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The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Kundasale Police Training School has been arrested by the Nuwara Eliya Police in connection with the murder of the physiotherapist whose body was discovered inside a car in Theldeniya.

Police stated that the OIC was arrested on allegations of aiding and abetting the crime.

He was taken into custody by officers of the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit.

According to police, the arrest was made on suspicion that the officer assisted the main suspect and his wife in evading arrest by helping them remain in hiding.

Meanwhile, the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court has granted approval to detain and interrogate the previously arrested main suspect, his wife, and another suspect for a period of 48 hours.

The body of the female physiotherapist was discovered inside a motor vehicle near Theldeniya Hospital on June 17. A post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was strangulation.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, said police.

The International Maritime Organization, a specialized United Nations agency, said it is launching an evacuation of thousands of stranded seafarers following easing of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

“After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran, marking a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping,” IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said in a statement.

Dominguez said the agency “will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry.”

Restrictions imposed on the Strait of Hormuz by Iran during the war sparked an unprecedented crisis in the region, which left thousands of crews trapped on ships with no clear way out. When the US imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports, the situation worsened.

The competing measures created a standoff that brought traffic through the strategic chokepoint to a near halt, with only a handful of vessels transiting the waterway each day compared to more than a hundred in normal conditions.

The IMO reported that 14 seafarers were killed in attacks during the conflict.

Source: CNN

At least 32 people are dead and 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said, the Associated Press reported.

The number of casualties is expected to rise, Rodriguez said.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS, using predictive modeling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.

Rodriguez said initial figures do not include casualties from La Guaira state, near Caracas and home to the city's airport, which is the worst affected.

"Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save," she said in an appearance on state television just before 1 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Thursday.

"I also want to say that this is a true tragedy. From here, we send our message of solidarity, and to those families who have lost loved ones, we reaffirm our condolences and our support in these difficult hours.”

The country is focused on rescue efforts, including the arrival in the coming hours of rescue crews from other countries, she said, as she thanked leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump said in a post on social media the U.S. was ready, willing and able to help in the disaster.

"The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela ⁠are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths," said Trump, who ordered the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a violent raid in January.

Three people were killed in the Baruta district in Caracas after two buildings collapsed, the district mayor said on social media. One person was killed and four buildings had completely collapsed, Gustavo Duque, the mayor of Chacao district in the capital told journalists. “We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television.

Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell, while distraught relatives sought help for loved ones believed to be trapped.

"When we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie," said Maria Alejandra, a resident from a nearby building, who did not give her surname.

“We had to climb over the rubble and everything. The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbors coming down. But from that building, I only saw that one family got out.”

RESIDENTS RUSH INTO THE STREETS

A tsunami warning was issued but swiftly canceled after the danger passed.

Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck during a public holiday. "There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. I've never experienced anything like it," said Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas.

Residents across Caracas, which was also hit by a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate as buildings shook.
"As soon as it started, we ⁠began hearing people screaming," said Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas. “Everyone was running down the stairs.”

Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner in southern Caracas, said police helped her get out of her home. "This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967," she said.

Another resident, a 41-year-old office worker who declined to be named, said she received an earthquake alert on her phone just before the shaking intensified.

“As I picked it up and started listening to what it was saying, I first felt light shaking. Then, in less than two seconds, everything started moving.”

Leaders from countries including El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Brazil offered support and sympathy, while the U.S. State Department said it was in touch with Venezuelan authorities and mobilizing assistance.

Rodriguez, who has been running the country since the U.S. ouster of Maduro, said she has instructed the foreign ministry to coordinate the aid offers.

The ⁠U.S. embassy in Caracas said it was closely monitoring the aftermath of the quake and urged citizens in the country to seek secure shelter.

Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate.

An estimated 30,000 people were killed when a powerful quake caused widespread destruction in the cities of Merida and Caracas in 1812, according to the USGS.

HOSPITALS BRACE FOR THE INJURED

At Caracas' Hospital de Clinicas, staff were asked to double up on the night shift to help treat the injured, a worker there said.

Venezuela's largest airport, in Maiquetia on the coast north of ⁠Caracas, was closed due to damages, Rodriguez said.

Classes were canceled for the rest of the week as authorities began to take stock of the damage.

Venezuela's oil infrastructure did not immediately appear to be affected by the tremors. Civil protection authorities in Maracaibo, near the large oil hub of Lake Maracaibo, said there were no injuries reported and a worker at the El Palito refinery near Morón - the epicenter of the earthquake - said there had been no damage there.

