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Scandal-ridden PNB participates in major SLN-led operation involving int’l services

Published

4 years ago

2021/01/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

‘ICE’, hashish worth Rs 600 mn seized

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), which has been under investigation for dealing in narcotics, took part in a combined operation that led to the capture of a multi-day trawler carrying 100 kilos of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) and about 80 kilos of Hashish yesterday (4).

The Navy took four persons identified as residents of Thoduwawa in the Chilaw area into custody. The Navy headquarters estimated the street value of the contraband at Rs 600 mn. The narcotic substance had been concealed in nine sacks.

An authoritative military official told The Island the coordinated operation had been carried out with the assistance of intelligence services and PNB. The Air Force, too, backed the operation. The Air Force headquarters spokesman said that air assets had been deployed for surveillance of suspicious vessels.

According to the Navy official, the suspects had received the consignment in the Arabian Sea and they had been under constant surveillance till the interception in the seas off Negombo.

Following the disclosure that some PNB personnel were in league with drug barons, the police headquarters replaced both the DIG in charge of the specialised unit and its Director.

Responding to another query, the official said that investigators would certainly inquire into possible link between those arrested in the seas off Negombo and the persons arrested off Dodanduwa, Hikkaduwa on 31 Dec. 2020.

The trawler intercepted off Dodanduwa carried 5 kg and 945g of ICE, 2 kg and 47g of heroin and 03g of Kerala cannabis. The Navy took four persons into custody. The suspects, aged from 22 to 29 were identified as residents of Matara, Pottuvil, Negombo and Maskeliya areas.

The Navy headquarters said that anti-smuggling operations were being carried out adhering to Covid-19 preventive guidelines and the suspects, the consignment of drugs and multi-day fishing trawler held during the Negombo operation had been handed over to the PNB, Colombo for further action.

Attorney General Dappula de Livera, PC, intervened after an attempt was made to suppress the alleged involvement of PNB personnel in a massive narcotics ring. The AG called the then Acting IGP C.D. Wickremaratne for a hurriedly-summoned meeting where in the presence of the Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. Kamal Gunaratne and the then Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) Maj. Gen. Jagath Alwis instructions were issued to conduct a thorough investigation.

Subsequent investigations revealed how a section of the PNB sold heroin stocks in its custody and maintained direct links with the underworld here as well as international drug dealers. The PNB scam came to light following the arrest by Minuwangoda police of the brother of an aide to Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga in June 2020. The Minister later claimed that the arrest had been made by the police following his personal intervention.

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Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/6

Priyan

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.

This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.

This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.

Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.

[PMD]

Latest News

President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/6

Priyan

The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)

The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.

Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.

The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.

[PMD]

Latest News

Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/6

Priyan

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.

Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.

Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.

The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.

The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.

The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.

[PMD]