November 22, 2024 9:34 am
Results: 2052
The petition filed against holding of the Cremation Ceremony of Venerable Meegahadure Gnanarathana Thero at the public ground-Jaffna Fort, was rejected by Jaffna Magistrate today (22). MORE...
Body of one and a half year old child murdered by step father dug up in Mannar
The corpse of a one and a half year old child who was murdered, was uncovered by local authorities at Silawathura in Mannar. Initial investigations reveal that the death occurred due to an assault on the child by his step-father. MORE...
SAITM CEO shooting was staged - Police
Sri Lanka Police today said that investigations into the recent shooting carried out targeting the CEO of SAITM, Dr Sameera Senaratne, have uncovered that the incident was staged in order to falsely portray a threat to his life. MORE..
Ukrainian arrested for violating visa rules
A Ukrainian national, believed to have been living in Sri Lanka illegally and violating visa laws, has been detained at the detention camp in Mirihana. MORE..
Channa Gunatilake appointed Army Chief of Staff
Major General Channa Gunatilake has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), the military spokesman said. MORE..
Five fishermen arrested for engaging in illegal fishing
The Navy has arrested 5 fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing activities using explosives in the sea area off South Bar in Mannar. MORE...
Mawbima owner Tiran Alles and two others remanded over RADA case
Three persons including owner of the Mawbima newspaper Tiran Alles have been remanded till November 10 by the Colombo High Court, on charges of misappropriating public funds through the Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA) in 2006. MORE...
Sri Lanka makes 537 after centuries by Perera, Tharanga
Sri Lanka posted 537 all out in the opening innings of the test series against Zimbabwe, with centuries by Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga putting the visitors in control of the first test. MORE...
Sri Lanka makes 537 after centuries by Perera, Tharanga
Sri Lanka posted 537 all out in the opening innings of the test series against Zimbabwe, with centuries by Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga putting the visitors in control of the first test. MORE...
Jaffna incident: IGP admits shortcomings
We should admit the fact that there may have been shortcomings on the part of the police with respect of the incident in Jaffna which resulted in the deaths of two university students, IGP Pujith Jayasundara says. MORE...
Siva Senai in Sri Lanka gets Shiva Sena Support, Colombo Worried
Shiv Sena in Mumbai has extended its support to a new Sri Lankan Tamil outfit called Siva Senai, triggering concerns among the mainstream politicians of the island nation that sectarian outfits will reopen wounds of a 20-year-old civil war that ended only in 2009. MORE...
Eppawala fire was intentional: Government Analyst
The cause of the fire at the state owned Eppawala phosphate factory was not erupted due to natural causes, the Government Analyst’s Department has stated in its report. MORE...
High costs slowing Sri Lanka push toward solar energy
An ambitious plan by the Sri Lankan government to outfit 100,000 homes with solar panels, to turn them into power producers for the national grid, may be too expensive for many families to afford, experts warn. MORE...
Colombo Port City: What You Need To Know In A Nutshell and More
(Feature) Clinching a top priority in the not-very-short list of development projects in Sri Lanka, the Colombo Port City has, indeed, been nudging its way into the limelight. Unsurprisingly, the project has its costs and benefits as well as the arguments that come along with the venture. But how does the new project vary from the old? MORE.....
ETCA: The Strive Towards Rejuvenated Indo-Lanka Trade
(Feature) Much debate has flared regarding the ETCA between the neighboring countries of India and Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, assumed conspiracies have taken the spotlight on several occasions and Sri Lankans do not appear to be very keen at the prospect of the arrangement that is to be signed. MORE...
Jaffna University Conflict: Non-Fictional Clash of Clans?
(FEATURE) The violent argument that occurred in the University of Jaffna earlier this month has possibly left considerable doubt in the minds of Lankans: Are we falling prey to racism? Is peace an intricate luxury that we seemingly cannot afford? MORE.....
UN Watch welcomes progress made by Sri Lanka
UN Watch welcomes the progress made by the Sri Lankan government since resolution 30/1 was adopted in October 2015, a Statement by UN Watch made during the 32nd Session of the UNHRC says.MORE...
Ramadan fasting begins tomorrow
The Crescent for Ramadan has sighted and fasting will begin tomorrow, the Colombo Grand Mosque said. MORE...
Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the FCID this morning, has been released on bail after being produced at the Matara Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Sri Lanka could accept international actors in war crimes probe
Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said on Thursday he is willing to consider international participation in investigating possible war crimes during the 26-year Tamil insurgency. MORE...
Sri Lanka will not be flooded by Indians - Harsha
Officials in Sri Lanka have described as “premature” the controversy currently raging in the island over the Lankan government’s intention to sign an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India. MORE...
Maldives frees three accused of hiring Sri Lanka sniper
Three people arrested over a plot to assassinate the Maldivian President that involved a sniper brought into Maldives from Sri Lanka have been released on Sunday, the Haveeru reported. MORE...
Former CJ acquitted and released
Former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayaka has been acquitted and released from the case filed by the Bribery Commission for failure to accurately declare her assets and liabilities. MORE..
Wigneswaran raises objections over Palaly airport expansion
Northern Province’s Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran has raised objections over the renovation of the Palaly airport in the Northern Province, one of the many large infrastructure projects proposed in Sri Lanka with the funding of the Indian government. MORE...
Lack of transparency in Chinese contracts were the concern – Harsha
Our major concern was the lack of transparency with the way infrastructure projects were originally awarded to the Chinese, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs Harsha Desilva said in an interview. Speaking to Finance Asia he added that where we could, we were able re-negotiate and restructure the contracts to bring the overall costs down. MORE...
Lanka envoy unveils welfare plan for workers in Saudi
Sri Lankan Ambassador Azim Thassim told his countrymen in Saudi Arabia that his mission has chalked out a 20/20 plan to promote bilateral relations with the Saudi and to work for the welfare of the island’s 500,000 workers in Saudi Arabia. MORE...
Fmr. Embilipitiya ASP arrested by CID
The former ASP of Embilipitiya Police, D.W.C. Dharmaratne, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with the recent death of a youth during a clash with police in Embilipitiya, sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Neo-fascists opposing closer India-Sri Lanka ties - Mangala
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has criticised “neo-fascists” in Sri Lanka for opposing closer ties with India. MORE...
Yoshitha, Nishantha and Rohan Weliwita remanded
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Rohan Weliwita, Nishantha Ranatunga and 2 others have been remanded till February 11th by the Kaduwela Magistrates Court. MORE..
Major disaster averted as two trains almost collide head-on
Two trains narrowly avoided a head-on collision in Ginthota on the Coastal Line as the drivers of the locomotives managed prevent a possible major train disaster this afternoon. MORE..
Graham Ford signs up for second spell as Sri Lanka Coach
Graham Ford has agreed to return to Sri Lanka for a second spell as national coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team. He has signed on from February 1 for a period of 45 months, President SLC told Ada Derana. MORE...
Bail application filed for Gnanasara Thero
A bail application has been filed at the Homagama Magistrate’s Court for the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organisation, Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who was arrested and remanded for contempt of court. MORE..
13th Amendment back in the limelight in Sri Lanka
Even as Sri Lanka is preparing to come up with a new Constitution with devolution as one of the key issues, the 13th Amendment, which created provincial councils in the country, is again in the limelight. MORE...
I will save country from drug menace- President
President Maithripala Sirisena says he would save the country and the people from the drug menace, ignoring the income received by the government from the sale of drug and tobacco. MORE...
PM to leave for Switzerland tomorrow
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to leave Sri Lanka tomorrow for the World Economic Forum that will be held in Davos-klosters, Switzerland from January 20 to 23. MORE...
The Attorney General has instructed the Police to arrest Colombo District MP Hirunika Premachandra in connection with the abduction incident in Dematagoda. MORE..
CAA warns of legal action over wheat flour prices
Refuting reports that the price of wheat flour has been increased by Rs 2 per kilogram, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says that legal action will be taken against companies which have increased prices without prior approval. MORE..
Twelve Tamil Nadu fishermen were today arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were fishing near Katchatheevu. MORE...
PM vows to continue development projects
UPDATE: The new government has taken every possible effort to resolve issues with respect to allegations of human rights violations, the Prime Minister says. MORE...
We will not act in haste on war crimes special court - President
The Sri Lankan government would not act “in haste” on the issue of setting up a special court on allegations of violations of human rights in the last stages of the civil war, President Maithiripala Sirisena said on Sunday. MORE...
No dire need of emergency funding in Lanka - Mahendran
Sri Lanka is in no dire need of emergency funding as the country’s economy fared well in 2015 with reserves on a sound footing, Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran said today. MORE...
Lankan envoy to Saudi clears up ‘misunderstandings’
In a statement to clear any misunderstanding that the Sri Lankan mission in the Kingdom was not involved in seeking clemency for the Sri Lankan maid, who was recently spared from being sentenced to death for adultery, Azmi Thassim, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said that the Lankan embassy in Riyadh played a major role in the appeal. MORE
TN parties stoke sentiments on Sri Lanka, LTTE ahead of polls
Ahead of the 2016 assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK and other political parties are attempting to stoke public sentiments on emotive issues like Sri Lankan Tamils’ sufferings and LTTE, although they have not translated into electoral gains in the past. MORE...
Kusal Janith Perera suspended over doping test
Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Janith Perera has been banned from cricket for a still unspecified period after failing a doping test during an earlier home series against Pakistan, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said. MORE..
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today arrived at the special Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating into large scale corruption and fraud to give a statement. MORE..
Cabinet agrees to change Divi Neguma to Samurdhi
The Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to change the Divi Neguma Development Department to Samurdhi Department, co-cabinet spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
Port City will be eco-friendly - CHEC
The China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) says that according to the recently released Supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) report, the Colombo Port City (CPC), upon completion of reclamation works, will incorporate solutions for integrated management of energy, water and waste for long‐term environmental sustainability... MORE.
Namal was planning on becoming country’s leader - Dilan
Namal Rajapaksa was planning on becoming the country’s next leader if his father was in power for another 15 years, claims State Minister Dilan Perera. MORE..
Information bank for economic diplomacy to be established soon - Harsha
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva says that a ‘Knowledge Platform’, an online internet information bank is being set up by the ministry to promote economic diplomacy and that it would be launched by the end of the first quarter of 2016. MORE..
Wigneswaran slams lack of funds for NPC
The Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran on Tuesday expressed opposition to the Sri Lankan government’s plan to introduce “Grama Rajya” as the unit of devolution of power. MORE..
Govt gives undertaking to provide clinical training for SAITM students
The Ministry of Health today gave an undertaking to the Supreme Court to provide clinical training to the students of the Private Medical College in Malabe at the Avissawella Base Hospital and the Kaduwela MOH. MORE..
Drug kingpin who smuggles narcotics to Lanka arrested
Indian Police have arrested an accused, who acted as a kingpin of a drug peddling gang, which smuggled narcotics to Sri Lanka after a high drama during a vehicle check, The Hindu newspaper reported.MORE...
Port City can resume tomorrow if Chinese firm agrees to leasehold - Ravi
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that the Sri Lankan government is prepared give the go-ahead for the Colombo Port City project to resume even tomorrow, if the Chinese company agrees to begin the US$1.4 billion project on a 99-year lease. MORE.
LG polls before Sinhala & Tamil New Year - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the government expects to hold the Local Government election before the next Sinhala and Tamil New Year. MORE..
SL to sign convention of protection from enforced disappearances
Today Sri Lanka will sign the International Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearances, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MORE..
