Tharindu Withanage – Page 3 – SRI LANKA POLICE

Author name: Tharindu Withanage

Police News

Rescue of Drowning Person at Madiha Beach

On the evening of 14 August 2026, a person who was swept out to sea at Madiha Beach, Matara, was rescued by officers of the Police Lifeguard Unit who were on duty at Polhena Beach. Immediately following the incident, the officers who arrived at the scene observed a person approximately 100 metres from the shore, raising his hand and calling for assistance. Chief Police Inspector Udayanga, Police Sergeant 72164 Manjula, Police Constable 16928 Bandara, Police Constable 99558 Sandaruwan, and Police Constable 106516 Bandara immediately entered the water, rescued the individual, administered basic first aid, and subsequently referred him to Matara Hospital for further medical treatment. The rescued person is a 43-year-old resident of the Matara area. The Thanamalwila Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

Police News

Enforcement of the Law Against Obstructing Bus Stops

Bus drivers are frequently compelled to stop on the roadway because other vehicles are parked at designated bus stops intended for public transport buses to stop and for passengers to board and alight. This practice contributes to traffic congestion and poses a significant risk to the safety of passengers. With the introduction of wheelchair-accessible bus services for persons with disabilities, it is particularly important that bus stops remain free from obstructions.  When bus stops are blocked by other vehicles, persons with disabilities, as well as other passengers, may be placed in dangerous situations while boarding or alighting from buses. A special Government Gazette notification has been issued in this regard, prohibiting the parking of vehicles within 30 metres of a bus stop and within 15 metres of its exit. In the case of bus stops equipped with bus bays, parking is prohibited within 15 metres of the bus stop and within 10 metres of its exit. The Sri Lanka Police has drawn attention to this issue and instructed all police stations to take appropriate legal action against drivers who park or leave vehicles in a manner that obstructs designated bus stops.  These measures are intended to ensure that public transport buses can safely stop at designated locations and that passengers can board and alight safely, while also helping to reduce unnecessary traffic congestion.  

Notable Services

Kandy Historical Esala Perahera 2026 – Sri Lanka Police Security and Traffic Plan

