News
Gang members linked to underworld figures arrested with firearms and drugs
The Mount Lavinia Crime Investigation Division has arrested four gang members linked to two notorious underworld figures currently hiding overseas and recovered three firearms believed to have been used in several serious crimes, including murders, police said.
The firearms are suspected to belong to organised criminals Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Avishka Heshan, alias Bodhiyawatte Avishka, and Adhikarige Samantha Perera, known as Chuva Samantha.
During the operation, police also seized a quantity of narcotics found in the suspects’ possession.
Those arrested include individuals who had supplied weapons, provided accommodation and motorcycles for criminal activities, as well as a suspect responsible for safeguarding the firearms, according to police.
The haul included three foreign-manufactured point three eight calibre revolver-type firearms, six rounds of nine millimetre ammunition, six rounds of point three eight ammunition, 50 grams of heroin with an estimated street value of Rs. 1.5 million, 55 grams of crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) valued at about Rs. 800,000, and three smartphones.
Investigations have revealed that one of the recovered firearms was used in the shooting of a 16-year-old girl in the Bodhiyawatte area of Kohuwala on 30 December, 2025.
The suspects were arrested while staying at houses located along Kalubowila Hospital Road, Saranankara Road, Kalubowila Kevumwatta and in the Bodhiyawatte area within the Kohuwala Police Division.
Police said the recovered firearms had been used in a number of criminal acts, including murders committed across the Dehiwala, Kohuwala and Mount Lavinia police divisions.
The suspects have been handed over to Kohuwala Police for further investigations.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
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 and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee 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.
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 (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
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.
Prasidh, Buttler set up comfortable win for Gujarat Titans
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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