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Thico scam: Rs. 3 bn withdrawn from Thilini’s account in six months

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By A.J.A. Abeynayake

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (18) informed Acting Fort Magistrate Shilani Perera that Rs 3 bn in an account maintained by Thilini Priyamali, Proprietor, Thico Group of Companies, had been withdrawn between January and June 2022.

The Court was also told that there had been seven other cases before the High Court, and Magistrate Courts, as well against Priyamali arrested in the first week of this month on a complaint made by businessman Kamal Hassen.

The suspect was produced in Court yesterday (19) along with Isuru Bandara, described as a partner under investigation for his involvement in fraudulent financial transactions.

After hearing submissions made by the CID, and lawyers, appearing for the affected parties, the Acting Magistrate remanded them till Nov. 02 pending further investigations.

The CID told Court that investigations had not revealed the earnings of Thico Group of Companies, though the maintenance of its World Trade Centre office cost the group Rs 4.1 million per year.

Thilini Priyamali and Isuru Bandara were produced in Court over collecting large sums of money, promising high returns for the investments. Among those who had been tricked were politicians. However, many victims had been reluctant to lodge complaints with the police.

Attorney-at-law Roshan Dehiwela, Counsel for Isuru Bandara, said that though the CID alleged his client was a director of Thico Group of Companies the police failed to produce any documents to prove their allegations. Lawyer Dulan Mirihana also appeared for him.

Counsel for Thilini Priyamali, Attorney-at-Law Dasun Nagahawatta, and Rakitha Rajapaksa, accused the CID of exaggerating allegations against their client.

They moved Court to grant bail to their client as charges levelled against her were bailable offences. Nagahawatta tendered in Court several documents to support that his client paid taxes and operated a lawful business.

President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, appearing for an aggrieved party, said the CID should initiate investigations to arrest a woman, named Janaki Siriwardena, who had allegedly introduced businessmen to Thilini Priyamali. Siriwardhana was identified as Chief Executive Officer and Director of the One Transworks Square (Pvt.) Limited



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Landslide Earyly Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura

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The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.

Accordingly,

LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district,  Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.

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INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit

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The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.

On departure  the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.

The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A

dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

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Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21

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A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday  (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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