Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), has been ordered to be further remanded until August 12 by the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court.

The case was taken up today before Magistrate A. Darshini, with Pillayan produced via video link.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed charges against Pillayan and several others in connection with five murders committed in Batticaloa District in 2008. He has been named as the third suspect in the case.

Charges include five killings in the Kallady area and three accusations linked to a land dispute, which remain under judicial consideration. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today assured the public that strict measures are being taken to address Sri Lanka’s ongoing Dollar crisis, stressing that he will not allow another economic collapse in the country.

Speaking at a public meeting in Batticaloa, the President said the government is working closely with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to manage the situation. 

“We have discussed with them what measures could be taken, and we have also submitted our proposals,” he noted.

Among the immediate steps outlined were reducing fuel consumption, curbing imports, and cutting overall import costs. 

“We must all think about how we can prevent Dollars from leaving the country. There is only a short window, and we must face it with strength,” the President emphasized.

He further said that the US Dollar’s strengthening against other currencies has placed heavy pressure on the Sri Lankan Rupee, with tourism, exports, and worker remittances all showing declines. 

Tourist arrivals in April dropped by 29 per cent compared to last year, he said, while export earnings and remittances have also fallen.

The President further revealed that fuel imports have surged sharply, rising from USD 98 million in February to USD 216 million in March, USD 368 million in April, and USD 522 million in May, surpassing the half‑billion mark. 

This escalation has further increased demand for Dollars and weakened the Rupee, he said. 

“The difference with the dollar must be controlled in the short term. I assure you, I will not allow another economic crisis to occur in the country,” President Dissanayake added. (Newswire)

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The new Public Library building of the Batticaloa Municipal Council was ceremonially handed over to the public this morning in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

Former Member of Parliament M.A. Sumanthiran declared the building open.

In parallel with the opening ceremony, President Dissanayake also launched the official website of the library. 

Addressing the gathering, he expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of the project, which had previously stalled midway.

A key feature of the new facility is a dedicated unit to provide children with scientific and technological knowledge. The President noted that, at a time when reading habits are declining nationwide, the Tamil community’s continued enthusiasm for reading deserves appreciation.

“Opening a library is akin to eliminating the need for a prison,” he remarked, voicing confidence that the new Batticaloa Public Library would help sustain and encourage the reading culture among the Tamil people.

The President toured the building, met with Municipal Council staff, received a commemorative memento from Mayor K. Sivam Packiyanathan, and planted a sapling within the premises to mark the occasion.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi, Eastern Province Governor Professor Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Kandasamy Prabhu, G. Srineshan, S. Rasamanickam, M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, government and opposition MPs, members of the Batticaloa Municipal Council, and several state officials were present at the event. (Newswire)

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Residents of Batticaloa have expressed deep appreciation to the Police for swiftly arresting suspects linked to the shocking case in Kokkadicholai, Batticaloa, where women were allegedly lured, drugged, robbed, and thrown into wells. 

According to the Police, the Manmunai North Youth Association organized a peaceful gathering at Gandhi Park on Wednesday (01), condemning the crime and marching to the Batticaloa Police Headquarters to thank officers for ensuring public safety. 

The group later met Senior DIG (Eastern Province) Legal Officer Varuna Jayasundara and Batticaloa District SSP Lalith Leelarathna, extending gratitude for directing operations that led to the arrests.

Community members noted that the quick Police action not only prevented further crimes, believed to be linked to jewellery theft, but also strengthened public trust in law enforcement. 

They added that confidence in the Police has risen in recent times, with more citizens now willing to share information to aid investigations. (Newswire)

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A 49‑year‑old owner of a pharmacy in Wattala has been arrested in connection with the shocking case in Kokkadicholai, Batticaloa, where women were allegedly lured, drugged, robbed, and thrown into wells. 

The suspect was taken into custody on Sunday (29) by officers of the Eastern Province Crimes Division and produced before the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court the following day, where he was detained for 03 days for interrogation.

Police say this latest arrest brings the total number of suspects to six as the investigation widens. 