The annual historic Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to be held from 18 August to 28 August 2026 under the patronage of the State. The Kumbal Perahera will be held from 18 August to 22 August, while the Randoli Perahera will take place from 23 August to 27 August. The Esala Maha Perahera will conclude with the Day Perahera on 28 August 2026. The Sri Lanka Police will implement a comprehensive security and traffic management plan throughout the Perahera period. Under this plan, roadblock duties, security operations, vehicle and person checks, visitor assistance, traffic control and vehicle parking arrangements will be carried out to ensure the safety and convenience of the public. A total of 6,200 police officers, 564 Police Special Task Force personnel, 1,200 tri-service personnel and 29 Civil Defence personnel will be deployed for security duties during the Perahera. Police sniffer dogs will also be deployed as part of the security arrangements. Security measures will be further strengthened through roadblock duties at 14 entry points to Kandy city during the Perahera period. To facilitate the public, 13 designated parking areas, comprising six light-vehicle parking areas and seven heavy-vehicle parking areas, have been allocated. Alternative Routes –  Drivers are advised to use the following alternative routes to avoid travelling through Kandy during the Perahera period: Vehicles travelling from Katugastota to Peradeniya via Colombo and Nuwara Eliya can proceed towards Peradeniya using the Gohagoda Road near the Katugastota Bridge. Vehicles travelling from Colombo towards Kurunegala, Matale and Mahiyanganaya via the Peradeniya–Gohagoda Road can proceed towards Kurunegala, Matale and Mahiyanganaya via Madawala. Vehicles travelling from Kandy towards Mahiyanganaya via Badulla can proceed towards Badulla and Mahiyanganaya via Thennekumbura, using Dharmashoka Mawatha near Mahaiyawa Bingaya. Designated Vehicle Parking Areas – * Light Vehicle Parking* KMC Parking* Karaliya Parking* Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha Parking* Sahas Uyana Parking* Parking area near the Railway StationEk Pasaka Parking on Gannoruwa Road Heavy Vehicle Parking – * Torrington Bus Stand* Bogambara Bus Stand* Aluthgama Dhammananda Mawatha Parking* Clock Tower Bus Stand* Railway Station Junction to Lamagaraya Road Parking* Parking area inside Bogambara Prison Rajapihilla Bus Stand near the YMBA –  Members of the public who visit Kandy to witness the historic Esala Perahera at the Sri Dalada Maligawa are kindly requested to respect the country’s national and cultural traditions and to maintain public safety and environmental cleanliness throughout the event. The Sri Lanka Police further requests the public to extend their fullest cooperation to police officers and other security personnel who will be performing duties around the clock to ensure the safety and security of all visitors. The above information is kindly requested to be disseminated through your media institution to ensure that the public and motorists are adequately informed of the security arrangements, traffic restrictions and alternative routes during the Kandy Esala Perahera 2026. මහනුවර ‌‌‌ඓතිහාසික ඇසළ පෙරහර 2026 – ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොලිසියේ ආරක්ෂක සහ රථවාහන සැලැස්ම – වාර්ෂිකව පවත්වනු ලබන ඓතිහාසික මහනුවර ඇසළ පෙරහර මංගල්‍යය මෙවරද 2026.08.18 දින සිට 2026.08.28 දින දක්වා රාජ්‍ය අනුග්‍රහය යටතේ, අති උත්කර්ෂවත් අන්දමින් වීදි සංචාරය කිරීමට නියමිතව ඇත. 2026.08.18 දින සිට 2026.08.22 දින දක්වා කුඹල් පෙරහර වීථී සංචාරය කරන අතර, 2026.08.23 දින සිට 2026.08.27 දින දක්වා රන්දෝලි පෙරහර වීථී සංචාරය කෙරේ. 