News

Presidential pardon for Royal Park murderer, unconventional – SC

Published

12 months ago

June 6, 2024

nipuni

The Supreme Court has concluded that the presidential pardon granted by former President Maithripala Sirisena to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha in 2019, was unconstitutional.

Delivering the verdict, the Supreme Court also invalidated the pardon granted to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha.

Jude Anthony Jayamaha, who was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of 19-year-old Yvonne Johnson at the Royal Park apartment complex, was sentenced to death in 2012.

Meanwhile, it was also ordered that former President Maithripala Sirisena should pay a compensation of Rs. 01 million to the petitioner, and Rs. 01 million each to the mother and father of the aggrieved young woman, who was the victim of the Royal Park murder.

The Supreme Court, which ruled that former President Sirisena had intentionally violated the Constitution through this act, ordered the Attorney General to take the necessary legal measures for the extradition of the defendant, who is currently overseas, according to local and international conventions.

This verdict was delivered by a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Janak de Silva, following the consideration of a fundamental rights petition filed by the Women and Media Collective.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

15 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

15 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.