Nihal Thalduwa: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Venerable Rajanganaye Saddhatissa Thero was arrested in Anuradhapra on the charge of making comments that harm religious coexistence in Sri Lanka.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that the Venerable Thero was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department on Monday (29) morning. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); A total of 23 people have been gunned down in Sri Lanka so far in 2023, revealed the statistics presented by Sri Lanka Police.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that 6 people were injured in shootings so far this year.Priyantha Jayakody, the Former Senior DIG of the Crimes Division and Organized Crime Division said "In 2019, 273 homicides were reported, and that figure spiked to 523 in 2022."He went on to note that 239 homicides were reported so far within the 146 days in 2023. "This is a daily spike of 1.6%.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have arrested two men for chopping off another person's wrist following a dispute.Sri Lanka Police said that an argument had broken out in Weragampita, Matara while flying kites, and the heated exchange led to the left wrist of an 18-year-old youth being chopped off.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the argument broke out when one person told two others to put down their kites, as he could not fly his kite.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Sri Lanka woman was among the six people who died in a fire that broke out at a hotel in Bani Yas in Abu Dhabi.General Manager of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Gamini Senarath told News 1st that the woman in question had gone to Abu Dhabi for employment on a tourist visa in 2021.He said that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi is working on ascertaining the identity of the deceased.He also added that information with regard a report that a Sri Lankan woman died after falling off a high-rise in Malaysia is being obtained via the Sri Lankan High Commission in Malaysia.However, he said no definite information is available over such an incident.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a complaint had been filed with the Kobeigane Police citing that a 42-year-old woman had died in Malaysia.It is reported that the woman had gone to Malaysia to serve as a domestic aide in December 2022. 

COLOMBO (News 1st). The Deputy Principal of a school in Ambalangoda was injured following a shooting on Friday (26) morning close to the Balapitiya Court Complex.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that two motorcycle gunmen had opened fire at the victim and fled the scene.The injured man was identified as a 44-year-old, and Sri Lanka Police said that he was a relative of notorious criminal Kosgoda Suji.Gunmen opened fire at him when he was traveling on the road, and the Police Spokesperson said the injured man was admitted to the hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested 17 more students with regard to the incident where a school teacher in Puttlam was assaulted earlier in the week.Sri Lanka Police said that the students will be produced in court on Friday (26).Four other students of the Thillayadi Muslim Maha Vidyalaya who had assaulted the school's master in charge of sports and discipline were arrested and remanded until the 26th of May.According to the Police, the students had assaulted the master for advising them to groom their hair and beard to suit the school uniform.  The principal of the school turned back the students involved in the attack when they had visited the school to collect their admission slips for the G.C.E ordinary level exam.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A woman from Panadura had died during the course of arrest by Sri Lanka Police on Thursday (25) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the Panadura Range Crimes Division is conducting an investigation in to the incident.Officers attached to the Panadura North Police had visited the residence of the 52-year-old woman in question located in Diggala, Panadura in order to ascertain information over illegal liquor peddling.The police officers had later arrested her and decided to take her to the police station.However, the family of the woman claimed they urged police not to take her citing that she was ill and was a patient at the Panadura Hospital.The family said Sri Lanka Police disregarded these claims, and that the woman stressed that she was not feeling well when she was getting into a three-wheeler.The family also claimed that the police officers refused to take her to a hospital, and they (the family) had to call for a vehicle to take her to the hospital.However, upon admission the woman had passed away and the remains were placed at the Panadura Base Hospital for the post-mortem examination.Sri Lanka Police said the woman had fallen ill while being moved to the police station, and she was arrested for the possession of illegal liquor.Police also said that the family was advised to hospitalize the woman, and she died upon admission to the hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Four students of the Thillayadi Muslim Maha Vidyalaya who had assaulted the school's master in charge of sports and discipline were remanded until the 26th of May.According to the Police, the students had assaulted the master for advising them to groom their hair and beard to suit the school uniform.  The principal of the school turned back the students involved in the attack when they had visited the school to collect their admission slips for the G.C.E ordinary level exam.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 37-year-old man was gunned down on the Heenatigala Road in Unawatuna, Habaraduwa on Wednesday (24) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that two unidentified motorcycle gunmen had opened fire at the victim when he was traveling in a three-wheeler with his wife after dropping off their children at school.The victim was a father of three from Kanattawatte in Heenatigala.He was employed as a three-wheeler driver, and once served in the Sri Lanka Army as well.Sri Lanka Police said that the victim was charged with murder and spent time behind bars, and was later released on bail.The wife of the victim was injured in the shooting, and she was admitted to the local hospital.The gunmen had fled the scene following the shooting, and investigations are underway.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told reporters on Wednesday (17) that Jerome Fernando had left the country on Sunday, 14th May 2023.The Police Spokesperson said that as per a court order, it is possible to arrest Jerome Fernando at the airport when he returns to the country.Jerome Fernando posted on social media that he was overseas for a prescheduled event, and that he would return to the country on Sunday, 21st May.Sri Lankan authorities imposed an overseas travel ban on Jerome Fernando on Tuesday (16).Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that the travel ban was imposed based on an order the Criminal Investigations Department obtained from the court.The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation regarding a statement made by Jerome Fernando.The Catholic Church says that it strongly condemns the statements made by Jerome Fernando that disrupt religious harmony. 