Authorities allege the group targeted women travelling alone, enticing them into a three‑wheeler before administering intoxicating substances, stealing jewellery, and abandoning them in wells while unconscious.

One victim died, while another survived and was admitted to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. In a separate incident, a mother travelling with her three‑year‑old child was attacked. The child was later found abandoned but safe. (Newswire)

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A peaceful protest was held at Gandhi Park in Batticaloa today (27), as residents and relatives of victims demanded swift justice following a series of brutal crimes in the area.

The demonstration was sparked by the murder of a woman whose body was found in a well in the Kokkadicholai Police Division on March 20, and the attempted murder of another woman who survived a similar attack. 

Opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, together with residents of Batticaloa and relatives of the victims, handed over a petition to the Chairman of the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee, Minister Sunil Handunneththi, expressing grief and outrage and urging police to take stronger action against criminal gangs targeting women.

Police investigations have since led to the arrest of five suspects, including a woman, in connection with the incidents. 

Authorities revealed that the group allegedly lured women travelling alone into a three‑wheeler, drugged them with intoxicating substances, robbed them of jewellery, and threw them into wells while unconscious. 

One victim died, while another survived and was admitted to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. In a separate case, a mother travelling with her three‑year‑old child was attacked. The child was later found abandoned but safe.

Further arrests were made after stolen jewellery was recovered, and police are probing whether the suspects were involved in other similar crimes. (Newswire)

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The Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management (WCDM), an eastern‑based women’s network, together with the people of Batticaloa, has submitted a petition to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026.

The petition, endorsed by 1,803 residents of Batticaloa, calls for the establishment and strengthening of a National Women’s Commission as an independent body that genuinely safeguards women’s dignity, equality, and justice.

“In solidarity with women across Sri Lanka, we strongly urge that the National Women’s Commission be established. As women, we are continuing to face severe issues. The National Women’s Commission is essential to address our issues,” the Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management said, addressing the media. (Newswire) 

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Two suspects have been arrested for deceiving the public through the fake lottery scheme ‘Dialog Mega Wasana’ on social media, defrauding Rs. 10 million.

According to the Police, a male and a female suspect were arrested by officers of the Northern Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday (Jan 05). 

The Police said both suspects, aged 29, are residents of Batticaloa. 

The CID is conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has called for an independent investigation into the death of 23-year-old Sivanesharasha Rinoshan, who died while in custody following his arrest over an alleged bicycle theft.

Rinoshan, a resident of Sinna Uppodai, Batticaloa, had been arrested by the Batticaloa Headquarters Police on December 2.

According to the MP, his family last saw him at the station that evening, where he appeared unharmed. However, when he was produced in court the next day, they allege he showed signs of having been assaulted.

In a social media post, MP Rasamanickam says that after being remanded, Rinoshan was transferred from prison to hospital on December 5 and later died.

Police have attributed the death to illness allegedly linked to the use of synthetic drugs, while the family claims police brutality.

“This is not the first such incident in Batticaloa,” Rasamanickam said, urging for an inquiry independent of the Batticaloa Police.

“When someone is arrested, the State is responsible for their life, safety, and dignity. No allegation — especially one as minor as bicycle theft — justifies a death in custody,” Rasamanickam added.

He also called for the immediate release of the post-mortem report. (Newswire)

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Police have launched an intensified search for the Chairman of the Valachchenai Pradeshiya Sabha, who is reported to have fled the area following the removal of archaeological signboards in the Batticaloa District, an incident that sparked widespread public controversy after a video went viral on social media.

The Police Media Spokesperson’s Office confirmed that one suspect connected to the incident was arrested in the Kiran area, while the Valachchenai Police have also recovered several signboards that had been forcibly removed by the suspects.

It was further revealed that the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman is believed to be directly linked to the incident, and four separate police teams have been deployed to trace and arrest him.

According to the Archaeology Department, the installation of directional and information signboards at sites of archaeological importance in the Batticaloa District commenced on November 3. However, the boards were reportedly removed on November 22 by individuals linked to the local authority.

