By: Isuru Parakrama

October 24, Colombo (LNW): Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with alleged threats to foreign tourists, particularly Israelis, in Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay area.

Minister of Public Security, Vijitha Herath, announced the arrests during a special briefing, stating that the suspects were identified following intelligence-led investigations.

Minister Herath confirmed that whilst the suspects are currently being interrogated, none of them are foreign nationals. The investigation is ongoing, and further actions will be determined based on the findings.

The potential threats were uncovered earlier this month through an intelligence report, prompting swift preventive measures by the government in coordination with the country’s armed forces.

The Minister reassured the public and tourists that all necessary steps to safeguard foreign visitors had been implemented, and there is ongoing cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions to ensure their safety.

In response to queries regarding Jewish prayer centres being temporarily established in various parts of the country, Minister Herath clarified that these are linked to a Jewish religious festival observed in late October.

He noted that Israelis visiting Sri Lanka have set up these prayer centres for the duration of their stay, emphasising that the move is a temporary religious practice.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely, prioritising the safety and security of both tourists and locals, Herath added.

October 24, Colombo (LNW): The Foreign Employment Bureau has disbursed Rs. 105.6 million in compensation to individuals who fell prey to overseas employment scams over the past year.

This restitution follows successful legal actions against fraudulent individuals and unregistered agencies involved in deceptive practices within the foreign employment sector.

The compensation is part of the Bureau’s response to growing concerns over overseas employment fraud, which has affected many seeking work abroad.

These legal proceedings were launched following a series of raids and investigations triggered by complaints from victims.

Over the past nine months, the Bureau has registered 570 complaints, resulting in the apprehension of 104 individuals involved in illegal foreign employment schemes.

These arrests highlight the Bureau’s commitment to tackling this issue, ensuring that those responsible face legal consequences.

To further assist the public in identifying and reporting such scams, the Bureau has introduced a dedicated hotline (1989), aimed at raising awareness and providing assistance to those affected or at risk of falling victim to fraudulent employment offers.

October 24, Colombo (LNW): The initial phase of Sri Lanka’s 2024 Population and Housing Census has been successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in the country’s demographic study.

This stage, focused on counting census units, involved documenting residences, business establishments, institutions, and housing complexes where individuals live.

According to the Department of Census and Statistics, the number of census units in Sri Lanka has nearly doubled over the past forty years, reflecting notable growth.

The recent count reveals a total of 8,377,895 census units, a significant increase from the 3,423,486 units recorded in 1981.

The next phase of the census will delve deeper, gathering detailed information about the population, including data on individuals and their living conditions.

This stage is pivotal in understanding the demographic shifts and housing dynamics that have evolved over time.

Census officers are legally obligated under the Census Ordinance to protect the confidentiality of all personal information they collect, ensuring the privacy of individuals.

Every citizen is required to provide accurate data during this process, which will form the basis of the census report.

“Census Day” has been scheduled for December 19, when the comprehensive report will be released, offering valuable insights into the demographic trends of the nation.

October 24, Colombo (LNW): Former MP Namal Rajapaksa appeared at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning at approximately 9.00 a.m., following a summons.

Speaking briefly to journalists upon his arrival, Rajapaksa expressed uncertainty about the exact reason for his summons, stating that he would learn the details once inside.

When pressed for more information, Rajapaksa remarked, “I am not aware of the specific matter. It’s better to be called in and clarify. The only way to clear the accusations against us is to come forward and provide statements. Some people spread lies with confidence, but we don’t. We will present our side of the story with conviction.“

Whilst it remains unclear what specific allegations are being probed, Rajapaksa’s statement reflects his intention to address any accusations directly.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 24, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has announced a flood warning for several low-lying areas in the southern region of Sri Lanka, which will remain in effect for the next 48 hours.

This alert follows a significant increase in water levels of the Nilwala River due to continuous heavy rainfall in the region.

The areas most at risk include Pasgoda, Kotapola, Pitabeddara, Akuressa, Athuraliya, Malimbada, Thihagoda, Kamburupitiya, Matara, and Devinuwara, with the divisional secretariats in these regions advised to prepare for potential flooding.

The department has urged residents in these flood-prone zones to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Local authorities have been placed on alert, with emergency response teams ready to assist should the situation escalate.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather reports and avoid travelling to affected areas unless necessary.

In addition to the immediate threat of rising water levels, heavy rains are expected to continue in the coming days, further heightening concerns about potential landslides in hilly regions. Local communities are being encouraged to relocate to safer areas if floodwaters continue to rise.

Authorities have also warned that road access in and around these areas could become severely restricted, urging travellers to plan their routes carefully and avoid areas that are prone to flash flooding.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 24, Colombo (LNW): The luxury BMW allegedly used by former Minister Johnston Fernando, who is currently in remand custody over the allegation, may have been illegally assembled and stolen in England, Police said.

Calling in a briefing, Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said the vehicle in question had been manufactured in Germany and originally sold to a buyer in England.

Police investigations, using information sourced from INTERPOL, have found potential connections between this vehicle and another high-end car reported missing in England in 2021.

The key evidence tying the two vehicles together is found in the matching Chassis and engine numbers, which are displayed on the INTERPOL database.

Based on this information, the police are continuing their inquiries into the matter.

Additionally, the Government Analyst’s Department has confirmed that the BMW had been illegally assembled, further complicating the case.

The vehicle in question was recently discovered parked at a Colombo hotel. The police investigation revealed that the vehicle had been dropped off by Fernando’s driver prior to the Presidential Election.

Inside the vehicle, officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) found several documents linked to the former minister, though no registration documents for the vehicle itself were present.

In a bid to trace the car’s origins, police cross-referenced the garage number with records from the Motor Traffic Department. They discovered that the number plate was registered under the name of a private company based in Nawala.

The owner of the firm admitted that while the vehicle number plate had been registered in March this year, the plate had been stolen from a radio station owned by the company.

Further inspections carried out by Sri Lanka Customs on the BMW’s Chassis number (WBA5E52010G115194) revealed that no vehicle with this identification had been legally imported into Sri Lanka.

This crucial piece of evidence suggests that the car may have entered the country under unlawful circumstances.

As the investigation deepens, the police are focusing on the possible involvement of international criminal networks, particularly those linked to vehicle thefts in Europe.

Authorities are also examining whether other individuals may have been involved in this complex case of vehicle fraud, which could have wider implications for the country’s customs and import regulations.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 24, Colombo (LNW): The writ petition filed by Social Media activist Ashen Senarathna demanding the nullification of the decision made by the Colombo District Returning Officer to reject his nomination paper to contest the upcoming Parliamentary Election from the Colombo District has been quashed by the Supreme Court yesterday (23).

The election contender wannabe’s nomination paper was rejected by the Election Commission on the basis that it was “not presented by an authorised personnel.”

The decision prompted Senarathna to file a writ petition before the Supreme Court against the Commission and the District Returning Officer in charge on October 16.

He claimed that he was present at the time of the submission of his nomination paper, and the group of officials who he described as the parties receiving the nomination papers made him sit and wait, after which his paper was taken in by an officer of the said group.

Senarathna also speculated that there might be ‘a political fist’ behind the rejection of his nomination papers.

The writ petition filed by the ‘Bika’ restaurant owner was rejected by the Supreme Court nonetheless.