March 23, Colombo (LNW): The Matara Magistrate’s Court has directed that four individuals arrested in connection with the recent fatal shooting in Devinuwara remain in custody for further questioning until March 29.

Amongst those detained is a woman, as authorities continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The suspects were presented before the Acting Magistrate of Matara, who approved their continued detention as investigations progress. The shooting, which occurred on March 21 at approximately 11.45 p.m. near the southern entrance of the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya on Sinhasana Road, resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

Police inquiries have pointed to the involvement of notorious underworld figure Shehan Sathsara, alias Bale Malli, as the mastermind behind the attack. Reports indicate that he is currently in hiding in Dubai.

The victims, identified as 29-year-old Pasindu Tharaka and Yomesh Nadeeshan, were both local residents and had been returning home from a birthday celebration in Kapugampura when they were ambushed.

Investigations suggest that the attack stemmed from an ongoing feud between the victims and Bale Malli. According to police, a group of armed assailants in a van deliberately rammed the motorcycle carrying Tharaka and Nadeeshan before opening fire with a T-56 assault rifle and a pistol.

The victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the attackers swiftly fled.

Following the incident, law enforcement officers recovered 39 T-56 bullet casings and two 9mm bullet casings from the crime scene.

The van used in the attack was later found abandoned and set ablaze approximately 800 metres away, in an apparent effort to destroy evidence.

Police continue to intensify their investigation, focusing on tracking down those responsible, particularly Bale Malli, whose overseas whereabouts present a challenge to law enforcement.

March 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed on Friday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the island nation on April 5.

The announcement was made during Dissanayake’s speech in the Sri Lankan Parliament.

During his address, President Dissanayake emphasised that Modi’s visit would serve to formalise several agreements that were initially discussed during his trip to New Delhi in 2024.

A key aspect of the visit will be the commencement of the long-awaited construction of the Sampur power plant in the northern port city of Trincomalee.

This development marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy efforts and its ongoing collaboration with India.

Health Minister Nalinda Jayathissa added that Sri Lanka and India had recently finalised an agreement to set up solar power plants across the island. The agreement will see the creation of a 50-megawatt solar facility in the first phase, followed by a 70-megawatt expansion in the second phase, both at Sampur.

The project will be a joint venture between Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), with both governments involved in the construction, ownership, and operation of the plants.

This project marks a notable shift from earlier plans when NTPC had proposed building a coal-fired power plant at the same site. However, the change in direction reflects a growing focus on sustainable energy sources and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

The solar plants will play a vital role in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy strategy and its broader goals for energy security.

The upcoming visit follows President Dissanayake’s diplomatic trip to New Delhi in December 2024, just months after he assumed office. During his visit, he was welcomed by Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders held extensive discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the context of increasing concerns over China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.

At the time, the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including energy and infrastructure. Modi confirmed plans to enhance connectivity between the two nations, including the establishment of an electricity grid link and a multi-product petroleum pipeline.

These initiatives are expected to boost trade, investment, and overall commercial ties between India and Sri Lanka.

In addition to his talks with Prime Minister Modi, Dissanayake also met with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

At a joint press conference, the Sri Lankan leader assured that his country would not allow its territory to be used in a manner that could threaten India’s national security interests.

March 23, Colombo (LNW): The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) destroyer MURASAME arrived at the Port of Colombo yesterday (22) for a scheduled replenishment stop.

The Sri Lanka Navy extended a formal welcome to the vessel, observing customary naval protocols to mark its arrival.

The MURASAME is a 151-metre-long guided-missile destroyer under the command of Commander Hayakawa Masahiro.

The warship, known for its advanced capabilities, is crewed by approximately 200 personnel.

Its visit highlights the long-standing maritime cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, reinforcing ties in the region.

During their stay, members of the crew are expected to explore Colombo’s cultural and historical landmarks, providing them with an opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

The visit also allows for informal interactions between Sri Lankan naval officers and their Japanese counterparts, strengthening diplomatic and professional exchanges.

The MURASAME is scheduled to depart Sri Lankan waters on March 25, continuing its operational commitments in the Indo-Pacific region.

March 23, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have confirmed that three election-related complaints were lodged at police stations across the country on March 21, as Sri Lanka prepares for its upcoming local government elections.

The Police Headquarters has assured that each case is being thoroughly examined to uphold a fair and transparent electoral process.

One of the reported incidents involved an attack on a residence in Kahambiliyawa, Marassana, which falls under the Thalathuoya Police Division in the Kandy District. Whilst details regarding the motive remain unclear, police have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A second complaint was filed in the Gandara Police Division of the Matara District, where an individual sustained injuries following an assault in Kapugama North. Law enforcement officers are currently investigating the attack to determine whether it was politically motivated or linked to local disputes.

The third case reported to the authorities concerned road repair activities in the Beruwala Police Division of the Kalutara District. Complaints were raised regarding ongoing work on Hettimulla and Malbokka roads, with initial investigations revealing that the Beruwala Pradeshiya Sabha was responsible for the maintenance efforts. Given the timing of the repairs, the police have been tasked with verifying whether the work adhered to electoral regulations.

The Police Headquarters reiterated its commitment to ensuring a secure electoral environment, stating that all allegations of election-related misconduct would be addressed with due diligence.

Security measures are expected to be strengthened in key areas as the election date approaches, with law enforcement monitoring potential violations to prevent any undue influence on the democratic process.

March 23, Colombo (LNW): The sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Thailand is set to take place on March 25, 2025 at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok.

The discussions will be led by Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, and Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

This high-level meeting aims to assess the progress made since the last round of consultations, held in Colombo in August 2023, as well as the outcomes of the former Thai Prime Minister’s official visit to Sri Lanka in February 2024.

The consultations are expected to provide a platform to deepen diplomatic ties and expand bilateral cooperation in various strategic sectors.

With 2025 marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, both sides are keen to enhance collaboration in key areas. Discussions will focus on strengthening political engagement, increasing trade and investment opportunities, and promoting partnerships in renewable energy, fisheries, and agriculture.

Defence cooperation and cultural exchanges will also feature prominently, alongside initiatives to boost tourism between the two countries.

Sri Lanka and Thailand have long shared close historical and cultural ties, underpinned by their shared Buddhist heritage and economic partnerships. As both nations navigate evolving global challenges, the upcoming consultations are expected to pave the way for stronger cooperation and new opportunities for mutual development.

March 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in South Korea has assured that no Sri Lankan nationals have been affected by the massive forest fires currently sweeping through the southeastern regions of the country.

Officials at the embassy stated that they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans residing in the affected areas.

With an estimated 35,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers living in South Korea, concerns arose over their well-being as the fires intensified. However, embassy representatives confirmed that, as of now, there have been no reported casualties or injuries amongst the Sri Lankan community.

Authorities remain vigilant and have advised Sri Lankans in the region to stay informed and adhere to any safety directives issued by local officials.

High temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds have exacerbated the spread of the fires, prompting large-scale evacuation efforts and urgent warnings from South Korean disaster management agencies.

In light of the ongoing crisis, the Sri Lankan Embassy has urged its citizens to remain cautious and to contact diplomatic officials in case of emergencies.