News

Police suspect Tangalle narcotics haul belongs to Dubai-based gangster

Published

6 months ago

2025/09/24

The owner of the lorry carrying heroin and crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) in Seenimodara, Tangalle, on Monday (22), has been arrested. Mount Lavinia Magistrate Pasan Amarasena yesterday (23) ordered that the suspect be detained for questioning by the Mount Lavinia Police. The police identified him as a resident of Ratmalana.

At the time of arrest, the suspect had in his possession 11 grams and 140 milligrams of heroin. He was subsequently handed over to the Mount Lavinia Police Station.

The suspect was produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court yesterday (23).

The police found the lorry parked near a house at Seenimodara, Tangalle, where the bodies of two men were found earlier in the day. Altogether, the police found three lorries loaded with narcotics.

Among those who had been so far arrested, in connection with the ongoing investigation, are two sons of the person who died after being hospitalised from a house in Seenimodara, Tangalle, from where police also recovered two bodies.

Police estimated the street value of narcotics found in the three lorries at Rs. 9,888 million.

The seized narcotics included a total of 705.91 kilograms comprising of 284.94 kilos of heroin and 420.976 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’).

The police also recovered a T-56 assault rifle and five unpacked pistols.

Police investigations have revealed that the seized drug stock belongs to an underworld figure, known as ‘Unakuruwa Shantha’, who is widely believed to be based in Dubai. Police identified the person who died at the hospital as ‘Unakuruwa Thusitha’, believed to be the operator of Shantha’s drug distribution network in the country.

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Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya districts

Published

17 seconds ago

2026/03/22

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 21 March 2026, valid for 22 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya 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.

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CEYPETCO Fuel prices increased from midnight today (21)

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/21

Priyan

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (21).

Accordingly,

Auto Diesel – Rs. 382 (increased by Rs. 79)

Super Diesel – Rs. 443 (increased by Rs. 90)

Petrol 92 Octane – Rs. 398 (increased by Rs. 81)

Kerosene – Rs. 255. (increased by Rs. 60)

Petrol 95 Octane – Rs. 455 (increased by Rs. 90)

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts

Published

12 hours ago

2026/03/21

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre Issued at 12.30 p.m. 21 March 2026, valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 21 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.