News
UDA investigation on death leap hotel
By Hemantha Randunu
The Urban Development Authority (UDA) had on Friday received a report on the five-storey building in Kalutara from where a 16-year old schoolgirl had fallen, UDA Chairman Nimesh Herath said on Friday.
He promised follow-up action on Monday. Herath said that the Director of the UDA office in Kalutara conducted a comprehensive investigation into the building and handed over his report on Friday.He said that he would refer his recommendations to Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga after which future action is expected to be taken.
The five-storey lodge relevant to the death has been built on a very narrow strip of land in Kalutara city. When constructing such a building, there are several authorities from whom permission and directions should be obtained. This is compulsorily.
At the same time, an essential task to be carried out is scientifically certifying the standards of building materials used, Herath said.
Initially, approval from the concerned local authority is required. Plans of the property on which the construction will be undertaken and the building plans must be authorized by the UDA or relevant local body.
Meanwhile, the last phone call received by the dead girl, Tihara Nirmani, who is suspected to have jumped off the fifth floor of the building has been traced to her 19-year old friend who had accompanied her to the hotel.
This was to meet Dhanushka Sahabandu, a 29-year-old man who was with the girl, Tihara, when she died, police have found. Sahabandu is also in custody.He had previously told the police that Tihara became agitated and jumped out of the window following the telephone call.
The 19-year-old female is currently in custody and the police suspect that she is involved in various nefarious activities. She and her boyfriend had accompanied the dead girl to the hotel and had left her there with the 29-year-old man, the police said.The police are to record a statement from the 19-year-old female to determine what the conversation she had with Tihara.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala 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 table below 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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