News

Ex-Provincial Councillor arrested over ‘Club Wasantha’ murder (Update)

Published

9 months ago

August 29, 2024

editor

A former Western Provincial Councillor has been arrested for allegedly aiding the second gunman and the car driver involved in the murder of two individuals, including businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as ‘Club Wasantha’.

(Previous News 29th August 2024, 07:13 am)

‘Club Wasantha’ murder : 2nd gunman & driver arrested

Panadura Police have arrested the second gunman and the driver involved in the recent killing of businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as “Club Wasantha,” along with another individual.

The suspects, aged 29 and 32, were apprehended at a bus stop in Pinwatta, Panadura.

They reportedly fled the scene of the crime, switching from a car to a van and traveling to Matara via the Southern Expressway.

Earlier, the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) arrested one of the gunmen in Dehiwala, seizing weapons and ammunition.

The suspects are linked to a shooting incident at a tattoo studio in Athurugiriya, where 11 others, including a female, were previously arrested.

The investigation continues as the suspects are handed over to Athurugiriya Police for further questioning.

During the investigations carried out thus far, it has been revealed that the owner of the tattoo studio has received an amount of Rs. 1 million over a period of time.

The shocking shooting incident had occurred during the opening ceremony of a tattoo and piercing studio near the Clock Tower in Athurugiriya on July 08.

Six people were rushed to the hospital following the incident. Police later confirmed that 55-year-old businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, popularly known as “Club Wasantha,” and a 38-year-old male had succumbed to their injuries.

Popular singer K. Sujeewa and Wasantha’s wife were reported to be among the four injured persons.

In the course of the investigation, the police discovered the van used by the suspects in an abandoned land in Bulathsinhala area. Additionally, the car used by the suspects to carry out the shooting was found abandoned in Kaduwela.Related News

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News

Internal disputes delay LG member lists

Published

15 hours ago

May 17, 2025

editor

Due to various issues that have arisen within many political parties during the selection of members for LG bodies, submission of name lists to the Election Commission (EC) are being delayed, reports say.

As a result, the establishment of LG bodies is expected to be delayed further.

In this backdrop, the EC has instructed all political parties and independent groups to submit their name lists within a week.

The gazette on the newly appointed members will follow only after the EC receives all lists.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

News

Ministry cancels Br. Charles’ program at Padeniya temple

Published

15 hours ago

May 17, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has issued a letter over a program organized by Br. Charles Thomas.

The relevant program is scheduled to be held today (May 17) at the historic Padeniya temple and is allegedly scheduled to be held in a manner that is harmful to Buddhism.

The letter notes that the Deputy Minister has taken steps to cancel the program following complaints from various parties, citing strong displeasure expressed by the local Buddhist community.

News

Applications open for A/L Vocational stream

Published

15 hours ago

May 17, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has announced that applications are now open for admissions for Grade 12 students for the Advanced Level (A/L) Vocational stream subjects.

According to the Ministry, the vocational stream will be offered in 608 schools starting this year.

The Ministry further clarified that students who have not passed the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination will still be eligible to apply, as O/L results will not be a determining factor for admission to this stream.

For this, students need to submit an application to the principal of the school they wish to enroll in.