Grama Niladharis, Disaster Relief Service Officers, and Technical Officers have temporarily suspended Cyclone Ditwah-related relief operations, citing unresolved administrative and financial issues. The halt began yesterday (27).

The decision stems from the absence of a formal circular for relief assessment and the non-payment of promised allowances.

Upul Kumara, Chairman of the All Island Disaster Relief Services Officials’ Union, said there is still no proper system in place for delivering Cyclone Ditwah relief.

He added that trade unions, representing Grama Niladharis, who manage relief distribution, and Technical Officers, responsible for disaster damage assessments, had discussed continuing relief operations. Despite this, 95 days after the cyclone struck, the government has yet to implement the necessary mechanisms to ensure proper relief delivery.

“As a result, all parties involved have collectively decided to initiate this trade union action,” Kumara said.

He noted that discussions with the relevant secretaries had already taken place and formal demands submitted. “We are informing the President that we no longer require discussions with the secretaries. Our demands have been presented. This action is, therefore, necessary,” he added.

Kumara emphasised that all Grama Niladharis, Disaster Relief Service Officers, and Technical Officers, engaged in relief operations, will suspend Ditwah-related duties until proper directives are issued and allowances are paid.

Alleged organised crime figure and large-scale drug trafficker Arumahandi Janith Madhusankha de Silva, widely known as “Podi Lassi,” was brought back to Sri Lanka from India, yesterday morning (27), by a special police team.

The suspect, who had reportedly fled to India by sea after being released on bail on 09 December, 2024, was arrested in Mumbai, in January 2025, by Indian security authorities following diplomatic engagement between Colombo and New Delhi and with the intervention of Interpol.

He was brought back through the Bandaranaike International Airport at 5.55 a.m. on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-142 from Mumbai. Upon arrival, he was escorted out of the airport under tight security by officers of the CID.

Police said the suspect was immediately taken into custody and transported under heavy guard before being handed over to the Elpitiya Divisional Crimes Investigation Bureau for further investigations. He is also due to be handed over to the Galle Division Criminal Investigation Department for additional inquiries.

Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler stated that “Podi Lassi” was wanted in connection with several murders in the Southern Province, as well as for allegedly violating strict bail conditions imposed by a court.

The Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court had granted him bail on 09 December, 2024, under stringent conditions. However, subsequent investigations by Sri Lanka Police revealed that he had fled the country in violation of those conditions and was believed to be hiding in India.

Following the discovery of his whereabouts, the Acting Inspector General of Police directly shared intelligence with Indian authorities, leading to his arrest. Diplomatic channels were then activated to facilitate his swift return to Sri Lanka.Police said further investigations are continuing.

by Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu

The Police yesterday announced the reintroduction of the “Tell IGP” project, an online platform that allows members of the public to submit complaints directly to the IGP, regarding any incident or issue.

According to the Police Media Division, the platform, which is already operational, will be restructured and strengthened further, in 2026, to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

The service allows both local and foreign individuals to lodge complaints in Sinhala, Tamil, or English. Necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate submissions through the online system, the statement said.

Through the platform, the public can report information directly to the IGP about individuals involved in organised crime, drug trafficking, or other criminal activities, domestically and internationally. Complaints relating to general offences, traffic violations, public harassment, and corruption are also accepted.

Upon receipt of a complaint, the relevant division notifies the appropriate police station, and investigation officers are promptly assigned to take necessary action. If the complaint is not adequately addressed, the complainant can follow up with the IGP through the same service.The public can access the service, via the official Police website, at www.police.lk through the e-services portal, at telligp.police.lk, or by emailing telligp@police.gov.lk.