Kandy Additional Magistrate Nalaka Sanjeewa Weerasinghe yesterday (30) ordered the release on personal bail of Rs. 100,000 each two Excise officers charged with threatening and attempting to assault a businessman in Marassana, within the Thalathuoya Police area, while allegedly claiming to be on official duty.

The suspects are attached to the Gampola Excise Office.

Thalathuoya Police, who conducted the investigation, produced the suspects before court and reported the available evidence, based on a complaint lodged by a businessman from Marassana, Y.M.U.K. Seneviratne.

The Magistrate ordered the suspects to reappear in court on 01 October, when the case will be taken up again.

Attorney-at-Law Tharuka Heenkenda appeared on behalf of the complainant.

by SK Samaranayake

Indictments were served before the Colombo High Court yesterday against Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero over an allegedly derogatory statement about Islam.

Following the service of indictments, the court ordered that Ven. Gnanasara Thero be released on bail.

The long-awaited mutual recognition agreement on driving licences between Sri Lanka and Italy has come into effect from April, offering a permanent solution to longstanding licensing issues faced by Sri Lankans residing in Italy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath announced.

In a statement, the Minister said the agreement—finalised following sustained diplomatic engagement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport and Highways—has now fulfilled all technical requirements for implementation.

Under the arrangement, Sri Lankan nationals who have resided in Italy for at least six years are eligible to convert their Sri Lankan driving licences into Italian licences without the need to sit written or practical examinations.

Minister Herath noted that the initiative has been widely welcomed by the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Italy, adding that it is expected to enhance employment prospects and further strengthen their contribution as a productive diaspora.