Footage showing the boards being dismantled and taken down circulated widely on social media, triggering public outrage and prompting authorities to initiate formal investigations.

Speaking in Parliament, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said investigations have commenced to arrest all those responsible and confirmed that the matter has already been reported to court.

He stressed that legal action will be taken against anyone found to have interfered with state property and archaeological heritage. (Newswire)

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A series of key decisions aimed at strengthening public security in the Batticaloa District were taken at a meeting of the District Coordinating Committee held on August 13.

The meeting, chaired by the Committee’s head Sunil Handunneththi, was attended by Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Members of Parliament representing the district, local council chairpersons, and senior government officials.

Discussions focused on pressing issues, including the fight against narcotics, challenges faced by police officers in the area, environmental concerns, and measures to protect vulnerable children.

To address the shortage of police personnel, the committee decided to deploy 50 additional officers to the district within a week until new recruits are appointed. 

Measures to curb illegal sand mining and transportation were also agreed upon, with instructions issued to strictly enforce the law and ensure local councils and police are informed when legal mining permits are issued.

The committee also resolved to implement a scientific programme to ensure the safety, health, sanitation, and education of vulnerable children, with police already engaged in identifying and protecting such cases.

In addition, a special joint operation involving the Sri Lanka Police, the Police Special Task Force, and the armed forces will be launched to tackle the distribution of illicit liquor and drugs across the district. (Newswire)

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Heads of local councils controlled by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) have arrived at the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting in garbage collection tractors, in a move of protest.

In a post on ‘X’, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said they had arrived in such a manner, after the NPP government confiscated and planned to auction off their official vehicles. 

He pointed out that this move follows the President’s pre-election statement, indicating an intention to undermine local councils not won by the NPP.

“The official justification for seizing the vehicles was their high maintenance cost. However, in a clear contradiction, the Governor of the Eastern Province continues to use a V8 Land Cruiser, an expensive vehicle that incurs significant costs to the government,” MP Shanakiyan added. (Newswire)

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A special District Development Committee meeting held on Wednesday at the Batticaloa District Secretariat has assessed and found solutions to the existing issues related to public transportation and highways within the District.

The discussion was attended by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, and the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development and Chairman of the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee, Sunil Handunneththi.

Providing details of the meeting, Minister Sunil Handunneththi said that it brought together officials from all relevant sectors, including transport, highways, water supply, and civil aviation, with the aim of providing direct interventions and decisions to resolve many long-standing issues affecting the general public within the district.

In line with the government’s strategy to establish a regulated and high-quality public transport service, plans were formulated to implement necessary measures methodically based on proper evaluation and public demand, while addressing the challenges currently faced within the Batticaloa District, he said.

The minister further said that recognizing Batticaloa as a district with significant tourism potential, proposals were also developed to enhance accessibility and attract more visitors. “These measures included expanding transportation services and better utilizing the international airport located in the district.”

Following the discussion, Minister Handunneththi and Minister Bimal Rathnayake undertook an inspection visit to the Batticaloa Bus Depot.

Minister Handunneththi said that during the visit, they witnessed the reintroduction of several previously decommissioned buses into active service after refurbishment by depot staff. “We believe this step will greatly benefit the public by strengthening local transport services.”

“As Sri Lankans, it is our collective responsibility to work towards building a unified and developed nation, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences. We remain committed to contributing to this cause in every possible way,” the minister added. (Newswire)

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Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi, chaired the first Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee meeting yesterday, during which Rs. 8,100 million was allocated for several key initiatives in various sectors. 

Commenting on the meeting, Minister Sunil Handunneththi said this marks the first time since 1994 that a Cabinet Minister has been appointed to chair the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee, highlighting that it was a significant step for the region.

He further said that, at the meeting, Rs. 8,100 million was allocated for the year under the national budget for 2,077 development projects in the Batticaloa District. 

These include key initiatives aimed at developing the tourism industry, strengthening the agriculture sector, enhancing the fisheries sector, and improving major roads and infrastructure, the minister said. 

Minister Sunil Handunneththi further said that the meeting also addressed urgent environmental concerns, particularly the rising issue of wild elephant conflicts. 

