Four officers attached to the Monaragala Divisional Crime Investigation Unit have been arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 500,000 to avoid taking legal action against a cannabis cultivation near the Thanamalwila Nikawawa Demodara tank, the Police said. 

The arrested officers include a 37‑year‑old police sergeant from Buttala, a 45‑year‑old police sergeant from Dehiattakandiya, a 39‑year‑old police constable driver from Bibile, and a 36‑year‑old police constable from Bibile.

According to Police, the Officer‑in‑Charge of Thanamalwila Police had received information about a cannabis field in the area. On August 11, a team surrounded the site and arrested a suspect along with a cannabis plot. Subsequent searches uncovered three more cultivations, while another plot had been cut and destroyed.

During questioning, the suspect revealed that on August 10, six officers from the Monaragala Crime Investigation Unit had visited the site, taken Rs. 500,000 from him, burned only one cannabis plot, and removed the remaining stock.

Investigations later led to the arrest of another individual named Kalu, a resident of Nikawawa, who was found with cannabis. He told Police that the same group of officers had instructed him to dry the cannabis stock.

Both suspects were produced before the Wellawaya Magistrate’s Court, which issued detention orders for further questioning. Based on information obtained during interrogations, Thanamalwila Police arrested the four officers.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Wellawaya Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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A Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus travelling along the Monaragala–Siyambalanduwa main road overturned into a ditch today after veering off the roadway, leaving 26 passengers injured.

Police said the injured were admitted to the hospital following the accident. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bus had gone off the road and toppled into the ditch after the driver lost control.

Among those hospitalized are both men and women.  Police have launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire/ Accident1st)

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A series of immediate steps to secure and integrate a vast quartz deposit in Kotikambokka, Monaragala district, into the national economy is underway, following a field visit to the area, Industry Minister Sunil Handuneththi said.

Preliminary scientific assessments estimate the deposit at approximately 0.31 million metric tons, spanning an area of about 700 meters. The Kotikambokka quartz deposit is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most significant untapped mineral resources, the minister said.

He stressed on the importance of protecting the deposit from unregulated exploitation, stating that national resources must be preserved and utilized within a systematic production framework.

Key decisions taken during the field visit include:

• Security Measures: A formal mechanism will be implemented immediately to prevent unauthorized or illegal mining.
• Boundary Demarcation: The Forest Conservation Department will define the boundaries of the deposit and submit a detailed report to the Divisional Secretary, including any operational obstacles.
• Reserve Recalculation: Authorities will reassess the size of the deposit using updated scientific techniques to obtain more accurate figures.
• Regulated Mining: Once environmental and legal constraints are addressed, the government will call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to initiate systematic and transparent mining operations.

The inspection and subsequent discussions involved key officials, including Monaragala District MP Chathuri Gangani, National Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman Dr. S. P. Chaminda, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Mahesh Abeysekera, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Chairman J. M. S. N. Jayasinghe, and Professor G. W. A. Rohan Fernando, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute. (Newswire)

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The Monaragala Division Crime Investigation Unit has arrested a suspect after a year for allegedly raping and impregnating an underage girl, it was reported. 

The 25-year-old suspect, a resident of Badulla, is reported to have allegedly raped an underage girl and fled from the area when she was found to be pregnant. 

Thereafter, he was employed at a livestock farm in Guruthalawa.

Following a complaint filed by the victim, the Police had conducted investigations since August 2024.

The suspect was arrested on Monday (10) and has been handed over to the Wellawaya Police for further investigations. (Newswire)

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The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) has won five (05) seats in the Monaragala District under the Preferential voting system.

The preferential votes for the Monaragala District are as follows;

NPP – 05 seats

R.M. Jayawardena – 105,107 votes

Ajith Agalakada – 54,044 votes

Chathuri Gangani – 42,930 votes

Ruwan Wijeweera – 40,505 votes

Sarath Kumara – 39,657 votes

SJB – 01 seat

H.M. Dharmasena – 20,171 votes. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has outlined development measures taken by his government targeting several areas of Sri Lanka, including Monaragala, Ampara, and Hambantota. 

To foster the development of the Monaragala district, the President said the government advocated for the provision of free land rights, despite opposition and legal challenges. 

“Today, we have successfully granted these rights to the people. However, securing land rights alone is insufficient. It is crucial for everyone to participate in the government’s agricultural modernization program,” he said. 

According to President Wickremesinghe, by rapidly advancing agriculture in these areas, they aim to transition towards an export-oriented economy as essential infrastructure, including ports and airports, are already in place in these areas.

The President further said the government’s vision is to transform Udawalawa, Monaragala, Ampara, and the Mahaweli C Zone into a major agricultural hub within the dry zone.

“Through the “Urumaya” program, we not only provide land rights to farmers but also equip them with tools to increase their incomes. 

“Looking ahead, the global demand for food is expected to grow significantly in the next 30 to 40 years. It is imperative that we prepare to meet this challenge by establishing a comprehensive agricultural framework in these provinces,” he said.

President Wickremesinghe went on to note that additionally, the government has strategized to establish large investment zones in the Hambantota and Monaragala districts, while efforts are also underway to enhance the tourism and fishing industries, spanning from Galle to Ampara. 

He said these initiatives are slated for implementation over the next 20-30 years, ensuring a legacy for future generations. 

“The development program has significantly boosted Wellawaya, serving as a pivotal access point to the upcountry and this progress extends through Passara via Ella and Bibila,” the President added.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made the remarks while addressing the symbolic ceremony for the distribution of freehold land deeds to the beneficiaries in 11 divisional secretariat divisions of Monaragala district under the “Urumaya” national program recently. (Newswire)

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The Principal of a school in Monaragala has been arrested on allegations of sexually abusing a woman, it was reported.

The suspect was arrested by the Dhombagahawela Police on Sunday (Mar 03). 

It is reported that the Principal had attempted to sexually abuse the woman who was working in the school canteen.

The arrested school principal is expected to be produced before the Monaragala Magistrate’s Court today. 

The Dhombagahawela Police is conducting investigations into the incident. (NewsWire)

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A minor tremor has been experienced in the Monaragala area, the Geological and Mines Bureau reported.

According to the Bureau, a minor tremor of magnitude 2.6 was recorded on the Richter scale.

The minor tremor was experienced at around 9.06 am today, the Bureau added.

A minor tremor was last reported from the Gampola area in Sri Lanka, measuring a magnitude of 2 on the Richter scale. (NewsWire)

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