2026.08.28 දින දිවා පෙරහර පැවැත්වීමෙන් පසු ඇසළ මහ පෙරහර කටයුතු අවසන් වීමට නියමිතව ඇත. පෙරහර පවත්වන කාලසීමාව ආවරණය වන පරිදි  ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොලිසිය විසින් විශේෂ ආරක්ෂක වැඩපිළිවෙලක් සහ රථවාහන සැලැස්මක් ක්‍රියාත්මක කරනු ලබන අතර, මාර්ග බාධක, ආරක්ෂක රාජකාරි, රථවාහන හා පුද්ගලයින් පරීක්ෂා කිරීම, සංචාරයිකයින්ට මඟ පෙන්වීම හා රථවාහන ගාල් කිරීම් මෙම ආරක්ෂක වැඩපිළිවෙල යටතේ ක්‍රියාත්මක කරනු ලබයි. පෙරහරේ ආරක්ෂක රාජකාරි සඳහා පොලිස් නිලධරයන් 6200 ක් සමඟ පොලිස් විශේෂ කාර්ය බලකා නිලධරයන් 564 ක්ද, ත්‍රිවිධ හමුදා නිලධරයන් 1200 ක්ද, සිවිල් ආරක්ෂක නිලධරයන් 29 ක්ද යොදා ගැනීමට කටයුතු සංවිධානය කර ඇති අතර, මෙම ආරක්ෂක රාජකාරි කටයුතු සඳහා පොලිස් නිල සුනඛ සහාය ද ලබා ගැනේ. දළඳා පෙරහර පැවැත්වෙන කාලය තුල මහනුවර නගරයට පිවිසෙන ස්ථාන 14 ක් ආවරණය වන පරිදි මාර්ග බාධක රාජකාරි ක්‍රියාත්මක කර ආරක්ෂාව තර කිරීමට අපේක්ෂා කෙරේ. රථවාහන ගාල් කිරීම සඳහා රථ ගාල් 13 ක් (සැහැල්ලු වාහන රථ ගාල් 06 සහ බරවාහන රථ ගාල් 07) මහජනතාවගේ පහසුව සඳහා වෙන් කර ඇත. පෙරහර කාලසීමාව තුලදී මහනුවර නගරය මඟහැර රථවාහන ගමන් කිරීම සඳහා රියැදුරන් හට පහත විකල්ප මාර්ග භාවිතා කිරීමට දැනුවත් කරනු ලැබේ. විකල්ප මාර්ග  • කටුගස්තොට සිට පේරාදෙණිය හරහා කොළඔ, නුවරඑළිය දෙසට ගමන් කල යුතු රථවාහන – කටුගස්තොට පාලම අසලින් ගොහාගොඩ මාර්ගය ඔස්සේ පේරාදෙණියට ගමන් කල හැකිය. • කොළඔ සිට මහනුවර හරහා කුරුණෑගල මාතලේ මහියංගනය දෙසට ගමන් කරන රථවාහන – පේරාදෙණිය ගොහාගොඩ මාර්ගයෙන් පැමිණ කුරුණෑගල දෙසටද, මාතලේ දෙසටද, මඩවල හරහා මහියංගනය දෙසටද,  ගමන් කල හැකිය. • මහනුවර සිට මහියංගනය බදුල්ල දෙසට ගමන් කරන රථවාහන – මහයියාව බිංගෙය අසලින් ධර්මාශෝක මාවත ඔස්සේ තැන්නේකුඹුර හරහා බදුල්ල, මහියංගනය දෙසටද ගමන් කල හැකිය. • රථවාහන ගාල් කිරීම සඳහා රථ ගාල් 13 ක් පහත ස්ථානවල ක්‍රියාත්මක වේ.  සැහැල්ලු වාහන රථ ගාල්  • KMC රථගාල• කරලිය රථගාල• ඇහැලේපොල කුමාරිහාමි මාවත රථගාල• සහස් උයන රථගාල• දුම්රියපොල අසල රථගාල• ගන්නෝරුව මාර්ගයේ එක් පසක රථගාල  බරවාහන රථ ගාල්   • ටොරිංටන් බස්නැවතුම්පොල• බෝගම්බර බස් නැවතුම්පොල• අළුත්ගම ධම්මානන්ද මාවත රථගාල• ඔරලෝසු කණුව බස්නැවතුම්පොල• දුම්රියපොල හන්දිය සිට ළමාගාරය පාර රථගාල• බෝගම්බර බන්ධනාගාරය ඇතුළත රථගාල• YMBA අසල රජපිහිල්ල බස් රථගාල “මහනුවර ශ්‍රී දළදා මාලිගාවේ ඓතිහාසික ඇසළ පෙරහර නැරඹීමට පැමිණෙන ඔබ, ජාතික සංස්කෘතියට ගරු කරමින්, ආරක්ෂාව සහ පාරිසරික පවිත්‍රතාව ආරක්ෂා කර ගනිමින් කටයුතු කිරීමට වගබලා ගත යුතුය. එසේම මහජනතාවගේ ආරක්ෂාව වෙනුවෙන් පැය 24 පුරා රාජකාරි නිරත පොලිස් නිලධරයන්ට ඔබගේ සහයෝගය ලබා දෙන ලෙසද ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොලිසිය මහජනතාවගෙන් ඉල්ලා සිටී. வரலாற்றுச் சிறப்புமிக்க கண்டி எசல பெரஹெரா 2026 – இலங்கை பொலிஸ் பாதுகாப்பு மற்றும் போக்குவரத்துத் திட்டம். வருடாந்தம் நடைபெறும் வரலாற்றுச் சிறப்புமிக்க கண்டி எசல பெரஹெரா உற்சவம், இம்முறையும் 2026.08.18 ஆம் திகதி முதல் 2026.08.28 ஆம் திகதி வரை, அரச அனுசரணையுடன் மிகவும் கோலாகலமாக நடைபெறவுள்ளது. 2026.08.18 முதல் 2026.08.22 வரை தொடர்ச்சியாக ஜந்து நாட்கள் கும்பல் பெரஹெரா நடைபெறவுள்ளது. 2026.08.23 முதல் 2026.08.27 வரை ரந்தோலி பெரஹெரா வீதி உலா நடைபெறும். 2026.08.28 ஆம் திகதி பகல் பெரஹெரா நடைபெறுவதுடன் எசல மகா பெரஹெரா நிகழ்வுகள் நிறைவடையவுள்ளன. பெரஹெரா நடைபெறும் காலப்பகுதி முழுவதையும் உள்ளடக்கும் வகையில் இலங்கை பொலிஸ் விசேட பாதுகாப்பு மற்றும் போக்குவரத்துத் திட்டம் நடைமுறைப்படுத்தப்படவுள்ளது. இதன் கீழ் வீதித் தடைகள் அமைத்தல், பாதுகாப்புப் பணிகள், வாகனங்கள் மற்றும் நபர்களைப் பரிசோதித்தல், சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகளுக்கு வழிகாட்டுதல் மற்றும் வாகனத் தரிப்பிட வசதிகளை வழங்குதல் உள்ளிட்ட நடவடிக்கைகள் மேற்கொள்ளப்படவுள்ளன. பெரஹெராவின் பாதுகாப்புப் பணிகளுக்காக 6,200 பொலிஸ்

