News
Underworld link suspected in attack on Mangala’s ex-secy.
Attack near Kandana Public Market, a gunman shot former private secretary to the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Sameera Manahara—also known as “Weli Sameera” and his brother-in-law Upali Kulawardena were shot, the latter fatally, yesterday morning. The victims were travelling in a car. The killer and his accomplice were riding a motorcycle.
Police investigations have revealed that the attack was orchestrated by a notorious drug trafficking gang based in Kandana. Intelligence sources indicated that three gang leaders responsible for commissioning the hit are currently hiding in Dubai. The shooting is believed to be a contract killing involving hired underworld gunmen.
The shooting occurred around 10 a.m. as the two men were returning home from a fitness centre, approximately 500 meters from their residence. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with multiple rounds fired from a T-56 assault rifle by the assailants.
Both victims were rushed to Ragama Hospital, where Upali succumbed to his injuries. Hospital sources confirmed that Sameera’s injuries, though serious, were not life-threatening.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the motive behind the attack is related to a drug dispute or a personal matter. Multiple police teams, including the Kandana Police and Peliyagoda Crimes Division, are actively investigating the case.
Sameera Manahara had long served as private secretary to the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
After leaving politics post-marriage, he entered the business sector, mainly in construction and supplying sand and metal for projects like the Port City development—a venture reportedly supported by Minister Samaraweera during his tenure.
By Hemantha Randunu and Norman Palihawadane ✍️
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management 1000hrs today [06th January 2026] confirms that 21,514 persons belonging to 6,592 family units who were displaced due to the floods and landslides are still at 225 safety centers.
Z total of 6,037 houses were destroyed while 108,476 houses were partially damaged due to floods and landslides.
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale, Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya
The landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale, Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya in force from 1200hrs on 06th January to 1200hrs on 07th January 2026.
Accordingly,
Level III RED landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Udadumbara in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna and Walapane in the Nuwara Eliya district.
Level II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kandaketiya in the Badulla district, Wilgamuwa in the Matale district, and Hanguranketha and Mathurata in the Nuwara Eliya district.
Level I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Hali_Ela, Badulla, Passara, Lunugala, Welimada and * Meegahakiwula in the Badulla district, Doluwa in the Kandy district, Ambanganga Korale in the Matale district, and Bibila in the Monaragala district.
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory at 11.30 pm on 05 January 2026 regarding a low pressure area over South-east Bay of Bengal Sea area.
The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast of the Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area.
Hence, showery condition over the island, particularly
in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces is expected to enhance from January 8th.
The Meteorological Department is constantly monitoring the behavior of the system.
The general public are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regards.
21,514 persons remain at 225 safety centers as at 10AM today [06]
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale, Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya
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