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UDA investigation on death leap hotel

By Hemantha Randunu
The Urban Development Authority (UDA) had on Friday received a report on the five-storey building in Kalutara from where a 16-year old schoolgirl had fallen, UDA Chairman Nimesh Herath said on Friday.
He promised follow-up action on Monday. Herath said that the Director of the UDA office in Kalutara conducted a comprehensive investigation into the building and handed over his report on Friday.He said that he would refer his recommendations to Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga after which future action is expected to be taken.
The five-storey lodge relevant to the death has been built on a very narrow strip of land in Kalutara city. When constructing such a building, there are several authorities from whom permission and directions should be obtained. This is compulsorily.
At the same time, an essential task to be carried out is scientifically certifying the standards of building materials used, Herath said.
Initially, approval from the concerned local authority is required. Plans of the property on which the construction will be undertaken and the building plans must be authorized by the UDA or relevant local body.
Meanwhile, the last phone call received by the dead girl, Tihara Nirmani, who is suspected to have jumped off the fifth floor of the building has been traced to her 19-year old friend who had accompanied her to the hotel.
This was to meet Dhanushka Sahabandu, a 29-year-old man who was with the girl, Tihara, when she died, police have found. Sahabandu is also in custody.He had previously told the police that Tihara became agitated and jumped out of the window following the telephone call.
The 19-year-old female is currently in custody and the police suspect that she is involved in various nefarious activities. She and her boyfriend had accompanied the dead girl to the hotel and had left her there with the 29-year-old man, the police said.The police are to record a statement from the 19-year-old female to determine what the conversation she had with Tihara.
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala districts

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 26 April 2025, valid for 27 April 2025.
The 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 Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala 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.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs pays his last respects to Pope Francis

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath represented Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday [26]
News
RW to visit CIABOC on Monday

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) tomorrow (28) over the statement he had made on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, his lawyers have informed the Commission.
Accordingly, the former President will appear before the commission at 9.30am on Monday.
Wickremesinghe was initially summoned by the Commission to CIABOC on April 17 in relation to a statement he had made about the corruption case filed against NDF (gas cylinder) MP Dassanayake.
In response to the previous summons, Wickremesinghe had indicated that he is prepared to appear before the commission but requested a different date citing that his lawyers will not be available in Colombo during the New Year holiday period.
Accordingly, a new was provided and Wickremesinghe requested to appear before the commission at 09.30 a.m. on Thursday (April 25).On April 7, Wickremesinghe had said that MP Dassanayake withdrew the fixed deposits belonging to the Uva Provincial Council, over which he is now facing corruption charges, in accordance with a circular issued during Wickremesingher’s tenure as Prime Minister.
The former President questioned whether the MP’s arrest over the matter was in response to Dassanayake’s vocal criticism of the government in parliament.
The sitting MP is currently in remand custody for allegedly misappropriating a sum of Rs. 1 million of the Uva Provincial Council in 2016.
He was taken into custody on March 27, over three separate corruption-related cases.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court previously granted bail in the cases filed against him but he remains in remand custody due to an order issued by the Badulla Magistrate’s Court.
According to the CIABOC, Dassanayake had solicited funds from three state banks, claiming they were intended to provide bags for preschool children in the province.
Two banks complied, granting him Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million, which were later transferred to his foundation account.
However, when a third bank refused to provide funds, Dassanayake reportedly retaliated by withdrawing the Uva Provincial Council’s fixed deposits from that institution.The CIABOC filed a case against the MP, citing the government incurred a financial loss of Rs. 17.3 million due to his actions.
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