A 53-year-old woman was arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) following the seizure of bundles of counterfeit US$100 notes with a face value of US$700,000 during a raid in Kotikawatta.

The arrest was made at the suspect’s residence earlier yesterday in connection with an investigation into an alleged counterfeit currency operation.

Investigators suspect that the counterfeit notes were printed overseas and smuggled into Sri Lanka. Police further stated that a Pakistani national is also believed to be linked to the racket and is currently under investigation.

According to police, the suspects allegedly used the counterfeit US dollar notes to deceive local businessmen and were preparing to exchange the fake currency at a rate of Rs. 284 per US dollar.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court No. 8 today.

Investigations are continuing to identify other individuals connected to the alleged counterfeit currency network.

By Norman Palihawadane

Police Headquarters has launched an investigation into a complaint lodged by family members of a man currently receiving treatment at the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital following alleged torture while in police custody.

The complainants have alleged that the victim, a resident of Badowita in Mount Lavinia, was severely assaulted and subjected to electric shock by a Sub-Inspector attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station after being taken into custody.

According to the complaint, the man and his wife were arrested while walking to a nearby shop close to their home and were later detained separately. The family further alleges that police attempted to force the man to admit possession of heroin.

They claim that following his refusal, he was assaulted at the police station and later subjected to electric shock torture, after which he collapsed and was subsequently admitted to the Kalubowila Hospital by police.

Police Headquarters sources said a special team of officers has been appointed to investigate the incident.

It is also alleged that the victim had circulated a video recording in which the said Sub-Inspector is seen demanding protection money from a spa in the area. Police Headquarters sources further said that complaints had previously been received against the officer concerned.

It is further alleged that the same Sub-Inspector had been involved in a road traffic accident several weeks back but no proper investigation had been conducted into the incident so far.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) yesterday urged the public to exercise caution as strong winds associated with the active southwest monsoon are expected to affect several parts of the country over the next 24 hours.

Quoting the latest advisory issued by the Department of Meteorology, DMC Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili said that wind speeds of between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour could occur intermittently in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Northern and North Central Provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

“The public should remain alert and take precautionary measures to minimise potential damage caused by strong winds,” Kodippili said. He stressed the importance of securing roofs, loose roofing sheets and other vulnerable structures that could be dislodged during gusty conditions.

According to the Department of Meteorology’s Natural Disaster Early Warning Centre, the advisory remains in effect until 3.30 p.m. today. The warning has been categorised as an Amber Advisory, calling on residents in the affected areas to be prepared for adverse weather conditions.

Kodippili noted that strong winds could damage electricity and telecommunication lines, uproot large trees and cause branches to fall onto roads, creating hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

Agricultural sectors, particularly paddy cultivation, banana plantations and papaya crops, could also be affected if the prevailing conditions intensify.

He further warned that vessels anchored or berthed near ports could face risks from rough weather, while low-lying coastal areas may experience seawater inundation. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure rapid response measures if required.

The DMC advised the public to avoid sheltering under large trees during periods of strong winds and to remain vigilant regarding official weather updates. Residents were also requested to seek assistance from local disaster management officials in the event of emergencies.

“The safety of the public remains our priority. We request everyone to follow weather advisories and take preventive action well in advance,” Kodippili said.

The Department of Meteorology has urged the public to pay close attention to future advisories as the active southwest monsoon continues to influence weather conditions across the island.

By Ifham Nizam