News
Assassination of Lasantha:AG suspends directive to release suspects
By A. J. A. Abeynayake
The Attorney General has temporarily suspended his previous directive to release former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prasanna Nanayakkara and two other suspects accused of suppressing evidence pertaining to the assassination of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.
As a result, the suspects will not be discharged at this stage, according to a written notice sent to the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court yesterday (13th).
In a letter signed by Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, dated 11 February 2025, it was stated that the decision had been taken to further review the instructions previously issued to the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on 27 January. Consequently, the court will not proceed with the release of the three suspects, namely former military intelligence officer Prem Anand Udalagama, former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Mount Lavinia Police Crimes Division Hettiarachchi Don Thissasiri Sugathapala, and former DIG in charge of the Mount Lavinia Division, Vitharana Arachchi Sirimewan Prasanna Nanayakkara.
Earlier, based on the investigations conducted thus far, it had been determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue legal action against these suspects. As a result, on 27 January 2025, Attorney General Ranasinghe issued a letter instructing the Director of the CID to inform the court that the suspects could be discharged from the case. However, following widespread media coverage and strong criticism from both Lasantha Wickrematunge’s family and the public, President Ranil Wickremesinghe reportedly intervened, summoning the Attorney General.
Yesterday (13th), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Keerthisinghe and Chief Inspector Ilangasinghe from the CID submitted the Attorney General’s revised instructions to the court. Consequently, Mount Lavinia Magistrate Chathurika Silva ordered the case to be postponed until 30 May.
News
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
The book “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” ,authored by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, was officially launched this morning (08) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The first copy of the publication was formally presented to President Disanayake by Mr. Siriwardana during the event.
It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of SriLankan Airlines was held this afternoon (April 8) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussions mainly focused on proposals to transform SriLankan Airlines into a more profitable state-owned enterprise. Special attention was also given to possible short-term and long-term solutions for the airline’s debt management.
The talks further explored new investment opportunities for the airline. The President instructed the officials to take all necessary steps to transform SriLankan Airlines into a profit-making entity.
Although the airline has recorded operational profits, due to past mismanagement and poor decision-making, it remains one of the leading loss-making state enterprises. The current government has decided to reverse the previous administration’s decision to privatize the airline. Instead, it plans to continue operating it as the national carrier while introducing a new management structure to ensure its profitability moving forward.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, President’s Senior Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Sarath Ganegoda along with several senior officials of SriLankan Airlines, were present at the meeting.
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
Former state minister arrested by CID
President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines
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