News

President instructs immediate housing for homeless families in Kajimawatta

Published

1 year ago

March 7, 2024

nipuni

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed officials to take necessary steps to provide housing for all homeless families in Kajimawatte, Colombo.

The President also emphasized that the work must adhere to the government’s housing policies and criteria.

These instructions were provided by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a discussion held yesterday afternoon (06) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the housing issue in the Kajimawatta, Colombo.

Additionally, the President instructed officials to examine underutilized government-owned buildings and lands within the Colombo Municipal Area, exploring the potential for development and utilization for commercial purposes.

The President underscored the significance of implementing the program through private investments, with the intervention of the public sector.

Furthermore, the President reviewed the advancement of government housing projects underway within the Colombo city limits, emphasizing the necessity for additional initiatives. Despite challenges posed by the current economic situation, he stressed the importance of devising a suitable system for further projects.

Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, along with Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Satyananda, Colombo District Secretary K.G. Wijesiri, Colombo Municipal Commissioner Bhadrani Jayawardena and officials from line institutions, participated in the discussion.

(President’s Media Division)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

8 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

8 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

8 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.