News
UK court orders extradition of Lankan trafficking suspect
The UK court has ordered the extradition of a Sri Lankan man accused of running a people-trafficking ring while employed at a chicken shop to France, said a report published by the Sun of the UK.The Sun report said: Sathasivam Sivagankan, 58, a refugee granted asylum in Britain, allegedly organized clandestine Channel crossings from his rented home, as revealed in court documents.
A judge has now ordered the dad of two’s extradition to France, where last year he was convicted of people smuggling and given a five-year jail term in his absence, the Sun reported.Sivagankan had been granted indefinite leave to remain in Britain after fleeing the war in Sri Lanka in 2003 with his wife and sons, who are UK citizens.
The 58-year-old Tamil, of Colliers Wood, South West London, was working part-time at Morley’s chicken shop in Brixton — and receiving universal credits, according to documents.But he was also a ringleader in a gang which smuggled Sri Lankans into several European countries over two years.
Fourteen people were accused of involvement.One Channel crossing was thwarted in June 2021.Sivagankan, who has no UK convictions, was first arrested in London in March 2022 on behalf of French authorities.
A judge originally ordered his extradition in November 2022 on a warrant based on accusations made in France.Court papers said: “He is described as an organiser within a European wide criminal group operating in many countries.”
In January 2023 Sivagankan was sentenced in absence at a court in Beauvois near Paris.The High Court discharged the initial extradition warrant in October 2023, but a new one, based on his conviction, was issued the next month.Following Friday’s decision, Sivagankan is on 10,000 Sterling Pounds bail, a curfew and must wear a tag while he awaits extradition.
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Latest News
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to appoint M. M. D. J. Senarathne, who is the senior most officer in Grade I of Sri Lanka Scientific Service se
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India captain
Turkiye, Pakistan agree Saudi Arabia military deployment under Mecca pact
Rumesh Tharanga among nominees announced for World Athlete of the Year 2026
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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