The Sri Lankan government has decided to declare April 26, 2025, a National Day of Mourning in view of the late Pope Francis’s funeral.

In a statement, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government  announces that all national flags at state institutions will be flown half-mast on April 26.

The Matara Magistrate’s Court today (24) ordered the release on bail of ASP Neville de Silva, the former Director of the Colombo Crime Division. This decision came after de Silva surrendered to the court earlier today.

Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa granted de Silva bail on two personal sureties of Rs 1 million each. Additionally, a travel ban was imposed on him.

Previously, the Matara Magistrate Court had issued warrants for the arrest of Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, former Colombo Crime Division Director Neville de Silva, and six others. 

These warrants were in connection with the fatal shooting of a Colombo Crime Division officer near a hotel in Weligama, Matara, on December 31, 2023.

(News1st)

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

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (24) that further investigations are underway into the alleged major racket involving the reselling of ‘e-tickets’ for up-country trains including to Ella at inflated prices.

The case was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala, where CID officers submitted a report outlining the progress of their investigation.

According to CID officials, the investigation is not only focused on the external suspects involved in the racket but also seeks to determine whether any officers within the Railway Department, including Station Masters had played a role in facilitating the illegal activity.

The case involves four suspects who had previously been arrested in connection with the racket and later released on bail. All four were present in court today when the case was taken up.

After reviewing the CID’s submissions, Magistrate Kekunawala instructed the CID to report back on the progress of the investigation on September 18.

On January 20, 2025, the CID had informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that they have launched an investigation into the alleged incident where e-tickets for popular tourist train routes are sold out within an astonishing 42 seconds of their release online, raising serious concerns about fraudulent practices.

It was also alleged that certain groups are purchasing all available tickets through dubious means and resell them to foreign tourists at exorbitant prices. Tickets priced at Rs. 2,000 are reportedly being resold for as much as Rs. 16,000.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)