News
SF assassination bid trial: Witness confirms LTTE suicide bomber’s stay at suspect’s home
By A.J.A Abeynayake
R.P. Swarnalatha Abeykoon, a witness in a Colombo High Court case against the suspects of the attack on the then-Army Commander Sarath Fonseka in 2006, on Wednesday (29), identified that Durga, the LTTE suicide bomber involved in the attack, had been staying at the home of the second accused, Shanmugalingam Suriyakumar, whose house was located near her own.
Under the direction of Senior Deputy Solicitor General Lakmali Karunanayake, Abeykoon explained that the bomber had stayed at Suriyakumar’s home for some time. Although she could not recall the woman’s name, Abeykoon testified that Suriyakumar’s wife had introduced the bomber as a relative.
Abeykoon further noted that she had recognised the bomber’s face from media coverage of the attack and had confronted Suriyakumar about the woman, observing that he appeared visibly shaken by questioning.
A few years before the attacks Suriyakumar, his wife, their child, and the bomber moved to a rented house in Weliweriya, and Abeykoon had not seen the woman again. She heard that the woman had moved to Colombo to attend a beauty culture training course.
During the Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations in 2006, Suriyakumar’s family returned to his parents’ home near Abeykoon’s residence, but the bomber was absent. Abeykoon sent a meal to the woman, who later called to express her appreciation.
Despite suffering from health issues, Abeykoon appeared in court to provide testimony. Senior Deputy Solicitor General Karunanayake expressed gratitude on behalf of the department and the court for her cooperation.
High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to provide transport for Abeykoon’s return home. The judge also scheduled the next hearing for 17 February and issued a summons for Judicial Medical Officer Dr K. Sirikumara to testify for the prosecution on that date.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala 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 table below 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.
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