LG polls unlikely to be held in March - Lakshman Yapa
State Minister of Finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena says that it is unlikely the Local Government election will be held in March next year as scheduled. MORE..
Govt will not sign CEPA with India - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe informed Parliament today that the government will not sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India but will enter into an Economic/Technical pact with the neighboring country. MORE..
India committed to build 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka
India is committed to build 50,000 houses for internally displaced people in Sri Lanka, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. MORE..
Nissanka Senadhipathi arrives at CID
The Chairman of Avant-Garde Security Services, Major (rtd) Nissanka Senadhipathi has arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) a short while ago to give a statement, Police told Ada Derana. MORE..
One dead, 7 injured after van topples on Expressway
One woman was killed while another 7 persons were injured when a van toppled on the Southern Expressway near the 73 km post in the Elpitiya police area, police spokesman said. MORE..
Nalaka Godahewa postpones FCID visit
Former Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), Dr Nalaka Godahewa, has requested the Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) for a different date to record a statement as he is unable to appear today. MORE..
Special flight to bring back stranded Sri Lankan pilgrims
SriLankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka have arranged a special flight to bring back a group of 120 pilgrims who were stranded in the Buddhist holy city of Bodh Gaya(Buddha Gaya) by the floods that have ravaged parts of India. MORE..
FCID summons ex-SEC chairman Nalaka Godahewa
The former Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), Dr Nalaka Godahewa, has been summoned to appear before the Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID). MORE..
Two arrested over financial irregularity at SEC
Two individuals including a former top SEC official have been arrested over an alleged financial irregularity at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) in 2013, police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
MR urges govt not to jeopardize national security over petty politics
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused the government of “hastily” releasing “hard core terrorists” without regard to the nation’s security due to political pressure from certain interested quarters. MORE..
The Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA) says that it will launch a work-to-rule campaign from tomorrow (3) protesting against budget proposals. MORE..
President thanks MPs who voted for budget
President Maithripala Sirisena has made special appreciation and thanked all Government and opposition MPs who voted in favor of the Budget, the President’s Media Division said. MORE..
UN conference on climate change commences today
The United Nations Conference on Climate Change will commence today (30) in Paris under the patronage of French President Francois Holande. MORE...
Jaya urges Modi to get TN fishermen released from Lanka
Hours after the Sri Lankan Navy arrested eight Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized their two boats, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure the release of a total of 37 fishermen and 55 boats, including those held today. MORE...
Eight more Indian fishermen arrested
Eight Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Navy in an early morning action today. MORE...
President to leave for France today
President Maithripala Sirisena who participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Malta, will leave for France today (Nov. 29) to attend the United Nations Conferenceon Climate Change – 2015. MORE...
Common values are important and not the power of wealth – President
President Maithripala Sirisena said he is fully satisfied with the accomplishment of goals set at the last CHOGM in Colombo during the period of last two years when Sri Lanka was the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth. MORE..
Siyam’s father says Vass Gunawardena didn’t kill his son
In a surprising twist, the father of slain businessman Mohamed Siyam says that his son was not murdered by former DIG of Police Vass Gunawardena, who was sentenced to death after being found guilty over the killing. MORE..
Siyam murder: Vass Gunawardena, son and 4 others found guilty
Six suspects including former DIG Vass Gunawardena and his son Ravindu have been sentenced to death after being found guilty for the abduction and murder of businessman Mohamed Siyam by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar. MORE..
18hr water cut for Colombo and several other areas
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) has announced an 18-hour water cut from 11.00 am on Saturday (28) to 5.00 a.m. on Sunday (29) for several areas including Colombo, Kotte and Kaduwela. MORE..
Kumar Gunaratnam further remanded
Frontline Socialists Party (FSP) political committee member Premakumar Gunaratnam, who was arrested and remanded for visa violations, has been further remanded till December 11 by the Kegalle Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Sunil Handunnetti named new COPE Chairman
JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) in Parliament, Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera said. MORE..
Four respondents named in Rakna Lanka case?
Two former Commanders of the Sri Lanka Navy, a former Defence Ministry Additional Secretary and the Chairman of Avant-Garde Security Services have been named as respondents in the case filed over alleged financial fraud at Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd, according to sources. MORE..
No foreign naval bases on SL soil: PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Lanka will not allow other countries to set up naval bases in its territory. MORE...
Rajitha, Champika and Arjuna ask IGP to probe bribery claims
Ministers Champika Ranawaka, Dr Rajitha Seenaratne and Arjuna Ranatunga today requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the allegations made against them by the Chairman of Avant Garde Private Limited, Nissanka Senadhipathi. MORE..
President calls special meeting with SLFP Parliamentary Group
President Maithripala Sirisena will hold a special meeting with the members of Sri Lanka Freedom Party Parliamentary Group at the Presidential Secretariat, today(23). MORE...
The new government’s first full-year budget, for the fiscal year of 2016, is being presented to the Parliament of Sri Lanka by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. MORE..
Hasitha Thilakeratne appointed CAA chairman
Hasitha Thilakeratne has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA). MORE..
Ex-President arrives at PRECIFAC
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Special Presidential Commission to probe large scale corruption to give a statement a short while ago. MORE..
PRECIFAC to summon Mahinda tomorrow
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will again be summoned to the special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) tomorrow (20). MORE...
India wants to get back boats as well
The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) in India has reiterated its demand to the Centre to prevail upon the Sri Lankan government to release 56 boats belonging to Indian fishermen. MORE...
If contested alone, Rajapaksa should have won: Nalaka Thero
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa could have won the last General Election if he had contested independently, Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero says. MORE...
President should not lead parties at LG polls: Gammanpila
There is a strong demand within the parties that President Maithripala Sirisena should not lead the UPFA and the SLFP at forthcoming local government polls, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila says. more...
Global resolve in dealing firmly with terrorism needed: Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the recent terrorist attack in France has once again underscored the need for global resolve in dealing firmly with terrorism. MORE...
NASA chief: Time to clean up all that space junk
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden warns that too little is being done to remove debris from space, an issue that has drawn plenty of attention this week after an unknown object made a fiery entry into Earth’s atmosphere. MORE...
Sri Lanka to usher in a capital oriented budget: Ravi
Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake said that the Yahapalana Government’s new budget on November 20 will be capital oriented while aiming at higher revenue than recurrent expenditure. MORE...
A1 construction cost up by Rs. 2 billion, says Namal
The construction of the Colombo- Kandy highway has been estimated to be around Rs. 4.2 billion now, however, the former government had plans to finish the project for Rs. 2.2 billion, MP Namal Rajapaksa says. MORE...
Govt to publish biographical book on Sobitha Thero
The government today said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to print a book which will include the biography of Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero and the services rendered by him to the country. MORE..
Sumanthiran calls for removal of Wigneswaran from TNA
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says that while a proposal has been made to ITAK calling for the removal of Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran from the TNA, it is not the opinion of the entire party. MORE..
Deepavali signifies a moment of light overcoming darkness: PM
Deepavali renews hope in our hearts towards the engagement of the human spirit in overcoming evil with the goodness that exist among mankind, the Prime Minister said in his Deepavali Message. MORE...
Tamil prisoners recommence hunger strike
Over 200 Tamil prisoners have yet again commenced their hunger strike in several prisons across the country to protest against being jailed for years without trial. Earlier, they ended the fast following an assurance from President Maithripala Sirisena that their grievances would be addressed. MORE...
President to closely monitor Avant Garde issue: Rajitha
President Maithripala Sirisena will closely monitor the investigations with respect to the Avant Garde Security Service issue, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne says. MORE...
Sri Lanka to release 126 Indian fishermen on Monday
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All the 126 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody will be released by courts in the island nation on Monday. The Sri Lankan government has already issued release orders to the fisheries department, according to the Times of India news agency. MORE...
Marapana explains reasons behind his resignation
Explaining his stance on the decision to resign from his post as the Minister of Law and Order, Tilak Marapana asserts the conduct of the operations at the Avant Garde Security Service were legal. MORE...
Estate workers to get loans for Deepavali
The government will provide a loan of Rs 3,500 for estate workers for the Deepavali festival in addition to the Rs 6,500 salary advance, Minister of Plantation Industries Navin Dissanayake says. MORE..
JVP activist wins case against police
A JVP activist on Thursday (05) won a lawsuit against the police department who claimed his fundamental rights were breached with the police had arrested him on the charges of displaying a banner which contained a message criticising the former President during the last Presidential election. MORE...
Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption efforts not rhetorical – Harsha
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva says that at the international level Sri Lanka’s commitment to contributing to efforts to combat corruption remains strengthened as never before specially following the democratic changes in country this year. MORE..
CID extends detention order on Pillayan till Dec 10
The Colombo Chief Magistrate today permitted the CID to detain and question former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, who was arrested in connection with the murder of ex-MP Joseph Pararajasingham, till December 10 under detention orders. MORE..
Legal hurdles hold up release of fishermen
Legal hurdles both in Sri Lanka and India are apparently holding up the release of 120 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 34 Lankan fishermen currently in detention in Lanka and India respectively. MORE...
Gammanpila condemns attack on HNDA students
If the attack on HNDA students had taken place during the past government, no doubt some would try to make the former Defence Secretary accountable for the violent incident, Colombo District Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila says. MORE...
Anura hospitalised following a brief illness
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been admitted to the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital following a brief illness, the hospital Director said. MORE...
Kondaya’s brother further remanded
The Minuwangoda Magistrate today (16) further remanded Kondeya’s elder brother Saman Jayalath till November 16 who was arrested in connection with the murder and sexual assault on the child in Kotadeniyawa, Ada Derana reporter says. MORE...
Navy arrests five more TN fishermen
Sri Lankan Navy arrested five Tamil Nadu fishermen today and seized their boat on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in their waters. MORE...
President Sirisena to leave for Thailand today
President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an Official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from November 01 to 04, on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-o-Cha. MORE...
Public petition at Fort to urge porn ban in Sri Lanka
A public petition will be signed on November 04 at Colombo Fort in a bid to request the Government to urge the internet service providers to block access to websites hosting pornographic content. MORE...
Sri Lankan tourists hurt as tour bus plunges into ditch in Thailand
Twenty-two people, mainly Sri Lankan tourists, were hurt when their tour bus overturned into a ditch in Ratchaburi’s Photharam district on Thursday afternoon. MORE...
120 Indian fishermen to be released in “next few days”
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The Sri Lankan government has said that it will release “in the next few days” the 120 Tamil Nadu fishermen in its custody in return for the release of 36 Lankan fishermen held by India. MORE...
Falling space junk to create fireball in the sky: experts
A piece of space junk will fall back to Earth next month, giving researchers a chance to study how incoming objects behave when they hit the planet’s atmosphere. MORE...
Govt. mulls bail for Tamils held under terror act: Mano
The Ranil Wickremesinghe government is open to the idea of allowing Tamils held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to get bail, the New India Express quoted the Minister for National Dialogue on Ethnic Issues Mano Ganeshan as saying. MORE...
Actress and former MP Upeksha Swarnamali arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC), a short while ago on Thursday (29) morning. MORE...
Justice Malalgoda denies allegations
Justice Vijith Malalgoda has entirely denied allegations leveled against him by a website that he accepts dollars from the Rajapaksas in a bid to influence the judgments and decisions he makes, Ada Derana court reporter says. MORE...
Court returns Wimal’s passport
The Negombo Magistrate this morning (28) returned the passport of MP Wimal Weerawansa, Ada Derana reporter says. MORE...
