News
DMI leads commandos to narcotics smuggling ring

Trawler skipper arrested, over Rs 10 mn recovered
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Special Operations Unit of the elite Special Task Force (STF) has arrested the skipper of a multi- day fishing trawler used in midsea transfer of narcotics to be smuggled into Sri Lanka.
Acting on a tip-off received from the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), police commandos on Tuesday afternoon (04) apprehended the suspect in the Tangalle police area.
The police identified the arrested person as a 32-year-old resident of Koskoratuwa, Sinimodera. They have recovered Rs 5,014,000 in cash, jewellery weighing 377 grammes, 10 grammes of heroin and one hand phone.
Having taken trawler operator into custody, the commando squad raided the home of the mastermind of the smuggling operation in the Thelikada police area. Police headquarters said that at the time of the raid, the main suspect hadn’t been there but law enforcement officers apprehended his father as he, too, was involved in the narcotics trade.
The raiding party recovered a pistol with two magazines, two hand phones, one satellite phone and Rs. 9,002,800 in cash.
The suspects have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigations.
Police headquarters said investigations were underway to apprehend the mastermind and other persons wanted in connection with the smuggling of drugs.
According to police headquarters, the 60-year-old suspect has been taken on a charge of aiding and abetting, and investigations would help identify some of those engaged in smuggling operations.
STF Commandant DIG Varuna Jayasundera confirmed the arrests made during the week. “We are jointly conducting investigations with the PNB,” DIG Jayasundera said.
The latest Indo-Pacific Defence Forum published by the US Military dealt with how international drug traffickers changed their operating methods against the backdrop of the seizure of 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine or meth (ICE) by the Sri Lankan Navy in early January 2021. The report titled ‘Methamphetamine seizure shows changing nature of region’s trafficking’ ascertained smugglers could be increasingly using sea routes to move in meth as the stuff generated more profits.
Police say they have observed an increasing number of detections of small quantities of ICE in many parts of the country. They say in spite of major detections in Sri Lankan waters, some consignments are reaching the intended users.
Navy headquarters said that during operations carried out in 2021 98 suspects had been arrested along with more than 158kg of meth.
Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne has warned the owners of trawlers not to engage in narcotics, as well as people’s smuggling.
According to data made available by Navy headquarters, heroin continued to be the main attraction among the drug users. “We have apprehended 119 foreigners and 22 Sri Lankans engaged in smuggling heroin in 74 detections in our waters as well as high seas,” a senior official said. The official placed the amount of heroin recovered on these occasions at 1,268 kgs.
The official said altogether the Navy took into custody heroin, Kerala cannabis and other drugs with a street value of Rs. 15.86 billion.
Responding to The Island queries, the official said that their efforts had been greatly strengthened by support provided by the international community. The arrest of over 100 foreigners and the seizure of several vessels underscored the importance of cooperation among governments to crackdown on drug smugglers. The official also pointed out the need to probe the nexus between those engaged in drugs and human smuggling.
News
Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA departs island concluding her visit

The Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal visit, departed the island on 18 Jun 25.
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing
ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the Turkish Naval Ship engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Gajabahu in Colombo seas. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka, Semih Lütfü Turgut, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship, Lieutenant Commander Anil
BİLGİN met with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda at the Navy Headquarters on 13 Jun 25. The cordial discussion mainly focused on several matters of
bilateral importance and it importance of the occasion.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of TCG BÜYÜKADA took part in several programmes including sporting events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the island.
Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit the Turkish Naval Ship gaining insights into the ship’s operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, the enhanced cooperation and interoperability fostered through this nature of port calls made by foreign naval ships will provide a strong foundation for the Sri Lanka Navy to
collectively and effectively respond to emerging trends and challenges in the maritime fraternity.
News
Students of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visit President’s House

A group of students from Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visited the Presidential Secretariat and the President’s House on Wednesday (18).
The visit was facilitated under the ‘Vision’ programme series, a collaborative initiative for schoolchildren organised by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
As part of the visit, the students toured the Old Parliament building located within the Presidential Secretariat and received a briefing on the history of parliamentary democracy in Sri Lanka.
The students and teaching staff were also briefed on the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as well as on the functions of the executive branch and the importance of the rule of law.
To symbolically emphasise the importance of environmental preservation, K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, presented the school with a valuable plant sapling.
Among those in attendance were Colonel Dhananjaya Senarath, Deputy Director of the Tri-Forces Security Operations Coordinating Unit; N.A.L. Wijerathna, Principal of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School; and members of the school’s teaching staff.
News
President commends the service of outgoing Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Wednesday (18), lauded Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, for his exemplary service, stating that it is the responsibility of public officials to strive to prevent adverse outcomes and contribute to positive change.
The President particularly commended Mr Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country. President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for Mr Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.
These remarks were made by President Disanayake at a farewell ceremony organised at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (18) morning to mark Mr Siriwardana’s retirement from his post as Secretary to the Treasury.
The President highlighted the need for a new value system focused on individual merit in an era where material possessions often overshadow genuine human values. He stressed that the country requires a public service driven by humanity and empathy towards others, fulfilling its duties rather than one marred by excessive consumerism and corruption.
President Disanayake further emphasised that the public service should not be an inaccessible mechanism aloof from citizens. He underscored the importance of considering the impact of decisions on people’s lives when making policy choices. The President concluded by stating that young public officials have much to learn from the distinguished career of Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, a senior public servant with extensive experience and profound understanding.
In his address, Mr Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as Secretary to the Treasury as the most significant period of his professional life. He thanked the President for maintaining confidence in him and allowing him to continue in the position despite a change in government leadership, noting that the President’s support was a great source of strength. Mr Siriwardana added that the country might not have overcome its economic crisis without President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s faith, resilience and boundless dedication.
During the ceremony, the President also presented Mr Siriwardana with a token of appreciation for his outstanding service.
The event was attended by Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs; other government officials; and family members of Mr Siriwardana, amongst other invited guests.
-
Features7 days ago
They came, they won, they returned to Jaffna isles
-
Features5 days ago
As I remember, from 50 years ago: the 75-80 Katubedda Engineering Batch
-
News7 days ago
ITAK candidate elected B’caloa Mayor as NPP seeks alliance with Pillayan
-
Opinion7 days ago
When life becomes more painful than death
-
Features5 days ago
Writing History on Paris Clay – French Open 2025
-
Life style5 days ago
Miss World from Thailand!
-
Editorial7 days ago
‘Abaran goes to prison’
-
Features4 days ago
When the water rises: Climate change and the future of Yala’s Mugger Crocodiles