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STF raids artificial toddy distillery in Kochchikade

Published

5 years ago

2021/04/29

The STF, on Tuesday, raided an artificial toddy distillery at Ottiyawatte in Kochchikade and taken into custody three persons along with stocks of ingredients and paraphernalia used to manufacture the illicit brew.

The raiders seized 4,000 litres of molasses, 2,760 bottles of artificial toddy, 7.5 kilos of sugar, 5.9 kilos of ammonia and three sacks containing 500 gram packets of yeast.

Two women were among the three suspects arrested. They are residents of Katana and Kochchikade.

The stock of illicit brew, equipment and the suspects were handed over to the Negombo Excise Branch for legal action.

The distillery was located about three kilometres from the Kochchikade police.

The raid, carried out on a tip off, found evidence that the artificial toddy made from harmful chemicals was bottled and labeled as pure coconut toddy prior to being sent to the market, police said.

The raiding team comprised Chief Inspector MMNK Marasinghe, SI DLDT Prasanna, PSs 40444 Rohana, 12117 Tharanga, 18705 Godamunna, PCs 79349 Sampath, 87879 Kapila, 27266 Wijeratne and 4632 Perera.

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Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.

She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.

The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Free 14 day visa extension for visitors unable to depart Sri Lanka

Published

7 hours ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026, to grant a free fourteen (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations.

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Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrives in Colombo

Published

9 hours ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.

Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.