Nightclub attack: six more suspects arrested
Six more persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of the nightclub owner in Anuradhapura, the Police Spokesperson says. MORE...
Top US official on women’s issues in Sri Lanka
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues at the US State Department, Catherine Russell is on travel to Sri Lanka October 28 – 29. MORE...
Lionel Fernando resigns from HRCSL
Lionel Fernando has resigned from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) due to personal reasons, a source said. MORE...
Govt. obliged to safeguard dignity and pride of tri-forces: President
When facing allegations of war crimes, the government will take it as an obligation to safeguard the dignity and the pride of the tri-forces, President Maithripala Sirisena says. MORE...
CoI to commence investigation on Avant Garde ship
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate and inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIPAC) has decided to commence a separate investigation in connection with the Avant Garde ship which is anchored at the Galle Harbour. MORE...
Indian Coast Guard arrests 29 Sri Lankans
Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari apprehended two Sri Lankan trawlers namely Holy Cross III and VI along with 29 Sri Lankan nationals in Lakshadweep waters for poaching of endangered marine species, sea cucumber. MORE...
Eight arrested over murder of Anuradapura nightclub owner
Eight members of the gang, who are suspects in the murder of a Karate champion and an owner of a nightclub in Anuradapura, has been arrested by the Anuradhapura police, the Police Spokesperson says. MORE...
Karuna Amman resigns from SLFP
Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman says he has decided to to resign from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to join the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) led by V. Anandasangaree. MORE...
President Sirisena to strengthen Thai– Sri Lanka relations
President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an Official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from November 01 to 04, on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-o-Cha. MORE...
Sri Lanka mulls imposing heavy fines on Indian poachers
Sri Lanka is mulling imposing fines as high as 150 million rupees on Indian fishermen poaching in the country’s waters, officials said. MORE...
Sri Lanka to release 86 Tamil Nadu fishermen on October 28
Eighty-six Tamil Nadu fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the past two months, would be released on October 28, the Indian government has said today. MORE...
Mahinda speaks about the underground bunker at the President’s House
The US-sponsored resolution that was adopted at the recently concluded UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva includes several terms that could be a threat to the island nation, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says. MORE...
Mihin Lanka to commence services to Oman from tomorrow
Budget airline, Mihin Lanka is set to commence operations in Oman from 25 October allowing the passengers from the Sultanate to travel to the country at cheaper base rates. MORE...
Accountability process would be purely domestic: FM
The process to fix accountability as mandated by the latest UNHRC resolution for the alleged rights abuses during the conflict with the LTTE will be completely domestic, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has said rejecting claims that it was a hybrid mechanism. MORE...
UNP Provincial Councilor Tissa Bandara arrested
UNP Central Provincial Councilor Tissa Bandara has been arrested for allegedly assaulting an individual at the Dambulla Economic Centre, the police say. MORE...
Paranagama report far worse than UN report – Rajitha
The government today said that the resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council on Sri Lanka would have been much more severe if the Paranagama report had been released before the session in Geneva. MORE..
Parliamentary programme for the Budget 2016 amended
The parliamentary programme for the Budget 2016 which was approved at the Cabinet of Ministers has been amended according to a proposal made by Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance. MORE...
Dilan admires JVP for its stance on US-sponsored resolution
State Minister Dilan Perera on Thursday (22) admired Sri Lanka’s leftist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for maintaining a clear stance on the US-sponsored resolution that was adopted at the recently concluded UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva. MORE...
Upali Kodikara released on bail
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Upali Kodikara, who was arrested for allegedly obstructing duties of a police officer, has been released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate today. MORE..
UN will continue to press for accountability in Sri Lanka: Farhan
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that the United Nations (UN) will continue to press for accountability in Sri Lanka over incidents related to the alleged war crimes. MORE...
President convenes an all-party meeting today
President Maithripala Sirisena has called for an all-party meeting today (22) in a bid discuss the steps to be taken on the US-sponsored resolution that was adopted at the recently concluded UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva. MORE...
Wele Sudha’s sister among 3 held with heroin
Three persons including the sister of notorious drug lord Samantha Kumara alias ‘Wele Sudha’ have been arrested for the possession of more than 100g of heroin in Borella. MORE..
UN Assistant Secretary-General to visit Sri Lanka
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, will be visiting Sri Lanka today (21) on a four-day official visit. MORE..
Vavuniya DIG case: President requests report on missing cop
President Maithripala Sirisena has issued a directive to the IGP to expedite the investigation in connection with the disappearance case of a police Sergeant who was a witness in the case in which several top cops including a DIG are suspected of allegedly involved in a treasure hunting incident in Vavuniya. MORE...
CID wants to question Geetha on dual citizenship allegations
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has sought the approval of the Speaker to question MP Geetha Kumarasinghe about allegations that she is a dual citizen of Sri Lanka and a European country. MORE...
UN resolution, Udalagama & Paranagama Commission reports tabled in Parliament
The resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council as well as the Udalagma and Paranagama Commission Reports were tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe a short while ago.
Sajin gets permission to go to Singapore
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (20) allowed former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, whose passport was earlier seized, to go to Singapore for medical treatments. MORE...
Rohan Weliwita questioned by Homagama police
Media Secretary to the former President, Rohan Weliwita, has been summoned to the Homagama Police station to record a statement this morning (20), a police source says. MORE...
Sri Lanka holds rates as Mahendran eyes next fiscal budget
Sri Lanka’s central bank kept interest rates unchanged for a sixth straight month and Governor Arjuna Mahendran said the government will focus on boosting revenue in its budget due November, the Bloomberg news agency reported today. MORE...
Gary Anandasangaree wins Scarborough-Rouge Park for Liberals
Gary Anandasangaree has won the new riding of Scarborough-Rouge Park for the Liberal party in Canada, beating the Conservatives after the party dropped candidate Jerry Bance late in the campaign. MORE..
Five Lankans reach India using high-speed boat?
Five persons were suspected to have arrived onboard a high-speed fibre glass boat from Sri Lanka that was found abandoned at a coastal village in India, a topTamil Nadu police official has said. MORE...
President lauds Airforce’s contribution for National Security
“The Sri Lanka Air Force, demonstrating its specific skills, weakened the enemy by attacking them directly when the Army and Navy were facing difficult situations in the operation to eradicate LTTE terrorism in the last few decades”, said President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
No bail for Upali Kodikara, remanded till Oct. 23
The Colombo Chief Magistrate today (19) remanded former Western Provincial Minister Upali Kodikara who was arrested for allegedly obstructing a police officer at the BMICH premises where sittings were held to question the former President. MORE...
Court adds top army officials’ names as respondents in Eknaligoda case
The Court of Appeal has included the names of Army Commander and Army Intelligence Chief as respondents in connection with the disappearance case of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, Ada Derana reporter says. MORE...
Sri Lanka to allow Chinese submarines to visit, inform neighbours
Sri Lanka will allow future submarine visits by China provided they are not too frequent, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said underlining that the mistrust with India in the past could have been avoided if it had been kept in the picture about the dockings. MORE...
The Cinnamon Garden police today (19) arrested former Western Provincial Minister Upali Kodikara for allegedly obstructing a police officer at the BMICH premises where sittings were held to question the former President. MORE...
India, Sri Lanka fisherfolk want to Meet Jaya
An Indo-Sri Lankan team of fishermen is all set to seek a meeting with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa, to resolve the long standing and irksome issue of fishing in the Palk Strait. MORE...
Seya murder: Court releases Kondaya
The Minuwangoda Magistrate today (19) released Dinesh Priyashantha alias Kondaya who had been arrested in connection with the murder and rape of the five-year-old child in Kotadeniyawa. MORE...
Government says would consider visit by China navy ships
Sri Lanka would consider allowing Chinese naval ships to visit again but no request has been forthcoming yet, the country’s defence Secretary said on Sunday. MORE...
Tamil prisoners end hunger strike
Over 200 Tamil political prisoners, who were on hunger strike in Sri Lanka to protest against being jailed for years without trial, today ended their fast following an assurance from President Maithripala Sirisena that their grievances would be addressed. MORE...
Ex-LTTE political wing leader Thamilini dies of cancer
Former senior LTTE official Subramaniam Sivakamy, better known as Colonel Thamilini, has died at the age of 43, due to cancer, a source from the Maharagama cancer hospital says. Thamilini was reportedly hospitalised a few days ago and passed away this morning. MORE...
Three customs officials nabbed while accepting largest ever bribe of Rs. 125m
Three customs officials were arrested a short while ago while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 125 million, the Director General of the Bribery Commission confirmed. MORE..
Jayalalithaa writes again to PM Modi, fishers arrest by Navy rises to 87
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up at the highest political level the arrest of fishermen from the state by Sri Lanka and said the number of those apprehended has now gone up to 87 besides their 39 boats. MORE...
Prime Minister to visit Singapore today
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Singapore today (15) on a two day official tour, the Government Information Department announced. MORE...
Treasury allocates Rs.544 million for Golden Key depositors
The repayment schedule prepared by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for resolving the difficulties confronted by the deposit holders of the Golden Key Credit Card Company Limited (GKCCCL) has already been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. MORE...
MR’s party responds to allegations
Summoning the former President before the Commission to Inquire into Serious Corruption over several matters is undoubtedly an attempt to convey to the public the impression that the former president had engaged in wrongdoing and to gain some political mileage thereby, the Media Secretary to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says. MORE...
Danuna Tilakaratne acquitted in Hicorp case
The Colombo High Court today acquitted Danuna Tilakaratne from the Hicorp fraud case. Thilakaratne, former son-in-law of ex-Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, had surrendered to Colombo High Court in December last year and was released on bail. MORE..
Mahinda arrives at Special Prez Commission
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating serious acts of fraud a short while ago. MORE..
IOC gives Sri Lanka until end of year to revise sports law
The International Olympic Committee has given Sri Lanka until the end of the year to revise its sports legislation or face possible suspension. MORE..
Term of 23 LG bodies extended till Dec 31
The term of 21 Local Government bodies which was set to end tomorrow and two LG bodies to end term on October 31 have been extended till December 31, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Faiszer Musthapha said. MORE..
Navy arrests nine more Indian fishermen
The Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday apprehended nine Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boat on charges of trespassing into the territorial waters of the island nation, marine police sources at Mandapam in India has said. MORE...
FCID probes ex-security forces’ chiefs who held diplomatic posts
The Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) has commenced investigations regarding five former diplomats, including four ex-security forces commanders, for allegedly engaging in political activities while attached to Sri Lankan missions abroad. MORE..
Wimal praises Russia’s role in confronting ISIS
Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa has praised the Russian Government and the Russian Forces over its military invention in destroying the ISIS/ISIL terrorist strongholds in Syria. MORE...
Indian Coast Guard arrest 5 Sri Lankan fishermen and boat
A Sri Lankan fishing boat along with the 5 crew on board was apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer off Vakalapudi coast with 700 kg of fish on Tuesday. MORE..
CID gets detention order to question Pillayan
The Colombo Chief Magistrate today (14) allowed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to detain former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan for questioning till November 04. MORE...
Kondaya’s brother’s DNA matches samples from Seya
The Minuwangoda Magitsrate was apprised today that DNA samples found on Seya Sadewmi match Kondeya’s elder brother Saman Jayalath who was arrested in connection with the murder and sexual assault on the child in Kotadeniyawa, the Police Spokesperson said. MORE...
Suspected underworld figure gunned down in Wellampitiya
A 47-year-old man was killed following a shooting incident which took place on Gothami Mawatha in Welewatta, Wellampitiya. MORE..
