News
Police under greater pressure to track down IGP on the run as CA rejects bid to stay arrest order
Having dismissed the writ petition filed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon on the run, the Court of Appeal yesterday (17) ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest him and produce him in Court.
The IGP sought an interim injunction to prevent the execution of the arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court on February 28 against him in connection with the shooting incident that took place in Weligama, Matara, on Dec, 31, 2023.
The Court of Appeal bench, comprising its Acting President Justice Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Sarath Dissanayake dismissed the petition without a hearing.
The petition filed by Tennakoon before the Court of Appeal was earlier taken up for consideration on March 12 but the decision was put off to March 17.
The IGP’s legal team made a last minute bid to prevent an arrest order by submitting a motion requesting an opportunity to submit additional documents related to the case.
However, in terms of an agreement between the Attorney General (AG) and the counsel of six other policemen implicated in the Weligama shooting, the AG ordered the CID not to arrest the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) and five other policemen implicated in the case.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
PM pays condolence to pope Francis at the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo
President conducts an inspection tour of Kandy city
Sri Lankan delegation meets with US Trade Representative
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