News
Ex-TID head: IGP, SIS did not allow Jihadist fighter returning from Syria to be arrested
By Rathindra Kuruwita
A senior official of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara had asked the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) not to investigate a Sri Lankan named Mohammad Nilabdeen Mohammad Rimzan, who had returned after fighting for ISIS in 2018, former head of TID Deputy Inspector General of police Nalaka de Silva yesterday told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.
Silva said that TID had picked up Nilabdeen Rimzan at the airport and asked him to come to the TID after initial questioning. However, Deputy Director of SIS, Sampath Kumara had asked Silva not to pursue the investigation as the SIS was conducting a separate investigation.
“Kumara asked me not to disturb Rimzan. I said we wanted to question him because the TID wanted to
know why he has returned. This was the time when ISIS was losing and sending its foreign fighters home. I then asked him to talk to the IGP and make a formal request.”
Silva said that subsequently a letter had been sent by the IGP to then Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order, Pathmasiri Jayamanne on 14 March 2018. He had submitted a copy of the letter sent by the IGP to Jayamanne.
Silva added that the TID had kept tabs on extremists like National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) leader Zahran Hashim and Abdul Latif Jameel Mohammed, who blew himself up at the Dehiwala Tropical Inn, and reported their activities on a weekly basis to the IGP.
In addition to the weekly reports, the IGP was continuously informed of TID investigations carried out on his instructions, Silva said.
Several reports exchanged between then IGP Jayasundara and the TID were also submitted to the Commission.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and 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.
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