News

Wayside bandits haunt people travelling Malabe-Ambathale road in Colombo

Published

1 month ago

December 24, 2024

editor

Special security measures have been introduced in response to multiple complaints from residents regarding frequent robberies, including vehicle thefts, along Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, which runs from Malabe to Ambathale in Colombo.

The road falls under the jurisdiction of the Mulleriyawa and Malabe police stations.

Local residents have reported a surge in criminal activity along this stretch of road, with thieves employing various tactics such as placement of spiked wooden planks to puncture the tyres of moving vehicles, blocking the way with boulders to stop vehicles and rob passengers of their valuables afterwards.

Residents said that they even fear traveling on the road after 6 pm due to the lack of street lights and the area’s very deserted nature.

Residents also claimed that the robbers arrive with various weapons, steal gold and money, and then flee into the wooded areas on both sides of the road.

They have urged authorities to increase the number of police mobile patrols in the area, as the lack of street lights and the deserted nature of the road are major factors contributing to the prevalence of such robberies.

In response to the issue, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof convened a meeting with police and relevant officials. During the discussion, he assured full support for measures to ensure the area becomes safer and more public-friendly.

As a result of the meeting, it was agreed to increase police patrols along Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, increase security at both entrances to the road, and implement measures such as installing street lights and CCTV cameras.

In addition, the Governor instructed to establish police checkpoints at strategic locations.

Also, attention was paid to bring the area which is currently under the Urban Development Authority, to the oversight of the Mulleriyawa and Malabe Pradeshiya Sabhas.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by dailymirror.lk staff)

News

Bird deaths in Beira : NARA to submit report

Published

2 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has initiated an investigation over the recent spate of bird deaths at Colombo’s Beira Lake and a report is to be submitted within 03 days.

Over the last few days, over 30 carcasses of ducks and geese have been found dead in the vicinity of the lake and residents claim that the deaths were reported after chemicals were added to the lake to reduce its odor.

Meanwhile, Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) Chief Veterinary Officer, Mohamed Ijas has confirmed that bird flu has been ruled out but had been unable to verify claims about chemicals being the cause.

News

Awareness programme on e-NIC held

Published

2 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

An awareness programme to introduce the process and discuss issues related to the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) was held yesterday (Jan. 24) at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Colombo. The event was conducted under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne.

The session aimed to address key challenges and operational aspects of the e-NIC project, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify solutions. The Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and the Chairman of ICTA Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, along with ICTA Director, Sanjaya Karunasena, also participated in the programme, contributing valuable insights to the discussion.

This initiative marks a significant step in streamlining the implementation of e-NICs and ensuring a smooth rollout for citizens, aligning with the President’s vision for a digitally empowered economy.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Air Vice Marshal Vasu to lead SLAF

Published

5 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Currently serving as the SLAF’s Director General of Planning, Edirisinghe brings extensive experience to the role. A native of Kandy and an alumnus of St. Sylvester’s College, he joined the SLAF as an Officer Cadet in 1991 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1993.

Initially trained on the SF 260 Warrior, he transitioned to rotary-wing aircraft due to a shortage of helicopter pilots. After completing training on Bell 206/212/412 helicopters, he was operationally cleared for flying duties and served in utility operations in the North and East of the country.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.