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Illegal assets of underworld figures frozen since September, Minister tells parliament

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2 weeks ago

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Wijepala

Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala on Friday (20) disclosed in Parliament details of properties and assets allegedly acquired through illegal activities by suspects arrested in raids carried out since September last year.

The Minister made the disclosure in response to a question raised by MP Ravindra Bandara, stating that the identified assets have been frozen pending further investigations.

He said the assets include properties belonging to several alleged organised crime figures, among them Mandinu Padmasiri, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, who was arrested last year.

Listing the assets in the House, the Minister said Hapugoda Arachchige Kankanamge Duminda Dilruk has assets worth Rs. 23 million frozen, including a van, a motorcycle, a house and a roller gate.

In the case of Kandaiya Kalamogan, two motorboats have been identified, although their value has not yet been assessed.

Dilum Tharaka Balasuriya is reported to own a two-storey house situated on 15 perches of land with a face value of Rs. 800,000.

Assets belonging to Mohammad Harish Mohammad and Mohammad Shiyam were frozen on January 21, 2026. While the total value has not yet been assessed, five vehicles were confiscated from the former and a car from the latter.

Wijesuriya Mahaduruge Uditha Iroshan Wijesiri has assets valued at Rs. 5 million, including a lorry, while Indika Pathmakumara’s assets include a cab worth Rs. 2.5 million and a bank account containing Rs. 1 million.

Lahiru Sampath is reported to own a three-wheeler valued at Rs. 1.8 million.

According to the Minister, Hettiarachchige Dona Sriyani Chandralatha possesses a four-storey house and 14.7 perches of land valued at Rs. 60 million.

Mandinu Padmasiri, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, owns 20 perches of land with partially constructed buildings valued at Rs. 30 million and a half-finished six-room building worth Rs. 20 million, the Minister said.

Patabendi Maddumage Shehan Sathsara, alias ‘Dehi Bale Malli’, has five multi-day fishing trawlers valued at Rs. 200 million and a two-storey house with 15.8 perches of land worth Rs. 50 million.

The Minister further disclosed that Jayasinghege Maduranga Sampath owns a cab worth Rs. 5.4 million, a van valued at Rs. 14.5 million, five bank accounts containing Rs. 73.03 million, another account with Rs. 160,328.88 and USD 544, and Rs. 283 million in cash.

Adhikari Samantha Perera is reported to own 10.10 perches of land valued at Rs. 5 million and one acre and 1.5 perches of land worth Rs. 13 million.The Minister said investigations are continuing in respect of the suspects and the frozen assets.


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Cabinet nod to include the National Savings Bank for the Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Students

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1 min ago

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2026/03/10

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The Interest-Free Loan Scheme is implemented to follow government-recognized degree programs in non-governmental higher education institutions for students who have passed the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination and have not been eligible to enter a state university.

At present, the People’s Bank and the Bank of Ceylon are the banks that are granting loans under the aforementioned loan scheme. It has been planned to provide loan facilities  for 7,000 students under stage 10 of the aforementioned loan scheme.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the  Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education to include the National Savings Bank as a bank that grants loans for students under the aforementioned loan scheme, in addition to the People’s Bank and Bank of Ceylon.

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PM holds bilateral meetings in the Philippines to strengthen cooperation in Education, Skills Development, and Agricultural Research

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4 hours ago

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2026/03/10

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of meetings with key Philippine institutions during her official visit to the Philippines from 09–11 March 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, higher education, technical skills development, and agricultural research.

On 09 March, the Prime Minister met with the Secretary of Education of the Philippines, Sonny Angara. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the education sector, including sharing best practices in education policy, teacher training, curriculum reforms, and digital learning initiatives. The Prime Minister also briefed the Philippine delegation on Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms aimed at modernizing curricula and integrating technology into learning.

The Prime Minister also met with a delegation of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines (CHED), led by Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. Discussions centered on the development of higher education in both countries, with particular attention to research collaboration, academic partnerships between universities, student and faculty exchanges, and strengthening quality assurance frameworks.

In a separate meeting, the Prime Minister held talks with the Secretary and Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Jose Francisco B. Benitez. The discussions focused on cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), including knowledge sharing, institutional partnerships, and possible alignment of qualifications frameworks to enhance skills recognition and workforce mobility.

The meetings reaffirmed the commitment of Sri Lanka and the Philippines, along with international research institutions, to strengthen collaboration in education, skills development, and agricultural research in support of sustainable development and human capital growth.

The Sri Lankan delegation included the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines, Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, and Senior Assistant Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. P.H. Piyumee Bandara.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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

Published

10 hours ago

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2026/03/10

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Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 09 March 2026, valid for 10 March 2026.

The public are warned that the  Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western 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 the 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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