News

Police officer involved in “Harak Kata’s” escape bid arrested

Published

2 months ago

October 1, 2023

editor

A police constable has been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting notorious underworld figure “Harak Kata’s” recent escape bid at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The officer, who was taken into custody by the CID, will be handed over to the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) for further probes.

However, the other police constable, who was identified as “Harak Kata’s” aide, is still at large.

On September 10, “Harak Kata”, who was being interrogated by eight CID officers, had reportedly laced the officers’ tea with poison, with the help of the Police Constable in question, during his questioning.

He had subsequently requested to go to the washroom, and was escorted out of the interrogation room with his aide – a police constable, and another sub-inspector attached to the Police Special Task Force (STF), assigned for the suspect’s protection.

Although his handcuffs were removed at that point, the underworld kingpin had then walked out of the washroom acting as if he was still cuffed and had then attempted to snatch the STF officer’s firearm leading to a scuffle.

A group of other officers were quick to arrive at the scene, upon hearing the commotion and detained “Harak Kata” in their custody.

Amidst the altercation, the constable in question had reportedly fled the CID premises and remains in hiding to date.

On 18 September, the mother and brother-in-law of this constable were arrested. The police also obtained a 90-day detention to interrogate them.

News

Japanese embassy hands over medical equipment to Jayewardenepura hospital

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2023

editor

Japanese ambassador – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki today (Dec. 06) handed over medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Minister of Health – Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and State Minister of Health – Dr. Seetha Arambepola.

The event underscored the deep bonds between the two nations and Japan’s collective commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

This significant occasion marks the transfer of crucial medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, strengthening its capabilities to provide quality healthcare services. The equipment handed over includes an Anesthesia Workstation, an Automated Refractometer, three ICU Beds, a Recovery Bed, three Slit lamps, 5 Bedside Monitors, and one Surgical Instrument set.

Ambassador Mizukoshi stated, “Today, I am delighted to witness the handover ceremony for the initial batch of this equipment, underscoring our commitment to advancing healthcare in Sri Lanka.”

The embassy notes that the collaboration between Japan and Sri Lanka in the health sector remains steadfast, with a shared vision of fostering goodwill and cooperation.

This handover represents just the beginning of a larger grant project. As part of our ongoing commitment, additional medical equipment will be installed at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in the future. This sustained partnership underscores Japan’s dedication to contributing to the ongoing improvement of healthcare facilities and services in Sri Lanka, the embassy adds.

News

India – Russia venture to take up reins of MRIA

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka has reportedly agreed to hand over the operations of the Mattala Rajapaksha International Airport (MRIA) to a private joint venture between Russian and Indian entities.

Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation – Mr. K.D.S Ruwanchandra said that a discussion held yesterday (05) in this regard, ended on a positive note and an agreement is to be signed soon.

Accordingly, all operational activities at Mattala International Airport will be managed and executed by the Russian-Indian Private Joint Venture.

News

Fmr. DIG released from alleged VIP assassination plot

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2023

editor

Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Nalaka de Silva has been released from the case filed over the alleged VIP assassination plot in 2019.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate has ordered to release de Silva after the Attorney General informed the court that ‘insufficient evidence’ was found to support the allegations.

The former Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) was arrested by the CID on October 25, 2018, over a suspected plot to assassinate former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.