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Court orders summons for key witness in Easter Sunday case

Published

3 weeks ago

2025/03/25

By AJA ABEYANAYKE

The Colombo High Court yesterday ordered that summons be issued for the fourth witness in a case filed against businessman Mohamed Ibrahim and two other defendants, in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.

The directive was given by High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe requiring the witness to appear in court on 02 July .

During the hearing, Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama informed the court that the second witness, a woman who previously worked as a domestic aide at the defendants’ residence, had secretly left the country without notifying the CID or the Attorney General’s Department. Highlighting concerns that the fourth witness might also leave the country, she urged the Court to take necessary measures. Considering this, Judge Marasinghe ordered the immediate issuance of a summons for the witness.

The judge instructed CID officers to submit all relevant immigration records concerning the second witness’s departure before the Court by the end of the day.

He also cautioned CID officers to ensure that all legal procedures were properly followed, warning against unexpected disruptions in Court proceedings.

The case against Mohamed Ibrahim and two others was filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, citing their failure to inform authorities despite prior knowledge of the impending suicide bombings orchestrated by Zahran Hashim and his group on 21 April, 2019.

The trial was initially set for yesterday (24), but was postponed to 02 July after Anuja Premaratne PC, representing Mohamed Ibrahim, stated that his client was not fit enough to testify. DSG Girihagama did not object to the request.

According to the indictment, Mohamed Ibrahim’s sons—Mohamed Ibrahim Ilham Ahmed, who carried out the suicide attack at the Shangri-La Hotel, and Mohamed Ibrahim Inshaf Ahmed, responsible for the bombing at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel—were among the perpetrators of the coordinated Easter Sunday attacks.

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Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather

Published

5 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.

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We should start working collectively to rebuild the country -PM

Published

7 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.

Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.

This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.

Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.

I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]

Published

16 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

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 table below 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.