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Journo, STF ‘intel’ officer et al held in high profile CID probe

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Some of the PNB suspects arrested in connection with the ongoing CID probe

…disappearance of undeclared captured LTTE weapons sends shock waves

By Saman Gamage and Shamindra Ferdinando

Police investigating clandestine links between the underworld and some law enforcement personnel have taken into custody journalist Prasad Abeywickrema for allegedly facilitating the smuggling of weapons, including Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and assault rifles from Naula to Colombo during the corona lockdown.

Abeywickrema was taken into custody on Monday (17). Investigations have revealed that the weapons had been moved in a van that carried ‘President’s Media’ name board.

Another journalist is also under investigation in this regard.

Of the weapons pilfered, the elite STF on June 29, 2020 recovered 12 T-56 assault rifles stashed in a multi-storey building at Pitipana in the Homagama police area.

Sources said the STF carried out the raid on information provided by an informant who accompanied Abeywickrema from Naula to Colombo. Sources said that subsequently, the STF handed over the informant to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) now handling the inquiry.

Sources said that the stock of weapons included RPGs, Light Machine Guns, T 56 assault rifles and pistols.

Responding to The Island queries, sources said that the information regarding the weapons stashed at Pitipana had been received by a Chief Inspector and Sub Inspector attached to the STF who received transfers over a year ago following major narcotic detection. Sources said that the CI and SI had been sent to Mannar and Hambantota, respectively after the controversial detection. They were brought back after Varuna Jayasundera took over the STF recently, sources said, adding that over 80 weapons were yet to be recovered.

Sources said that the entire stock of weapons believed to be the property of the LTTE had been sold to underworld gangs. The weapons recovered at Pitipana had been sold to Kosgoda Tharaka’s gang, while the rest had fallen into hands of others operating in the Colombo district et al.

Several army personnel, including a Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion have been detained in connection with the investigation. The other journalist under investigation is believed to be the go between the military and the underworld.

Sources said that the highest levels of the government had been briefed of the ongoing investigation.

Sources said that some of those under investigation had also been involved in smuggling heroin.

Recently Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC expressed serious concern over the Registrar of courts, the police, the prisons and the Government Analyst Department (GAD) involvement in the heroin trade. Over 20 persons in custody in connection with alleged underworld links include police personnel attached to the Police Narcotics Bureau, GAD workers and Prisons Department employees.

Sources said that more arrests were likely soon.

Police headquarters yesterday evening confirmed Abeywickrema’s arrest. It said that the 30-year-old journalist, a resident of Ambakolawewa, Medamulana was taken into custody on Monday around 6.30 pm on information elicited from PNB personnel in custody for dealing in heroin.

It said that the suspect misused the identity card issued by the Government Information Department to move weapons from Naula to Pitipana in a van owned by a person held under Detention Orders. The journalist too was being been held under Detention Orders.

The police headquarters also said that information provided by PNB suspects led to the arrest of 49-year-old STF officer who functioned as the OIC, Intelligence and Special Operations of STF base, Mannar. The STF officer had been taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Temporary Provisions) of 1979 No 48.

 



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Opp. forms alliance to seize control of hung councils including CMC

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has reached consensus with Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP), United National Party (UNP) and the People’s Alliance (PA) to take control of Akurana, Kadugannawa, Kuliyapitiya and Udubaddawa Pradeshiya Sabhas.

Opposition parties made the announcement at a joint media briefing by SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, PA General Secretary Lasantha Alagiyawanna and UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala.

Terms of 161 out of 339 local government bodies to which elections were held in May commenced on June 2. The ruling NPP and the Opposition parties have been trying to seize control of the remaining councils. Contestants failed to secure working majorities in 178 councils. Both sides have accused each other of trying to bribe elected members in a bid to take control of the councils.

Elections were not held to two local government institutions on 06 May—the Kalmunai Urban Council due to a court case and the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), which was elected last year.

Responding to questions, the Opposition spokespersons said that they were confident of forming administration and many more councils.

SJB sources said that the Opposition was also working on an arrangement regarding the Colombo Municipal Council scheduled to meet on Monday (16) for the first time when the Mayor will be elected.

Leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Mano Ganeshan, MP, has alleged that the NPP bribed two of its members in the Haldumulla PS to vote in favour of the person nominated by the NPP as the chairman.

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Committee probing IGP to meet daily from June 16

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Deshabandu

The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena, inquiring into the conduct of IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon will meet daily from 16 June.

Director Legislative Services / Director Communication (Acting) of Parliament M. Jayalath Perera said that the decision had been taken on 11 June, when four witnesses gave evidence before the Committee. The IGP is under investigation regarding acts of gross abuse of power.

The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena and comprising Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman, National Police Commission, convened at Parliament from 9.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., during which evidence was thus recorded.

The committee of inquiry with the participation of Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor

General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, and R.S. Weerawickrama Attorney-at-Law, appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, cross-examined the witnesses.

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First comprehensive wildlife census reveals millions of Toque monkeys, Grey Langurs

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Toque monkeys

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation has released the results of Sri Lanka’s first countrywide wildlife census of common but often overlooked animals.

According to a report released by the ministry, Sri Lanka is currently home to some 5.17 million Toque Monkeys (rilava), 1.74 million Grey Langurs (wandura), 2.66 million palm squirrels (dandu lēna), and more than 4.24 million peacocks (monaru).

These findings, gathered during the 2024 countrywide census, reflect a detailed and collaborative effort spanning multiple government and research institutions.

“This is the most comprehensive enumeration of these species ever undertaken in the country,” said A.L. Sandika, Director

and CEO of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI).

“The numbers are a wake-up call—not just about their population densities, but about the mounting pressure these animals are placing on agriculture and rural livelihoods.”

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), though not the lead agency in the census, welcomed the data, calling it a “critical baseline for future wildlife management.”

The initiative was sparked not only by conservation priorities but also by growing farmer grievances. Monkeys, and peacocks are among the most frequently cited species in crop-raiding incidents, especially in districts like Moneragala, Ampara, and Anuradhapura.

“These animals are not just statistics. They are part of a deeper, escalating conflict between people and nature,” said a spokesperson for the DWC. “This data will help shape humane and sustainable management strategies, rather than relying on ad-hoc or harmful methods of population control.”

Unlike previous partial studies, this census employed a combination of direct observation, drone surveys, GPS-tagging, and farmer-reported data, covering both forested areas and farmlands. Officials confirmed that over 5,000 personnel were deployed across 25 districts during the year-long data-gathering phase.

Experts say the census helps break the long-held assumption that only large mammals like elephants or leopards deserve close population monitoring.

But not everyone is pleased. Some environmentalists warn that such population estimates may be misused to justify mass culling.

The report has already sparked renewed public discourse. On social media, citizens are debating whether peacocks—once beloved for their beauty—have now become pests. Others are urging greater investment in non-lethal mitigation techniques, such as crop insurance schemes, electric fencing, and the reforestation of buffer zones.

Some scientists, meanwhile, are calling for the next phase: integrating this data into a national biodiversity dashboard.The Ministry has proposed that such a census be conducted every five years, with expanded categories including reptiles, amphibians, and even invasive species.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

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