India must act on arrests of fishermen, says Jayalalithaa
India cannot be a mute spectator when Sri Lanka continues to violate the rights of Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has said in Chennai. MORE...
Wele Sudha gets capital punishment
The Colombo High Court today (14) awarded death sentence to Samantha Kumara Vithanage alias Wele Sudha for the charges of possession of 7.05 grams of heroin. MORE...
Billionaire’s exit prompts SL to seek new oil explorer?
Sri Lanka will issue a fresh international tender for offshore oil and gas blocks after billionaire Anil Agarwal’s Cairn India Ltd. relinquished its exploration rights in the South Asian island, the Bloomberg news agency reported today. MORE...
Court of Appeal extends stay order on full-face helmets
The Court of Appeal on Tuesday (13) further extended the stay order issued against the circular imposing a ban on full-face helmets. MORE...
US trains Lanka Navy on underwater demining
The U.S. Navy has concluded a two-week training session in Trincomalee to equip and support Sri Lanka’s underwater demining efforts, the US embassy in Colombo announced today. MORE...
Ven. Gnanasara Thera surrenders to court
General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and two other monks have surrendered to the Fort Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (13) morning, Ada Derana reporter says. MORE...
Navy arrests 24 Indian fishermen
The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday arrested 24 Indian fishermen arrested and also seized four boats near Gulf of Mannar. MORE...
Private bank robbed in Dambulla
An individual has robbed over Rs.790,000 rupees from a private bank in Dambulla, a short while ago on Tuesday morning (13), the police say. MORE...
Third India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise culminates
The third Indo-Lanka Joint Training Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ focusing on counter- terrorism and insurgency operations culminated in India. MORE...
Rajapaksa govt. turned a blind eye to corruption: Patali
Majority of the people sought a regime change in a bid to put a full stop to corruption of the previous government, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka says. MORE...
Court to announce verdict in Shyam murder trial in November
The verdict in the murder trial of Bambalapitiya businessman Mohamed Shyam, in which former DIG Vass Gunawardena is accused, will be announced on 27 November. MORE...
Fisherworkers forum urges Modi to find permanent solution to fishermen issue
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Indian National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has requested Prime Minster Narendra Modi to use diplomatic channels to hold dialogue with neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, who arrest, attack and incarcerate Indian fishermen, the New Indian Express news agency reported. MORE...
Cops baton charge on protesters in Pallemalala
Police personnel and officers attached to the Police Anti Riot Squad today (12) baton charged a group of protesters when they were protesting near the Pallemalala junction along the Matara- Tissamaharama road over a drinking water issue, Ada Derana reporter says. MORE...
SL deceiving nations, says Karunanidhi
India’s DMK leader M Karunanidhi has charged Sri Lanka with using its geographical location to deceive other nations and asked the Indian government to take steps to safeguard the livelihood of the fishermen of Tamil Nadu. MORE...
CID detains Pillayan for further questioning
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is interrogating former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan under a detention order, the police say. MORE...
Navy officials meet Indian counterparts
Senior officials of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard met their counterparts from Sri Lanka on board a navy patrol vessel near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) recently and discussed operative effectiveness of the forces. MORE...
Warrant issued on Ven. Gnanasara Thera
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and two others for not appearing in the Court, this morning (12), Ada Derana reporter says. MORE...
ICC Probes Sri Lanka Official Over Match Fixing
The International Cricket Council has launched a probe into a top Sri Lankan official suspected of involvement in match-fixing, the sport’s local governing body said today. MORE...
The former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan has been summoned to appear at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to give a statement in connection with a murder incident. MORE..
New traffic plan for Parliament Rd and Maharagama
A new traffic plan is to be introduced to ease congestion along the Parliament Road and the Maharagama Town while rehearsals are set to be carried out on Saturday and Sunday. MORE..
Police seek public help in Lasantha’s case
The police headquarters today (08) announced it seek public help to identify the suspects involved in the controversial murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. MORE...
Seya’s father to undergo DNA test
The Minuwangoda Magitsrate today (08) allowed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to carry out a DNA test on the father of Seya Sadewmi after he agreed to face the test, the police say. MORE...
Indian fishermen protest against Lanka
The fishermen of Rameswaram island in India and the family members of a missing fisherman have observed fast here, urging the authorities to trace him who went missing after the boat he was in sank on the high seas, and protesting against Sri Lankan navy. MORE...
Dr. Herath calls on Seychelles President
The new resident High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Seychelles, Dr. Tikiri Herath Gunathilake, has presented his credentials to Seychelles President James Michel at State House. MORE...
Talks on with Tamil parties: Ranil
The Sri Lankan government has begun “informal discussions” with the Tamil National Alliance and other parties on a political solution to the ethnic conflict, according to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE...
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The Presidential Commission of Inquiry this morning again summoned former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for questioning regarding the alleged use of personnel attached to the Civil Security Department for campaigning activities during the last Presidential Election. MORE...
Four soldiers sentenced in Vishvamadu rape case
The Jaffna High Court today sentenced four Sri Lankan soldiers to 25 years in prison for raping a women and sexually abusing another in Vishvamadu, Mullaitivu in 2010. MORE..
Sri Lanka to use foreign missions to promote trade, investment
The new government on Wednesday said it will use its diplomatic missions overseas to promote the country’s trade, investment and businesses. MORE...
The Colombo High Court today (07) granted bail to Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the former President and Anusha Palpita, former Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRC). MORE...
Ex-DIG, Chief Inspector further remanded
Former Vavuniya DIG U.K. Dissanayake and a Chief Inspector who were arrested in connection with an incident of illegal excavations carried out in the Kudakachchakodiya area have been further remanded until October 21 by the Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court today (07). MORE...
Sri Lanka again asks NTPC to shift power plant location: Report
Sri Lanka has reportedly asked India to change the location of a stalled US$500 million power project to be built by NTPC Ltd, the India Info Line news agency reported today. This is the second time that Sri Lanka has made the request for change of location for this project. The first was in 2007. MORE...
Kondaya’s DNA not a match, says court
The Minuwangoda Magitsrate was today informed that DNA samples found on Seya Sadewmi does not match Dunesh Priyashantha alias ‘Kondeya’ who was arrested in connection with the murder and sexual assault on the child in Kotadeniyawa. MORE...
Japan promises PM infrastructure, maritime aid
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged aid to Sri Lanka on Tuesday in a meeting with his counterpart, Ranil Wickremsinghe, and reiterated a promise to help Sri Lanka bolster its maritime security and to provide patrol ships. MORE...
CaFFE and CHR welcome release of commission reports
The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) and the Center for Human Rights and Research (CHR) today welcomed the decision to release the reports of the Udalagama and Paranagama Commissions on alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Indian traffickers attempt to take Lankans to Europe
Sanjay Kumar, key operative of the racket that attempted to traffic Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from Munambam, had earlier attempted to take people to Europe on board a fishing vessel from Thiruvananthapuram, The Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...
Kondaya’s brother submitted for a DNA test
The elder brother of Kondaya, who was arrested in connection with the murder and sexual assault on the five-year-old child in Karandeniya, has been brought to the Genetech Molecular Diagnostics Research Institute (GMDRI) in Colombo for a DNA test, the police said Tuesday (06). MORE...
Indian govt. urged to move resolution against Lanka
India’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has urged the Union government to move a private member resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) seeking an international inquiry into the alleged war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan Army in the last phase of the civil war. MORE...
Nauru allows Lankan asylum-seekers to roam freely
Nauru announced Monday (Oct 5) that asylum-seekers, including those from Sri Lanka, at an Australian immigration camp on the Pacific island will no longer be locked up, saying they will instead be free to roam around the tiny nation. MORE...
Finance Minister leaves for Peru to attend IMF annual meeting
Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake left the Island to attend the 2015 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund which will take place in Lima, Peru, from October 9-11. MORE...
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Elder brother of ‘Kondaya’, who confessed to the murder and sexually assault on Seya Sadewmi, has been remanded until October 19 by the Minuwangoda Magistrate today (05). MORE...
Kundasale PS chairman arrested over assault on principal
Chairman of the Kundasale Pradeshiya Sabha, Asela Ekanayake, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a school principal, the Police said. MORE...
Vigneswaran says he has faith on President Sirisena
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran says he has hope and confident that President Maithripala Sirisena will achieve peace and prosperity.
Sampath Athukorala released on bail
Southern Provincial Councilor Sampath Athukorala, who was in custody for allegedly uploading obscene posts on President Maithripala Sirisena on the internet, was released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate today. MORE...
Kondaya’ s brother confesses to Seya murder: CID
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (05) apprised the Court that the elder brother of Kondaya has confessed to the murder and sexual assault on five-year-old child in Karandeniya. MORE...
Eliyantha White arrives at FCID
Eliyantha White, who was said to be the personal physician for the former President, is currently at the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) over the ownership of his house in Mirihana.
Place your money in Sri Lanka - Ravi
Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has invited Sri Lankans and Indians who had to take back their deposits from banks in Switzerland to place their funds in Sri Lanka. MORE...
Gold smuggled on board Mihin Lanka flight seized
In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, 31.75kg of gold was seized from 10 passengers who arrived at the Madurai airport in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu by two international flights, including a Mihin Lanka flight, Indian Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said.MORE...
US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka is not a victory: MR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that though the passage of the US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka in the UNHRC without a vote last Thursday is being hailed as a diplomatic victory for Sri Lanka, he is unable to share that view. MORE...
Seya case: IGP orders investigation on alleged assault
IGP N. K. Illangakoon has ordered an investigation into the alleged assault on two suspects including the 17-year-old schoolboy who were taken into custody in connection with the sexual assault and murder of five-year-old Seya Sadewmi in Karandeniya. MORE...
Jaya seeks Modi’s help to get TN fishermen freed
Accusing Sri Lanka of intimidating Indian fishermen through repeated arrests to prevent them from venturing into their traditional fishing waters in the Palk Bay, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa drew the attention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to yet another incident of arrest of fishermen by the island navy on October 1. MORE...
Prime Minister to address the Japanese Parliament tomorrow
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasingh who is on an official visit to Japan was received by Sri Lanka Ambassador in Japan Professor Dhammika Ganganath Dissanayake at the Kansai Airport. MORE...
Tamil Eelam is the solution: Ramadoss
India’s PMK leader S. Ramadoss has said that if Sri Lanka was ready for an international inquiry into the alleged “war crimes and human rights violations,” the United Nations should hold a referendum among the Sri Lankan Tamils across the world for the creation of a separate Tamil Eelam, The Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...
Seya murder: Police arrest another suspect
Another suspect has been arrested over the murder of Seya Sadewmi, the 5-year-old recently found strangled to death in Karandeniya, police said. MORE..
Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi slam UN resolution on Sri Lanka
Coming out strongly against a UN resolution that endorsed a domestic probe in Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa expressed deep disappointment and anguish while DMK chief Karunanidhi termed it shocking. MORE..
All-party conference to discuss solutions to rights issue - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the country had achieved a great victory at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as the international community expressed high appreciation of the steps taken by the government since January. MORE..
President arrives after concluding US visit
President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in the country a short while ago after concluding his visit the United States to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. MORE..
Drug kingpin Mohammed Siddique further remanded
Drug kingpin Mohammed Siddique, had was arrested in Pakistan and later brought to Sri Lanka, was further remanded until October 16 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Prime Minister to visit Japan on Sunday
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Japan on Sunday (04) on a five day official tour on the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. MORE..
