Police in Mahiyanganaya have launched an investigation after discovering an unidentified body inside a suspicious parcel left in a canal near an abandoned house in Mahiyanganaya town on Sunday evening (24).

Authorities said they were alerted to the site following reports of a strong stench and a parcel placed near the deserted property. 

Upon inspection, officers from the Mahiyanganaya Police Station confirmed that the parcel contained a human body.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been established. 

Police stated that further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. (Newswire)

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The Integrated Task Force of the Shatrujeet Brigade of the Indian Army yesterday (10) restored an essential communication infrastructure in the Mahiyanganaya region, one of the worst-affected areas near Kandy.

According to the Indian High Commission, following Cyclone Ditwah, a major disruption had occurred in the Mahiyanganaya region, where the cyclone severely damaged the Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network, triggering a widespread communication blackout.

Responding to an urgent request from Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT Mobitel), the Indian Army signallers swiftly moved into action. 

Despite difficult terrain and challenging weather, the team reached the affected stretch of the OFC route where a fallen tree had damaged the line near the BTS tower close to the Indian Army Field Hospital. 

Through precise OFC splicing and technical expertise, the team restored connectivity to both civil and operational networks. This operation reinstated the primary communications ring in Mahiyanganaya, ensuring the rapid restoration of communication connectivity at this critical time.

Separately, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni and Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe visited the Indian Army Field Hospital operating in Mahiyanganaya near Kandy. 

They reviewed the ongoing medical operations and appreciated the critical humanitarian assistance being provided to flood-affected families, including emergency care, medical outreach services, and life-saving support.

The Indian High Commission noted that India stands ready to support Sri Lanka during this crisis with comprehensive and timely measures. 

Beyond humanitarian relief and medical care, this support also includes rapid, critical on-ground interventions that address urgent operational needs and ensure the continuity of vital public services. These efforts strengthen crisis response and underscore India’s unwavering commitment to stand firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, it added. (Newswire)

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Two individuals were reported dead after the car they were travelling in overturned into the Mahaweli Viyana canal on the Mahiyanganaya–Badulla road this morning.

It is reported that officers from the Mapakadawewa Police Training School, along with the Mahiyanganaya police and area residents, helped retrieve the vehicle from the canal. 

At the time, two individuals were found inside the vehicle and were immediately transferred to the Mahiyanganaya Base Hospital. However, they were both pronounced dead by the hospital. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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27 persons, including 10 children, have been injured in a bus accident reported near the Viyanini canal in Mahiyanganaya today.

According to the Police, the bus had suffered a brake failure during which the driver had prevented it from falling into the canal and, instead, crashed into a utility pole.

The injured persons have been admitted to the Mahiyanganaya Hospital, with the Police stating that no passenger was in a critical condition. (Newswire)

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A 55-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident reported in Mahiyanganaya last evening, in which one person was injured.

According to the Police, a 51-year-old resident of Mahiyanganaya was injured in the shooting and admitted to the Mahiyanganaya Hospital. 

Preliminary investigations have revealed that a clash between two groups had escalated, during which one person had opened fire.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting, along with a locally manufactured weapon suspected to have been used in the incident. 

The Mahiyanganaya Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has presented a proclamation designating the historic Mahiyangana sacred site as an officially recognized place of worship.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the proclamation was presented to the Mahavihara Vamsika Shyamopali Maha Nikaya Asgiri Vihara Senior Karaka Sangha Sabhika, Most Venerable Urulewatte Sri Dhammarakkhitha Thera.

As the first Executive President of independent Sri Lanka to have visited the Mahiyangana sacred site, President Wickremesinghe participate in its restoration work last afternoon (28), a momentous occasion that received blessings from the esteemed Chief Incumbent, Urulewatte Dhammasiddhi Thera.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe placed flowers at the Chaitya and engaged in religious rituals. He unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring the unveiling of a magnificent 102-foot Buddha statue situated in the middle of the Villuva Lake. This awe-inspiring creation was brought to life by the “Meth Saviya Mind Education, Compassion Society,” led by the esteemed founder of Meth Saviya, Astronomer and Professor of Physics at the University of Colombo, Mr. Chandana Jayaratne.

Expressing their gratitude, the Chief Incumbent of the Mahiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya, Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera, presented President Wickremesinghe with a memento. In his welcome address at the Punya Mahotsava, Ven. Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera highlighted the historical significance of President Wickremesinghe’s efforts in renovating the Mahiyangana sacred site. 

He emphasized that while two kings, Dutugemunu and Vijayabahu I, and Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake had previously initiated renovations, President Wickremesinghe was the sole executive president who took the initiative to restore this revered location.

Ven. Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera further acknowledged President Wickremesinghe’s role in officially designating the Mahiyangana shrine as a place of worship. Until that moment, the shrine had only been gazetted as a sacred city.

The event was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thera, the Mahanayaka of the Asgiri Chapter, Shyamopali sect; the head of the historic Badulu Muthiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya; the Anunayaka of the Malwatu Maha Viharaya, Aggamaha Pandita, Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Wijithasiri Anunayaka; the Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Anu Nayaka of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya; and the Malwathu-Asgiri Ubhaya Maha Vihara Anu Nayaka Thera.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Ministers Wijayadasa Rajapaksha, Nimal Siripala de Silva, and Vidura Wickramanayake, and Minister of State Tenuka Vidanagamage also participated in the occasion.

Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Uva Provincial Governor A.J.M. Muzamil, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mrs. Ho Thi Thanh Truc, tribal leader Uruvarige Vannilatto, Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne and a group of invited guests including representatives of the security forces were also present at the occasion. (NewsWire)

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