June 17, Colombo (LNW): The public is entitled to request official identification from persons appearing as plainclothes officers before consenting to any checks, authorities emphasised.

The announcement follows an incident in Maradana area where an individual was robbed by individuals impersonating as police officers.

Two individuals on a motorcycle, claiming to be police officers, stopped a pedestrian near Ketawalamulla Junction in Maradana on Friday night, and allegedly assaulted the victim and stole his wallet and mobile phone, valued at approximately Rs. 200,000, according to reports.

The suspects then demanded Rs. 35,000 from the victim for the return of the stolen items, directing him to the Maradana Police Station.

In response to the complaint, Police initiated an investigation.

On Saturday (15), Maradana Police officers acted on information regarding a person allegedly transporting heroin on a motorcycle. They intercepted the motorcycle at Fonseka Mawatha, conducted a search, and discovered 12 grammes and 120 milligrammes of heroin in the possession of the rider.

The arrested suspect, a 28-year-old resident of Maradana, was found to be using the same motorcycle associated with the earlier robbery.

Subsequent inquiries and interrogation of the suspect led to the recovery of the stolen mobile phone concealed at the suspect’s residence.

Maradana police are currently pursuing further leads to apprehend the second suspect involved in the robbery.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced an interruption in water supply to several areas.

Accordingly, Godagama, Homagama, Pannipitiya, Pelanwatta, Rukmalgama, and Mattegoda areas will experience a disruption in the supply of water until further notice.

The disruption is due to damage sustained by the transmission pipeline originating from the Kalatuwawa Treatment Plant.

Reports indicate that the pipeline ruptured at Godagama near the High-Level Road following a vehicular accident earlier today (17), resulting in significant damage to the infrastructure.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the Hajj celebration as a catalyst for fostering sentiments of equality and fraternity among all individuals, imparting a profound message for global peace.

In his address marking the Hajj festival, the President extended his sincere wishes to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and across the globe, encouraging a meaningful observance where collective efforts converge to realise the universal aspirations of humanity.

President’s Full Statement:

“To achieve spiritual and worldly success, individuals must abandon selfishness and embrace a life of sacrifice and harmony. Muslims celebrate the Hajj festival each year with this noble aim in mind.

On this occasion, Muslims from around the globe gather at a single place of worship, united in purpose, to pray for communal values that embody the hope of humanity. The Hajj celebration fosters feelings of equality and brotherhood among all people, delivering a profound message for world peace.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the entire Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world for a meaningful Hajj celebration, where everyone comes together to fulfill the aspirations of humanity.”

June 17, Colombo (LNW): The management of Colombo Lotus Tower (Private) Limited has announced plans to illuminate the iconic structure in vibrant shades of green and white today (17), marking the occasion of the Eid al-Adha Hajj Festival.

This initiative seeks to celebrate and honour the significant cultural and religious event within the community.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (17).

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.

Marine Weather:

June 17, Colombo (LNW): Japan has expressed readiness to restart halted development initiatives in Sri Lanka once the country begins its debt repayment process, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry revealed.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre, Minister Sabry disclosed his upcoming visit to Japan next month for further negotiations.

“Japan has indicated their intention to resume suspended projects upon the commencement of repayments. I am scheduled to travel to Japan in early July at the invitation of the Japanese Foreign Minister, aiming to finalise the restart of these projects prior to my visit,” Minister Sabry stated.

He added that Sri Lanka has received assurances from its longstanding creditor that all projects initiated with Japanese support will recommence once an agreement is reached with bilateral creditors.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has issued a directive to revise the incentives for traffic police officers.

According to the Police Media Unit, this adjustment comes after a lapse of 13 years and will be disbursed monthly.

Under the new scheme, Traffic Police Officers in Charge (OICs) and inspectors will receive a reward of Rs. 7,500, an increase from Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 2,000, respectively.

Similarly, police sergeants and constables will now be entitled to a monthly reward of Rs. 6,000, up from the previous amounts of Rs. 1,800 and Rs. 1,600.

Police constable drivers will receive Rs. 4,000, up from Rs. 1,200 previously.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced yesterday (16) during a meeting of the Mannar District Development Committee that pilgrims visiting Madhu will receive full support to undertake their pilgrimage without obstruction.

At the Mannar District Secretariat, he expressed concern over the unfair treatment of pilgrims on their way to revered sites such as Madhu Church and Sri Pada, stressing that arrests and fines are unwarranted.

He instructed that any future arrests of pilgrims be promptly reported to the President’s Office.

During the session, the President directed the Sri Lanka Army to enhance both sides of the existing Madhu Road for the convenience of pilgrims visiting Madhu Church.

He coordinated efforts with representatives from the Bishop of Mannar, the Department of Forest Conservation, the Road Development Authority, and the Sri Lanka Police to ensure these improvements are completed before the forthcoming annual festival of Our Lady of Madhu Church.

The meeting, attended by political representatives and government officials, focused on future development plans for Mannar district, covering key sectors such as health, education, and irrigation. The President addressed several pressing issues directly and committed to immediate solutions.

In response to an urgent request from the hospital director, President Wickremesinghe pledged prompt provision of a CT scan machine for Mannar Hospital.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirmed his commitment to restoring developmental momentum in Mannar district, with initiatives set to commence this year.

He underscored the need for Sri Lanka to adapt to evolving weather patterns over the next five decades, anticipating increased rainfall in wet regions and decreased rainfall in dry areas.

Highlighting the district’s potential, especially post-war recovery, President Wickremesinghe outlined opportunities in tourism, fishing, and renewable energy sectors, including discussions with the Indian government on energy production and export.

He proposed leveraging Mannar’s capacity for wind and solar power generation to boost Sri Lanka’s economy through green energy initiatives.

Plans were also outlined for funding a new court complex in Mannar and exploring future road connectivity projects.

The President encouraged the development committee to convene and recommend facilities for a modern agriculture programme.

Measures to safeguard local lakes and secure water resources through the Malwatu Oya project were also prioritised.

President Wickremesinghe concluded by urging collaborative efforts towards making Mannar a significant contributor to the national economy through comprehensive development.