News
Supreme Court orders recall of appeals in Sivaloganathan Vidya Case, sets date for acquittal review
By AJA Abeynayake
The appeals of defendants given the death penalty for the 2015 abduction, gang rape, and murder of Jaffna schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vidya were directed to be reconsidered on Jan 22.
This directive was issued during a session before the three-member Supreme Court judge bench, including Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Vengapulli, and Shiran Gunaratne, on Tuesday (9).
In the same hearing, the Supreme Court mandated the petitioning party to provide Sinhala language translations related to the case to the Attorney General.
On September 27, 2017, the Jaffna High Court, concluding the highly publicized trial over Vidya’s abduction, gang rape, and murder, imposed the death penalty on the seven accused, including the chief suspect ‘Swiss Kumar.’ The three-member judge bench not only sentenced the individuals to death but also ordered them to pay one million rupees in compensation to the victim’s family. Additionally, a 30-year prison term was given.
Sivaloganathan Vidya, an 18-year-old schoolgirl from Punkudutivu, was tragically abducted, gang-raped, and murdered in Jaffna on May 13, 2015, while returning home from school.The appealing party now seeks a Supreme Court order declaring the death penalty’s imposition as a violation of the law, thereby acquitting them of the charges.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.
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.
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Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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