Colombo (News1st) – Security has been tightened in several areas in Colombo.Police media spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that security has been tighted due to an unspecified intelligence information received. He added that police, Police Special Task Force, Army and police anti-riot teams have been deployed.Meanwhile, special operations are in place in other parts of the island.The Police Media Spokesman said that this security arrangement will be in place until the relevant information is updated by the intelligence agencies. 

The Criminal Investigations Department has been assigned to investigate the death of the 16-year-old girl in Kalutara. Police Media Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa noted the measure was taken to uncover the hidden facts related to the incident.Meanwhile, the spouse of the owner of the hotel where the incident had taken place was arrested by the police yesterday. She is a 48 year old resident of Katukurunda. The main suspect in the incident is detailed and investigated over the past 48 hours. The main suspect Dhanushka Gayan Sahabandu, aged 29 was arrested in Hikkaduwa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – With adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Police has issued a warning to drivers to exercise caution while driving on the expressways. According to Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa, slippery conditions are expected on the roads along the expressway.To ensure the safety of all travelers, Police officers have been deployed to the entrances and exits of the expressway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Tomorrow marks the 137th International Labor Day, and May Day rallies are set to take place across Colombo and Kandy, organized by the main political parties of Sri Lanka.The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna's May Day rally will take place tomorrow evening at Borella Campbell Park grounds, according to General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. The United National Party's May Day rally will be held at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, according to General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara.The May Day rally of Samagi Jana Balawega will take place at the A.E.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Former Attorney General Dappula De Livera did not turn up at the Terrorist Investigations Division on Monday (24), after he was informed to appear at the TID.He was summoned to the TID to record a statement with the regard to a comment he made over the 2019 Easter Sunday Terror Attacks. Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that Former Attorney General Dappual De Livera did not visit the TID on Monday (24). Former Attorney General Dappual De Livera was summoned to the TID for the third time on Monday (24).Sri Lanka's Former Attorney General Dappula De Livera was summoned to the Terrorist Investigations Division to record a statement over a comment he made regarding the 2019 April Attacks in May 2021, days ahead of his retirement.On the 17th of May 2021, Former Attorney General Dappula De Livera said, "There is a Grand Conspiracy with regard to the 2019 April Attacks." He said that information by the State Intelligence Service with times, targets, places, method of attacks and other information is clear evidence there was a Grand Conspiracy in place.Counsel appearing for Dappual De Livera, PC commented on the matter after filing objections with the TID.

