Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake and three other suspects have been further remanded until July 15, after being produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court today (July 07).

Dissanayake was arrested in connection with the discovery of a gold-plated firearm at the Havelock City housing complex. 

Services of the Election Commission have been temporarily suspended from today (July 07) until further notice.

In a statement, the Commission announced that the suspension is due to essential maintenance work currently being carried out.

Accordingly, all e-services including facilities for checking voter registration details, online voter registration, obtaining voter statements, and requesting quotations related to other districts, will remain unavailable until further notice, the statement adds.

Residents of Lake Drive, Colombo 08, have voiced strong objections to a proposed 12-storey apartment complex by Prime Residencies, titled “The Golf – Colombo 08,” claiming that it is being promoted without obtaining all the necessary approvals.

Promotional social media posts by Prime Residencies state the project will include 64 units, with buyers able to reserve units by paying just 25% upfront.

However, an investigative programme by ‘Ada Derana’ reveals that the Urban Development Authority (UDA) has clarified that the project currently has only conditional approval, dependent on additional clearances from 07 other bodies, including the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the National Building Research Organization (NBRO), and the Colombo Municipal Council’s Drainage and Water Supply Unit.

It adds that the Prime Residencies, owned by the Prime Group’s Chairman – Premalal Brahmanage, has not yet officially applied for some required approvals.

‘Ada Derana’ points out that in this backdrop, promoting and securing deposits for an apartment complex that lacks final approvals is misleading, especially if any remaining permits are ultimately denied.

Concerns have also been raised over whether the existing Lake Drive road infrastructure can handle such a large development.

‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ also learns that the company’s much-promoted “5% payment scheme” for its projects has also come under scrutiny in this backdrop.

Prominent residents, including former Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary – Nishantha Ranatunga have voiced their concerns over the project.

The relevant video report of ‘Ada Derana’ is as follows :