News
Two more suspects in Beliatte multiple killings arrested on Thursday
The Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested two more suspects in connection with the recent Beliatte multiple killings, at Wanchawala and Megalle in Galle.According to investigators the two men, aged 25 and 35, are involved in the drug trade and they had in their possession 9.3 grams of heroin at the time of arrest.
They had allegedly confessed to having been contracted by Uragaha Michael, an associate of Kosgoda Sujee to assassinate Saman Perera, the leader of Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya.
On 22 January 2024, five persons, including Perera, were shot dead in Beliatte while they were on their way to appear in the High Court.
The suspected mastermind, Saman Kumara, was arrested within 24-hours and the vehicle used by the assailants was found near Vidyaloka Pirivena, Galle, on Wednesday (24).
Hakmana police on Thursday took into custody a motorcycle and a van in connection with the shooting.
The motorcycle had been used to dispose of the two T-56 weapons used to carry out the attack, police said. The police suspect that the van was used to transport the attackers out of the area after the multiple killings.
The killings were ordered by Kosgoda Sujee, one of the underworld leaders from the South to avenge the killing of several of his close relatives, according to the police. Sujee is hiding in Dubai.
Perera alias Royal Beach Saman was allegedly involved in the murder of the brother and an uncle of Sujee in 2004. In 2016, another relative of Sujee was killed. On 05 June 2022 Asela Sampath, an associate of Sujee, was killed in the Kudawella Fisheries Harbour. Perera is believed to have been involved in that incident, as well.Sujee had previously tried to kill Perera several times without success, police said.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. Faheem Ul Aziz, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (10) at the Presidential Secretariat.
High Commissioner Aziz extended his congratulations to President Dissanayake on his recent election victory and conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner also delivered a letter of congratulations from Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, who emphasized on the deep ties between the two nations. “Pakistan deeply values its close relations with Sri Lanka. Our bilateral cooperation is rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, rule of law, mutual understanding, and respect. I look forward to working closely with you for further strengthening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our two bations” President Zardari stated.
The discussions between President Dissanayake and High Commissioner Aziz focused on enhancing the longstanding political and security ties between the two countries. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support in the defence, education, livestock and IT sector.
Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court Murdu Nirupa Bidushinie Fernando took the oath of office as Acting Chief Justice of Sri Lanka before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (October 10)
[PMD]
News
Some VIP security units disbanded, special ‘motivation incentive allowance’ abolished, with some exceptions
Defence Secy. assures regular entitlements won’t be curtailed
Defence Secretary retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha has assured the armed forces that contrary to claims, reports and speculation, the NPP government will not curtail various entitlements provided to them.
The declaration was made at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Headquarters at the Defence Headquarters Complex, Pelawatte, on Monday (Oct 07).
AVM Thuyakontha, who was in the centre of controversy in the run-up to the presidential election over his support for Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s candidature and blacklisted by the SLAF, visited several divisions of Air Force HQ accompanied by the Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and other senior officers.
Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Padman de Costa also joined the Defence Secretary on his visit to the Air Force HQ.
During the war, Thuyakontha served as the Commanding Officer of the famed 09 Squadron consisting of Mi-24 helicopter gunships.
AVM Thuyakontha reiterated the government’s commitment to the general welfare of the armed forces.
However, the government has declared that what is called ‘motivation incentive allowance’ paid to security forces personnel attached to security units of former VIPs was stopped from Sept. 22, the day after the presidential election.
The Defence Ministry has informed the Army, Navy and Air Force commanders that there was no requirement for ‘motivation incentive allowance’ as the provision of such security has been discontinued.
According to the Defence Ministry, only security units attached to the Chief of Defence Staff, three service commanders and former presidents would continue to receive the special allowance. (SF)
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