Colombo (News 1st) – Former Attorney General Dappula De Livera did not arrive at the Terrorist Investigation Division this morning, despite being summoned to provide a statement.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several police officers from the North Western Province including a Senior DIG have been given transfers to Colombo.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that Senior DIG in charge of the North Western Province, Puttlam DIG, Puttlam SSP, Puttlam SP and the Anamaduwa OIC were given transfers.Senior DIG in charge of the North Western Province Lalith Pathinayake was transferred to Police Headquarters.The other officers have been transferred to the Police Field Force Headquarters.Senior DIG Sajiva Medawatte was appointed as the Acting DIG for the North Western Province.It is reported that the transfers came into effect following an incident where a Police Constable attached to the Nawagattegama Police Station, the North Western Province, was beaten up on the 22nd of March.According to the Police Spokesperson, on the 22nd of March the Police Constable had obtained leave and gone home, and on that day he was engaged in an altercation with a group of Police Task Force personnel who were loitering opposite his residence.Following the brawl, the STF personnel had dumped the injured police constable in the cemetery in the area.Five Police Special Task Force personnel were arrested following the incident, and they are attached to the Puttlam STF camp.The arrested personnel at two Inspectors, one Police STF Sergeant, two Police STF constables.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that 662 grams of high-powered explosive were recovered following the interrogation of  Ravindu Warnaranga also known as 'Booru Moona'.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the explosives were found concealed near an electricity post in Hanwella.Ravindu Warnaranga also known as 'Booru Moona', a wanted criminal who escaped police custody and was evading capture, was arrested close to the Court Complex in Avissawella on Friday (17).Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that 'Booru Moona' was wanted by authorities for a series of murders and other crimes.‘Booru Moona’ had attempted to fly to Dubai under a false name from the Katunayake Airport on February 24th, and he was arrested by Immigration Officers at the BIA, who then handed him over to the Airport Police.Thereafter, he had escaped police custody and two monks along with another man were arrested by the Katunayake Police for facilitating the escape of the suspect.Moreover, a husband and wife duo who were arrested for providing accommodation to the fugitive ‘Booru Moona’ who escaped while in the custody of the Katunayake Airport Police,  were remanded.‘Booru Moona’ was identified as the shooter by detectives who investigated the incident where a owner of a restaurant was shot dead at point-blank range in Hanwella on December 18th in 2022.The court had granted Sri Lanka Police to detain and interrogate the suspect for a period of 72 hours.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ravindu Warnaranga also known as 'Booru Moona', a wanted criminal who escaped police custody and was evading capture, was arrested in Avissawella on Friday (17).Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that 'Booru Moona' was wanted by authorities for a series of murders and other crimes.‘Booru Moona’ had attempted to fly to Dubai under a false name from the Katunayake Airport on February 24th, and he was arrested by Immigration Officers at the BIA, who then handed him over to the Airport Police.Thereafter, he had escaped police custody and a two monks along with another man were arrested by the Katunayake Police for facilitating the escape of the suspect.Moreover, a husband and wife duo who were arrested for providing accommodation to the fugitive ‘Booru Moona’ who escaped while in the custody of the Katunayake Airport Police,  were remanded.‘Booru Moona’ was identified as the shooter by detectives who investigated the incident where a owner of a restaurant was shot dead at point blank range in Hanwella on December 18th in 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two people died following a tragic collision between a speeding train and a car at the Magaltota Level Crossing in Koggala, Galle.The tragic accident involving a car and a speeding train took place on Thursday (16) afternoon at the Railway Crossing located close to the Fertilizer Storage Facility in the Habaraduwa Police Jurisdiction in Galle.It was evident via CCTV footage that when the car moved on to the tracks, the warning signals were already on.A 35-year-old man from Ahangama, and an 80-year-old woman died on the spot.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the train operating from Colombo to Beliatte collided with the car at around 12:30 in the afternoon.Locals who gathered at the crash site were seen making great efforts to retrieve the bodies from the ill-fated vehicle.The car was dragged 300 meters away from the crash site.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 42-year-old man was shot dead in Kuligoda, Ambalangoda on Tuesday (28) morning. Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the suspects who carried out the shooting had targeted the man who was traveling on a motorcycle.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A criminal wanted for multiple crimes was killed in police fire on Thursday (23) morning in Medawala, Katunayake.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that officers opened fire when the suspect attempted to hurl a bomb at them.The deceased was identified as Dinesh Buddhika, a 30-year-old man from Heenatiyana.It was reported that police officers were searching for a firearm that was use to commit a crime, and it was at that moment that the deceased suspect had attempted to hurl a bomb at the officers.Sri Lanka Police said that the deceased suspect was wanted for homicides, extortion and other crimes.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colpetty Police sealed the office of the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission as per an order issued by the Fort Magistrate's Court,This was confirmed by the Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa.He said that the court order was obtained after reporting facts to the court with regard to information that claimed that events that cause inconveniences to the government were taking place within the office.The Police Spokesperson said that the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Janaka Ratanayake is currently overseas, and the office will be re-opened in his presence when he returns to the island. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The body of a woman was found floating on the Diyawanna Oya on Tuesday (14) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that the body was discovered based on a tip-off.He said that police officers also located her footwear close by.The Welikada Police is conducting an investigation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that mobile patrols will be increased in areas where ATMs are located.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that legal action will be instituted against all suspects linked to ATM thefts in the recent past.Recently, a man had looted the money placed inside an ATM in Kurunegala under the guise of repairing the device

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has raised concerns over peaceful protesters, who were detained while they were staging the 'Satyagraha for freedom' yesterday in Maradana, being denied access to lawyers.He stressed that the Police detaining access to legal counsel is in direct violation of Enforced Disappearance Act No.5 of 2018 which requires Police to give access to lawyers and relatives.Police last night dispersed a group of peaceful activists staging a Satyagraha opposite Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that four people have been arrested.Posting on social media President's Counsel Saliya Pieris further stressed that "Independence and freedom must be for the people and not limited to those in power."

