News

Two underworld figures killed during shootout with STF

Published

2 years ago

November 18, 2022

editor

Two people identified as underworld figures living in Poddala were killed during a shootout with Police Special Task Force (STF) officers in Polwatta, Minuwangoda.

They were identified as two main henchmen of organized criminal Uragaha Indika, who is currently abroad, and the main shooter and motorcyclist involved in the recent death of a 4-year-old child and his father in Yakkalamulla.

A STF officer who was injured in the shooting has been admitted to Minuwangoda Hospital for treatment.

The raid was conducted based on information received by the officers of the Special Raid Unit at the STF Headquarters and they have also recovered a T-56 firearm, a 12-bore ammunition gun and a Rambo knife.

The Minuwangoda Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

News

Pope Francis passes away

Published

30 minutes ago

April 21, 2025

editor

His Holiness Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican has announced.
According to the Vatican news service, the Pope has passed away at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” His Eminence Cardinal Farrell has stated.

His death comes a day after the Pope appeared in St Peter’s Square to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.

He was the first Pope from the Americas or the southern hemisphere. Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome.

(Agencies)

News

Siri Dalada Vandanawa : exposition hours extended (Update)

Published

1 hour ago

April 21, 2025

editor

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy has announced that the daily exposition hours of the Sacred Tooth Relic has been extended.

Accordingly, the exposition will be held from 11.00 am to 5.30 pm. Previously the exposition started at 12 noon.

The move comes in response to the significantly increased number of pilgrims arriving in Kandy for the ‘Siri Dalanda Vandanawa’.

(Previous news 2025 April 21 –9.57.a.m.)

‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ : Nearly 300,000 pilgrims 03 days

The Central Province Deputy Inspector General of Police Sudath Masinghe has said that nearly 300,000 devotees have paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic during the first 03 days of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’.

Long queues continue as the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ enters the 04th day today (April 21).

Meanwhile, Kandy District Secretary – Indika Udawatta has said that a special programme will be kicked off to broaden services provided to devotees arriving at the city for the special exposition.

Kandy Municipal Health Officer Pasan Parakum Jayasinghe has also said that registrations had been granted for 820 ‘dansals’ which have come forward to offer food and beverages to devotees.

He said that with the increase in the number of devotees, registrations for ‘dansals ‘are also increasing rapidly and the registration can be done easily by visiting the official website of the Kandy Municipal Council.