Former Minister Mervyn Silva has been remanded again.

He was ordered to be held in remand custody until March 24 after being produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s court today (March 17).

Silva was arrested by the CID over a land fraud using forged documents.

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Police have arrested suspected drug trafficker Sunimal Kumara, alias “Thaju”, for allegedly assaulting a police constable with a sharp weapon during a drug raid.

The suspect was arrested in Rajagiriya today (March 17), the police said.

According to police, Sunimal Kumara is the brother of notorious drug kingpin Samantha Kumara, alias “Wele Suda,” who is currently imprisoned.

The aforementioned raid was conducted yesterday afternoon in the Badowita Phase 3 area and the policeman sustained stab wounds to his shoulder and abdomen and is currently receiving treatment at Colombo – South Teaching Hospital.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom hosted the official launch of “Festival of Netball 2025”, an initiative aimed at uniting Sri Lankan women residing in the UK through sport and camaraderie.

The Festival of Netball is spearheaded by the UK branches of the Old Girls’ Associations of Girls’ High School Kandy and Mahamaya Girls’ College Kandy. This initiative aims to promote sisterhood among Sri Lankan women in the UK while celebrating their invaluable contributions to society.

The launch event featured a speech by the Festival’s Honorary Patron, Dhammika Korakahagoda, and an engaging presentation outlining the goals and vision of the initiative preceding the unveiling of the Festival of Netball trophy. The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom emphasized the significance of sport in generating unity, empowerment, and connection among Sri Lankan women in the UK, and highlighted that the Festival of Netball is a reminder of the perseverance, collaboration, and determination that women display in every sphere of life.

The tournament, scheduled to be held in June 2025, will bring together teams from past pupils’ associations of several Sri Lankan schools.