SL is pleased to join as co-sponsor of the resolution: Ambassador Ravinatha
We see the resolution on the island nation as a measure of encouraging and inspiring the government of Sri Lanka, delivering his remarks during the general debate on the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha said. MORE...
Chairman of Missing Persons’ Panel rebuts Zeid
Responding to the UN Human Rights High Commissioner Prince Zeid’s call to disband the Sri Lankan Missing Persons’ Commission and assign its work to a more credible body, the chairman of the panel, Justice Maxwell Paranagama, contended that nobody else can do the job better. MORE..
Kotadeniyawa child murder: first two suspects released
The Minuwangoda Magistrate today (01) released the two suspects who had been arrested in the first place in connection with rape and murder of the five-year-old child in Kotadeniyawa. MORE...
Sampath Athukorala remanded over obscene FB post
The Colombo Chief Magistrate today ordered Southern Provincial Council member Sampath Athukorala to be remanded till October 05, for allegedly uploading defamatory posts on President Maithripala Sirisena on the internet. MORE..
Vaiko slams UN resolution on Sri Lanka
The United Nation’s resolution authorising Sri Lanka to hold a probe into war crimes is bound to turn detrimental to ethnic Tamils, India’s MDMK general secretary Vaiko has said. MORE...
President congratulates Nepal on new constitution
Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minster Prakash Man Singh and Sri Lankan President Maitripala Sirisena held a meeting in New York on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. MORE..
DNA found on Kotadeniyawa child doesn’t match with first two suspects: CID
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (01) requested the Minuwangoda Magistrate to drop charges against the two suspects who had been arrested in the first place in connection with rape and murder of the five-year-old child in Kotadeniyawa. MORE...
AIDS on the rise among youths: Dr. Liyanage
The Health Ministry says that the authorities have identified some 160 persons diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) AIDS as of October this year alone. MORE...
New plan of action to advance human rights: President Sirisena
We intend to implement a new programme and plan of action in Sri Lanka to advance human rights, President Maithripala Sirisena said at the General Assembly of the United Nations during the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly Meeting held at the UN Headquarters. MORE...
Sri Lanka can finally break cycle of impunity: Zeid
Introducing the debate on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Investigation into Sri Lanka (OISL) at the UNHRC’s 30th session on Wednesday, the High Commissioner, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, asserted that since January 2015 space has significantly opened up for freedom of expression, at least in Colombo. MORE...
Sri Lankan govt urged to release all Tamil Nadu fishermen
India’s National Fish Workers Forum (NFF) today urged the Sri Lankan government to immediately release the seven Tamil Nadu fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy on charges of fishing in their waters on Monday. MORE..
Ex-Vavuniya DIG further remanded
Former Vavuniya DIG U.K. Dissanayake, who was arrested in connection with an incident of illegal excavations carried out in the Kudakachchakodiya area, has been further remanded until October 07 by the Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Human Rights Council betrays Tamils: Vaiko
With the United Nations’ report on Sri Lankan war crimes likely to come up for discussion at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, India’s MDMK general secretary Vaiko has said that it will be a black day for Tamils all over the world, The New Indian Express reports. MORE...
Lankan engineer in NZ sacked due to Rs 2.1 M phone bill
A Sri Lankan-born engineer has been sacked from an NZ power company after running up $NZ23,500 in roaming charges on his work phone on a trip back to Sri Lanka and then turning up for work a day late. MORE...
Reforms to include 25% females to LG bodies - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that reforms will be introduced by the government to include 25 per cent females into local government authorities before the next LG election. MORE..
TNA hails U.S.-backed resolution on Sri Lanka
The draft resolution on Sri Lanka tabled at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the U.S. and other countries has addressed the main issues of accountability and reconciliation, according to the Tamil National Alliance leader, R. Sampanthan. MORE...
U.S. supports a credible domestic process in Sri Lanka - Kerry
The U.S. has said it will support a domestic investigation by Sri Lanka to address allegations of human rights abuses during the final phase of the country’s civil war. MORE..
Everyone agrees that we should find out the truth – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the only issue that cropped up during discussions on the UN resolution was whether Sri Lanka’s judiciary is sufficiently strong enough for a domestic mechanism and not about the country’s armed forces. MORE..
No reason to postpone LG polls - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that there is no reason to postpone the Local Government election which is scheduled to be held in March next year. MORE..
UN resolution could advance justice in Sri Lanka - HRW
The United Nations Human Rights Council should adopt a resolution ensuring a robust international role in Sri Lanka’s justice mechanism for abuses during the country’s brutal civil war, Human Rights Watch said today. MORE..
Vaiko detained during protest against draft US resolution
MDMK general secretary Vaiko and representatives from 32 organisations were detained on Monday morning after they threatened to lay siege to the U.S. Consulate in Chennai following a rally condemning the draft U.S. resolution for a domestic investigation into the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Akila vows 6% of GDP for education
The Education Minister vowed a gradual allocation of 6% of GDP for Education. The observation was made at a press conference held in Colombo on Monday (28). MORE...
Investigations under domestic mechanism victory for Lanka: Tennakoon
Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) and Centre for Human Rights and Research (CHR) are extremely encouraged by the resolution on Sri Lanka presented to UNHRC, which allows a for more domesticated mechanism to investigate alleged human rights violations. MORE...
Government to build 65,000 homes for war-hit families
The government has decided to take up the construction of 65,000 houses “on a priority basis” for Eelam War-hit families in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. MORE...
India’s NFF seeks lasting solution to fishing row with Lanka
Thanking the India’s Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for helping arrive at a decision to not shoot fishermen at sea, during talks with Sri Lanka, the National Fishworkers’ Forum has requested him to consult Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and find a permanent solution to all the issues faced by the fisherfolk. MORE...
India, Sri Lanka to hold third joint army exercise
The Indian and Sri Lankan armies will be conducting their third joint military exercise Mitra Shakti-2015, starting September 29, said a statement issued in New Delhi today, according to the NDTV news agency. MORE...
Kotadeniyawa child murder: suspects further remanded
The 17-year-old school boy and the other suspect in remand in connection with the murder of the five-year-old child in Kotadeniyawa have been further remanded till October 02. MORE...
Wigneswaran lashes out at concentration of power in his party
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V.Wigneswaran publicly lashed out at “concentration of power” in the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), the party to which he belongs. MORE...
Maldives president unhurt in blast on his speed boat
An explosion hit a speed boat that Maldives President Abdulla Yameen was travelling in on Monday, but he was unhurt. MORE...
President assures sustainable development by 2030
President Maithripala Sirisena speaking at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015 assured that the Government of Sri Lanka anticipates achieving sustainable development by 2030. MORE...
Move resolution for probe into Sri Lanka war crimes: PUCL
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The India’s People Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has called upon the Centre, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, to move a resolution calling for a credible, independent, international investigation into the violations of humanitarian and human rights laws. MORE...
India has to maintain friendly relations with Sri Lanka: Venkaiah Naidu
Reiterating the Narendra Modi government’s stand on relationship with Sri Lanka, India’s Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday that India has to maintain friendly relations with its neighbour. MORE...
India refloats plan for lanka port
With a friendlier government now at the helm in Colombo, India has revived its plan to develop a port in Sri Lanka, hoping to catch up with the Chinese, the New India Express news agency reported today. MORE...
Aust co-sponsors Sri Lanka resolution
Australia has co-sponsored a reconciliation resolution to the United Nations with the Sri Lankan government. MORE...
Private bank robbed at Dharmapala Mw
Rs 5.5 million has been robbed from a private bank at Dharmapala Mw, Colombo by an individual who arrived on a motor bike, this morning (27), the police said. MORE...
Main suspect in Seya murder remanded
The Minuwangoda Chief Magistrate oders to remand the main suspect of Seya Sadewmi murder, Dunesh Priyantha alias Kondaya until the 05th of October.
Sri Lanka trying to water down UNHRC resolution: HRW
Sri Lanka should not be allowed to water down a UNHRC resolution on its alleged rights violations during its civil war with the LTTE, according to a prominent rights group which said that the current draft was “counterproductive” to the reconciliation efforts of the government. MORE..
Human trafficking racket busted in Kerala; 9 Sri Lankans arrested
Kerala police on Thursday busted a racket of trafficking Sri Lankan refugees from Tamil Nadu to Australia. MORE..
TNA commends govt’s willingness to co-sponsor resolution
The Tamil National Alliances (TNA) today welcomed the draft text of a resolution on Sri Lanka tabled by the co-sponsors of the resolution at the UN Human Rights Council. MORE..
Resolution on Sri Lanka tabled at UN Human Rights Council
A resolution calling for a “credible justice process” with “Commonwealth and other foreign judges” in order to prosecute for mass atrocities committed during the final stages of the island’s armed conflict has been tabled at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. MORE...
War crimes in Sri Lanka: Jaya urged to convene all-party meeting
Indian PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday urged Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa to convene an all-party meeting to exert pressure on the Centre to bring out a resolution in the UNHRC, seeking international probe into the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, the Times of India news agency reported. MORE...
Indian fishermen protest against Lankan navy
Fishermen of Nambiyar Nagar in Nagapattinam district in India has gone on an indefinite strike, seeking the intervention of State and Central governments to secure the release of 15 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, The Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...
Police seize unclaimed vehicle in Hanwella
A vehicle reportedly belonged to the President Secretary Office has been found while it was left abandoned near a factory in Jaltara area in Hanwella, the police say. MORE...
Wigneswaran welcomes UN proposal to set up hybrid court
The Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Tamil-dominated Northern Province has welcomed the UNHRC’s proposal to set up a hybrid court to probe the alleged war crimes during the last phase of the conflict with the LTTE, saying it is a dramatic step towards achieving reconciliation. MORE...
UN war crimes report soft pedals LTTE’s using human shield: G.L.
Former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof.G.L.Peiris has said that the report of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights on “war crimes” in Lanka has soft pedaled the LTTE’s using civilians as a human shield, when it is a war crime under international humanitarian law. MORE...
Suspect confesses to Seya murder - police
The suspect arrested yesterday in connection with the rape and murder of the 5-year-old Seya Sadewmi is now the main suspect after he confessed to the crime, Police confirmed a short while ago. MORE...
Kotadeniyawa child murder: suspected individual arrested
An individual, who is said to be a suspect involved in the rape and murder of the 5-year-old girl in Kotadeniyawa, has been arrested from a forest area in Baduwatugoda in Gampaha, a senior police officer told Ada Derana. MORE...
President orders Avant Garde case to continue
President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed relevant authorities to continue with legal proceeding regarding the controversial Avant Garde issue, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
High Court grants bail to Sajin Vass
The Colombo High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena who is in custody for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office. MORE...
President to address the 70th UN General Assembly on Sep. 30
President Maithripala Sirisena will address the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 30, during the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly Meeting, held at the UN Headquarters, New York, USA from September 15 to October 04. MORE...
President intervenes on behalf of Wijeweera’s family
President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed relevant authorities to allow the family of the late Rohana Wijeweera, founding leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), to stay six more months at a house belonging to the Welisara navy camp. MORE..
Discussing shape of domestic mechanism, not hybrid - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that a host of steps including the passing of a new constitution should be followed in order to ensure the non- recurrence of past mistakes. MORE..
Anura wants answers on Avant Garde issue
JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised concerns about the legality of the decision by the former Defence Secretary to transfer the powers to the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd to maintain a commercial floating armoury. MORE...