Police News

Major Drug Trafficker Hiding Overseas Brought Back to Sri Lanka

A major drug trafficker who had fled Sri Lanka and was residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been brought back to Sri Lanka on 14 August 2026 with the assistance of international law-enforcement authorities. The suspect is a 48-year-old resident of Dehiwala.The suspect is wanted in connection with several offences, including:Drug trafficking – Police Narcotics Bureau, Dehiwala Police Station and Mirihana Police StationIllegal possession of firearms – Mount Lavinia Police Station and Dehiwala Police StationPossession of dangerous and sharp weapons – Piliyandala Police StationMembership in an unlawful assembly and causing injury/damage – Colombo Crimes DivisionFurther investigations will also be conducted into assets allegedly acquired through drug trafficking and other organized criminal activities. In accordance with the orders and directions of the Inspector General of Police, further investigations will be carried out into the suspect and his alleged criminal activities.

Special Events

One Year of Distinguished Leadership and Service as IGP

01. Prevention and Suppression of Organized Crime, Other Crimes and Illegal Drugs i. With international cooperation, 63 organized criminals and drug traffickers who had fled overseas were arrested and brought back to Sri Lanka, and necessary legal action was taken against them. ii. Steps have been initiated to obtain Red Notices for a further 113 wanted criminals residing overseas. iii. A total of 771,580 drug-related raids were conducted, resulting in the seizure of 5,246.896 kg of heroin, 43,600.694 kg of cannabis/Kerala cannabis, and 9,490.985 kg of methamphetamine (Ice). A total of 770,098 suspects connected to these offences were arrested. iv. The highest number of firearms seized in the history of the Sri Lanka Police was recorded during this period, with a total of 6,966 firearms being recovered. 02. Initiatives to Advance the Sri Lanka Police i. An evaluation mechanism was introduced to enhance the efficiency and performance of police station officers. ii. Projects were initiated to construct new police station buildings and renovate and modernize existing facilities. iii. Steps were taken to promote 4,680 police officers, comprising: 3,546 Junior Grade Officers986 Inspector Grade Officers148 Senior State Notified Officers iv. Educational and professional development opportunities were expanded both locally and internationally. A total of 890 overseas training and educational opportunities were facilitated, including: 26 opportunities for Junior Grade Officers557 opportunities for Inspector Grade Officers307 opportunities for Senior State Notified Officers v. A new and distinctive salary and pension structure for the Sri Lanka Police is being formulated. The deliberations of the committee appointed to make observations and recommendations in accordance with the relevant Cabinet Memorandum have been completed, and the final report has been prepared for submission to the Cabinet. vi. Steps have been taken to introduce a new, comfortable and practical uniform, particularly to meet the requirements of officers engaged in operational duties, roadblocks and field inspections. vii. Measures have been initiated to revise the qualifications required for recruitment to the Police Service in line with present-day requirements. viii. Recruitment to the ranks of Police Constable and Inspector is being expedited. A target has been set to recruit approximately 7,500 new personnel to the Sri Lanka Police and the Police Special Task Force in 2026. ix. Steps have been initiated to expedite the approval of pending promotion and recruitment procedures. x. The Police Officers’ Relief Room is formally operated every Thursday to facilitate the prompt resolution of grievances submitted by police officers. A Public Relief Room is conducted every Friday to receive and address grievances submitted by members of the public. xi. Preliminary investigations into offences committed by police officers have been expedited. Charge sheets have been issued against 1,578 officers of various ranks, while 1,966 disciplinary files that had remained pending have been finalized and disciplinary orders issued. xii. Steps have been taken to expedite the processing and finalization of 4,141 retirement files accumulated during 2025–2026. 03. Enhancement of Infrastructure and Operational Facilities i. 1,725 new computers, 575 photocopiers, speedometers and UPS units were procured and distributed among police offices and stations at a cost of approximately Rs. 587 million. Taking steps to provide medical equipment to every police station across the island. ii. 134 Tata single-cab vehicles were procured for the Sri Lanka Police under Indian assistance, at a value of approximately Rs. 662.9 million. iii. Existing police vehicles were repaired, refurbished and modernized at a cost of approximately Rs. 1 billion. iv. 200 generators were procured for the Police Hospital, Crime Records Division and identified police stations and offices. In addition, procurement of 300 mobile and fixed radio communication units, valued at approximately Rs. 709.84 million, was initiated, with several procurements already completed. v. Construction projects covering police tourist accommodation, official residences, police stations and other buildings belonging to the Sri Lanka Police were undertaken at a cost of approximately Rs. 1 billion. vi. Renovation and refurbishment of aging Sri Lanka Police buildings were carried out at a cost of approximately Rs. 3.9 billion. 04. Welfare Initiatives for Police Officers 5. i. Steps have been taken to improve facilities for single police officers, including accommodation, canteens, toilets and laundry facilities. ii. 350 married officers’ quarters were purchased from the Harbour View Residencies housing complex in Colombo. In addition, steps were taken to construct 150 official residences for Police OICs who do not currently have official accommodation, at a total cost of approximately Rs. 5.5 billion. iii. The Police Health and Welfare Scheme has been expanded, with significant improvements to the benefits provided to police officers and their families. For example, the financial assistance available for major medical procedures, including heart, kidney, brain, cancer, liver and bone marrow treatments, has been increased from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 2 million. iv. Facilities and services provided by the Sri Lanka Police Hospital have been enhanced, while steps have also been taken to coordinate and obtain donations to further improve healthcare services. a. Arrangements have been made to distribute medicines at the divisional level to eligible beneficiaries in divisions outside Colombo. b. Essential medical and healthcare equipment, including glucometers, digital weighing scales, electronic blood-pressure monitors, first-aid kits, surgical supplies and blood-sugar testing strips, have been provided at the divisional level. c. The age limit for unmarried children of police officers to receive medical treatment through the Police Hospital has been extended from 18 to 21 years. d. Necessary coordination has been undertaken to obtain four Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds for the Police Hospital through private-sector donations. v. Arrangements have been made to facilitate police officers in obtaining disaster relief loans through the National Savings Bank. vi. Steps have been taken to provide Rs. 1.1 billion as an allowance to Junior Grade Officers, including Police Sergeants and Police Constables, for the purchase of uniforms and footwear for the year 2025. vii. Measures have been taken to ensure the timely and proper provision of uniform components. A sum of approximately Rs. 1.033 billion has already been spent on the procurement of uniforms and welfare items, including sportswear, raincoats, khaki socks, shoes and