“It was decided to invite Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabandige to the next committee meeting for further discussion. Likewise, to address the growing threat of illicit drug-related issues in the district, an invitation will be extended to Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijeyapala for his participation,” he added. 

The meeting was attended by Batticaloa District MP Kandasaami Prabhu, as well as representatives from the government and opposition, Eastern Province Governor Jayantha Lal Rathnasiri, Batticaloa District Secretary, and a large number of state officials. (Newswire)

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Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) candidate Sivam Pakkiyanathan has been elected as the Mayor of the Batticaloa Municipal Council, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said today.

Taking to ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan said that Sivam Pakkiyanathan had been elected with the support of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members. 

“In a surprising turn, the NPP government reportedly employed various unconventional tactics to rally support for their candidate, even going so far as to form an alliance with former MP Pillayan’s Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP),” he said. 

MP Shanakiyan pointed out that given that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, remains in custody over multiple serious allegations, the government’s willingness to align with such a figure in pursuit of power has raised serious concerns. (Newswire)

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The body of a newborn was found in a forest area in the Santhiveli area in Batticaloa early this morning (15 Mar). 

According to the Police, the body of the newborn was found close to the Devapuram Grounds in the area.

The body has been placed at the Batticaloa Hospital for a postmortem examination.

The Santhiveli Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Railways has amended the train schedule along the Batticaloa line starting from Friday (07 Mar), to prevent elephant-train collisions.

According to the Railway Department, the ‘Meenagaya’ intercity express train, which travels through an elephant corridor, will leave Colombo Fort for Batticoloa at 11.00 pm this Friday. 

The Railway Department further said that additionally, Power Sets will be deployed instead of engine-driven trains.

The change from the usual 07.00 pm departure time follows a collision which killed a herd of elephants last month. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Navy rescued a family of three, including a young child, trapped by rising floodwaters in Mawadiodei, Chenkaladi yesterday.

The Navy said SLNS Kashyapa carried out this relief operation and successfully rescued the family stranded on farmland in the flood-affected area. The family was subsequently relocated to the District Secretariat of Eravur.

The rescue operation took place after the Sri Lanka Navy had deployed three flood relief teams to assist affected communities in the Mawadiodei, Mailawadduwan, and Manmunai areas in response to the flood situation in the Batticaloa district due to inclement weather.

The Navy has also mobilized 135 additional relief teams, ready for immediate deployment to assist those affected by flooding. (Newswire)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has won three seats in the Batticaloa District under the Preferential voting system.

The preferential votes for the Batticaloa District are as follows;

ITAK – 03 seats 

Rasamanickam Shanakiyan – 65,458 votes

G. Srinesan – 22,773 votes

Srinath – 21,202 votes

NPP – 01 seat

K. Prabhu – 14,856 votes

SLMC -01 seat 

A.M. Hizbullah – 32,410 votes. (Newswire)

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The commemoration of Maaveerar Naal, a remembrance day observed by Sri Lankan Tamils to remember the deaths of militants who fought with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the civil war, has been reportedly disrupted by the Sri Lanka Police in Batticaloa.

According to reports, the commemorations were held at the Tharavai Maaveerar Thuyilum illam in Batticaloa yesterday.

The Police allegedly intervened and prevented the people from continuing the commemoration events, while they had also removed red and yellow flags put up at the cemetery.

Video footage shared by MP Gajen Ponnambalam shows a confrontation between the Police and people who had gathered to commemorate Maaveerar Naal in Batticaloa.

Speaking during the confrontation with the Police, an organiser who had participated in the commemoration events, accused the Police of disrupting the event despite the court having permitted them to carry out the commemoration. (NewsWire)

UPDATE – Cameras captured the moment that Sri Lankan police raided a Maaveerar Naal commemoration in Batticaloa.

As lamps were about the be lit and the 'Thuyium Illam' song started being played, uniformed Sri Lankan officers were pulling down red and yellow bunting that had been… pic.twitter.com/IRb1Has9W1

— Tamil Guardian (@TamilGuardian) November 27, 2023

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