January 22, Colombo (LNW): An organised gang is operating across the country, engaging in fraudulent activities through telephone calls where they pose as police officers to extort money, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa disclosed.

Numerous complaints have been lodged at various police stations, particularly targeting landlines in the Mulleriya and Nawagamuwa areas, he noted.

The impostors, claiming to be police officials, inform residents about their alleged involvement in crimes and ongoing police investigations.

They further assert that residents will face arrest in connection to investigations related to the Easter attack suspect Zahran.

The fraudsters attempt to extort money from victims, falsely asserting that it will prevent legal action against them.

Some residents have reportedly deposited money through ez cash in response to such calls.

The incident has been brought to the attention of the court, and investigations are in progress to identify the suspects, the Police Spokesman went on, urging the public to exercise caution and not succumb to such fraudulent attempts.

Thalduwa further asserted that the Police do not make such calls.

January 22, Colombo (LNW): A fatal shooting occurred near the Beliatta entrance on the Southern Expressway, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals.

Four individuals lost their lives at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries upon admission to the hospital, according to correspondents.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. when a group of individuals in a Prado-type vehicle targeted another group in a Defender jeep.

Law enforcement authorities suspect the involvement of the underworld criminal gang led by ‘Kosgoda Sujee’ in the shooting incident.

January 22, Colombo (LNW): 910 more suspects have been apprehended within 24 hours ending 12.30 am today (22) by the ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) operation.

65 kilograms of heroin, 136 grams of crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) and 254 narcotic pills were taken into custody during the raid, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Operation ‘Yukthiya’ was launched in last year’s December to crackdown the drug menace and illicit activities in the island.

By: Isuru Parakrama

January 22, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Eastern and Uva Provinces, with showers or thundershowers being expected at a few places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 4.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (22).

Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other areas of the island, the statement added.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

Marine Weather:

1. Jaffna district MP S Sritharan elected Leader of the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) at the Party election, by secret ballot: overcomes the challenge of MP M A Sumanthiran PC and former MP Sinithamby Yogeswaran.
   
2. SL Deputy High Commission in Chennai delivers the 1st batch of passports to “SL nationals resettled in Tamil Nadu”: this initiative has been implemented under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
   
3. Trade Minister Nalin Fernando says an imported egg which was previously sold at Rs.35, will soar to Rs.43 after the recent VAT imposition.
   
4. Police arrest the person in robes claiming to be “Vishwa Buddha” & issuing statements which are allegedly “demeaning” Buddhism: Gangodawila Magistrate remands him until 26th January.
   
5. Police arrest 3 minor staff members of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital following a complaint of assault by the Karapitiya Hospital’s senior oncologist who was earlier arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman staff member.
   
6. Fort Magistrate issues detention orders for 7 days on 11 suspects apprehended by the SL Navy in 2 trawlers off the Southern coast, while in possession of 65 kgs of heroin.
   
7. Elections Commission Chairman R M A L Ratnayake says the Commission will start to implement campaign finance laws ahead of the Presidential election this year.
   
8. Cabinet Spokesman & Minister Dr Bandula Gunawardena says development schemes are set to recommence in February’24 following the finalisation of agreements related to the “debt restructuring” and ongoing discussions with foreign creditors.
   
9. Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne says his Association will refrain from operating buses if the Police implement the action of sending “fine sheets” to bus owners based on CCTV footage: insists it is unfair to send the fine sheets related to the mistakes of the buses to the owner of the bus.
   
10. SL beats Zimbabwe by 39 runs under DLS in their ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup: SL 204 (48.3 overs), D Kalupahana 60: ZIM 89 (21.1 overs), M Tharupathi 4/17.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Over 100,000 refugees who fled the North and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka to India in the early 1980s have resided in Indian camps for more than four decades.

Due to the absence of provisions in the Indian constitution for providing nationality, the only available option has been an exit permit back to Sri Lanka.

Under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the directive of Advisor to President Sagala Ratnayaka, Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Dr. Venkadesh, facilitated a programme to issue Sri Lanka International travel passports in India, offering a new perspective for the refugees’ future.

Despite repeated proposals to several Sri Lankan heads in the past, no progress had been made until Wickremesinghe prioritised and supported the initiative to provide a new life for the people from North and East Sri Lanka living in India.

This development is seen as a milestone in the reconciliation and rehabilitation efforts for Tamils by the Sri Lankan government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to India, Shenuka, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the programme.

Tamil Nadu Minister Senji Masthan took special care of the Sri Lankan refugees, providing necessary documentation support for the programme’s completion.

Gratitude was expressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Minister of External Affairs Jai Shankar, Minister of Home Affairs Amith Sha, and Tamil Nadu BJP State President K. Annamalai for their continuous support to the Sri Lankan refugees.