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

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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)

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

Gunman linked to ’Club Wasantha’ murder arrested

‘Club Wasantha’ murder: suspects further remanded 

‘Club Wasantha’ murder suspects further remanded 

‘Club Wasantha’ murder: Police seek public assistance to nab 3 suspects

Shooter arrested for Athurugiriya double murder linked to Kanjipani’s contract 

Loku Patty, Kanjipani Imran arrested : reports 

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Animal rights activists slam removal of stray dogs

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Sri Lankan animal rights activists today (April 03) protested against the rounding up of stray dogs ahead of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Activists point out that authorities in Colombo and the sacred city of Anuradhapura have deployed dog catchers to impound stray dogs.

The Indian PM, who will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow (April 04) is to receive an official welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square and is also set to visit the holy city of Anuradhapura to pay homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.

Around a dozen protesters from the Rally for Animal Rights and Environment (RARE) waved placards outside President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s office in Colombo today after submitting a petition to the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

RARE Sri Lanka activists point out that most of these dogs have been vaccinated, neutered, and cared for by local residents, animal welfare organizations, and respective municipal councils as part of Sri Lanka’s humane animal population management efforts.

A statement by Panchali Panapitiya, Chairman of RARE Sri Lanka points out that although the cause of animal welfare were used in election campaigns of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and PM Harini Amarasuriya, not a single cent had been allotted by Budget 2025 for sterilization programmes of dogs.

“During AKDs Presidential election campaign, the National People’s Power (NPP) party used an advertisement featuring a man stopping his car to feed dogs on the street. This powerful image conveyed a message of compassion, empathy, and commitment to animal welfare, which resonated with animal lovers across the country. Similarly, the Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya also used themes of animal welfare and compassion in her campaign for the NPP,” the statement notes.

“Are you aware that AKD has  not issued a single cent from the Budget for Sterilization Programmes of dogs? All previous Governments have allocated funds for sterilization programmes since 2007,” the statement adds.

Meanwhile, a statement by Ms. Anusha David, Trustee of the Rescue Animals Sri Lanka has also slammed the move, questioning its rationality when PM Modi has clearly demonstrated his love of animals and while India itself has an estimated 70 million community dogs. 

“The so called People’s President has forgotten his election promises and proved himself to be no better than his predecessors . In the words of Mahatma Gandhi ” the progress of a Nation can be judged by the way it’s animals are treated “, it would behove our President well, to adhere to the principles of the Mahatma ahead of PM Modi’s visit, instead of trying to annihilate these hapless animals, most of whom have been sterilized, neutered , vaccinated and are 95 % human friendly,” the statement notes.

“Hope ran high prior to the elections that the People’s President would address a number of issues that have burdened the people of Sri Lanka starting with the COL – but no, their focus remains on destroying nature and wildlife. The appointment of the Prime Minister was greeted with much enthusiasm as she was perceived as a woman of intelligence and education and one who had a respect and regard for animals and nature – this perception has fallen by the wayside. The NPP’s Mayoral candidate this morning claimed that the clearance of the dogs has nothing to do with the govt but needs to be brought up with the CMC – but then as she is representing the CMC should she not be able to handle this burning issue which portrays our country in a most unfavourable light?,” the statement adds. 

In addition, The Blue Cross of India (BCI), which is a prominent animal welfare charity based in Chennai, India has issued a statement addressed to Sri Lankan President – Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the matter. 

Noting that it was India which gave the concept of ‘Ahimsa’ (non violence) to the world, in thought, word and deed, the statement notes that it is ‘most ironic’ that the government agencies of Sri Lanka are trying to remove community dogs from the streets to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.

The statement signed by the organisation’s chairman – Dr. S. Chinny Krisha also notes that the Animal Welfare Board of India, set up by an Act of Parliament in 1962,  has issued a warning two weeks ago that all community dogs must taken care of the communities they live in and that they cannot be removed or relocated.

“Our Prime Minister is known for his genuine compassion towards all life and his government has the only statutory body in the world to do the right thing by our animals – Animal Welfare Board of India, set up by an Act of Parliament in 1962,” the statement adds.

It further notes that India is also the “point of origin of the now well known ABC programme, short for Animal Birth Control programme which mandates that every local body=or municipality must implement sterilising the dogs in their areas.”

“As a former Vice Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India, may I implore you to please issue directions to the municipalities to please follow the ABC rules of India and not to resort to a knee-jerk reaction of resorting to the removal of dogs just because our Prime Minister is visiting your beautiful country,” the statement concludes.

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Gr. 5 Scholarship exam to be held on Aug. 10

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The 2025 Grade Five Scholarship Examination is scheduled to be held on August 10, 2025.

The Department of Examinations has said it will accept applications from candidates from tomorrow (April 04) to April 30.

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MRP issued for bottled drinking water

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a Gazette notification stipulating the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for bottled drinking water.
As per the Gazette notification, the MRP is effective from April 01, 2025.

Accordingly, the MRP for bottled drinking water are as follows;

500 – 999 ml bottles – Rs.70
01 -1.499 L bottles – Rs.100
1.5 -1.999 L bottles – Rs.130
02 – 2.499 L bottles – Rs.160
05 – 6.999 L bottles – Rs.350

(Newswire)

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