News
Large stock of Sevanagala sugar factory ethanol detected on its way to Dankotuwa

… suspect carrying fake documents claims consignment for perfume producer
By Shamindra Ferdinando
A chance detection of a lorry transporting ethanol, on the Southern Expressway, over the weekend, revealed that an illicit distillery, situated in the Dankotuwa police area, was obtaining supplies from the Lanka Sugar Company Private Limited, Sevanagala.
The demand for ethanol is extremely high since the government banned its import in January 2020.
Ethanol is made by state sugar companies as well as private ones. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of molasses which is a byproduct of sugar manufacturing process.
DIG (Legal) and attorney-at-law Ajith Rohana said that the police were inquiring into all aspects with an open mind.
The 35-year-old driver of the lorry had initially claimed 5,000 litres of ethanol in 25 large cans were being taken to a perfume manufacturer.
DIG Rohana said that initial investigations revealed that the suspect was carrying fake documents and the consignment was on its way to Dankotuwa.
The police spokesperson identified the suspect as a resident of Thorana junction, Kelaniya. According to DIG Rohana, the lorry having entered the southern expressway at the Anguruwathota exchange was proceeding when the traffic police followed it.
DIG Rohana said that the traffic police later handed over the suspect along with the lorry to the Weeraketiya police. The suspect was to be produced before the Walasmulla Magistrate.
DIG Rohana acknowledged that in spite of restrictions in place to regulate the movement of ethanol various ruses could be adopted by racketeers to secure required supplies.
Sevanagala Sugar Company couldn’t be contacted at the time of going to press yesterday.
News
Southern Expressway land leased to Rajapaksa allies for Rs. 10,000 – Minister

Leader of the House and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament yesterday that a service area on the Southern Expressway had been leased for 99 years to individuals linked to the Rajapaksa family for just Rs. 10,000.
Responding to questions raised by Opposition MPs Rohitha Abeygunawardena and Ajith P. Perera, Minister Rathnayake also claimed that the Rajapaksa associates had obstructed the construction of several other approved service areas along the expressway.
He said that the Southern Expressway project suffered from serious irregularities, including deviations from feasibility studies, which he said led to the wastage of billions of rupees.
Highlighting specific discrepancies, the Minister pointed to the construction of two interchanges that were not part of the original expressway blueprint.
“One is at Kapuduwa, just 5 km from Godagama in Matara, serving only traffic to and from Colombo. The other is at Bedigama, 6 km from Beliatta,” he said, adding that each interchange cost over Rs. 10 million to build.
By Saman Indrajith
News
Hike in bus fares if Israel-Iran conflict results in higher fuel prices

A hike in private bus fares could be on the cards next month if global fuel prices continue to climb as a result of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, according to Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President, Gemunu Wijeratne.
Wijeratne told The Island yesterday (20), that the annual bus fare revision, scheduled for the 1st of next month, could lead to a revision in fares, should fuel prices in the global market remain on an upward trajectory.
He said that while fuel prices are already high due to the prevailing geopolitical tensions, the Association is cautious about pushing for a fare increase immediately, warning that such a move could adversely affect the industry in the current economic climate.
However, Wijeratne emphasised that if international fuel prices stabilise and remain at their present levels, a fare hike may not be necessary.
“The situation is being closely monitored. We hope that the global market stabilises, but if fuel prices continue to rise, we will have no choice but to adjust fares accordingly,” he added.
By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon ✍️
News
Committee probing alleged abuse of power by IGP approves inclusion of two additional witnesses, currently abroad

The Committee of Inquiry investigating allegations of gross abuse of power by IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon convened for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, under the Chairmanship of Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena. The Committee also includes Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman of the National Police Commission, the Parliament Media Division said.
It said that as of Thursday, 28 prosecution witnesses have testified before the Committee, including seven on that day (Thursday).
The Committee has also approved the inclusion of two additional witnesses, currently abroad on official duty, to testify after their return to the country on 26 June. This request was submitted by Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel Dileepa Peiris, and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department.
Attorney-at-Law R.S. Weerawikrama, appearing on behalf of IGP Tennakoon, gave his consent for the two witnesses to be summoned for examination and cross-examination upon their return. The Committee granted the request.
Although initially scheduled to reconvene yesterday (20), proceedings have been postponed to Monday, 23 June, following a request by Weerawikrama to allow additional time to prepare the IGP’s defence. With the Attorney General’s Department not objecting, the Committee approved the postponement.
The next sessions will be held from 23 to 25 June, commencing at 9:30 a.m. daily. During this period, 15 witnesses are expected to testify on behalf of the Respondent IGP.The Committee will reconvene again at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, 26June, following the conclusion of the defense’s witness testimonies.
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