MR urges Govt. to reject the report by the OHCHR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged the new Government to reject the report by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) on war crime allegations. MORE...
Parliament approves civil society representitives of CC
The Parliament today approved the 3 names nominated to represent the civil society in the Constitutional Council (CC). MORE..
Former UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until October 6 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court, today (08). MORE...
Three more politicians from the UNP, UPFA and JVP sworn-in as Parliamentarians before the Speaker this morning (22). MORE...
New electoral system based on German Model - Mangala
The government today said that it is laying the groundwork for a new constitution, including a new electoral system based on what is popularly known in Sri Lanka as the German Model. MORE..
SL army saved Tamil civilians, LTTE killed them, says Fonseka
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, who commanded the Sri Lankan army during Eelam War IV, says that it was the LTTE which targeted Tamil civilians and not the Lankan armed forces. MORE...
Gazette on Ministry functions today
Gazzette notification of all ministries and their functions will be published today, the Government Printer said. MORE...
Ambassador Aryasinha responds to draft resolution on Sri Lanka
I am sure that all of you, who have watched the country closely, are aware of all the changes Sri Lanka had after the January 8 election victory, Intervention by Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva said. MORE...
India will expect a larger reward: Gammanpila
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya General Secretary and Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila opposed the new proposal to build a $5.19 billion road project to connect India and Sri Lanka through a sea-bridge. MORE...
Sri Lanka declares a ‘Maritime and Naval Week’
The Government declared the period between September 21 to 27 as the week of maritime and naval activities in Sri Lanka, the Government Information Department announced today.
Four more Provincial Councilors sworn-in
Filling the seats left vacant after the August general election, four more UPFA members of the Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils took oath as Councilors this morning (21). MORE...
Kotadeniyawa child murder: suspects referred to JMO
The two suspects questioned over the murder of the five-year-old girl in Kotadeniyawa have been referred to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of the Negombo District hospital, the police said. MORE...
TULF recommends both domestic and hybrid special courts
Secretary General of the Tamil United Liberation Front, V. Anandasangaree, says that his party recommends probing of war crimes by both Domestic and Hybrid special courts in parts. MORE...
Lankan High Commissioner calls on Bangladesh Foreign Minister
Newly appointed Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Bangladesh Yasoja Gunasekera has paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali. They discussed issues of mutual interest, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has said. MORE...
Several UPFA MPs to meet Speaker today
Several MPs of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will have a discussion with the Speaker today (21), a source says. MORE...
Death toll in final phase was not 40,000, says Justice Paranagama
Justice Maxwell Paranagama, Chairman of the Sri Lankan Commission on missing persons and war crimes, has said that the death toll in the final phase of Eelam War IV was not 40,000, as claimed in the 2011 report of the Panel of Experts appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, but probably a little above 7,000. MORE...
Sri Lanka fishermen reject talk offer by Indian counterparts
Sri Lankan fishing community representatives in Colombo have rejected a request by their Indian counterparts to visit them to discuss their issues, including poaching.MORE...
Karunanidhi slammed over Lankan Tamil issue
Former Indian MP and MDMK general secretary Vaiko has slammed DMK president M. Karunanidhi on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, The Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...
$5.19 billion road project to begin by October
Keen on fostering ties with neighbours, India is set to engage in high-level talks with Sri Lanka by October for an ambitious $5.19 billion road project to connect both the nations through a sea-bridge and an underwater tunnel, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. MORE...
Prison officers suspended for facilitating a meeting to drug peddler
A jailer and two prison guards have been suspended for allegedly facilitating a meeting for notorious drug peddler Mohammed Siddik with an individual inside a cell at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, a source from the Prison Authorities say. MORE...
China seeks to rebuild Silk Road trade links
China is increasingly engaging other countries for its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative to rebuild the historic Silk Road which begins in Fuzhou, China and goes via Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and East Africa to build trade links with Europe, Asia and Africa. MORE...
Democratic Party founder and former SLA Commander Sarath Fonseka, offered himself to face a domestic court of law on allegations against military operations during the Eelam War. MORE...
UN group on missing to visit Sri Lanka in November
The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances will visit Sri Lanka from from November 9 to 18. The announcement was made at the UN Human Rights Council which is meeting for its 30th session in Geneva. MORE...
German foreign minister to arrive on Tuesday
Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to arrive in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (22) for an official visit, the foreign ministry said. MORE..
Police interrogate 2 suspects over Kotadeniyawa murder
A 17-year-old youth and another person are being questioned in connection with the recent murder of the 5-year-old girl in Kotadeniyawa, police said. MORE..
Sri Lanka has given approval for SAARC satellite project
Sri Lanka has given its approval for SAARC satellite project, one of the mandatory requirements for ITU registration before the launch even as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) waits for nod from other countries. MORE..
Indian Government urged to study Lanka resolution by TN Assembly
Indian Union Minister of State for Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan, has said the Centre would analyse the contents of the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly (TNA) on the Sri Lankan issue and will take an informed decision, The Hindu newspaper reported today. MORE...
No discussions on CEPA: says PM, President
The President and the Prime Minister have yet again assured that discussions on a trade agreement entitled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was not held during PM’s visit to India earlier this week. MORE..
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi invited to Sri Lanka by PM
In a significant development that could bring Congress role into India’s neighbourhood diplomacy, party president Sonia Gandhi and her son and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi have been invited to Sri Lanka by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. MORE..
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The Presidential Commission of Inquiry this morning yet again summoned former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for questioning regarding the alleged use of personnel attached to the Civil Security Department for campaigning activities during the Presidential Election. MORE...
Capital punishment if Parliament approves - President
President Maithripala Sirisena says that he expects to implement capital punishment in Sri Lanka next year, if the Parliament gives consent. MORE..
Indian Court dismisses appeal filed by Sri Lankan fishermen
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An Indian High Court has dismissed a criminal appeal filed by 10 Sri Lankan fishermen, who were convicted of fishing in Indian waters without permission in 2006, after it was informed that they had gone back to their country after serving the entire sentence period in prison. MORE...
Govt at risk of claims by Chinese port city project - document
Sri Lanka would be exposed to the risk of claims from the firm managing a suspended Chinese-backed real estate project if the government fails to obtain approvals needed by the project within 60 days, a government document showed on Thursday. MORE..
Sri Lanka’s domestic mechanism to be finalised by January
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera says that the setting up of a four-tier domestic mechanism to investigate allegations of human rights violations will be finalised by January 2016 and implemented within 18 months. MORE..
UN members should back hybrid court in Sri Lanka - HRW
The call by the United Nations’ top human rights officer for a domestic-international hybrid court to address allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka should receive strong endorsement by members of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Human Rights Watch said today. MORE..
MP Udayashantha Gunasekara hospitalised
UPFA MP Padma Udayashantha Gunasekara has been hospitalized due to a sudden illness while participating in a protest in the Monaragala area today. MORE..
Cop dies from heart attack during Divulapitiya protest
A police officer attached to the intelligence unit has passed away after he suffered a heart attack during a protest held in Divulapitiya this morning demanding the arrest of suspects in the recent murder of 5-year-old girl Seya Sadewmi. MORE..
TNA wants UN probe recommendations in next resolution
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) today said that it welcomes the report of the investigation conducted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OISL) and its recommendations. MORE..
Presidential Commission of Inquiry summons Gotabaya again
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry this morning for questioning regarding the alleged use of personnel attached to the Civil Security Department for campaigning activities during the Presidential Election. MORE..
Govt assures due attention to UN report
The Sri Lankan Government today said it will ensure that the content and recommendations of the UNHRC report receive due attention of the relevant authorities including the new mechanisms that are envisaged to be set up. MORE..
Keheliya, PB and Lalith grilled at Presidential CoI
Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, former Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and former Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga have been questioned today regarding Rs 200 million in losses incurred by a state media institution during the Presidential Election. MORE..
Flight diverted to Mattala due to bad weather
A SriLankan Airlines flight arriving from London was diverted to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) today due to inclement weather conditions prevalent in Colombo at the time. MORE..
Sri Lanka promises justice after UN war crimes report
Sri Lanka promised to deliver justice after a United Nations human rights report called on Wednesday for a special court to be set up to prosecute war crimes committed during the nation’s 26-year civil conflict. MORE..
Full Report of OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka
The long-anticipated report of the United Nations investigation into allegations of human rights violations during the war in Sri Lanka was released a short while ago. Click for Full Report..
TN assembly for international probe on Sri Lanka
A day after India and Sri Lanka decided to renew efforts to address the vexed ethnic issue in the island nation, Tamil Nadu today stepped up pressure on the Modi government for an international probe against alleged human rights violations and war crimes committed in 2009 in Northern Sri Lanka. MORE..
Zeid urges creation of hybrid special court in Sri Lanka
A UN report published today has identified patterns of grave violations in Sri Lanka between 2002 and 2011, strongly indicating that war crimes and crimes against humanity were most likely committed by both sides to the conflict. MORE..
MP Chathura Senaratne issued notice
The Negombo Magistrate’s Court has issued notice on UNP Gampaha District MP Chathura Senaratne for allegedly threatening a group of individuals in custody at the Ragama Police Station. MORE..
PM Wickremasinghe meets Indian President
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan a short while ago. MORE...
NZ welcomes reconciliation moves in Sri Lanka
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has welcomed the Sri Lankan Government’s announcement it will establish a Truth & Reconciliation Commission to help the country recover from its decades-long civil war. MORE...
CID takes over probe into Kotadeniyawa toddler’s murder
Investigations into the recent murder of a 5-year-old girl in Kotadeniyawa have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with immediate effect, police said. MORE..
UN report contains legal analysis and recommendations
UN report on Sri Lanka will focus on human rights violations from 2002 to 2011, and it will contain legal analysis and recommendations, it was reported. MORE...
Tamils reject govt’s wartime truth commission, demand international inquiry?
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Sri Lanka’s minority Tamils has rejected government plans for a truth commission to promote reconciliation after decades of ethnic war, insisting on an international inquiry, the AFP news agency reported. MORE...
Government holds a double standard: Gammanpila
The government holds a double standard in dealing with the international community and the public with respect to the probe on alleged war crimes investigation, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Udaya Gammanpila says. MORE...
Brigadier who ordered Weliweriya shooting arrives amidst protest
The Sri Lankan military officer who allegedly ordered troops to open fire on protesters demanding clean water in the Rathupaswala area in Weliweriya two years back, was escorted out of the airport premises under tight security after he arrived in the island today. MORE..
Looking at power sharing and devolution within a unity state: PM
“We are looking at how power sharing and devolution take place within the Constitution, with in a unity state,” Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe says. MORE...
Modi confident Sri Lanka will achieve genuine reconciliation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will achieve genuine reconciliation and development with the wisdom and will of the leadership and the support of the people.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in Delhi a short while ago. MORE..
Modi must press for international probe: Ramadoss
Indian MP and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stress on his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe for an international judicial probe into the alleged war crimes in the island nation during the final stages of the civil war. MORE...
Boat Suspected to be from Lanka found abandoned in India
A fibre boat suspected to be that of Sri Lankan fishermen was found abandoned at Maniantheevu near Kodiakarai in Nagapattinam district in India, The Hindu newspaper reported today. MORE...
Swire extends UK support to Sri Lanka
The United Kingdom stands ready to help Sri Lanka in any way possible to deliver the credible processes and mechanisms it has promised, British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth office, Hugo Swire, said today (14). MORE...
PM begins three-day visit to India
On the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe left for an official visit to India from September 14 to 16. MORE...