COLOMBO (News 1st); The car that belonged to millionaire businessman Roshan Wanninayake, the owner of a retail clothing chain, who was found dead in a rooftop swimming pool at a house in Pelawatte, Battaramulla was located from St.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three members of the same family died following a fire at their residence on Thursday (26) night in Mankadawala, Elayapattuwa.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a woman (30), and her daughter (10) and son (5) died in the tragedy.He added that the husband of the deceased woman had attempted to rescue the family, however he had suffered burn injuries and was moved for treatment.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Prisons said that three prison inmates will be sitting for the 2022 G. C. E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2022 G. C. E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Several deaths were reported following a tragic accident that took place in Nuwara Eliya on Friday (20) evening.The Nuwara Eliya hospital director confirmed to News 1st that seven people died, and 30 others were injured following the accident.News 1st correspondent Sampath Jayalal said the accident took place at the Radella 'Keti" Road.He said the road in which the accident took place was considered as a risky route, that is usually used by experienced drivers.He also noted that the van was badly damaged in the accident.A bus carrying a group of students from Thurstan College, Colombo on an education trip had veered off the road and fallen into a precipice in Radella, Nuwara Eliya.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st confirmed that the bus fell into a 50 feet deep precipice after it collided with a van.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A bus carrying a group of students from Thursday College, Colombo on an education trip had veered off the road and fallen into a precipice in Radella, Nuwara Eliya.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st confirmed that the bus fell into a 50 feet deep precipice after it collided with a van.The injured are currently being admitted to the Nuwara Elia hospital.News 1st correspondent Sampath Jayalala said the accident took place at the Radella 'Keti" Road.He said the road in which the accident took place was considered as a risky route, that is usually used by experienced drivers.He also noted that the van was badly damaged in the accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Armed police officers deployed to provide security to the members of the election commission who received threats, said Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa on Thursday (26).Nominations for the Local Government Election are being accepted and a Police investigation is also underway over an incident where two of the five members of the National Election Commission had received death threats.Former Senior DIG K. P. P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A young woman was found murdered with her throat slit close to Race Course, Colombo on Tuesday (17) afternoon.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that the deceased was identified as a 24-year-old Science Faculty student of the University of Colombo.She was attacked by a male at around 12 noon, said Police adding that an investigation is underway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A university student was arrested in Wellampitiya over the killing a young woman by slitting her throat at Race Course, Colombo on Tuesday (17).A young woman was found murdered with her throat slit close to Race Course, Colombo on Tuesday (17) afternoon.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that the deceased was identified as a 24-year-old Science Faculty student of the University of Colombo.She was attacked by a male at around 12 noon, said Police.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Magistrate's Inquiry into the mysterious death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter took place at the official chamber of Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya on Tuesday (10).A brother of the deceased provided evidence for 45 minutes behind closed doors.As the recording of evidence took place inside the official chamber of the Colombo Additional Magistrate, journalists did not receive the opportunity to report on the proceedings of the case.Further examination of evidence will take place on the 13th of January 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that it has not informed the court or any other institution that they believe the death to be a suicide."We have not ruled out suicide.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Senior Superintendent of Police for Moneragala was arrested on Monday (9) morning for the possession of a large number of cannabis plants.He was arrested by the Police Special Task Force.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the SSP was in possession of 350 cannabis plants.Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department will be conducting an inquiry, said the Police Spokesperson.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The suspect responsible for shooting dead a restaurant owner in Hanwella on the 18th of December 2022, was killed in Police fire on Friday (6) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that sleuthts received information that the suspect was hiding insidea house in Diddeniya, Hanwella.Thereafter, a Western Province – South Police Team was deployed to the area to arrest the suspect.The Police said the suspect opened fire at the police officers to evade arrest.The suspect was gunned down in return fire, said the Police Spokesperson.A restaurant owner was brutally killed when he was shot at point-blank range inside his business premises on the night of 18th December 2022.According to the CCTV footage, the owner of the restaurant and shop was closing up for the day, moments before the fatal shooting.The deceased was identified at 46-year-old Mohamed Farzan, a father of three.Two unidentified men had arrived on a motorcycle and one of them entered the premises and opened fire at him using a pistol, and the motive for the murder is yet to be determined.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A son of former notorious underworld leader “Soththi Upali” was arrested in Narahenpita for heroin possession on Thursday (5).Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the 8.80 grams of heroin, two machetes and a sword were recovered from the possession of the suspect.The wife of the 38-year-old suspect is currently in remand custody for ICE possession.Soththi Upali was one of the well-known & notorious underworld gangsters in Sri Lanka and was gunned down in 1998 at Bokundara.