The Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing has announced a new program to provide housing assistance to low-income earners.

According to the Deputy Minister of Housing – T.B. Sarath, beneficiaries will receive financial assistance of up to Rs. 01 million under the new program.

He further stated that eligible recipients will be selected at the Grama Niladhari (GN) division level.

The Ministry of Public Security says that an investigation has been initiated to determine whether passports have been issued illegally in the recent past.

According to Minister Ananda Wijepala, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will conduct the investigation.

The decision follows a recent discovery of a forged passport created for the well known criminal Kelehelbandara Padme, who is currently residing overseas.

03 suspects, including an Assistant Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, have been arrested in connection with this incident.

Related News :

Three more individuals have been arrested over the recent shooting at the vehicle of former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board, Thusitha Halloluwa.

The individuals include the motorcyclist involved in the shooting incident, reports say.

The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) had arrested them yesterday (May 27) in the areas of Wattala and Kirulapone. 04 mobile phones in their possession were also seized.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (May 28).

Further investigations are being conducted by the Narahenpita Police and the Colombo Crime Division.