News
TRC can ban websites without court orders, judge tells police
Rape of small girl: Navy Cardiologist remanded
A cardiologist attached to the Welisara Navy Camp holding the rank of Lt. Commander, taken into custody for the rape of a 15-year-old girl, was yesterday remanded by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court until July 19.
The Police Children and Women’s Bureau told court that the naval officer, a medical practitioner by profession, had met the victim at the Liberty Plaza building in Kollupitiya and taken her to a hotel in Mount Lavinia, where he abused her.
The police have named him as the 32nd suspect in the case relating to an organised sexual exploitation racket. Police told the court that most of the suspects taken into custody were between 40 and 50 years of age. Over 30 persons, including the girl’s mother, have been remanded so far.
Among the suspects in custody are former Maldives State Minister of Finance Mohamed Ashmalee, Deputy Chairman of the Mihintale Pradeshiya Sabha and a leading gem businessman
The alleged offence comes under section 363 (e) of the Penal Code. Sexual intercourse with a female under 16 years of age is rape whether committed with or without the consent of the girl.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama permitted the suspect to make a voluntary statement regarding the incident on July 9. Additional Magistrate made the order following a request made by defence counsel that his client was ready to make a voluntary statement.
The Additional Magistrate rejected a request made by police for banning four websites which published advertisement of women being offered for prostitution. The Additional Magistrate observed that the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka was vested with powers to ban such websites without obtaining court orders.
A trishaw driver arrested for allegedly providing transportation to procure the girl for prostitution was also remanded by the Additional Magistrate until 19 July.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Acting Ministers for four ministries before his departure on an official state visit to Vietnam.
The appointments cover three ministries under the President’s purview — the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, which comes under the purview of Minister Vijitha Herath, who is accompanying the President on this official visit.
Accordingly, the following Acting Ministers have been appointed:
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Digital Economy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
[PMD]
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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