News

Security tightened in Akurana after bomb scare

Published

2 years ago

April 20, 2023

editor

Police said that 203 mosques in Kandy have been given special security following information received of a possible attack on a mosque in Akurana.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of Kandy Chamil Krishantha Ratnayake said that the police, the Special Task Force (STF) and the army have been deployed to provide security to the mosques.

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said the 118 Emergency Hotline of the Ministry received information about this threat and that it was forwarded to the Ministry of Defence, the State Intelligence Service and the Police Department.

The heads of security forces and services who participated in the National Security Council meeting held yesterday (19) under the chairmanship of the President said that the people have panicked as soon as the information was forwarded to the Akurana Police but added that no intelligence agency has confirmed that there is such a bomb threat.

Information about the person who made the complaint to the 118 emergency hotline is to be disclosed.

Minister Alles further said that the complaint was received online. “We only have the IP address which was given to investigating authorities. Since we cannot disregard any security-related information, the relevant intelligence units were informed about the complaint,” he said.

News

Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

Published

7 hours ago

May 24, 2025

editor

Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.