UK oil firm Shell, which is evaluating developing gas fields in Venezuela, said all ⁠its employees in the country are accounted for with no injuries.

One source noted that extended loss of power could hit crude output levels until the service is restored. Venezuela's oil ministry, state-run oil company PDVSA and its main foreign partner, Chevron, did not immediately reply to requests for comment. 

Source: Reuters

The Department of Examinations has officially opened applications for the General Information Technology (GIT) Examination 2026, inviting eligible Grade 12 students to register through their respective schools.

According to an announcement issued by the Department, the online application process commenced on June 22 and will remain open until July 16, 2026. The examination is intended for students currently studying in Grade 12 at government and private schools across the country.

Education authorities have emphasized that applications cannot be submitted directly by students. Instead, all registrations must be processed through school principals or heads of institutions using the Department's online application system.

School administrators have been instructed to access the Department's official websites and carefully follow the prescribed guidelines before forwarding student applications. Existing usernames and passwords previously provided to schools will be used to complete the registration process.

The Department has also advised schools to retain printed copies of submitted applications, highlighting their importance for future reference and verification purposes.

Eligibility for the examination has been restricted to students who are studying in Grade 12 during 2026 and who plan to sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination for the first time in 2027.

For candidates enrolled in private schools, examination fees must be paid only after student information has been entered into the relevant database. Officials further noted that no additional candidates can be added once the payment process has been finalized.

The Department has encouraged students and school authorities to complete the registration process within the given timeframe to avoid last-minute difficulties.

Those seeking further clarification regarding the examination or application procedures may contact the Department of Examinations through its 1911 hotline or the dedicated inquiry numbers provided by the Department.

The launch of the application process marks the beginning of preparations for one of the country's key information technology examinations, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their digital knowledge and readiness for future academic pursuits.

Certificates for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination 2025 (2026) will be issued exclusively through an online system, the Department of Examinations has announced.

According to a statement issued by Commissioner General of Examinations A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage, candidates will not be required to visit the Department of Examinations to collect their certificates under the new system.

The Commissioner General urged candidates to avoid visiting the department for certificate collection and instead use the official online portal at https://certificate.doenets.lk/certificate to submit their requests.

Under the revised procedure, applicants will be able to apply through the online system and receive their examination certificates delivered directly to their homes via postal service.

The Department stated that the move is intended to streamline the certificate issuing process and improve convenience for candidates.

Skipper Chamari Athapaththu hit a superb unbeaten 106 as Sri Lanka cruised to a nine-wicket win against Ireland to keep their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive.

Ireland were reduced to 18-3 in sun-drenched Bristol before skipper Gaby Lewis (59) and Leah Paul (20) put on a 66-run partnership to help their side to a total of 130-5.

Sri Lanka captain Athapaththu raced to her best World Cup score - and the highest so far in the tournament - from just 61 balls, as victory was secured on 134-1 with 4.3 overs to spare.

The Lions, who move up to four points, need to beat Scotland on Friday and hope results elsewhere go their way to secure a top-two spot in Group 2 and a place in the semi-finals.

Ireland have now lost all 21 of their World Cup games and the bottom side finish their campaign against West Indies on Saturday.

Sri Lanka won the toss and their decision to bowl first looked a good one when they took two wickets with just three runs on the board.

Amy Hunter was run out before Orla Prendergast was stumped and Rebecca Stokell was next to go before Lewis and Paul rescued the innings.

Lewis starred for Ireland as she made a second straight half-century but Sri Lanka's attack restricted boundaries to leave their team needing 131 for victory.

It was easily achieved thanks to a memorable knock from Athapaththu, who smashed two maximums to go along with 17 boundaries.

Athapaththu and Imesha Dulani (20) put on an opening stand of 98 as Sri Lanka not only took the two points but also boosted their net run-rate.

(Adaderana.lk)

Rohitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, arrived at the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) a short while ago to record a statement.

Rajapaksa appeared before the Central Crime Investigation Bureau in connection with an ongoing investigation involving an investment he is alleged to have made in an institution located in Mirihana.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the matter, while further details are expected following his statement to investigators.

Sri Lanka has recorded a total of 47,530 dengue cases and 29 related deaths so far this year, according to the latest figures released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).

Health data indicates that June alone has accounted for a significant share of infections, with 13,689 dengue cases reported during the month to date.

The Western Province continues to record the highest concentration of infections, contributing 51.90 percent of all reported cases nationwide. The Southern Province follows with 16.18 percent of the total case count.

Authorities have also identified 112 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions as high-risk zones for dengue transmission, highlighting areas that require closer monitoring and preventive measures.

