News

Prisoner beaten to death by officers

Published

2 months ago

March 19, 2025

editor

A remand prisoner has died after allegedly being assaulted by two prison officers at the Colombo Magazine Prison.

The deceased has been identified as 54-year-old Hewadheera Don Gamunujith, a father of one. He was arrested by Maharagama Police on February 23 on suspicion of trafficking “ice,” and was later remanded following a court appearance.

According to reports, on February 26, two prison officers attempted to search the prisoner, suspecting he still possessed drugs. During the search, the prisoner reportedly swallowed the remaining drugs.

It is alleged that the two officers, with the assistance of two other prisoners, then subjected him to a brutal assault in an attempt to retrieve the drugs. He was also reportedly forced to drink two bottles of salt water to induce vomiting.

The prisoner sustained serious injuries and was first admitted to the prison hospital before being transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment. He died from his injuries on March 16.

An investigation is currently underway by Borella Police. Fellow prisoners have provided statements corroborating the alleged assault and forced ingestion of salt water and brutal assault in an attempt to retrieve the drugs.

News

03 vehicles collide at railway crossing

Published

7 minutes ago

May 21, 2025

editor

03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.

The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.

The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.

The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.

(Pic: Accident 1st)

News

Ramith Rambukwella arrives before CIABOC

Published

18 minutes ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.

The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.

News

Mahindananda seeks permission for home cooked meals

Published

29 minutes ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is currently in remand custody, has submitted a written request to prison authorities seeking permission to receive food from his home.

He is currently being held at the “M 2” ward of the Colombo Remand Prison along with around 10 other prisoners, according to reports.

It is also reported that former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is being detained in the same ward.