Police News

Organized Criminal Subject to an International Red Notice and Two Other Suspects Brought Back to Sri Lanka

An organized criminal who was the subject of an international Red Notice was arrested in Malaysia by a team of officers attached to the Central Anti-Corruption Unit, in an operation conducted with the assistance of the Malaysian Police and INTERPOL. The suspect was subsequently brought back to Sri Lanka by air on the evening of 10 August 2026. The principal suspect, a 41-year-old resident of Ratmalana, had also been temporarily residing in the Peradeniya and Tissamaharama areas. The suspect is wanted in connection with several serious criminal offences, including the following: In 2014, he allegedly abducted and assaulted a person at gunpoint within the Peradeniya Police Division, causing serious injuries. He is an accused in two cases pending before the Kandy Magistrate’s Court in connection with the shooting and killing of a person within the same police division in 2016. Due to his failure to appear before court in connection with the above cases, open warrants had been issued against him. Furthermore, the suspect was arrested in 2003 in connection with a money-laundering case investigated by the Mount Lavinia Police Division, and proceedings were subsequently instituted before the Colombo High Court. He was also arrested by the Mount Lavinia Police Station in 2007 for possession of a hand grenade. Two other suspects who were with the principal suspect at the time of his arrest in Malaysia have also been taken into custody. They are a 35-year-old resident of Ratmalana and a 31-year-old resident of Mount Lavinia. Arrangements have been made to bring both suspects back to Sri Lanka for further investigations. Further investigations into the suspects are being conducted under the instructions and direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police.

Notable Services

Civic Mission for a Clean Country through Community Participation – “Atthama”

The Sri Lanka Police, under the leadership of the Police Environmental Protection Division, is actively contributing to the “Civic Mission for a Clean Country through Community Participation – Atthama”, a national programme being implemented islandwide under the direct supervision of the Presidential Secretariat, in conjunction with the Clean Sri Lanka National Campaign. An online awareness session was conducted by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat on the morning of 31 July 2026, during which all Police Division Officers, Officers-in-Charge of Police Stations, Officers-in-Charge of Divisional Environmental Units, Officers-in-Charge of Environmental Protection Units, and Officers-in-Charge of Community Police Units were briefed on the essential instructions and procedures required for the successful implementation of this programme, which commences on 8 August 2026. The programme aims to encourage the public, including government officials, to voluntarily contribute to maintaining clean, healthy, and environmentally friendly cities, villages, and government institutions. It also seeks to raise public awareness of the civic responsibility of every citizen to protect the environment and contribute to the well-being of their communities. Accordingly, a nationwide initiative has been established to build a cleaner Sri Lanka by bringing together government institutions, the security forces, local government authorities, schools, and civil society organisations. The programme is expected to strengthen community participation in public health protection, proper waste management, and the achievement of sustainable development goals. It also seeks to revive the sense of compassion, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship that is essential for a healthy and harmonious society. As part of this initiative, instructions have been issued to conduct Shramadana programmes at the community level every Saturday from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, commencing on 8 August 2026. Accordingly, the Inspector General of Police has issued the necessary instructions and guidelines to all Police Stations to ensure the successful implementation of these programmes by coordinating with all relevant stakeholders, including voluntary organisations, youth and women’s organisations, and other community-based groups, while taking the initiative of the Public Safety Committees. Join Us in Building a Cleaner Sri Lanka A clean country is a shared responsibility. Let us come together, take responsibility for our surroundings, and actively contribute to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful Sri Lanka. For a beautiful island and a happier nation, make a commitment today to do your part. Your contribution matters. Together, let us build a Clean Sri Lanka!

