News

Cop had stolen 9mm police pistol and given it to rap artiste

Published

1 year ago

2025/03/15

By Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu

Police officers from the Matara Division Criminal Investigation Unit recovered a 9mm pistol, a magazine, and 10 bullets from the home of rap artiste and television actor Shan Putha, located at Araliya Uyana in Meegoda, yesterday.

The weapon and ammunition had been stolen from the Kotawila Police Station, in Matara, by a police constable, who is now in custody, according to the police.

The constable, who had also served as Shan Putha’s manager, was arrested while working at the Mannar Police Station. The stolen pistol and bullets were taken on 06 March, while the constable was stationed at the Matara Kotawila Police and working with its Narcotics Division.

Following the allegations, the constable was transferred from the Narcotics Division to Mannar on 08 March. Investigations revealed that, just two days before his transfer, the constable had stolen the pistol from the Matara Kotawila Police Station.

The suspect constable had known Shan Putha during his time at the Kotawila Police and the two of them had become friends. The stolen pistol, live rounds, and magazine had been handed over to Shan Putha before the constable’s transfer to Mannar.

Upon learning of the incident, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nishantha Soysa of the Matara District initiated an investigation, leading to the constable’s arrest. During questioning, the constable admitted to handing over the stolen items to Shan Putha.

Officers from the Matara Division Criminal Investigation Unit and Homagama Police subsequently surrounded Shan Putha’s home in Meegoda, from where they recovered the stolen firearm, magazine and bullets. The police are now investigating whether the weapon was intended for any criminal activity.

The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Kithsiri Jayalath and Deputy Inspector General of Police Nishantha Soysa.

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Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 April 2026

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

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 above table 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.

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.