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Two Remanded Over Alleged Fake Bail Sureties Linked to Kapila Chandrasena Case

Two suspects accused of arranging fraudulent sureties to obtain bail for former Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena have been remanded until tomorrow by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects were produced before court by the Keselwatta Police following investigations into allegations that fake sureties had been submitted during the bail process involving Chandrasena, who recently died under mysterious circumstances.

During proceedings, the Magistrate ordered that one of the suspects be presented for an identification parade as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Further investigations into the alleged fabrication of bail sureties are continuing under the supervision of the Keselwatta Police.

 
 
 
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Dehiwala Resident Arrested with Over 76 Grams of ‘Ice’ in Attidiya STF Raid

A 29-year-old man was arrested in the Kahawita area of Attidiya after police discovered 76 grams and 100 milligrams of the narcotic substance known as ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) in his possession.

According to police, the arrest was made during a raid conducted by officers attached to the Police Special Task Force (STF) camp in Jayawardenapura.

The suspect has been identified as a resident of Dehiwala.

Police stated that the suspect was taken into custody along with the drugs during the operation, while further investigations into the incident are being carried out by the Mount Lavinia Police.

 
 
 
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Government Announces Additional Fertilizer Subsidy for Small-Scale Tea Growers

The government has decided to provide an additional fertilizer subsidy to small-scale tea plantation owners as concerns grow over rising global fertilizer prices and increasing import costs, Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne announced.

The Minister stated that the Treasury has already allocated the required funds for the subsidy program, aimed at easing the financial pressure on tea growers affected by escalating agricultural expenses.

Speaking on the current situation, Vidyaratne noted that although Sri Lanka is not facing a fertilizer shortage at present, global market conditions could drive prices higher in the coming months.

He explained that fertilizer prices have increased internationally due to prevailing global tensions, while shipping charges and maritime insurance premiums have also surged, pushing up the overall cost of imports.

Despite the anticipated price hikes, the Minister assured that the government would maintain a continuous supply of fertilizer across the country.

Vidyaratne pointed out that the government had earlier introduced an additional subsidy of Rs. 5,000 per hectare for paddy farmers as relief amid the ongoing global conflict situation. The assistance applies to a maximum of two hectares, allowing eligible farmers to receive up to Rs. 10,000.

He further stated that a similar relief measure has now been extended to small-scale tea plantation owners, with an additional subsidy of Rs. 5,000 being granted to support the sector.

The Minister emphasized that the government’s objective is to reduce the financial burden on farmers while ensuring uninterrupted access to fertilizer despite rising international costs.

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Two Dead in Separate Suspected Murder Incidents in Pitigala and Tissamaharama

Two separate violent incidents in the Pitigala and Tissamaharama areas have left two people dead, including an elderly woman, police confirmed.

In the Horangalla area of Pitigala, a 60-year-old man was killed following an attack with a sharp weapon. Police said the incident is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between two individuals that escalated into violence. The suspect involved in the incident, who also sustained injuries during the altercation, has been taken into custody and admitted to the Aluthgama Hospital for treatment.

In a separate incident in the Gamunupura area of Tissamaharama, an 88-year-old woman was found murdered inside her residence. Police reported that multiple cut injuries were observed on the victim’s body. However, the suspect or suspects responsible for the killing have not yet been identified.

Investigations into both incidents are currently ongoing.

 
 
 
 
 
 


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Heavy Rains Push 26 Reservoirs to Spill Across Sri Lanka

Relentless heavy rainfall across the country has caused 16 major reservoirs and 10 medium-sized reservoirs managed by the Department of Irrigation to spill, raising concerns for residents living in low-lying and reservoir-adjacent areas.

Director of Irrigation (Water Management) Eng. H.M.P.S.D. Herath stated that several key reservoirs in multiple districts are currently overflowing due to rapidly increasing water levels.

Among the major reservoirs spilling are the Rajanganaya Reservoir in Anuradhapura, Sorabora Wewa in Badulla, and the Lunugamwehera, Weerawila, and Weheragala reservoirs in Hambantota. Reservoirs including Deduru Oya and Magalla in Kurunegala, Wemadilla and Nalanda in Kandy, and Alikota Ara in Monaragala have also exceeded capacity.

According to the Irrigation Department, intense rainfall in the Kala Wewa River Basin during the past few days triggered overflow conditions in the Rajanganaya, Dewahuwa, and Wemadilla reservoirs.

Authorities have opened 12 spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir, releasing water at a rate of 18,500 cubic feet per second.

Heavy rainfall in the Kirindi Oya River Basin has also led to overflowing conditions in the Lunugamwehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila, Yodha Wewa, and Alikota Ara reservoirs.

Six spill gates of the Lunugamwehera Reservoir have been opened to discharge water at 7,100 cubic feet per second, while six spill gates at the Weheragala Reservoir are releasing over 2,400 cubic feet of water per second into the Menik Ganga.

Meanwhile, medium-sized reservoirs currently spilling include Angamuwa, Bomburuella, Maha Siyambalangamuwa, Saddhatissa, Malimpotha, and Marathamadu reservoirs.

The Irrigation Department has urged the public, especially those living in vulnerable low-lying areas, to remain alert as water levels and spill gate releases may continue to fluctuate depending on future rainfall conditions.

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Deputy Mayor Arrested Over Alleged Rs. 3 Mn Tender Bribery Deal

The Deputy Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council, Ashardeen Moinudeen, has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations of soliciting a massive bribe in return for awarding a municipal tender.

According to officials, the arrest was carried out in the Battaramulla area while the suspect was reportedly on his way to accept the payment.

