News

President – SLPP leaders conclude meeting, No final decision on alliance

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2024

nipuni

The recent meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) leaders Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa concluded without reaching a final decision on the formation of an alliance ahead of the upcoming national elections, according to reports from the media.

The purpose of the meeting, held to address outstanding political matters in anticipation of the presidential elections later this year, saw discussions centering on two key policy issues: the alienation of national assets and power devolution.

It is reported that the SLPP leaders sought clarity from President Wickremesinghe on these matters to determine the party’s stance regarding a potential alliance.

The SLPP holds the belief that its leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa, only brought state institutions such as SriLankan Airlines and Sri Lanka Insurance under government purview during his presidency.

The party appears to be adhering to this original ideology and is seeking compromises from President Wickremesinghe in his restructuring plans for these institutions.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the proposed framework for power devolution, particularly regarding the political question in the northern and eastern provinces.

Despite the absence of a final decision, both parties have agreed to intensify their political activities.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

19 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

19 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

19 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.