News

Security beefed up amid Christmas celebrations in SL

Published

2 years ago

December 25, 2023

editor

Billions around the world are celebrating Christmas today (Dec. 25).

In Sri Lanka, over 2,300 churches will hold masses on Christmas Day with the main Christmas Eve midnight mass at the St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Katana, Sri Lanka, led by Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

Meanwhile, special security measures have been enacted for churches conducting Christmas Day masses with more than 7,500 police personnel deployed.

Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that Acting IGP Thennakoon has issued instructions to all senior officers and OICs to take necessary arrangements concerning security.

To address security concerns, a dedicated hotline (0112472757) at Police Headquarters has been established for priests of churches.

Meanwhile, the public has been urged by the police to take precautions for the safety of homes and business premises when leaving for trips or events.

Police said special operations will be carried out targeting reckless drivers during the festive season.

News

Former Eastern Provincial Council member arrested

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2025

editor

Ampara District Organizer of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal party and former member of the Eastern Provincial Council K. Pushpakumar alias Iniya Bharathi has been arrested.

He was arrested over the abduction and disappearance of the former Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Prof. Subramaniyam Ravindranath.

Sivanathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and former State Minister, was arrested by the Colombo Criminal Investigation Department at his office in Batticaloa on April 8, over this incident.

He was later detained for 3 months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Iniya Bharathi, also known as Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, was arrested based on information revealed during the interrogation of Pillayan.

News

e-Revenue Licence system down due to technical glitch, ICTA says

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2025

editor

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) said the electronic Revenue Licence system (eRL 2.0) is currently unavailable due to a critical technical infrastructure issue.

According to the ICTA, the disruption began on July 3, 2025, and has made vehicle revenue licence issuing services inaccessible.

The unavailability is expected to continue until July 9, 2025.

The ICTA expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and assured that technical teams are working urgently to resolve the issue.

The agency also said that further updates will be shared as work progresses, with an official notice to be issued once services are restored.