News

Sirisena suicide attack suspects in remand for 16 years

Published

2 months ago

May 4, 2025

editor

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)

News

SL squad announced for T20I series against B’desh

Published

38 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, set to begin on July 10.

The squad will be led by Charith Asalanka, with notable inclusions such as Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, and the return of experienced all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne.

Match Schedule:

1st T20I on July 10th – PICS, Kandy

2nd T20I on July 13th – RDICS Dambulla

3rd T20I on July 16th – RPICS Colombo

The T20I squad is as follows :

News

Sanjog Gupta named ICC CEO

Published

49 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Sanjog Gupta as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Sanjog will assume office on July 7th, 2025, becoming the 07th CEO of the ICC.

Sanjog Gupta currently serves as CEO – Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar and brings with him over two decades of cross-functional experience.ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said: “I am pleased to announce that Sanjog Gupta has been appointed as the CEO of the ICC. Sanjog brings extensive experience in sports strategy and commercialisation, which will be invaluable for the ICC.

“His deep understanding of the global sports as well as M&E landscape combined with his continued curiosity about the cricket fan’s perspective and passion for technology will prove essential in our ambition to grow the game in the coming years. Our goal is to move beyond traditional boundaries and establish cricket as a regular sport in the Olympics, growing its expanse across the world and deepening its roots in its core markets.

“We considered several exceptional candidates for this position, but the Nominations Committee unanimously recommended Sanjog. The ICC Board Directors look forward to working closely with him, and I would like to welcome him on behalf of everyone at the ICC.”

Sanjog Gupta, ICC CEO-designate, commented: “It is a privilege to have this opportunity, especially at a time when cricket is poised for unprecedented growth and enjoys the passionate support of almost 2 billion fans worldwide. These are exciting times for the sport as marquee events grow in stature, commercial avenues widen and opportunities such as the women’s game scale in popularity. Cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the rapid acceleration of technology deployment/adoption could act as force-multipliers for the Cricket movement around the world .”

“I look forward to contributing to the next phase of cricket’s evolution, expanding its global footprint, enhancing the fan experience, and working closely with ICC Member Boards to build on our strong foundations.”

(Excerpts : ICC)

News

Arrested daughter of neurosurgeon, remanded

Published

54 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The 21-year-old daughter of Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a consultant neurosurgeon attached to Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, has been remanded until July 09.

She was arrested earlier today by the Keselwatta Police for allegedly threatening an official of the Bribery Commission and subsequently produced before courts.

Earlier, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court remanded Dr. Wijerathna and two others over allegations of selling medicines at inflated prices through a third party.