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HC denies bail for LTTE suspects in 2008 attempt on Sirisena’s life

Published

5 months ago

2024/11/29

Thilina Walpola

Maithripala Sirisena

By A.J.A. Abeynayake

The Colombo High Court Judge R. S. S. Sapuwidda yesterday (28th) rejected a request for bail, under any conditions, for two suspects linked to an attempt to assassinate then-Minister Maithripala Sirisena in Boralesgamuwa in 2008. The case involves 17 charges, including aiding and abetting an LTTE suicide bomber identified as Sammungrasa Gajabalini.

The suspects, Selvarasa Kirubakaran, also known as “Gosthar” or “Morris,” and Thambayya Prakash, alias “Dhanush,” have been held in remand custody for almost 15 years. Their legal representatives, Suranga Bandara and Asitha Vipulanayake, requested bail, highlighting the prolonged period of detention without resolution.

The Deputy Solicitor General, representing the Attorney General’s Department, opposed the bail request, stating that the suspects had been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and the charges against them had also been made under the PTA. The judge confirmed that steps were being taken to expedite the proceedings and scheduled the examination of evidence for 28, 29, and 30 April 2025.

The Attorney General has charged the two suspects with conspiring to orchestrate the suicide bombing targeting Minister Sirisena. The attack resulted in the deaths of two persons, P. Wijeratne and Don Gunapala Weerasinghe and caused severe injuries to five others. The trial is set to continue on the scheduled dates.

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

11 hours ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

News

AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

12 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

News

Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

12 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.