News

Probe into theft of Sandagala handed over to CID!

Published

4 weeks ago

January 4, 2023

editor

The investigations into the incident of stealing a valuable ancient monument well-known as ‘Sandagala’ from the Kundasale Udamaluwa Archaeological Reserve in Rajawella, Pallekele have been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The site of this archaeological monument is said to be the site of the palace of Sri Weera Parakrama Narendrasingha who ruled the Kundasale Kingdom of Kandy from 1707 to 1739.

The rock weighing more than 1,000 kilos, which was engraved with more than 300 years old carvings, had been stolen during the night of December 13-14.

It was alleged that the Pallekele Police, which earlier conducted investigations, were delaying investigations. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that powerful politicians of the area and a group of thugs and top police officers were involved in the incident.

Even though the number plates of the vehicles that arrived at the location to take away the ancient rock were clearly recorded on the CCTV cameras, allegations have been made that police investigations were progressing at a slow pace to identify suspects.

Meanwhile, Central Province Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne said that since the investigations should be carried out more extensively, the investigation was assigned to the CID by the order of the Inspector General of Police.

News

No COVID-19 deaths yesterday

Published

8 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

No COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed yesterday (29) by the Director-General of Health Services.

Accordingly, the current COVID-19 death toll remains at 16,828.

News

Racecourse murder : Boyfriend further remanded

Published

9 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

The university student who was held in remand custody for allegedly murdering his girlfriend with a sharp weapon at Race Course grounds in Colombo has been remanded further.

Taking up the case today (30) Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis ordered him to be further remanded till February 13.

The magisterial inquest into the death was held today before Colombo Chief Magistrate and

A testimony of the deceased’s father was recorded before Chief Magistrate and further magisterial inquiry was fixed for February 13.

The suspect was not produced before Court by prison authorities since he is currently receiving treatment at the Mental Health Unit of prison hospital.

News

Constitutional Council approves several judicial appointments

Published

9 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

The Constitutional Council met today (30) in Parliament presided by Speaker and the Chairman of the Constitutional Council – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, MPs Sagara Kariyawasam, other council members Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. (Mrs) Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere, Dr. (Mrs) Dinesha Samararatne were present at the Council meeting held.

MP Kabir Hashim, had informed his inability to attend this meeting due to unavoidable circumstances.

The Constitutional Council considered the recommendation of the President to appoint K.P. Fernando, President of the Court of Appeal as a Judge of the Supreme Court, to the post which fell vacant with the retirement of L.T.B. Dehideniya, Judge of the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Council unanimously approved the above recommendation.

Further the Constitutional Council unanimously approved the nomination of N.B.P.D.S. Karunarathna, Judge of the Court of Appeal to be appointed as the President of the Court of Appeal, and the nomination of Mr M.A.R. Marikkar, High Court Judge to be appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal to the resultant vacancies.

The Constitutional Council further decided to publish the advertisement on newspapers of 1st February 2023, calling for applications for the appointment as Members of the Commissions specified in Schedule to Article 41B of the Constitution. Draft format of the application would be published on the Official Parliament website. The deadline to submit applications is 15th February 2023.