News
CID sleuths record statement from Schaffter’s widow few hours after his funeral
By Hemantha Randunu
The Criminal Investigation Department sleuths recorded a statement from the wife of murdered businessman, Dinesh Schaffter at her residence, on Flower Road, Colombo, on Sunday night, a few hours after the funeral of the victim.
The CID asked Schaffter’s wife about the threats he had faced as well as problematic business dealings.
The CID has also started an investigation into calls and SMS messages he received.
The investigations conducted so far have revealed that someone used Schaffter’s phone to text cricket commentator, Brian Thomas. The text implying that Schaffter was waiting for Thomas was sent when the businessman’s car was inside the Borella Cemetery. Thomas had replied that he had no intention of meeting Schaffter.
The CID is trying to ascertain if the text was sent before Schaffter was harmed or by someone involved in his murder.
It is assumed that the text was sent to divert the attention of investigators.
Investigations conducted by the CID have revealed that the car in which Schaffter travelled had moved directly to the Borella Cemetery from his home on the day of his murder.
The CID investigators said they believed that Schaffter had left home, around 2.06 pm, and that the crime was committed within half an hour of his departure.
A senior CID official said that further investigations were being conducted to find out whether a person had got into the car, on the way, or whether he had gone to the cemetery to meet someone.
When observing the location of the car, entering the cemetery, and stopping, it appears that someone who has a good understanding of the Borella Cemetery was involved in this crime, CID sources said.
Police spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police, Nihal Talduwa, said that even the security camera system in Brian Thomas’ house had been examined by the CID.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in the island a short while ago on a three-day state visit.
The Indian Prime Minister was received at the Katunayake International Airport by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.
PM Modi is accompanied by Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian Foreign Secretary and several senior officials of the Government of India.
The General Manager of Railways has announced that the following special train services will operate during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period.
1. From Colombo Fort to Badulla – departing Colombo Fort at 1930 hrs on 11th, 12th, 19th and 20th April
2. From Badulla to Colombo Fort – departing Badulla at 1750 hrs on 11th, 12th, 19th and 20th April
3. From Galle to Anuradhapura – departing Galle at 0400 hrs on 12th and 13th April
4. From Anuradhapura to Galle – departing Anuradhapura at 1500 hrs on 12th and 13th April
5. From Colombo Fort to Galle – departing Colombo Fort at 120 hrs on 10th, 11th, 15th and 20th April
6. From Galle to Colombo Fort – departing Galle at 0610 hrs on 11th, 12th, 16th and 21st April
7. From Colombo Fort to Galle – departing Colombo Fort at 1330 hrs on 12th and 13th April
8. From Colombo Fort to Kankasanthurai [Intercity Express] – departing Colombo Fort at 0530 hrs on 11th and 18th April
9. From Kankasanthurai to Colombo Fort [Intercity Express] – departing Kankasanthurai at 1350 hrs on 11th and 18th April
10. From Beliatta to Colombo Fort – departing Beliatta at 0825 hrs on 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th April
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited Hamburg, Germany, focusing on strengthening vocational education and economic partnerships between the two nations. During her visit, she participated in the 102nd East Asia Friendship Dinner, met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and engaged in high-level discussions on investment, education, and economic reforms.
As a Guest of Honour at the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) annual gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya addressed an audience of business leaders and dignitaries, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and its potential as a growing investment destination. She highlighted the contributions of over 160 German companies in Sri Lanka and invited further collaboration in trade and business.
In her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote speech at the ’German-Asian Forum on Vocational Education & Training.’ She acknowledged Germany’s decades-long support in Sri Lanka’s vocational education sector and stressed the importance of modernizing vocational training to align with industry demands. Additionally, she visited ITECH vocational school and German research hubs such as NXP Semiconductors and DESY, discussing collaboration in IT and technology-driven industries.
During her discussions with President Steinmeier, Prime Minister Amarasuriya reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to economic stability, social protection, and national unity. She also attended a business roundtable, where she engaged with German companies and government representatives on economic expansion, digitalization, and sustainable development initiatives.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana, and senior embassy officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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