News

Suspect arrest over aiding & abetting Deshabandu, bailed (Update)

Published

3 months ago

March 29, 2025

editor

An individual who was arrested today on suspicion of aiding and abetting the concealment of suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon has been ordered to be released on on a surety bond of Rs. 1 million.

Meanwhile, the police constable who was also arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident is scheduled to be produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court.

Tennakoon, who was subject to an arrest warrant in connection with a shooting incident near a hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama in 2023, surrendered to the court on March 19 after evading arrest for nearly 20 days.

He has been remanded until April 3 and is currently being held at the Dumbara Prison in Kandy.

Previously, the Matara Magistrate’s Court issued arrest warrants for eight police officers, including former officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) and former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, naming them as suspects in the shooting incident that occurred in front of the W15 Hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama, Matara, on December 31, 2023.

(Previous News on 29^th March, 2025 at 10:32am)

2 arrested for aiding Deshabandu evade arrest

The CID has arrested -2 persons on the suspicion of having aided and abetted suspended IGP – Deshabandu Tennakoon to evade arrest.

According to the police, one suspect is a police constable while the other is a resident of Thalawathugoda.

Investigations have revealed that they had aided and abetted Tennakoon to remain hidden from Feb. 27 before he surrendered before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on March 19, accompanied by his lawyers.

He is currently being held in remand at the Dumbara Prison until April 03.

Further investigations are underway.

News

Navy rescues Indian fishermen from capsized boat off Talaimannar (Pics)

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.

Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.

The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.

The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.

(Pics : navy.lk)

News

Validity of re-entry visa extended for Lankans working in Israel

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has issued a special notice for Sri Lankans working in Israel.

A statement issued by the ministry states :

Due to the unstable situation in the Middle East region, the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of Israel has decided to extend the validity period of the re-entry visa of those who have come to Sri Lanka possessing a re-entry visa with the hope of returning to their respective employments in Israel until 2025.07.31.

Accordingly, as international flights to Israel have started presently, those who came to Sri Lanka on re-entry visa have the possibility to return to work in Israel until 31.07.2025 even after the expiry of the re-entry visa.

All relevant institutions have been informed in this regard.