In an unprecedented move, Police Chief Balasuriya himself was at the Matara Police Station briefing investigation teams and hearing feedbacks from those engaged in the probe. The 100 officers include detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Intelligence operatives and constables. The move followed government concerns that work at regional offices of the Department of Inland Revenue may slow down and create huge revenue losses.

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has ordered an immediate halt to construction work on an unauthorised luxury house being built by Air Force Commander Roshan Gunatillake in the Knuckles nature reserve. Estimated to be worth more than Rs 60 million, the eight-roomed granite-floored luxury residence has been built eight kilometres into the conservation area.