March 20, Colombo (LNW): Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris made shocking claims in the Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday (19), asserting that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon poses a greater threat to society than notorious organised criminals such as ‘Harak Kata’ and ‘Makandure Madush’.

Representing the prosecution, Peeris stated that Tennakoon had grossly abused his position of power within the Police Department for personal gain, calling his actions far more harmful than the activities of some of the country’s most infamous criminals.

“He has been living amongst us like a shadow, far worse than criminals such as Harak Kata and Makandure Madush. His misuse of authority is on an extensive scale. We respectfully request that he be remanded without bail until further investigations can be conducted,” Peeris told court.

Tennakoon, who had been evading authorities for nearly three weeks, appeared unexpectedly before the Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Following his surrender, Magistrate Arun Indrajith Buddhadasa remanded the former IGP until today, 20th March, as the investigation into his alleged crimes continues.

During the court hearing, Peeris emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “For the past 20 days, authorities have been actively searching for Tennakoon, yet he managed to remain at large, only to suddenly appear before the court without anyone realising. This raises serious concerns that need to be addressed. Tennakoon is unfit to serve as even a police constable, let alone hold the prestigious position of IGP. His actions are an insult to the police force.“

Further revelations came to light during the proceedings, with Peeris informing the court that investigations had uncovered Tennakoon’s ownership of eight properties.

Shockingly, his name had not appeared on the electoral register since 2020, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

In response, President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe, who was representing Tennakoon, argued for his client’s release on bail. After carefully considering the arguments put forward, Magistrate Buddhadasa announced that a decision regarding Tennakoon’s bail application would be made today (20).

March 20, Colombo (LNW): The window for submitting nominations for the upcoming Local Government (LG) Elections is set to close today (20), with the Election Commission announcing that no further nominations will be accepted beyond 12:00 noon.

The nomination period for candidates vying for seats in 336 Local Government institutions began on March 17, and it will soon be followed by the official announcement of the election date, which is expected once the nominations process is completed.

The deadline for candidates to submit their deposit payments for participation in the elections had already passed, closing on 19th March.

As political parties prepare for the elections, key figures have been vocal about their respective campaigns.

Former Member of Parliament (MP), Udaya Gammanpila, representing the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, expressed his confidence that the coalition is poised to bring about the much-needed change that voters have long awaited.

He assured that the alliance is fully prepared to address the concerns of the public and offer a fresh approach to governance at the local level.

Meanwhile, Patali Champika Ranawaka, another former MP and the leader of the United Republic Front (URF), highlighted his party’s efforts in fielding a highly capable team for the elections.

According to Ranawaka, his party has carefully selected individuals with the necessary expertise and commitment to serve the community effectively.

March 20, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara and Mannar districts after 2.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20).

Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Several spells of showers may occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota and Polonnaruwa districts.

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

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

By: Ovindi Vishmika

March 19, Colombo (LNW): MP (Dr) Archchuna Ramanathan has been served a legal notice demanding LKR 500 million in damages over alleged defamatory statements made on Facebook.

Attorney-at-Law Balachandra Thinesh issued a formal letter of demand on behalf of his client, Mr. Ratnam Sriharan, a 59-year-old German citizen and philanthropist, accusing Hon. (Dr) Archchuna Ramanathan and H.B. Samarakoon of publishing defamatory statements on Facebook.

The controversy stems from allegations made on February 12, 2025, where the accused reportedly linked Mr. Sriharan to criminal activities and financial misconduct.

The defamatory posts also included private family photographs, which allegedly subjected Mr. Sriharan’s wife and daughter to emotional distress and public humiliation.

It further revealed that these claims have severely damaged Mr. Sriharan’s reputation within the Tamil-speaking community and tarnished his professional standing.

Dr. Ramanathan’s time in Parliament has not been without its challenges. He even has faced warnings from the Speaker of Parliament regarding alleged inappropriate remarks and social media activities that have been deemed disruptive. His actions have sparked debates about responsible communication by public figures, and he now faces legal and parliamentary scrutiny.

However, the legal demand calls for the immediate removal of the defamatory content, a public written apology, and a formal undertaking to refrain from further false statements. Failure to comply within 14 days will result in defamation proceedings.

The Matara Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon until tomorrow (20).

Tennakoon had been in hiding for 20 days despite an arrest warrant issued in connection with the shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama. He surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court this morning (19) before being remanded.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court earlier today, following a court order for his arrest in connection with the shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama on February 27.

Despite the court’s directive for his arrest, the police had been unable to apprehend Mr. Tennakoon until now. The Matara Magistrate’s Court had previously ordered the arrest and production of a group of suspects, including Tennakoon, in relation to the shooting incident. The investigation continues.

The Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme, which has been in effect since July 1, 2023, has undergone amendments as per Extra Ordinary Gazette No. 2415/66, dated December 21, 2024.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to revise the benefits under the schemein line with the budget allocations for 2025.

The key amendments include:

• Extending benefit entitlements for the transitional social category (Schedule I) until April 30, 2025.
• Increasing monthly assistance payments from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 for persons with disabilities and those receiving treatment for kidney diseases, and from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 for elderly persons (Schedule II), with implementation from April 2025.
• Extending payments for disabled persons, kidney patients, and elderly individuals (Schedule II) until December 31, 2025, under the revised scheme.
• Halting allowances under the transitional social category after April 2025, while continuing payments for disabled persons, kidney patients, and elderly individuals from these families until December 31, 2025.
• Accepting new applications for disabled and kidney patients, subject to a maximum limit, with payments valid until December 31, 2025.

These amendments aim to enhance social welfare while ensuring effective financial management within the allocated 2025 budget.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to take necessary steps to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse while introducing new legislation to strengthen law enforcement.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held yesterday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a primary responsibility of the Police Department and stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Among those present at the discussion were Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, and several Western Province police chiefs.