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The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (19) questioned police over the failure to record statements from two individuals who had stood as sureties for former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena, whose death is being investigated under suspicious circumstances.

The matter was raised during the third day of magisterial inquiry proceedings into Kapila Chandrasena’s death, Ada Derana reporter said.

During the hearing, investigators informed court that CCTV footage from the residence in which the body of Kapila Chandrasena was found and the surrounding areas had been examined, but no evidence had emerged showing any outsider entering the premises between May 5 and May 7, 2026.

The Colombo Crimes Division also informed court that CCTV systems at both the residence where the death occurred and the deceased’s residence had failed to store footage.

Police sought permission to send the DVR units from the CCTV systems and unidentified medication recovered from the scene to the Government Analyst for examination.

The Magistrate also questioned investigators regarding two guarantors whose names had surfaced during the inquiry.

When asked whether statements had been recorded from the individuals, police responded that they had not yet been able to do so.

The Magistrate then questioned how the investigation could proceed without obtaining statements from key individuals linked to the case.

Police later informed court that the two guarantors were currently in remand custody.

The court subsequently granted all investigative requests made by police and ordered further witness testimony to be recorded.

Among the witnesses who testified was a nurse attached to a private hospital, who described the condition in which Chandrasena’s body was found after responding to an emergency call.

A domestic employee at the residence where Chandrasena had been staying also testified, stating that he had last seen the former airline executive during the early hours of the morning carrying a white bottle near a water filter.

An engineer from the company that installed CCTV cameras at the residence also gave evidence regarding the functioning of the surveillance system.

The magisterial inquiry was postponed until May 22 for further proceedings.

The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (19).

During the meeting, the Defence Secretary held cordial discussions with Air Chief Marshal Singh on matters of bilateral importance and mutual interest.

Senior Officials from the Indian High Commission including the Defence Attaché were present during this session.

A complaint has been filed with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka over an incident in which a group was allegedly prevented from paying floral tributes at the National War Heroes’ Monument near Parliament.

The complaint was submitted today (19) by Dr. Supun Abeysinghe, a Central Committee member of the National Freedom Front, along with a group of party representatives.

The matter relates to an incident that occurred yesterday at the National War Heroes’ Monument, when a group led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa arrived at the site to pay tribute.

Tensions arose after security personnel denied the group access to the monument area.

In a statement, the Police Media Division said that preparations and rehearsal activities for the main commemoration ceremony were underway at the location at the time.

It said a group of around 35 individuals, including former MP Wimal Weerawansa, had allegedly attempted to enter the restricted area without authorization, disrupting official duties and rehearsal arrangements.

Police said officers intervened and removed the group from the site to prevent disruption.

The statement added that legal action is expected to be taken against former MP Wimal Weerawansa and others involved in the incident.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the aspirations of war heroes who fought to liberate the country included the creation of a developed and just nation, and that the government is committed to fulfilling that vision.

President Dissanayake made the remarks while addressing the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony held in Battaramulla today (19).

The President said the armed forces made a significant contribution in bringing relief to millions of citizens, adding that their sacrifices must be honoured not only through remembrance but also by building a progressive and developed country.

He noted that many families continue to experience the loss of loved ones from the war, including children, spouses, and parents who still mourn.

President Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka must ensure such suffering is never repeated and that lasting peace is preserved.
He also highlighted the role of the armed forces in disaster response and national emergencies, describing their service as “exceptional.”

The President said the government is working to strengthen the country’s international standing while ensuring the rule of law and judicial independence, adding that these reforms align with the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives.

He further stated that Sri Lanka belongs to all communities and rejected division along ethnic lines, noting that the war was fought against separatism rather than any community.

President Dissanayake added that the government’s focus is to prevent the recurrence of conflict and to build a democratic society where equality before the law is guaranteed and all citizens have equal opportunity regardless of status.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake concluded by paying tribute to the armed forces for their service and reaffirming the government’s commitment to peace, unity and national development.

Sri Lanka has been awarded special recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) for reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis to a level no longer considered a public health problem.

The recognition was granted in line with WHO-established standards and recommendations of global advisory committees, highlighting the country’s sustained progress in controlling the transmission of the diseases, according a statement issued by the Ministry of Health.

The certificate was presented during the 79th World Health Assembly currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the award to Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The WHO commended Sri Lanka’s continued efforts in maintaining elimination status through strengthened public health systems and adherence to international guidelines.