Author name: Tharindu Withanage

The Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr. Fredrick Wootler, left for France this morning, following an invitation to attend the First Global Conference for Public Communication organized by the INTERPOL. During this conference, the Media Spokesperson is scheduled to deliver a special Presentation on how the Sri Lanka Police operated to ensure public safety and welfare during recent disaster situations that occurred in the country. Mr. Wootler marks a milestone as the first Sri Lankan Police Media Spokesperson to be invited to deliver a special lecture at such an international police conference. The conference is scheduled to be held from April 28 to April 30, 2026, in Lyon, France.

Suspect Arrested with Heroin Stockpile in Ratmalana On the afternoon of 23.04.2026, a team of officers from the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit carried out a search operation at a residence in the Ratmalana area of the Mount Lavinia Police Division and arrested a suspect in possession of 3 kilograms and 150 grams of heroin. The suspect has been identified as a 49-year-old resident of the Dehiwala area. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the seized narcotics are linked to an organized criminal and drug trafficker who is currently evading authorities overseas. Further investigations are being conducted by the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit.

On the evening of 21.04.2026, police lifeguards successfully rescued two individuals who had gone fishing at Madilla Beach in Tangalle, using a boat. The rescued individuals, aged 17 and 49, are residents of Tangalle. This successful operation was carried out by Sub-Inspector Mr. Nimal Dissanayake, Police Sergeant 23944Mr. Sameera, and Police Constable 40523Mr. Chinthaka, who are attached to the Tangalle Police Lifeguard Unit and were on duty at Madilla Beach.

A team of officers from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau arrested a suspect in the Katuwana area of the Homagama Police Division on the afternoon of 20.04.2026. The suspect was wanted in connection with the theft of four three-wheelers reported in the Homagama, Maharagama, and Maradana Police Divisions. At the time of arrest, the suspect was found in possession of 20g and 830mg of heroin and was travelling in a three-wheeler. Preliminary investigations have revealed that he is a 29-year-old resident of Rasnayakepura, Nikaweratiya. The suspect has been brought to the Homagama Police Station for further inquiries. Four stolen three-wheelers have been recovered and taken into police custody. Further investigations are being carried out by the Homagama Police.

Avent Signature Builds has sent an email to the Special Task Force expressing its willingness to donate 50 motorcycles free of charge. However, the Sri Lanka Police emphasizes that, as several investigations have been conducted into this company, it will not enter into any agreement with such an entity. Furthermore, in the event of a donation of this nature, a formal request must be submitted through the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs in accordance with established procurement procedures before being handed over to the Sri Lanka Police. It is also noted that no such request has been received to date. Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Police stresses that the reports circulating on social media claiming that motorcycles have already been provided are false and misleading.

A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested by the North Western Provincial Unit of the Computer Crime Investigation Division for allegedly defrauding an individual of Rs. 1,000,024 (one million twenty-four thousand rupees). The suspect is accused of creating a fraudulent website resembling the official site of a leading private bank in the country, obtaining the victim’s online banking credentials, and unlawfully withdrawing funds from the account. A complaint regarding this incident was received by the unit on 16.02.2026. Following an extensive investigation, the suspect was identified, apprehended in the Minuwangoda area on the afternoon of 20.04.2026, and subsequently handed over to the Wariyapola Police Station. The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court on 21.04.2026. Further investigations are being carried out by the North Western Provincial Unit of the Computer Crime Investigation Division. — How to Identify Fake Websites Recognizing fraudulent websites is essential to safeguard your personal information and financial assets when using the internet. The following are key indicators to help identify suspicious websites: 1. Verify the URL (Domain Name) Fake websites often use domain names that closely resemble legitimate ones. Spelling variations: For example, “facebook.com” may appear as “facebk.com” or “g00gle.com”. Domain extensions: Trusted websites commonly use extensions such as “.com, .org,” or “.lk”, whereas suspicious sites may use unusual or unfamiliar extensions. 2. Check for HTTPS and the Padlock Icon Ensure that the website address begins with “https://”, where “s” indicates a secure connection. Click on the padlock icon in the address bar to verify the validity of the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. However, note that some fraudulent websites may also use HTTPS, so this should not be the sole factor for trust. 3. Examine Website Design and Content Fake websites are often poorly designed and may contain noticeable flaws: * Spelling and grammatical errors * Low-quality or distorted images * Non-functional buttons or broken links 4. Review Contact Information A legitimate website should provide clear and verifiable contact details, such as: * A physical address * A valid telephone number * A customer service email address The absence of a “Contact Us” page or insufficient contact details may indicate a fraudulent site.

There is a likelihood of thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning in several areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, North-Central, and Uva Provinces, as well as in the Ampara District, after 1.00 p.m.  Safety Precautions * Avoid remaining outdoors or under trees; seek shelter inside a secure building or a closed vehicle. * Refrain from staying in open areas such as paddy fields, tea estates, playgrounds, and near reservoirs. * Do not use corded telephones or electrical appliances connected to the power supply. * Avoid traveling in open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors, or boats. * Be cautious, as strong winds may cause trees and power lines to collapse. In case of an emergency, seek assistance from local disaster management authorities or the Sri Lanka Police. For further information, contact the Department of Meteorology via 1717.

A team of officers attached to the Hambantota camp of the Police Special Task Force apprehended an individual in possession of approximately 3 kilograms and 200 grams of dried cannabis during a raid carried out in the Samagipura area along Balaharuwa Road, within the Thanamalwila Police Division, on 19.04.2026. The suspect is a 23-year-old resident of the Welimaluwa area in Ratnapura. He has been produced before the Thanamalwila Police Station for further inquiry. In a separate operation, officers from the Moratuwa camp of the Police Special Task Force arrested another suspect who was found in possession of 100 grams of cannabis near Kandawala Road in Ratmalana on 19.04.2026. The suspect, a 44-year-old resident of Thandawala Road, has been handed over to the Mount Lavinia Police Station for onward investigations.