News

US issues travel advisory ahead of Sri Lanka elections

Published

4 months ago

September 15, 2024

editor

The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Sri Lanka in light of the upcoming presidential election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

This advisory highlights the increased risk of civil unrest and terrorism in the country, urging U.S. citizens to exercise heightened caution.

The U.S. Department of State said: “As Sri Lanka approaches its presidential election, the possibility of demonstrations and protests is high. These events may occur before, during, or after the election day. Historical patterns show that such gatherings can quickly turn violent, with authorities previously resorting to water cannons and tear gas to manage crowds.”

The advisory notes a persistent threat of terrorism across various public spaces in Sri Lanka.

It added: “Past attacks have targeted tourist attractions, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, and more. These incidents are often unpredictable and can occur with little to no warning.”

The U.S. Department of State also provided recommendations for Travelers:

Avoid Gatherings: U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid all public demonstrations and gatherings. Even those that appear peaceful can escalate quickly and pose a significant risk.

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local news and follow guidance from local authorities.

Exercise Caution: Remain vigilant in public spaces and be cautious of your surroundings.

Why did the President’s backup helicopter make an emergency landing?

A backup helicopter accompanying President Ranil Wickremesinghe made an emergency landing in Eppawala yesterday.

The Sri Lanka Air Force stated that a technical defect was indicated on the helicopter’s lighting panel, prompting the precautionary landing in a paddy field.

The Sri Lanka Air Force also says that a replacement helicopter was sent for that.

President Wickremesinghe was proceeding to Kegalle after addressing an election meeting in Jaffna.

(News1st)

(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Cost reflective price for MPs’ daily meals proposed

Published

2 hours ago

January 23, 2025

editor

Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake said yesterday that a cost reflective price between Rs.2,500 and Rs.3,000 will be proposed for meals including breakfast, lunch and evening tea for Members of Parliament.

He stated that the proposal is scheduled to be presented to the House Keeping Committee of Parliament today and that a proposal will also be presented to the Cabinet in the future.

“MPs will have to pay Rs.3,000 for their meals including breakfast, lunch and evening tea. The price of meals for others will also be increased,” he added.

(dailynews.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Probe into clearing of 323 red-tagged containers – Dy. Minister

Published

2 hours ago

January 23, 2025

editor

Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof.Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday (Jan. 22) admitted in Parliament that 323 containers with red tags have been released through the green channel by the Sri Lanka Customs.

In response to a question raised, the Deputy Minister said that an investigation will be launched into the incident.

He said there have been occasions where red-tagged containers have been released after being scanned and during some occasions, containers had been released through the green channel even without being scanned.

“We never know whether there have been investigations into those incidents,” he said.

(Excerpts : dailynews.lk)

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Suspect arrested over alleged online train tickets racket

Published

2 hours ago

January 23, 2025

editor

The Kandy Divisional Crimes Unit has arrested a 37-year-old suspect involved in an alleged major racket involving ‘e-Tickets’ sold for up-country trains including to Ella.

According to the police, the suspect was arrested yesterday (Jan. 22) in the Suduhumpola area of the Kandy Police Division.

The suspect, a resident of the same area, was found in possession of 21 ‘Odyssey’ train tickets purchased online, Rs. 130,670 in cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal sales, 130 notepads documenting previous transactions, and a mobile phone.

Police suspect the individual profited from reselling train tickets, targeting foreign tourists. The suspect has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiries.

On January 20, the CID had informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that they have launched an investigation into the ticket scalping, which was raising serious concerns.

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