News
Drug dealers’ turf war led to killing of husband and wife: Police

By Norman Palihawadane
Police yesterday said that they suspected that the deadly shooting in Ambalangoda on Sunday (Oct 10), which claimed the lives of a husband and wife, was linked to ongoing drug-related conflicts. The couple, who were riding a motorcycle in Urawatte, were gunned down by two unidentified assailants who were also riding a motorcycle. The victims, who were fatally shot in what police suspect was a targeted attack.
The deceased have been identified as a married couple, and according to police reports, they had previously filed a complaint with the Ambalangoda police regarding a dispute with neighbours. Investigators believe the couple was involved in drug-related issues, with the man having a criminal record and having been remanded on several occasions in connection with such activities. Authorities further suspect that a previous failed attempt on his life was also linked to the drug trade.
Adding to the suspicion, police revealed that the deceased man’s brother had been shot dead in a drug-related incident about a year ago. This connection has led authorities to believe that the recent double murder may be part of a wider unresolved conflict within the same criminal network.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police recovered a motorcycle allegedly used by the killers. It was found abandoned on a cinnamon land in Denmark Colony, Meetiyagoda. Authorities suspect that the attackers fled the scene on another motorcycle.
Ambalangoda police are investigating the incident.
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Russian Embassy, Russian House, unveil plaque at Public Library in honour of 80th anniversary of victory day

The Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Russian House in Colombo unveiled a plaque at the public library Colombo today (29th April) in honour of the 80th anniversary of victory day.
Victory Day is celebrated on the 9th of May, the day Nazi Germany was defeated in World War II. It is an important date in the Russian calendar and an integral part of Russian culture.
The plaque was jointly unveiled by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka Lenav Dzhagaryan and Ms Maria Popova Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka and Director of the Russian House in Colombo
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Ministerial committee appointed to review and further enhance ‘State Commercial Enterprises Management draft bill’

It has been recognized that the state enterprises should be re – structured and maintained with proper administration with the assistance of local or foreign investments without being a continuous burden to the General Treasury and the country’s economy. Therefore, it is the policy of the new government to introduce an efficient and accountable mechanism in the regard. An initial draft named “State Commercial Enterprises Management Draft Bill” has been already prepared to introduce a new legal framework required for maintaining after performing necessary restructuring and with proper management of government owned business companies. Thereon, it will be possible to totally free the state entrepreneurship establishments from political influences and appoint professionals with proficiency for its board of directors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development to grant policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the said initial draft and appoint a special committee with the following composition to submit appropriate proposals for further enhancing after reviewing the initial draft:
• Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development – (Chairman)
• Hon. Sunil Handunneththi Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship
• Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co – operative Development
• Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Sooriyapperuma Deputy Minister of Finance Plan Implementation
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