News
Peliyagoda-Grandpass police stations’ tug-of-war adds to woes of public seeking help against nighttime robberies at New Kelani Bridge
by Norman Palihawadane
The general public seeking police assistance to combat the spate of nighttime robberies plaguing the new Kelani Bridge face an additional hurdle: an ongoing jurisdictional battle between the Grandpass and Peliyagoda police stations.
Numerous individuals have fallen victim to thefts of mobile phones, jewelry, and cash in recent times on the new Kelani Bridge, perpetrated by a combination of robbers and drug addicts. Despite continuous reports to law enforcement, the absence of CCTV surveillance and a dedicated police post at the location remains conspicuous. Police have been apprised of the ongoing nefarious activities transpiring in and around the vicinity of the new Kelani Bridge.
Complainants who have suffered robberies express their frustration with the discord between the Grandpass and Peliyagoda police stations. This bureaucratic tug of war forces them to shuttle between the two stations in order to file their complaints.
In a recent incident, a school student returning from an LPL cricket match at the Khettarama Stadium fell victim to a brutal assault by robbers. Accompanied by a friend, the student was ambushed by a group of four assailants who demanded their cash and mobile phones. When the students resisted, the robbers launched a physical attack, resulting in one student managing to escape while the other was left beaten and robbed of his wallet and a mobile phone valued at approximately Rs 250,000, according to police reports.
In response to parental complaints, the Grandpass police swiftly acted, conducting a successful raid that led to the apprehension of two suspects. During police questioning, one suspect revealed they had sold the stolen mobile phone for a mere Rs 30,000. Prompt police action resulted in the recovery of the phone and its subsequent return to the rightful owner.
The commendable efforts of SI Jeewantha Shalvin, CDB OIC Nisshanka Wijeratne, and PC Ratnayake (30441), who orchestrated the raid, were praised by Colombo DIG Jagath Chandrakumara.
Highlighting the urgency to address the rising tide of crime, Grandpass OIC HH Harison acknowledged numerous reported robberies in the area. Steps have been taken to combat this menace, including several recent raids resulting in the apprehension of drug addicts and the recovery of contraband heroin, OIC Harrison noted.
Recognizing the multiple police stations responsible for the area in question, OIC Harrison initiated discussions with fellow OICs from neighboring stations. Their collective aim is to formulate a collaborative strategy to eliminate crime and deter further robberies, thereby enhancing public safety in the vicinity.
More than 108,000 complaints of child abuse had been received by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) between 2015 and 2025, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj told Parliament yesterday.
Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27/2, the Minister said 4,421 child abuse cases were pending before High Courts as of April 30 this year, with indictments already filed against the accused.
She said the NCPA was working with 47 Police Child and Women Protection Bureaus under the Police Children and Women Abuse Prevention Division to expedite the hearing and conclusion of these cases.
The Minister said measures were also being taken to protect child victims during legal proceedings by introducing a system to record their evidence through video in a safe and child-friendly environment, thereby reducing the need for them to appear in court.
She said discussions were underway with the Ministries of Health and Mass Media and other relevant institutions to establish nine provincial video evidence recording units.
by Saman Indrajith ✍️
The Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed a writ petition seeking to postpone the 2026 G.C.E. A/L Examination by two months.
The petition, filed by a group of students due to sit the examination for the first and second time, sought an order delaying the examination, which is scheduled to commence next month.
The Court announced its decision after considering submissions made in support of the application and declined to grant leave to proceed with the petition.
As a result, the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will be held as scheduled in August.
Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake yesterday criticised the conduct of MP Archchuna Ramanathan in Parliament, describing the behaviour of certain lawmakers as “uncivilised, disgraceful and indecent”, while a heated exchange followed between government and opposition members.
Rathnayake made the remarks when Ramanathan attempted to raise a point of order during parliamentary proceedings.
“This parliament has one or two members who behave in a very uncivilised, disgraceful manner. We tolerate them because one of them is mentally ill,” Rathnayake said.
He alleged that Ramanathan had insulted even members of the Tamil community.
“The things he says may not be heard through the microphone, but the four walls of this Parliament are witnesses,” Rathnayake said, adding that Ramanathan’s conduct was not limited to Parliament.
He claimed that the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee meeting could not be held due to Ramanathan’s behaviour and said MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam had written to the Speaker stating that he could not sit near him.
The Speaker intervened during the exchange, warning Ramanathan not to behave in a manner that would turn Parliament into “a joke”. He also said the MP had previously addressed him in an insulting manner.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the manner in which Rathnayake and the Speaker had addressed the matter, saying MPs should not be spoken to improperly and urging members to follow parliamentary Standing Orders.
Ramanathan, responding to the remarks, said: “I may be a psycho, but I am not a homosexual.”
by Saman Indrajith ✍️
Child abuse crisis: 108,000 complaints reported in 10 years
CA dismisses writ petition seeking postponement of A/L exam
Bimal’s remarks on MP’s conduct spark heated exchange in Parliament
SC rules fundamental rights of Aragalaya activist were violated
TRINEX-26 naval exercise begins off Trincomalee coast
Court defers hearing of GR’s Easter Sunday petition
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