News

US Department of Defense conducts ISR Aircraft demonstration (Pics)

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2024

editor

A significant training programme commenced at SLAF Base Ratmalana today (12 March 2024), facilitated through collaboration between the United States Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and the Sri Lanka Air Force.

This programme will continue until 14 March 2024. The primary objective is to provide comprehensive briefings and conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) flight demonstrations, with an emphasis placed on enhancing Sri Lanka’s capabilities in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) missions.

The initiative aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s maritime domain awareness capabilities, provide training to SLAF pilots and Sri Lanka’s Tri-Services involved in maritime surveillance in preparation for future engagement opportunities with the United States and strengthen interoperability and relations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of the United States to promote a more safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Over time, this new capability will help Sri Lankan Tri-Services to better protect Sri Lanka’s marine resources, deter illicit trafficking, monitor its exclusive economic zone, and ensure the security of its seas.

The ISR Demonstration will help to establish the requisite infrastructure and support for future training and cooperation with the SLAF, including joint security exercises, MDA initiatives, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, ultimately encouraging greater interoperability between the United States Department of Defense and the Sri Lanka Tri-Services.

The event was graced by the National Security Advisor, Hon. Sagala Ratnayake, Ambassador of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Julie Chung, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickremaratne, Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, senior officers from Air Force and Navy and officials from the U.S. Embassy.

(dailynews.lk)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.