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Gold smuggling MP accused of grabbing 214 acres of state land

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By Sujeewa Thathsara

MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was recently nabbed and fined by the Customs for having smuggled a consignment of gold and mobile phones, has allegedly encroached on 214 acres of state land and planted onions, the Puttalam District Coordination Committee Chairman has said, adding that the government has incurred a loss of Rs. 200 million, as a result.

Chairman of the Puttalam District Coordination Committee MP Chinthaka Mayadunne, said that the land grab had also deprived the government of tax revenue. He asked the government to take legal action against Raheem.

The meeting was held to review the development activities in the district and was presided over by the Governor of the North Western Province, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

Raheem is still functioning as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges. He has denied any wrongdoing where the land issue is concerned.



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Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM

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Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.

She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.

The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Free 14 day visa extension for visitors unable to depart Sri Lanka

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The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026,  to grant a free fourteen  (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka  due to flight cancellations.

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Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrives in Colombo

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The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.

Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.

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