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Another suspect arrested in connection with the fatal road accident near the Meegoda Junction, which claimed six lives, has been remanded until June 16.

The order was issued today by Homagama Acting Magistrate Tharindu Gamage.

The suspect, identified as a resident of Pelenwatta, Pannipitiya, was produced before court following investigations into the accident involving a cab.

Meanwhile, three other suspects arrested in connection with the same incident have also been remanded until June 16.

The incident had occurred along the Avissawella–Colombo High Level Road within the Meegoda Police Division when a cab reportedly drove into a group of people waiting in line at a Dansala. 

Six persons were killed and seven others sustained serious injuries in the crash.

Police said investigations are continuing into the incident.

Police say they are searching for suspects after at least 12 people were shot near a festival in Toledo, in the midwestern US state of Ohio.

The Toledo Police Department said 10 people "are reported to be in stable condition, while two remain in critical condition".

It said it responded to a report of a shooting near the Old West End Festival at around 17:37 local time (21:37 GMT) on Saturday.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said it appeared that two people fired weapons and they were "probably shooting at each other".

Footage shared online - which the BBC has not yet independently verified - appears to show people running and screaming as a volley of gunshots rings out.

The victims' ages ranged from 16 to 61. Police Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz earlier told local news outlet WTOL 11 that they all were expected to survive.

Eyewitness Tito Aguilar told the BBC's US partner CBS News he was ordering food when he saw a group of "juveniles" attacking another young person.

Aguilar said he started recording on his phone and then heard gunshots. He then ran from the area, he said, but eventually returned to find his own friends and saw several people with apparent injuries from the shooting.

Police Lt Dan Gerken expressed shock at the level of violence.

"Twelve people being shot, that's the most I've been to a scene. I've been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top," he told reporters.

Gerken said police were talking to victims and witnesses and reviewing camera footage. He appealed for help from the local community.

The Old West End Festival describes itself as "a two-day event celebrating one of the largest historic districts in the country with live music, multiple food markets, a beer garden, house tours, shopping, and much more".

Heffernan told reporters: “It's just a shame a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years.”

“It's just... horrible.”

Police say the investigation currently includes the area of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue. A map on the festival website suggests a music and food area was at that intersection.

Other clips shared online appear to show two people being wheeled away in stretchers, and several injured people lying on a grassy area near a marquee.

"I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement on social media.

“Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence. Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”

Source: BBC

– Agencies

Police have arrested 28 individuals, including three women, during a raid at a party organised using Facebook and social media in Ambalangoda.

The operation was conducted by officers from the Ambalangoda Police Station together with Special Task Force (STF) personnel, following intelligence received regarding the event.

During the raid, police recovered 225 milligrams of cocaine, 8 grams and 125 milligrams of crystal methamphetamine ('Ice'), 2 grams and 400 milligrams of cannabis, as well as a quantity of illegal cigarettes, police said.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 44, are residents of Batapola, Uragasmanhandiya, Balapitiya, Homagama, Beruwala, Ambalangoda, Meetiyagoda, Wathugedara and Ahungalla.

Police said further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the gathering and the involvement of the suspects.

Ambalangoda Police are conducting further inquiries.

Dengue infections have increased significantly this year compared to the corresponding period in 2025, with reported cases rising by between 50 and 55 percent, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

The Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara stated that 36,168 dengue cases had been reported across the country as of June 5 this year.

According to Dr. Kannangara, approximately 50 percent of the total number of cases have been reported from the Western Province, making it the region with the highest concentration of dengue patients.

He further noted that a considerable number of cases have also been reported from the Galle and Matara districts in the Southern Province, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts in the Sabaragamuwa Province, Puttalam district and the Kandy district in the Central Province.

Health officials attribute the increase in dengue infections partly to the wet weather conditions experienced since January, which have created favourable environments for mosquito breeding.

Dr. Kannangara also pointed out that large quantities of waste accumulated following Cyclone Ditwah have contributed to the creation of mosquito breeding sites in several areas, further increasing the risk of dengue transmission.

The National Dengue Control Unit has also urged the general public to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds in order to curb the spread of the disease.

Families resettled in the ‘Nawa Minipura’ village in Pelmadulla following the devastating floods and landslides of 2017 continue to face severe hardships, with many relying on rainwater to meet their daily needs, including drinking water.

The residents were relocated to Nawa Minipura through a programme facilitated by the Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat after their homes and properties were destroyed by the disaster.

Approximately 60 families from three Grama Niladhari divisions were allocated land in the village and were informed that each household would receive Rs. 1.6 million to construct a permanent house. The funds were reportedly released in installments, with varying amounts disbursed to different beneficiaries.

Using the financial assistance provided, families began constructing their homes. However, residents say the funds were insufficient to complete the projects, forcing many to live in partially built houses under difficult conditions.

Villagers further claim that the settlement still lacks essential infrastructure nearly nine years after its establishment. Basic facilities such as a proper road network and a piped water supply system have yet to be provided.

As a result, residents have been compelled to collect and store rainwater for drinking and other domestic purposes. They say the lack of access to clean water and other essential services has significantly affected their quality of life.

The affected families are appealing to the relevant authorities to address their longstanding concerns and provide the infrastructure necessary to improve living conditions in the village.

Residents expressed hope that swift action would be taken to resolve the issues that have persisted since their relocation.