions, I will not rejoin until the next Working Committee decides on that stance,” he asserted.   

His withdrawal marks a significant setback in efforts to foster collaboration between the SJB and UNP, both key players in Sri Lanka’s opposition politics. 

The development raises questions about the future of potential alliances ahead of critical political engagements.

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SL Army personnel ordered to surrender passports

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The Sri Lanka Army has directed all personnel below the rank of Major to hand over their passports to their respective regiments, according to the Army Spokesman.

Army Spokesperson Brigadier Waruna Gamage further revealed that this step has been taken in connection with an administrative matter. 

However, he also mentioned that passports can be reacquired for personal purposes by informing the relevant departments.

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51 ASPs to be recruited

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Fifty-one Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) are to be recruited to the Police through an open examination conducted by the Examination Department.

These appointments are expected to take place shortly, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the media.

He said the interviews began on February 5 and are scheduled to conclude next Wednesday.

A total of 255 candidates were called for interviews based on the results issued by the Examination Department, he said.

“According to the recruitment process rules, the number of candidates invited for interviews must be five times the number of vacancies. We are conducting these interviews in a very transparent and fair manner,” the Minister said.

Mr. Wijepala said that according to the Inspector General of Police the ongoing ASP interviews have the highest number of lawyers participating.

As the police already have a significant number of lawyers, including those currently practising and those studying to become lawyers, Minister Wijepala mentioned that there are plans to utilise their support in the future for representing the police in court cases.

“Currently, in most magistrate courts, only the police sergeant appears on behalf of the police. Instead of this, I proposed the idea of appointing lawyers who are already serving in the police,” Mr. Wijepala told The Sunday Times.

He emphasised that this is only a suggestion at this stage, and if implemented, the necessary position adjustments would be made accordingly.

(Sunday Times)
(This story, originally published by Sunday Times has not been edited by SLM staff)

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