District-level figures show Colombo reporting the highest number of infections with 9,983 cases. Gampaha follows with 8,809 cases, while Matara has recorded 3,446 cases.

The latest statistics reflect the continued spread of dengue across several regions as authorities monitor transmission patterns and identify areas facing elevated risk.

The postmortem examination has confirmed that the death of a physiotherapist attached to the Ampara Hospital, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Teldeniya, Kandy was a homicide caused by strangulation.

The body of the 33-year-old was discovered inside a car parked near the Teldeniya Hospital on June 17, an incident that shocked the country.

Following suspicions surrounding the death, police launched a comprehensive investigation. As a result, officers of the Walana Central Anti Vice Striking Force arrested the main suspect, along with his wife and a child, early yesterday (24).

The 43-year-old main suspect—reportedly the victim’s boyfriend—and his 35-year-old wife, residents of Kosgolla, Horombawa, were taken into custody while travelling by bus in Chavakachcheri, Jaffna, during a coordinated operation carried out by the Walana unit.

Separately, a 49-year-old resident of Rajawella was also arrested by officers of the Nuwara Eliya Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau on charges of providing assistance in concealing the main suspect.

Police stated that all suspects were handed over to the Nuwara Eliya Police Station last night (24) for further investigations.

Investigations revealed that the victim, a resident of Weligama, had been staying at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya from June 3 to June 16.

CCTV footage reportedly showing the suspect carrying the victim’s body out of the hotel room had been circulated to the media, prompting further police inquiries.

Following a seven-day manhunt conducted under the instructions of Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, with technical support from the Criminal Investigation Department, the main suspect was eventually apprehended.

During interrogation, however, the suspect claimed that when he entered the hotel room, the victim was already found hanging and that he panicked and transported the body to Teldeniya in a vehicle.

(Adaderana.lk)

Two fatal road accidents reported in Kokkuvil and Kilinochchi have claimed the lives of two individuals, according to police.

The first incident occurred along the Kokkuvil–Panichchiadi road when a motorcycle travelling towards Thiramadu collided with a three-wheeler approaching from the opposite direction.

Police stated that the motorcyclist sustained severe injuries in the collision and was rushed to Batticaloa Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later died while receiving care.

The deceased was identified as a 42-year-old resident of the Batticaloa area. Kokkuvil Police have launched further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

In a separate incident, another fatal road accident was reported near the Northern Provincial Sports Complex in Kilinochchi town along the A9 road.

According to police, a motorcycle travelling towards Jaffna struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road. The pedestrian, motorcyclist, and pillion rider sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Kilinochchi Hospital.

Police said the pedestrian later succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment. The deceased was identified as a 62-year-old man.

Kilinochchi Police are continuing investigations into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Private bus operators have formally requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to implement this year's annual bus fare revision from July 1, citing increasing operational expenses and challenges faced by the industry.

The request was submitted in writing on June 24 by private bus associations, according to Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gamunu Wijeratne.

Wijeratne stated that discussions between transport authorities and bus operators regarding the proposed fare adjustment are expected to take place within the coming days.

According to him, transport associations had initially considered introducing the annual fare revision on July 5. However, following consultations with affiliated associations, a decision was reached to seek implementation from July 1, in line with the traditional schedule followed in previous years.

He noted that the proposal received the approval of member associations before being officially forwarded to the National Transport Commission.

Bus operators have also submitted their cost calculations to the NTC as part of the review process. Wijeratne expressed confidence that the final fare revision could exceed 15 percent, based on current operating costs.

The annual bus fare adjustment is generally calculated using an established formula that considers fuel prices and other expenses associated with operating public transport services.

The National Transport Commission is expected to review the request and hold discussions with stakeholders before making a final determination on the proposed fare revision.

Residents in several areas are set to experience a temporary disruption to their water supply as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) prepares to carry out essential maintenance work on a major transmission line.

According to the NWSDB, the interruption will affect areas supplied through the main water pipeline running from Labugama and Kalatuwawa to Maharagama.

The areas scheduled to be impacted include Galagedara, Homagama, Kottawa, Pannipitiya, Pelenwatte, and Maharagama.

Water supply to these locations will be suspended from 6.00 p.m. tomorrow (24) and is expected to resume at 6.00 p.m. on June 25 following the completion of maintenance activities.

The Board stated that the temporary shutdown is necessary to facilitate work on the main pipeline and apologised for the inconvenience caused to consumers.

Residents in the affected areas have been advised to manage their available water supplies carefully and use water sparingly during the maintenance period until normal distribution resumes.