News
AG and CJ asked to expedite cases against those detained under PTA – Justice Minister
By Saman Indrajith
Justice Minister Ali Sabry said that he has been in consultation with the Attorney General and the Chief Justice to expedite cases against those being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
“I have asked the Attorney General to look into each case individually”, he told Parliament last week.
Those facing charges under the Penal Code or the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) cannot be described as ‘political prisoners’, the Minister said in response to a question raised by TNA Batticaloa District MP, Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam.
“On the instructions of the President, Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Security, I had discussions with the AG and the CJ on how to expedite these cases. We believe these cases must be expedited and disposed of”, Minister Sabry said.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said that there are no ‘political prisoners’ in the country and those who are in remand are facing different charges under the Penal Code.
Justice Minister Sabry said that immediately after the defeat of the LTTE in 2009, there were around 12,843 LTTE suspects who surrendered to the government. They were rehabilitated and have assimilated to society. They included 600 child soldiers.
“There are no ‘political prisoners’ detained in the country, but there are a few held under the PTA. There are grievous charges against them,” he said.
TNA MP Rasamanickam said that around 50 youth are being held in connection with various Facebook posts, and queried whether these were also considered grievous crimes.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and 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.
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Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
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