Notable Services

Colombo International Kite Festival – 2026

The Colombo International Kite Festival – 2026 will be held on Saturday, 08 August 2026, and Sunday, 09 August 2026, at Galle Face Green, Colombo. To mark the opening of the festival, a vehicle parade will commence at 9.00 a.m. on Saturday, 08 August 2026. The parade will proceed along the following route: Galle Face Roundabout, Kollupitiya Junction, Dharmapala Mawatha, Liberty Roundabout,  R.A. De Mel Mawatha,  Bambalapitiya Junction, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Thummulla, Thurstan Road, Glass House Junction, Nanda Motors Junction, Nidahas Mawatha, Public Administration Junction, Maitland Crescent Junction, Horton Place, Horton Roundabout, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, De Soysa Roundabout,  Lipton Roundabout, Ibbanwala Junction,  D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Regal Junction, Ceramic Junction, Lotus Road, N.S.A. Roundabout, Port City. Accordingly, motorists and members of the public are kindly requested to avoid the above routes and use alternative roads during the vehicle parade on Saturday, 08 August 2026, as traffic congestion is expected in these areas. Police traffic officers will be deployed to regulate traffic and provide any necessary assistance. The Kite Festival and Musical Concert, which are open to the public, will be held on Sunday, 09 August 2026. To ensure public safety and facilitate smooth traffic management, approximately 1,000 police officers, including 300 traffic officers and 700 police officers, will be deployed throughout the event. Vehicle Parking Arrangements – Sunday, 09 August 2026 • Visitors are advised to park their vehicles at the following designated locations: • MOD Grounds Car Park• Concrete Car Park near Shangri-La• Chaithya Road• York Street (from Chatham Street Junction to the Old Police Headquarters)• Leyden Bastion Road (both sides)• Lower Lotus Road (left side)• Duke Street (both sides)• Bristol Street (both sides)• Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha (both sides)• D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha (left side)• Parsons Road (both sides)• Port City Premises• Sea Road Seaside Car Park• Sea Road (from Kollupitiya Railway Station Road Junction to Steuart Place)• Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path) – both sides• Dharmapala Mawatha (Viharamahadevi Park side) Paid Parking Facilities • Access Tower Car Park, Union Place• Private Car Park near Gamini Roundabout• Lower Ground Car Park opposite Lake House• Chamas Car Park• Old Manning Market Car Park Media institutions are kindly requested to provide wide publicity to this announcement in order to keep the public informed and to minimise inconvenience during the festival.

Wanted

Galkena Kankanamge Upul Kumara alias “Jambu”

The Meetiyagoda Police is conducting investigations into the fatal shooting of a woman employed as a cashier at a restaurant in the Aluthwala Road area within the Meetiyagoda Police Division on 17.11.2025. Investigations have led to the identification of the suspect believed to have carried out the shooting. As he is currently evading arrest and is suspected to be hiding in the area where he resides, the police are seeking the assistance of the public to locate and apprehend him. Suspect Details – Name: Galkena Kankanamge Upul Kumara alias “Jambu”Age: 39 yearsNational Identity Card No.: 871254385VAddress: Udumulla, Kalupe, Hikkaduwa The suspect is also wanted in connection with shooting incidents reported within the Gandara and Ambalangoda Police Divisions. In addition, warrants have been issued for his arrest in relation to several cases pending before the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect is requested to contact the following telephone numbers: Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Meetiyagoda Police: 071 859 1481Meetiyagoda Police Station: 091 226 0423

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