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The man who was found stabbed and shot in the mouth in Kaduwela was identified by Sri Lanka Police, and he is a resident from Upper Biyanwala in Kadawatha.Information has come to light that the man had left his house with a friend on Sunday (25) night.Sri Lanka Police said that the man is currently being treated at the ICU of the Colombo National Hospital.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the severely injured man was lying on the road by a group of locals on Monday (26) morning.He said that the man is a heavy drug addict.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that detectives have not been able to trace the suspects responsible for the murder of respected Colombo-based Businessmen Dinesh Schaffter, or the motive for the crime.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st no one has been termed as a suspect for the murder.The late respected Colombo-based Businessmen Dinesh Schaffter was the Managing Director of a leading financial firm in the country, and the Director of a leading insurance company in Sri Lanka.On the 15th of December 2022, Schaffter was found with his hand tied and strangled inside his own car at the Public Cemetery in Borella, and according to the family, he died that night in hospital.What have detectives uncovered regarding this mysterious murder? "We have not been able to determine who committed this murder, who planned it, and how it was done. Detectives have formed small groups and are following various leads.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from 23 people in connection with the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.A homicide investigations is underway involving the CID, Colombo Crimes Division and two other police teams.The incident sent shockwaves across Colombo when Dinesh Schaffter was found tied up and strangled inside his car at the Public Cemetery in Borella on Thursday (15) evening. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Questions are being raised regarding the motive for the murder: Was it premeditated? Was this an attempted intimidation tactic gone wrong? Reasons for suspicion arise when taking into account the fact that Dinesh Schaffter was still alive when he was found at the Public Cemetery in Borella.The Sri Lanka Police are investigating the homicide on multiple leads and angles.

Colombo (News 1st): Police say statements were recorded from over 10 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said continuous investigations will be carried out over the incident, with four Police teams deployed.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital.Dinesh Schaffter was 51-years-old at the time of his passing.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a complaint was filed with the Police earlier stating that the former cricket commentator had taken Rs.1.4 billion from the businessman, and had not returned the money.Sri Lanka Police recorded a statement from Thomas, as Dinesh Schaffter had told his wife that he was going to meet Thomas.Accordingly, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.Court also granted permission for the Borella Police to obtain a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter, from telecommunication service providers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 55-year-old Hotel owner in Ja-Ela was stabbed to death inside his hotel last night, said Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa.He further said his wife was also at the hotel during the murder.The Police noted that further investigations are underway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An inmate who escaped from the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Camp has been found in the Welikanda, Sinhapura forest.It was reported that he was lost in the forest and that he was found during a search operation conducted by the army.Police Media Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa says that the escaped inmate who was ill due to the lack of food was hospitalised, and had died later.Last Sunday, a brawl broke out between two groups at Kandakadu Rehabilitation Camp over a bucket used for bathing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department is investigating a human trafficking ring where Sri Lankan women who travel to Oman to work as domestic aides are auctioned and sold to work as escorts.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1said that a team of detectives led by two ASPs visited Oman to conduct the investigation.Multiple foreign employment agencies are sending young girls and women to Oman promising them employment as domestic aides, and most of them had used tourist visas to enter the middle-eastern country.Detectives uncovered that when the group reaches Oman, they are lined up according to their age and appearance and auctions and sold to engage in sexual activity."I was sexually abused inside a room. I am not afraid to reveal this to the CID and the Foreign Employment Bureau.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 217 detainees who were arrested for their involvement in the recent brawl at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center were remanded.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the detainees were produced to the Polonnaruwa and Hingurakgoda Magistrate Courts and were thus remanded.Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi told News 1st that an investigation is underway over the brawl, adding that a five-member committee comprising of senior ranks will investigate the brawl at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.The report prepared by this investigation body will be handed over to the Justice Minister upon completion.Sri Lankan authorities said that scores of detainees held at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center fled the premises following Sunday (6) night's brawl.According to reports, the cause of the brawl was a dispute over the use of a bucket used for bathing at the premises.547 detainees were at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center at the time of the brawl.The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation said that steps will be taken to start assessing the damage caused to the facility following the brawl, and it will be carried out by government officers.On the 29th of June 2022, a brawl broke out at the same facility resulting in the death of one detainee, while 400 others escaped.Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for a full report on the Kandakadu Rehab Center incident.The President's Media Division said that the necessary steps needed to be taken to avert a recurrence of such incidents have also been called for, following discussions with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa