News
New STF chief, shake-up of police hierarchy
Public resist transfer of northern police chief
By Norman Palihawadane
DIG Samantha de Silva has been appointed as the new Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF), with the National Police Commission approving the decision, sources at Police Headquarters confirmed.This marks a significant shift in leadership as de Silva takes over from Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara, following a series of upcoming changes within the Police Department, Headquarters sources said.
DIG de Silva, a veteran of the STF, has had a distinguished career, having also served as the head of the Ministerial Security Division and the Judicial Service Security Division. He has been wounded several times in the line of duty, including during the tragic bomb explosion that claimed the life of former Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle whom he served as a Personal Security Officer.
Headquarters sources said that the reshuffle within the police force is part of broader organizational changes, with key leadership positions expected to be rotated in the coming days. They indicated that Senior DIGs overseeing several provinces, including Western, Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern, are also set to be transferred.
Among the most discussed transfers is that of SDIG Tilak Dhanapala, currently responsible for the Northern Province. Dhanapala is slated for a transfer to a province in the Western region. However, his proposed reassignment has faced strong opposition from the residents of the Northern Province, who have voiced their support for his leadership. Public petitions and requests to retain Dhanapala in his current position have delayed the transfer, highlighting his popularity and the trust placed in him by local communities.
The proposed transfers, including those of SDIG Dhanapala, had been recommended by the previous Acting IGP C.D. Wickramaratne to the NPC for final approval.
It has been reported that a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 Helicopter has crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir this morning.
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 4.00 p.m. 08 May 2025, valid for 09 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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 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.
News
EC asks winners to name heads of majority-controlled LG institutions; bargaining continues in hung councils
Chairman of the Election (EC) Commission R. M. A. L. Ratnayake said yesterday that the EC would direct the political parties and independent groups that have secured absolute majorities in local government bodies to name the heads of those institutions.
The ruling NPP and the Opposition parties are vying for control of the hung local councils including the Colombo MC. Both the NPP and the SJB have offered to coalesce with independent groups to muster majorities.
Ratnayake said that notifications would be sent to the General Secretaries of parties and independent groups that have won local government bodies with a majority of more than 50% of the vote.
The results of the 2025 Local Government election held on Tuesday (6) were released on Wednesday (7).
The NPP won 266 out of 339 local government institutions. The SJB and the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi won 13 and 37 councils respectively. Independent groups and regional Tamil political parties won the other councils.
However, the winners have failed to secure more than 50% of seats in a majority of the local government institutions.Ratnayake said that the members elected to local government institutions at the ward level would be officially gazetted in the coming days.
The heads of the non-majority councils will be elected by their members. The government and the Opposition are accusing each other of using financial inducements to make some councilors switch their allegiance ahead of the election of the heads of the hung local councils.
The NPP has said it is confident of forming stable administrations in 134 local councils, but the Opposition is of the view that the NPP will not be able to do so in about 186 councils.
PSL moved to UAE amid India-Pakistan tensions
Bell 212 helicopter crashes into Maduru Oya reservoir
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