Australian prime minister ousted after party vote
Australia’s beleaguered prime minister has been ousted from his position by an internal government challenge, and the party’s former leader has been elected to replace him. MORE...
No evidence of IS operations in Sri Lanka: defense secretary
The government says that there was no evidence to back claims that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group was operating in the island nation. Defense Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said while there were reports of a Sri Lankan man joining the IS, there was no concrete evidence to suggest the group was operating in Sri Lanka. MORE...
New constitution, amendments to penal code; steps to create a new Sri Lanka: Mangala
“The best guarantee for non-recurrence is of course a political settlement that addresses the grievances of the Tamil people. We hope that we can achieve this through the adoption of a new Constitution,” Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MORE...
New Provincial Council Ministers sworn-in
New Ministers of the North Western Provincial Council took oath before President Maithripala Sirisena today (14). MORE...
Gotabaya, Namal arrive at FCID
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Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa arrived at the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) to give a statement a short while ago on Monday (14) morning. MORE...
Mangala holds talks with UN rights chief
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakse have held discussions with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. MORE...
UN should probe war crimes in Sri Lanka: Ramasamy
United Nations should probe the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, Indian Second Deputy Chief Minister, Penang, Malaysia, P. Ramasamy, has said in Coimbatore. MORE...
Sri Lanka to release 16 Indian fishermen ahead of PM’s visit
Sri Lanka today said it will release 16 Indian fishermen, arrested recently for allegedly poaching in its waters, in a “goodwill gesture” ahead of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India, his first foreign trip after winning last month’s polls. MORE...
Trade minister says no to CEPA
Sri Lanka will not be discussing a trade agreement with India entitled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a visit to India tomorrow, said the Minister for Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama on Sunday. MORE...
What would happen to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India?
At a time when efforts are on to send Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to their country, opinion is divided on whether hill country Tamils of Indian origin (in plantations) should be persuaded to go back or conferred with Indian citizenship, the Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...
Sri Lanka set to announce reconciliation plans
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera would make a statement in Geneva on Monday, the inaugural day of the the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s three-week-long session. MORE...
China like to assist and cooperate with Sri Lanka: Xianliang
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka Ambassador, Yi Xianliang, said that China would like to assist and cooperate with Sri Lanka in economic development including maritime economy of which there should be of great potentials. MORE...
Egypt govt quits in wake of corruption scandal
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Saturday accepted the resignation of the government after it was rocked by a corruption scandal, and tasked the oil minister with forming a new cabinet. MORE..
UN probe report handed over to govt
The UN probe report on alleged war crimes committed during the final phase of Sri Lankan military’s battle against the LTTE has been handed over to the government. MORE..
Harsha focusing on economic diplomacy
Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Harsha de Silva today said that the main economic issue in Sri Lanka is the weaknesses in the country’s economic relations with other countries. MORE..
Lankans adviced not to visit Lumbini until further notice
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal W.M. Seneviratne has appealed to Sri Lankans not to visit Lumbini, Nepal until further notice due to a wave of public protests in the country. MORE...
Ex-Principal gets 15 years RI for murdering mistress
A former school principal who was found guilty of shooting and killing his mistress in Habarana has been sentenced to 15 years rigorous imprisonment by the Anuradhapura High Court. MORE..
Rs 1.5m stolen in Hanwella armed bank robbery
Armed robbers are believed to have made away with nearly Rs 1.5 million in cash after storming the branch of a state bank in Wagakahahena in Hanwella this evening. MORE..
CBK ran one of the most repressive governments - Rajapaksa
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused fellow SLFP Patron Chandrika Kumaratunga of running one of the most “repressive” governments in living memory and charged that her recent comments amount to an admission that she too presided over a party full of “murderers and rogues.” MORE..
Bodies of couple found inside home in Gampaha
The severely decomposed bodies of a man and woman have been discovered inside a residence in the Galpotta area in Udugampola, Gampaha. MORE..
Ariyaratne, Radhika, Aziz nominated to CC
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy and Shibly Aziz nominated as Civil Society representatives to the Constitutional Council. MORE...
Two more Deputy Ministers appointed
Two more Deputy Ministers have been sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday. MORE..
AG claims witness intimidation in Thajudeen case
The Attorney General today informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate regarding the alleged intimidation of witnesses in the murder case of former Sri Lankan Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen. MORE..
Sri Lankan flight suffers hydraulic problem after landing in Chennai
116 passengers and crew members of a Sri Lankan Airlines flight had a narrow escape on Thursday when the plane suffered a hydraulic problem after landing and got stuck in the runway at the Chennai airport. MORE..
Tamil question is not just an economic issue: Mano Ganesan
The Tamil question cannot be settled by merely regarding it as an economic issue, Mano Ganesan, one of the three Tamil Ministers in the Sri Lankan government, has said. MORE...
Our government is stable: President
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (09) asserted not to expect a Government change till 2020. MORE...
Acid attack on Ayurvedic Commissioner: Court summons accused
Three accused, who were indicted following the acid attack on the former Ayurvedic Commissioner of the North Central Province, have been summoned to appear in the Anuradhapura High Court on November 11. MORE...
Sri Lankan man jailed for killing disabled friend
A Sri Lankan man has been jailed by a British court for killing his housebound friend by punching him in the head when he was in bed. MORE..
New State and Deputy Ministers sworn in
(UPDATED) The swearing in ceremony of State and Deputy Ministers of the National Government commenced a short while ago at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. MORE..
Tax on imported sugar, potatoes revised
The special commodity levy imposed on imported sugar has been increased by Rs 12 per kilogram while the levy on potatoes has been increased by Rs 10 per kilogram, the Finance Ministry said. MORE..
President, PM appoint their nominees to the CC
The Prime Minister and the President on Wednesday (09) appointed their nominees to the Constitutional Council. Accordingly, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Wijedasa Rajapakse have been appointed to the CC respectively. MORE...
Three new Cabinet Ministers sworn in
Three new Cabinet Ministers were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena short while ago, the Presidential Media Division said. MORE..
Sarana Gunawardena released on bail
Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, who was in custody for allegedly assaulting a person, has been released on bail by the Gampaha Magistrate on Wednesday (09) morning. MORE...
DMK opposes US move to bring in revised resolution
DMK today opposed any move by the US to bring in a revised resolution in a UN rights body on a probe into alleged rights violations in Sri Lanka, as reported in the media, and said India should not support it. MORE..
Sri Lanka eyes more Chinese tourists for more forex
Sri Lanka is eyeing more Chinese tourists to the island nation as the new government is aiming to make tourism as the top foreign exchange earner, a cabinet minister said. MORE...
44 Ministerial Secretaries appointed
The appointing of 44 Secretaries for the new Ministries took place today at the Presidential Secretariat with the participation of Secretary to the President P.B. Abeykoon. MORE..
Two arrested for soliciting Rs. 1.5 million bribe to police
A brother-in-law of the former Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and another individual have been arrested after they attempted to offer a bribe of Rs. 1.5 million to the Sapugaskanda OIC, this morning (8), the police say. MORE...
Pradeep Nilanga Dela appointed Diyawadana Nilame
Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been appointed as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The election to elect the next Diyawadana Nilame was held today (8). Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been appointed with 205 votes in favour. MORE...
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until September 22 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court, today (08). MORE...
Dullas grilled at Presidential Commission of Inquiry
UPFA Parliamentarian Dullas Alahapperuma has been summoned by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate serious acts of fraud, corruption and abuse of power, state resources, and privileges. MORE..
TNA leader lashes out at Wigneswaran
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) president and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)’s deputy leader in Parliament, Mavai S. Senathirajah, has come out against Chief Minister of the Northern Province and his colleague C.V. Wigneswaran for the latter’s “conduct” during the recent Parliamentary election campaign. MORE...
HRC’s sitting on Sri Lanka fixed on Sept 30
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A report on alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the Eelam War is likely to be presented on September 30 during the 30th session of the United Human Rights Council. MORE...
Jerome Jayaratne named Sri Lanka interim coach
Jerome Jayaratne, the SLC head of coaching, has been appointed interim head coach of the Sri Lanka team for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Jayaratne’s appointment came four days after Marvan Atapattu resigned as the national team coach. MORE...
No decision to dissolve Bribery Commission: PMU
A decision has not been taken to dissolve the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, the President’s Media Unit says. MORE...
Murder case of Janaka Perera referred to A’pura Special High Court
Following a directive from the Chief Justice, court hearing of the case, in which an ex-LTTE carder is accused of killing 31 people including Major General Janaka Perera in 2008, will be heard at the Anuradhapura Special High Court from the next hearing. MORE...
Sri Lankan migrants held captive in Mexico rescued
Some 19 migrants including Sri Lankans held captive by a criminal group were rescued in Tamaulipas state, Mexico, by Mexican police and immigration authorities, El Universal news portal reported. MORE...
Why Sri Lanka has done a China-style ‘managed float’
Sri Lanka’s central bank is allowing the local rupee to become more market-oriented but like Bejing, it has shied away from turning the currency into a true free float. MORE...
Magisterial inquiry into floating armory case terminated
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The Magisterial inquiry with respect to the floating armory of the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd has been terminated after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) apprised the Court that it would not proceed with the case under AG’s advice. MORE...
Dayasiri vows to implement National Sports Policy
The National Sports Policy of Sri Lanka will be implemented within the next two years in a bid to strengthen and develop the sports industry, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara says. MORE...
Ex-DIG admitted to Colombo National hospital
Former DIG Vass Gunawardena, who is in custody following the murder case of Bambalapitiya businessman Mohamed Shyam, has been admitted to the Colombo National hospital following a sudden illness, Ada Derana Court reporter said. MORE...
More Ministers to sworn in tomorrow
The new State Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the National Government will likely take oath tomorrow (8), along with five more Cabinet Ministers, sources said. MORE...
Iran to expand ties with Sri Lanka
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for enhanced relations between Iran and Sri Lanka following a final nuclear agreement reached between Tehran and six world powers and the ensuing lifting of anti-Iran sanctions. MORE...
Couldn’t win the war without China’s help: SF
Sri Lanka will maintain the close relationship with China that provided strong support to help Sri Lanka end its 30-year civil war with the Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009, a leading military officer has said. MORE...
President Sirisena reveals secrets behind January polls
President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday (6) revealed that he was alerted by his security not to attend the last election rally held in Maradana prior the presidential polls in January. MORE...
US decision on Sri Lanka sparks protests in Chennai
As a mark of protest against the U.S. supporting Sri Lanka in war crime probe, a group of members from Ilaiya Thalaimurai Koottamaippu in India, has attempted to stage a protest outside the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. MORE...
No place for racism anymore: Mano
There will be no place for racism in our country anymore, Minister of National Dialog Mano Ganesan asserts. MORE...
‘Viber, not India, helped in unseating Rajapaksa’: CBK
Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Bandarnaike Kumaratunga is in India for her first visit since the surprise defeat of her successor Mahinda Rajapaksa, a man who was once a close associate and now a political enemy whose regime she was instrumental in overturning. MORE...
UAE Foreign Minister calls on President Sirisena
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nayhan has called on President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE...
UNP celebrates 69th anniversary today
The 69th anniversary of the United National Party (UNP) is currently being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe at the party headquarters in Sirikotha. MORE...
Pass resolution against Sri Lanka: Vaiko
India’s Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko has appealed to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to pass a resolution against Sri Lanka seeking international inquiry against alleged war crimes by Sri Lankan Army during war with LTTE. MORE...
