News
Salley arrested under PTA
Over alleged intervention to secure release of terror suspects
By Norman Palihawadane
A team consisting of an ASP of the CID yesterday evening arrested National Unity Front leader and former Western Province Governor, Azath Salley. Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said Salley had been taken into custody near his residence in Colpetty under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The arrest had been made on the advice of the Attorney General, his coordinating officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said.
Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd) Sarath Weerasekera said that the Attorney General had instructed the police to arrest Salley over his intervention to protect Islamic extremists following attacks on some Buddha statues in Mawanella. Salley also allegedly intervened to secure the release of two key suspects who arrested with explosives at the Wanathawilluwa Jihadist training camp. Salley has denied the allegation.
A separate investigation was launched by the CID two days ago into a recent statement made by Salley that he would accept only sharia law.
DIG Rohana said that several parties had lodged complaints with the CID against a controversial statement made by Azath Salley, and investigations are being carried out into his statement and the statements made in social media.
Salley, who has been the subject of much controversy due to his statement that Muslim law in the country can never be changed, gave a statement to Cinnamon Gardens police station on Saturday night. Speaking to the media after leaving the Cinnamon Gardens police station, Salley said that he had come to give a statement voluntarily.
Latest News
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general 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 Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
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.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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