News
Comedian arrested at BIA
By Norman Palihawadane
Stand-up comedian Natasha Edirisuriya was arrested by the CID yesterday at the BIA on charges of insulting Buddhism.Police said Edirisuriya presented a video programme called “Modabhimana” (Fools’ Pride – a stand-up gig) insulted the Buddhist religion. She was taken into custody by the CID and a group of officers from the Colombo Computer Crime Investigation Division.
Police said two complaints had been lodged against Edirisuriya, who has allegedly given lectures, insulting the Buddhist philosophy and culture. Jamuni Kamanta Thushara, President of the Citizens’ Organisation against Bribery, Corruption and Waste, lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department and Ven. Balangoda Kasyapa Thera made a complaint to the police headquarters.
Thirty one-year-old Edirisuriya is a resident of Mount Lavinia. She was questioned at the Computer Crime Investigation Division, Narahenpita, Colombo, and further investigations have been launched to trace the whereabouts of a male who had arrived with her at the airport.
It has been reported that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne has been found dead at his residence in Athurugiriya this morning (17)
it is suspected that he may have taken his own life.
A heated argument broke out between Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar during the Kilinochchi District Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday (16).
A video footage of the incident shows the MP and the Minister engaging in a heated verbal exchange, following which a physical confrontation appeared to develop when the Minister attempted to grab files reportedly in the possession of MP Ramanathan.
“If you lay a hand on me, I’ll lay a hand on you too… got it?” Ramanathan is heard telling the Minister during the exchange.
Police and officials present at the meeting intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation were not immediately clear.
Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has filed an intervening petition before the Court of Appeal in connection with a petition filed by former head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act over investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The Cardinal has sought permission from the court to make submissions in relation to Sallay’s petition and requested that it be dismissed.
Can Argentina and Messi beat Spain and Yamal to defend World Cup?
Anushka Sanjeewani, Vishmi Gunaratne return for Pakistan ODIs
Lennox stars again as New Zealand take series lead after West Indies collapse
Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead at his residence
Venezuela earthquake: Number of known dead rises to nearly 5,000 victims
A few showers may occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts
‘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
-
Features6 days agoPrison riots and politics: NPP’s biggest challenge and Sri Lanka’s biggest opportunity
-
Editorial7 days agoWhat’s the world coming to?
-
Features3 days agoDirty Money
-
Editorial6 days agoMuch ado about crime: Fish or cut bait
-
Features6 days agoMore on Saudi Arabia: ARAMCO and beyond
-
Midweek Review3 days agoThe sordid tale of theft and tragedy at Finance Ministry
-
Latest News3 days agoOil prices hit 1-month high as US-Iran attacks dim Strait of Hormuz outlook
-
Features5 days agoDeepening Democracy – Constitutions and Constitutionalism