News
CID probe into alleged mass grave in Thambuluvil: Initial excavation yields nothing suspicious
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has begun excavating the public cemetery in Thambuluvil, Akkaraipattu, following claims that victims of enforced disappearances may be buried at the site, according to Tamil Guardian report, posted on Monday (04).
The search, which began on 31 July, was conducted under the supervision of the Akkaraipattu Magistrate’s Court and follows information reportedly provided by a close associate of former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan.
The claim was made by an aide of K. Pushpakumar, also known as Iniyabharathy, a senior member of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), a government-backed paramilitary outfit accused of multiple human rights abuses during and after the armed conflict. The aide reportedly alleged that the remains of several abducted individuals were interred at the site.
The CID has been intensifying its investigations into a series of high-profile disappearances, including those of Eastern University Vice Chancellor Prof. S. Raveendranath and journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. The arrests of Iniyabharathy and his associate Saseenthran Thavaseelan marked a significant development in these long-stalled cases. They were also detained in connection with the 2005 killing of former Thirukovil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman S. Thirukkumar.
Following their arrests, another of Iniyabharathy’s associates, Sabapathy, was taken into custody, alongside four additional suspects. Based on their alleged confessions, during interrogations, CID officers were deployed to multiple sites in the Thambuluvil area, suspected to contain mass graves.
Though no human remains, or suspicious items were uncovered during the initial dig, investigations are ongoing.
The TMVP, a breakaway faction of the LTTE that allied with Sri Lankan government forces during the armed conflict, has long been accused of extrajudicial killings, abductions, and the recruitment of child soldiers like the LTTE. The group, once led by Pillayan, rose to political prominence with the backing of successive governments in Colombo and maintained a significant presence in the Eastern Province.
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15th)
USA’s Ali Khan claims having been ‘denied’ India visa ahead of T20 World Cup
At least 28 dead as crane collapses onto train in Thailand
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Business4 days agoDialog and UnionPay International Join Forces to Elevate Sri Lanka’s Digital Payment Landscape
-
News4 days agoSajith: Ashoka Chakra replaces Dharmachakra in Buddhism textbook
-
Features4 days agoThe Paradox of Trump Power: Contested Authoritarian at Home, Uncontested Bully Abroad
-
Features4 days agoSubject:Whatever happened to (my) three million dollars?
-
News3 days agoLevel I landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended
-
News4 days ago65 withdrawn cases re-filed by Govt, PM tells Parliament
-
News3 days agoNational Communication Programme for Child Health Promotion (SBCC) has been launched. – PM
-
Opinion6 days agoThe minstrel monk and Rafiki, the old mandrill in The Lion King – II