News

Yoshitha yet to return 2 firearms

Published

1 week ago

January 30, 2025

editor

Defence Secretary Sampath Thuiyacontha yesterday said that five out of seven firearms issued to Yoshitha Rajapaksa have been handed over to the Government.

He said that Rajapaksa has been informed to return one of the two remaining firearms to the Government. The Defence Secretary said that one firearm will be provided to him after obtaining an intelligence report.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Defence Ministry premises yesterday, Thuiyacontha said that 1,368 out of 1,697 firearms issued by the Defence Ministry for personal security of individuals have been returned and 182 persons have failed to return their firearms to the Government.

“A survey conducted by us has found that some individuals have been issued more than one firearm by the government and a decision has been taken to issue only one firearm to a person based on the intelligence report over the threat to his life,” he said.

He stressed that a firearm is issued to a person if an intelligence report confirms that the latter is facing a threat to his life. He added that details of some persons are not available in the census due to overseas travel and other reasons.

The Defence Secretary stated that security is provided to former presidents after a comprehensive security assessment and intelligence reports have verified that there is no likelihood of a drone attack targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

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

News

Indian High Commissioner meets Defence Secretary

Published

3 hours ago

February 8, 2025

editor

The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha met the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry yesterday (07).

The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, underscoring the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two nations.

They exchanged views on regional security and maritime cooperation aimed at enhancing defence collaboration.

The Indian High Commissioner emphasized India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka in defence and security matters, particularly in counter-terrorism, maritime security and disaster response.

The Defence Secretary expressed appreciation for India’s continued assistance and acknowledged the significant role of defence partnerships in ensuring stability and security in the region.

News

Security enhanced around Krrish Building after fire incidents

Published

3 hours ago

February 8, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs says security measures have been reinforced around the Colombo Fort Krrish Building following two recent fire incidents.

Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that nearly 20 police officers have been deployed for the security of the area.

A report from the Government Analyst regarding the fires is expected soon.

Fires were reported over the past two days, at the Krrish Building, which is currently under construction.

A fire erupted on the 24th floor yesterday and was extinguished with the help of six fire trucks.

A fire broke out on the 35th floor the day before and spread to the 34th floor, prompting a multi-hour firefighting operation.

News

Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara transferred

Published

3 hours ago

February 8, 2025

editor

Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Waruna Jayasundara, who served as the Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF), along with several other high-ranking police officers, have been transferred.

The transfers include Senior DIGs and DIGs while they have been approved by the National Police Commission. These transfers are scheduled to be implemented from February 12.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that several Officers-in-Charge (OICs) are also scheduled to be transferred.

Following the transfers, the respective OICs will resume their normal duties in their new postings.