Investigators state that the alleged bribery scheme was linked to the tender for cleaning the Kurunegala Bus Stand and maintaining its public toilet facilities. Moinudeen is accused of demanding an upfront payment of Rs. 3 million along with a monthly payment of Rs. 500,000 from a businessman seeking to secure the contract.

The suspect is expected to be produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court today (09).

Moinudeen was elected to the council representing the All Ceylon Makkal Congress. He later extended support to the National People’s Power during the formation of the council administration, after which he was appointed Deputy Mayor.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Mahinda Rajapaksa Appears Before CIABOC Over SriLankan Airbus Deal Probe

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning to record a statement in connection with the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus procurement deal.

The inquiry relates to allegations surrounding a reported US$2 million bribe linked to the purchase of aircraft for the national carrier in 2013. The Bribery Commission had earlier issued a notice requesting the former President to provide a statement regarding the matter.

Former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne has also reportedly been summoned before the Commission as part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage, media spokesman for former President Rajapaksa, stated that legal consultations were expected to take place concerning several issues surrounding the summons.

According to Gamage, the summons had been based on a confession allegedly made by the late former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena. However, he claimed Chandrasena had later submitted an affidavit to court stating that the confession was obtained through threats and coercion.

Gamage further argued that if the investigation relied solely on that confession, the basis for the summons would be legally questionable.

The CIABOC investigation into the Airbus deal remains ongoing.

 
 
 
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Sri Lanka to Launch Direct PayPal Payment Access from May 15

Sri Lanka is set to take a major leap in its digital economy with the launch of direct PayPal payment receiving facilities from May 15, marking a long-awaited breakthrough for local freelancers, entrepreneurs and online service providers.

The government announced that all arrangements have been finalized to enable direct receipt of funds through PayPal, one of the world’s leading online payment platforms, following years of appeals from the country’s business and technology sectors.

The initiative became possible after months of discussions involving the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the private banking sector to remove legal and technical barriers that had previously blocked direct PayPal transfers into the country.

With the new system in place, local users will no longer be forced to depend on unofficial money transfer methods or overseas addresses to receive payments from international clients.

The government stated that the move is expected to provide significant support to small and medium-scale online businesses by allowing payments to be deposited directly into local bank accounts, while also strengthening official foreign exchange inflows to the country.

Authorities further noted that the entire process will operate under the supervision of the Central Bank, ensuring transparency in transactions and improving the collection of tax revenue linked to online earnings.

Economic analysts believe the introduction of the service will become a major milestone in the expansion of Sri Lanka’s digital commerce sector and create new opportunities for the country’s growing freelance and IT workforce.

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Revenge Motive Suspected in Ambalantota Shooting and Machete Attack

A 34-year-old man was killed in a brutal shooting and machete attack carried out inside a house in the Mamadala area of Ambalantota last night, according to police.

The victim, a resident of Mamadala, died following the attack, while another relative who was injured during the assault was admitted to the Hambantota General Hospital for treatment.

Police said preliminary investigations suggest the incident may be connected to an ongoing cycle of revenge linked to a previous triple homicide allegedly involving the deceased’s group.

Investigators have already identified three suspects believed to be connected to the killing, and operations are underway to arrest them.

The Ambalantota Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

 
 
 
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Sri Lanka and Vietnam aim for $ 1B trade by 2030, direct flights to begin this year

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Vietnam Airlines will commence direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam within this year. 

Speaking at a joint media event held with visiting President of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, he further stated that bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to reach USD 1 billion by 2030.

President Tô Lâm, in his remarks, noted that Vietnam seeks to further strengthen relations with Sri Lanka across all sectors, reaffirming the commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.

(Adaderana.lk)

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Mannar Suspends All Sand Mining Permits Amid Regulatory Concerns

All sand mining permits in the Mannar District have been temporarily suspended following growing concerns surrounding the manner in which permits were being issued in the area.

The decision was taken during a special discussion held yesterday (10) at the Mannar District Secretariat involving officials and sand business owners. The meeting focused on preventing illegal sand rackets, regulating sand prices, and reviewing the current permit issuing process.

Chairman of the District Development Committee and Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe stated that future sand mining permits would be issued under a newly prepared legal framework.

According to him, sand business owners used the discussion to present their concerns, proposals, and recommendations regarding the industry and pricing structure.

Business representatives reportedly requested that three cubes of sand be supplied at Rs. 50,000 for the construction of houses for low-income families, while government construction projects be provided three cubes at Rs. 65,000. They also proposed a transport fee increase of Rs. 350 per kilometre for deliveries to other Divisional Secretariat divisions.

The Deputy Minister further explained that new legal provisions relating to the issuance of permits are currently being drafted. He noted that the Minister and the Director of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau had agreed that a fresh set of regulations would be prepared under the supervision and final approval of the District Secretary.

He also expressed confidence that the revised system would bring greater formality and transparency to the process of issuing sand mining permits in the district.

 
 
 
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Heavy Showers to Persist Across Sri Lanka as Atmospheric Disturbance Continues

A low-level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka is expected to keep wet weather conditions active across the island over the next several days, according to the Department of Meteorology.

The Met. Department said showers or thundershowers are expected in most parts of the country after 1.00 p.m., with heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm likely in several areas.

The provinces expected to receive intense rainfall include the Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Central Province, Uva Province and North Western Province, while heavy showers are also forecast for the districts of Galle District and Matara District.

Morning showers are also likely in the Eastern Province and Northern Province, the department added.

In addition, misty conditions are expected during the early hours of the morning in parts of the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, as well as in Kurunegala District.

The Department of Meteorology has advised the public to remain cautious and take necessary precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning that may accompany thundershowers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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