Colombo Additional Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi today (17) ordered warrants to arrest and produce Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara and MP Jagath Manuwarna, along with four others, after they failed to appear in court while on bail in a case relating to an unlawful protest.

The suspects, who had allegedly engaged in a demonstration related to the 2022 ‘Aragalaya’ protests in violation of a court order, were absent when the case was called.

Warrants were accordingly issued against Gunasekara, Manuwarna, Roshan Ali Danis Ali, Amal Salinda alias Army Amila, Udayanga Kumara, and Koswattage Mahanama Thera.

The Acting Magistrate also postponed the case until December 4. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara says the government has formed an administration but has not yet gained full control of the state machinery, urging young supporters to join the public service.

Addressing a public meeting, Gunasekara questioned whether officials at various levels of the state administration, including Grama Niladharis, Divisional Secretaries and District Secretaries, were implementing the government’s policies as intended.

He said more young people should enter the state sector to strengthen the government’s ability to carry out its agenda.

The Deputy Minister also claimed that opposition political groups had been defeated electorally but had not been politically eliminated.

He said these groups were now attempting to re-emerge and called for them to be “politically defeated” so they would no longer be able to challenge the government. (Newswire)

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The government has unveiled a major flood‑mitigation project in Kolonnawa, pledging more than Rs. 10 billion to deliver a permanent solution to the recurring flood problems faced by residents.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara said the project, launched today, is expected to be completed by 2029. 

It will focus on widening and developing key canal networks including Dahamwela, Passanna, Selalihini Mawatha, and Dandutota, while renovating 50 small bridges and culverts.

In addition, seven water retention tanks will be constructed, along with two new pumping stations. 

The project also includes the development of a walking path and a public park, aimed at improving both flood resilience and community facilities.

The initiative represents a long‑term commitment to safeguarding Kolonnawa residents from flood risks while enhancing urban infrastructure. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara, on Monday (09) inspected the ongoing construction of the new housing complex in Maharagama, which is being built under Chinese Government financial assistance to address housing issues faced by urban residents in Colombo.

The project, comprising seven floors and 112 housing units, is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,020 million. Current progress stands at 39%, with completion expected within 2026.

The construction is carried out by the China Harbour Construction Company under the full supervision of the Urban Development Authority.

Joining the inspection were the Project Director of the Ministry of Urban Development’s Project Management Unit, Nihal Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director A.K.M. Anfas, and other officials.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to provide sustainable housing solutions and improve living standards for urban communities.

According to the Ministry of Urban Development, under the government’s strategic development plan, several similar projects will be launched in the coming years to resolve housing challenges faced by low‑income and middle‑income families, as well as government employees. (Newswire)

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