A total of 120 individuals have been arrested for various offences during raids and special operations conducted between 06.00 pm – 10.00 pm on Sunday in the Sabaragamuwa Province. 

According to the Police, over 900 officers, including the STF and the Army, were deployed for this purpose, with 32 checkpoints in operation at the time. 

The raids and inspections were conducted in the Sabaragamuwa Province, covering the Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Seethawakapura, and Kegalle areas. 

Among the 120 persons arrested, 16 persons against whom arrest warrants had been issued and 07 with open warrants were apprehended. 

The Police filed 65 cases against persons arrested with stocks of narcotics, including heroin, ICE, and cannabis.

During inspections of 101 persons and 31 vehicles, cases were filed against 19 persons for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The raids and inspections were carried out per the Acting IGP’s orders to curb drug and other crimes in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Police have launched an investigation into the death of a student of the Sabaragamuwa University, who reportedly died by suicide following an incident of ragging.

The investigation began following a complaint to the Samanalawewa Police by a fellow student, alleging the death was linked to ragging. According to Police, inquiries are underway to determine whether the student had been subjected to ragging and to identify those responsible.

Ragging is a criminal offense in Sri Lanka, Police said, adding that anyone found guilty will be prosecuted.

The Ministry of Higher Education said it has appointed a special team to investigate the incident and is working with the University Grants Commission and university administration.

In a statement, the Ministry pledged strict action if the investigation confirms the death was caused by ragging.

The second-year student from the Faculty of Technical Engineering at Sabaragamuwa University, who reportedly died by suicide on April 29 at his residence in Gampola.

Relatives and friends of the student claim he faced severe humiliation during the university’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, which they believe led to his death. (Newswire)

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The Former Secretary and the former Planning Director of the Provincial Road Development Ministry of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council have been arrested over investigations into a financial fraud of Rs. 71,645,226.32.

The suspects, a 62-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, both residents of Ratnapura, were arrested on Monday by the Police Financial, Commercial Crimes Investigation Division. 

They have been arrested on charges of signing documents for the release of vouchers related to 77 projects of the Embilipitiya Pradeshiya Sabha for the years 2016 and 2017. 

The suspects have been remanded until 08 May after being produced before the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday. (Newswire)

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