News
Four websites that promoted sex trafficking banned
By Norman Palihawadane
Four websites promoting a sex trafficking ring in Mount Lavinia had been banned on a court order, police spokesman Senior DIG Ajith Rohana said yesterday.
Snr DIG Rohana said that the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission had been ordered to suspend the operations of www. land ads.com, www.nastylanka.com, www.redroselanka.com and messagerepeublic.com.
Investigations have revealed that a 15-year-old girl was supplied for sex through those four websites. The court order was issued in response to a request by the Police Children and Women Bureau, the SDIG disclosed.
Police have identified the perpetrators who posted several advertisements online and sold the victim for three months. Over 40 persons have been taken into custody in connection to the case so far.
One of the suspects arrested in the case is former Maldivian State Minister for Finance, Mohamed Ashmalee. Others arrested in the case include the mother of the victim, a Sri Lankan politician, owners of the four websites that published the advertisement, vehicle drivers, a captain and the crew of a ship, a gem merchant, the manager of the hotel used by the perpetrators to rape the girl, a cardiologist of a well-known hospital, a surgeon of the Sri Lanka Navy, a former bank manager, and a police officer.
Investigations have revealed that the suspect had rented an apartment in Mount Lavinia to conduct his illegal operation.
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.
The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
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
The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.
The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.
Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.
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