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Resignation of Mullaitivu Judge raises concern: Jurist

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The resignation of Sri Lankan Judge T. Saravanaraja raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka, the Jurist Website said.

In the resignation letter, addressed to the Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Judicial Services Commission, Judge Saravanaraja cited the “threat of my life and … [a] lot of stress” as the reasons for his decision to step down.

Saravanaraja was a judge in the Mullaitivu District.  Notably, Saravanaraja had recently presided over two significant cases, the website said.

“The first case involved a dispute over a religious site, Kurunthamalai. Saravanaraja ordered the removal of recently erected structures, including an unlawfully constructed Buddhist shrine situated atop Kurunthamalai.

“The second case pertained to the Sri Lankan government’s stifling of a memorial event honoring a deceased member of the LTTE. Additionally, in July 2023, Saravanaraja ordered excavations at a mass grave site in Kokkuthoduvai, adding to the growing list of sensitive issues in the region.

“Saravanaraja alleged that a senior official from the Attorney General’s Department invited him to his office on September 21 and, during that meeting, compelled him to reverse his order in the Kurunthurmalai case.

“Furthermore, Saravanaraja claimed that Sri Lankan Members of Parliament Sarath Weerasekera and other politicians threatened his life.

“The judge also said that his police protection presence had been reduced while intelligence officers continued to surveil him. Lastly, the judge stated that two cases were filed against him personally in Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeals in connection to his decision on the Kurunthamalai case,” the Jurist said.

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Sri Lanka to extradite fugitive criminals hiding in India –  Police Spokesperson

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Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga announced on Saturday (15) that several criminals currently hiding in India will soon be extradited back to Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at a media briefing, he revealed that out of 13 reported shootings this year, seven were linked to organized crime gangs, resulting in nine deaths and two injuries.

Authorities have arrested 30 individuals connected to these crimes and seized three T-56 rifles, five pistols, and four motorcycles used in the incidents. 

SSP Manatunga emphasized that efforts are ongoing to resolve the remaining cases and bring those responsible to justice.

“A program is in place to extradite criminals who have fled abroad, and those hiding in India are expected to be returned to Sri Lanka soon,” he stated. 

The announcement highlights the ongoing crackdown on organized crime and cross-border collaboration to ensure accountability.

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NPP MP Mohamed Faisal’s cousin remanded

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The cousin of Puttalam District NPP Parliamentarian Mohamed Faisal has been remanded until February 17 by the Marawila Acting Magistrate following the fatal road accident.

The incident occurred yesterday (14) in Wennappuwa, when a vehicle belonging to MP Mohamed Faisal was involved in a collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

According to police reports, the accident took place in the Haldaduwana area of Koswatta while the vehicle was en route to Parliament.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the MP’s vehicle veered off the road and collided with a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them shortly after the collision.

Authorities have confirmed that the vehicle was being driven by the parliamentarian’s cousin at the time of the accident.

Following the incident, the suspect was arrested by Koswatta Police and has now been remanded until February 17.

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

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New program to monitor the activities of Police OICs

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The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has launched a new program to closely monitor the activities of Police OICs.

Minister Ananda Wijepala highlighted that OICs are responsible for tackling drug trafficking, shootings, and organized crime in their jurisdictions.

The Acting IGP will review OICs’ performance monthly to ensure these duties are fulfilled.

OICs are also responsible for building positive relations with the community and maintaining peace.

The Minister emphasized that strict action will be taken against any OIC who fails in these duties or associates with organized criminals.

He said the government is committed to creating a law-abiding and community-friendly police service.

(News1st)
(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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