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Sirisena suicide attack suspects in remand for 16 years

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Two accused charged with the 2008 LTTE suicide bomb attack that targeted former President Maithripala Sirisena when he was Agriculture Minister have been in remand custody for nearly 16 years, it was revealed this week at the Colombo High Court.

When the trial began on Wednesday, lawyers for the two accused, Selvarajah Kirubakaran, alias “Morris”, and Thambiayah Prakash, alias “Danush”, requested the court to release their clients on bail. State Counsel Dhammika Udawatte, leading the prosecution, opposed granting bail to the accused, and Colombo High Court Judge R.S.S. Sapuvida rejected the request to grant bail after accepting the objection raised by the prosecution.

While the defence had requested the accused to be released on bail under any condition, Mr. Udawatte said that given the trial against the accused has now begun, it would be an impediment to the case if the accused were to be released on bail now.

Four of Mr. Sirisena’s security officers were killed in the attack at Boralesgamuwa on October 9, 2008.

The two LTTE members have been indicted on 17 charges, including aiding and abetting the suicide bomber, identified as Sammugarasa Gajavalini, to launch an attack on Mr. Sirisena with the aim of assassinating him.

Giving evidence on Wednesday, former President Sirisena told court that he was terribly shaken by the incident and suffered from severe stress for about two weeks afterwards. Mr. Sirisena added that no police officer recorded his statement about the incident.

Recounting the attack, the former President said his driver had driven away at speed after noticing a woman, who was listening to someone on a mobile phone, walking rapidly towards their vehicle. The bomber could not intercept his vehicle due to the quick actions of the driver, and she ended up striking Mr. Sirisena’s backup vehicle that was behind him, setting off her explosives, the former President said.

Though the incident happened in 2008, it was only on December 18, 2023, that indictments were filed against the accused, with indictments being served against them in 2024, and the trial beginning this week. Further hearing into the case was put off till September 1

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

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Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

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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.

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12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

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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

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Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

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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.

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