By Chaminda Silva

The UNP has extended an invitation to the SJB to join forces in contesting the upcoming Colombo Municipal Council elections. The UNP has given the SJB time until 20 March to convey its decision.

This move follows a discussion among senior UNP members, where the decision to grant additional time was made. UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena made the announcement during an event at the Sirikotha on 12 March.

Abeywardena further mentioned that if the SJB was open to expanding the alliance to include other local government bodies, such an announcement could also be made before 20 March.

In the meantime, the NPP has already submitted its security deposit for the Colombo Municipal Council elections, signalling their readiness to participate in the race.

By Norman Palihawadane

A suspect wanted for aiding and abetting in the recent triple murder at Middeniya had been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake while attempting to flee to Dubai, police said.

The suspect, a 23-year-old man from Katuwana in Angulandeniya, was taken into custody by the CID. His arrest brings the total number of suspects taken into custody in connection with the murder to 13; they include two police constables and two army deserters.

The tragic shooting occurred on the night of 18 Feb., near the Kadewatta Junction in Middeniya, targeting a man identified as Aruna Vidhanagamage, alias ‘Kajja,’ who was travelling with his two children on a motorcycle. He was killed on the spot, while his critically injured children were rushed to nearby hospitals. The six-year-old daughter succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the Tangalle Hospital, and the nine-year-old son died the following day.

Police suspect the murder was a revenge attack linked to the theft of a cannabis parcel belonging to a notorious drug trafficker, ‘Backhoe Saman.’ The arrested gunman, along with nine other suspects, reportedly confessed that he carried out the murder on a contract from ‘Backhoe Saman’ due to his own personal indebtedness.

The suspect, taken into custody yesterday, had been hiding in Diyatalawa before attempting to flee the country. He is expected to be handed over to the Middeniya Police for further questioning.

The price of a bag of cement has been increased by Rs 50. The new price is Rs 1,900. This is the second upward price revision this year. Several weeks ago, all cement brands raised their prices by Rs 100 per bag.