Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read.
Wanathavilluwa explosives case: ‘Gafoor Mama’ sentenced to 12 years in prison
Mohamed Shareef Adam Lebbe, alias ‘Gafoor Mama’, has been sentenced to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges related to the possession and collection of explosives and other prohibited materials at a property in Lactowatta, Wanathavilluwa. The sentence was imposed by the Colombo Special Trial-at-Bar today (28), after the 63-year-old defendant, who is the third accused in the case, pleaded guilty to five charges filed against him. The three-judge bench comprising Judges Lal Ranasinghe Bandara, Rashmi Singappuli and Naomi Wickramasinghe imposed a 12-year prison sentence for each of the five charges. However, the sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in a total imprisonment period of 12 years.
Gotabaya’s travel ban: Court orders CID to appear on November 4
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (28) ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to appear before court on November 4 to make submissions regarding a request to temporarily lift the overseas travel ban imposed on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued the order after considering a motion filed by the legal team representing the former President, seeking permission for him to travel to Singapore for further medical treatment. The lawyers informed the court that Rajapaksa required further treatment in Singapore following heart surgery previously performed at a hospital in the country. The former President was also present in open court when the matter was taken up. However, the CID, which is the complainant in the case, was not present during the proceedings. Accordingly, the Magistrate directed the CID to appear before court on November 4 to present its position on the request to temporarily lift the travel ban.
Airbus case: Court orders Namal Rajapaksa to be produced on November 19
The Permanent Trial-at-Bar of the Colombo High Court today (28) ordered that Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand custody over the controversial Airbus transaction, be produced before court through prison authorities on November 19. The order was issued when Rajapaksa was produced before the Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar today in connection with the case. Rajapaksa was produced following an order issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama on Tuesday (27), directing that he remain in custody until his appearance before the Trial-at-Bar. The case relates to allegations of money laundering and accepting a Rs. 100 million bribe linked to the controversial Airbus transaction. Indictments have been filed against Rajapaksa and three other individuals before the Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar, with the approval of the Chief Justice.
Kawanthissa shooting: Two main suspects further remanded
The two main suspects arrested in connection with the shooting of iconic Sri Lankan tusker Kawanthissa have been further remanded until November 11. The order was issued by the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court today (28), after the two suspects were produced before court. On October 18, Police arrested a suspect believed to have been involved in the shooting of Kawanthissa during a joint operation conducted by the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit and the Department of Wildlife Conservation in the Galgamuwa area. Two firearms were also recovered during the operation. Kawanthissa, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wild tuskers, died on October 16 after battling serious health complications caused by a gunshot injury to his right front leg.
Customs seizes narcotics worth over Rs. 60 million in foreign postal parcels
Sri Lanka Customs has seized narcotics worth over Rs. 60.2 million concealed inside nine foreign postal parcels at the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo. According to a statement issued by Sri Lanka Customs, the seized narcotics include Kush cannabis, hashish, ecstasy tablets and cocaine, with a total estimated street value of Rs. 60.265 million. The parcels had arrived from Thailand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States and were identified during routine inspections of incoming international mail over the past few months. Customs officers had detained the suspicious parcels pending collection by their intended recipients. However, as the recipients failed to collect them within the stipulated period, the parcels were examined in the presence of officers from the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB). The examination was conducted by officers of the Narcotics Control Unit (NCU) and Postal Appraising Branch of Sri Lanka Customs, together with PNB officers.