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.
Ailing tusker Kavantissa has died, says Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the ailing tusker Kavantissa has died, despite efforts by wildlife authorities and veterinary teams to save the animal. Official confirmation from wildlife authorities is awaited.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa granted bail
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (16) ordered the release of Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on bail in connection with the alleged misappropriation of funds linked to the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ organisation. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered her release on two surety bonds of Rs. 10 million each, along with cash bail of Rs. 100,000. The Magistrate also imposed an overseas travel ban on Shiranthi Rajapaksa. She was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of criminal misappropriation and financial irregularities involving an account linked to the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ Fund. The investigation concerns the alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million provided by the National Savings Bank to the organisation.
Suresh Sallay produced before court in Prageeth Ekneligoda disappearance case
Former State Intelligence Chief Suresh Sallay, who is currently in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was produced before the Permanent Three-Judge High Court-at-Bar today (16) to provide evidence in the case concerning the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda. According to reports, Sallay was brought before the court when the case was taken up for hearing today. The case relates to the disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda, a journalist attached to the Lanka eNews website, who went missing on January 24, 2010, just two days before Sri Lanka’s presidential election. Ekneligoda disappeared shortly after publishing articles supporting the opposition presidential candidate at the time.
Gnanasara Thera protest: Monks move to Buddhasasana Ministry for talks
A group of Buddhist monks who were protesting outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, has arrived at the Ministry of Buddhasasana today (16). According to reports, the Ministry has provided an opportunity for discussions with the protesting monks, with four representatives participating in the meeting. The development comes after the monks removed temporary shelters erected near the Presidential Secretariat earlier today, following a court order prohibiting protests at the location. The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued the order after Police raised concerns over the protest being held near the Presidential Secretariat, which is designated as a high-security zone. Following the order, Police read out and handed over the court directive to the protesters, who subsequently removed the temporary structures near Galle Road.
Govt paid £24,536 for Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s UK Naval Training, court told
A sum of £24,536 had been paid using government funds for former Navy Lieutenant Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to attend the ‘Royal Navy Young Officers Course’ at the Royal Navy Training College in Britain, it was reported. According to the state newspaper Dinamina, the details were revealed during testimony given by a Navy representative on behalf of former Navy Commander Admiral Travis Sinniah before the Colombo High Court on Thursday (15). The witness stated that former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda had sent a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence on May 19, 2014, requesting approval for the funds required for Yoshitha Rajapaksa to participate in the training programme. Responding to questions raised during cross-examination, the witness explained that payments for Navy officers attending overseas training programmes are generally made in foreign currencies, including US dollars and British pounds. The details were revealed when the money laundering case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga.