Massive killings if Mahinda returned to power - CBK
Mahinda Rajapaksa during his tenure as the President of Sri Lanka ran a police state and if he was successful in returning to power as Prime Minister in recent parliamentary polls the country would have experienced massive killings of innocents, according to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. MORE..
Sampanthan as Opposition Leader gives hope - DMK
DMK President M Karunanidhi today welcomed the appointment of Tamil National Alliance leader R Sampanthan as the Leader of Opposition in Sri Lankan Parliament, saying it has given hope for the Tamils in the island nation. MORE..
Committee to decide on heads for public institutions - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today stated that a “common committee” will be appointed by himself and the Prime Minister to ensure that the most suitable individuals are selected for the top posts in government institutions. MORE..
(UPDATED) The swearing in ceremony of the new Cabinet of the National Government commenced at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. MORE..
India attaches highest importance to ties with Sri Lanka: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Sri Lanka and looks forward to taking the ties to new heights as he received former President Chandrika Kumaratunga in New Delhi. MORE..
JVP nominates Bimal Ratnayake as NL MP
(Audio) The JVP has nominated Bimal Ratnayake as a National List MP for the seat vacated due to the resignation of S. Mayadunne, JVP Secretary Tilvin Silva told Ada Derana. MORE..
EU ready to partner with Sri Lanka to face challenges
The European Union (EU) today stressed that it truly remains committed to supporting a healthy democracy and looks forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan government to address some of the “challenges” it faces. MORE..
Parliament approves proposal to increase Ministers
The proposal to increase the number of ministers in the National Government was approved by Parliament with a majority of 127 votes today. MORE..
Atapattu resigns as Sri Lanka cricket coach
Marvan Atapattu has resigned as head coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team while his resignation has been accepted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). MORE..
Gotabaya to appear before CoI tomorrow again
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been asked to appear before the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Large Scale Corruption and Fraud on Friday (03) as well. MORE...
Notices issued to Mattala airport protesters
The Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (03) issued notices on several persons including the former Chairman of the Lunugamwehera Pradeshiya Sabha for allegedly being a part of a protest held outside the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport yesterday. MORE...
Anura proposed for the post of Chief Opposition Whip
The name of JVP Leader and Colombo District MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been proposed for the post of Chief Opposition Whip, a source said. MORE..
Culture of excessive number of ministers must end - Sampanthan
Sri Lanka’s new Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan today said that while a national government in the present context in the country may be a national need, it would have been better if the two parties would have been able to come together without an increase in the number of ministries. MORE..
Don’t act like monkeys, says PM
The decision on the opposition leader post sparked uproar in parliament when Colombo district MP Wimal Weerawansa this morning (3) questioned the government on the validity of the new appointment. MORE...
Navy enhances ties with Australian Navy
Two Sri Lankan navy ships engaged in a joint naval exercise with a visiting Australian naval ship in the seas off Colombo, the Defence Ministry said. MORE...
Gotabaya arrives at CoI to give statement for the second time
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa a short while ago arrived at the BMICH to give a statement before the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Large Scale Corruption and Fraud. MORE...
Sampanthan appointed Opposition Leader
TNA parliamentary group leader and Trincomalee District MP R. Sampanthan has been appointed as the Opposition Leader of the 8th Parliament. MORE..
Mayadunne resigns from parliamentary seat
JVP National List MP and former Auditor General S. Mayadunne says he will resign from his parliamentary seat after making a special statement in Parliament today. MORE..
Sri Lankan fishermen want resumption of talks
Maintaining that Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy only when they fished deep into the island territory, a Sri Lankan fishermen leader today urged both nations to hold talks to resolve the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Strait. MORE..
Chennai US Consulate refuses to meet Vaiko on Lanka
Former Indian MP and MDMK general secretary Vaiko charged that the US Consulate in Chennai had “disrespected” Tamils by not allowing him to meet the Consul General and present a memorandum on the stand the country had taken on international investigations into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. MORE...
Petition seeks revocation of UPFA National List MPs appointments
A petition has been filed at the Supreme Court requesting to revoke the appointments of the UPFA MPs who got elected to the Parliament through the National List, Ada Derana Court reporter says. MORE...
My journey is slow, but no turning back – President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the time has come to subject the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to complete reorganization and to build it under a fresh image. MORE..
Two in hospital after acid attack
A woman traveling in a car and the driver of the vehicle have been hospitalised following an acid attack on the Panamura road in Embilipitiya. MORE..
Mano wants Sambandan as opposition leader
The post of Leader of the Opposition should be given to TNA leader R. Sambandan, Democratic People’s Front (DPF) leader Mano Ganesan says. MORE...
Two arrested with 740 Tramadol capsules
Naval troops attached to SLNS Kelani of the Western Naval Command have arrested two persons who were transporting 740 Tramadol capsules in a three-wheeler. MORE..
Tharindu Kaushal reported with suspected illegal bowling action
Sri Lanka off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal has been reported with a suspected illegal bowling action during the third Test against India, which concluded at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Tuesday. MORE..
Indian Goverment should act tough on Sri Lanka: Vasan
The Indian Government should act tough and put an end to the attacks and arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, Indian Tamil Manila Congress leader G. K. Vasan has said. MORE...
No justifiable reasons to arrest Tiran Alles: SC determines
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (2) determined that no justifiable reasons to arrest former MP Tiran Alles; cannot be arrested until final determination of the Fundamental Rights petition filed by him. MORE...
SLFP celebrates 64th anniversary today
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will hold its 64th Anniversary commemoration in Polonnaruwa today under the patronage of party leader President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Push Sri Lanka not to arrest fishermen - Jayalalithaa
Bringing to the notice of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet another incident of arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Lankan Navy, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday urged him to take immediate steps to release the 16 fishermen and their boats. MORE..
Sri Lanka civil society cries foul over journalist missing case
Attempts are being made to suppress an investigation in the missing of a prominent journalist in Sri Lanka ahead of the 2010 presidential polls while he was working for former Army chief Sarath Fonseka, civil society activists have claimed, the Press Trust of India reported. MORE...
President vows actions against those who misused state resources
Those who misused state resources will be brought before the law irrespective of party, President Maithripala Sirisena says. MORE...
Sajin’s assets case postponed to December 10
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (1) set the trial for former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena in connection with the case filed against him by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The case will be taken up for hearing on December 10. MORE...
Stay order on full-face helmets extended
The Court of Appeal on Tuesday (1) further extended the stay order issued against the circular imposing a ban on full-face helmets. MORE...
There might be an opposition party within the opposition: Vasu
Under the current political climate, there might be an opposition party within the opposition, former Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara says. He made the observation during the first sitting of the Eighth Parliament this morning (1). MORE...
UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament. His name was proposed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and seconded by former opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva. MORE...
Sri Lanka to get $200 million loan for wind energy program
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated $200 million to support the wind energy sector in Sri Lanka, the Clean Technica news agency reported. The Bank would provide financial support by buying debt instruments issued in the national and international market. MORE...
Navy rescues ten local fishermen off Hambantota
The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued ten local fishermen who were drifting 63 km off South East of Hambantota due to an engine failure. MORE...
Hamid Karzai arrives in Sri lanka
At the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena, Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan accompanied by a high powered delegation arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon (31). MORE...
So far, no evidence found to prosecute KP: AG
Thus far, no evidence has been found in order to prosecute former Tamil Tiger rebel leader Shanmugam Kumaran Tharmalingam alias Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP), the Attorney General’s Department informed the Court of Appeal today (31). MORE...
Dr. Thenuwara appointed new President of FUTA
Dr. Chandragupta Thenuwara, of University of Peradeniya has been appointed as the new President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA). MORE...
Tamil parties turn down U.S. call for internal ‘war crimes’ probe
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Leaders representing three constituents of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have rejected the stand of the U.S., which favoured a domestic investigation mechanism on alleged crimes during the final stages of the Eelam War. MORE...
President allows opposition to pick its leader
President Maithripala Sirisena has agreed to allow the opposition to propose a candidate for the Opposition Leader, former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says. MORE...
New Parliament convenes tomorrow
The first sitting of the Eighth Parliament will be held tomorrow (1) from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
Vaiko, Ramadoss oppose India gifting away ship to Sri Lanka
Opposing the gifting away of an Indian Coast Guard ship to Sri Lanka, Indian MDMK chief Vaiko today said it was a “betrayal” of Eelam Tamils and Tamil Nadu fishermen the Press Trust of India reported. MORE...
Prabhakaran killed himself, says Karuna Amman
Ex LTTE eastern commander and Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman claims that the leader of the defeated Tamil tigers, Velupillai Prabhakaran, committed suicide by shooting himself with a firearm. MORE...
New Government will work closely with all partners, says Mangala
The new Government will work closely with all its partners to ensure a stable and secure atmosphere for sustainable economic prosperity for all people, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has said. MORE...
Australian Naval Ship in the island
Australian Naval Ship HMAS ‘Melbourne’ arrived in Colombo on a goodwill visit, the Ministry of Defence announced today. Sri Lanka Navy accorded the visiting ship and its crew a traditional naval welcome. MORE...
Lankan Tamil refugees urged to return home
Given the prevailing political situation in Sri Lanka, the time has come for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu to return home, said S. C. Chandrahasan, founder of the Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OfERR) in India. MORE...
UPFA coalition partners to form new alliance?
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s allies are planning to form a new opposition alliance, breaking away from President Maithripala Sirisena’s United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition, senior leftist leaders said on Saturday. MORE..
Strict laws to stop use of polythene and asbestos – President
President Maithripala Sirisena says he would enforce strict laws from January 1, 2016 to prevent use of polythene which is a major threat to the environment and the health of the people. MORE..
ITAK wants Opposition Leader post
The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) today said that the party’s Parliamentary Group Leader must thus be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with Parliamentary practice and convention as they have now emerged as the largest political party in Opposition in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. MORE..
Former govt spent $6.5m to influence US
The former Sri Lankan government allegedly paid around US$6.5 million to a private equity fund manager over a five-month period in 2014 for consulting services which included influencing the U.S. government, according to documents obtained by Foreign Policy Magazine. MORE..
Three sentenced to death for murdering 4
Three individuals found guilty of murdering four persons including two women in the Badulla area in 1990, have been sentenced to death by a court. MORE..
Sri Lankan dies in NZ car crash
A Sri Lankan national has died in a two-car crash near Riversdale in Southland, New Zealand. MORE..
Karunanidhi condemns US support to Sri Lankan domestic probe
DMK chief Karunanidhi today condemned the US government’s reported proposal for support to a domestic probe by Sri Lanka into alleged war crimes rather than going in for an international investigation. MORE..
Police launch probe into fake postage stamps
Police today said that a special investigation has been launched regarding the counterfeit postage stamps found in more than 500 envelops at the Nittambuwa post office. MORE..
Water supply suspended due to oil contamination
Water supply has been suspended to the Colombo Municipal Council, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council areas due to an oil contamination affecting the Kelani River. MORE..
Yala National Park to be closed during September
Sri Lanka’s best known nature reserve, Yala National Park will be closed for the visitors during the month of September due to dry weather condition, the Department of Wildlife Resources Conservation said. MORE..
PB Jayasundara questioned at SIU
Sri Lanka’s former Finance Ministry and Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara is currently being questioned by the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU), the police spokesman said. MORE..
Cases against Anura Yapa and Susil withdrawn
The court cases filed against Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha have been withdrawn by Duminda Dissanayake and Prof. Vishwa Warnapala. MORE..
Eknaligoda disappearance: 4 army personnel held under detention orders
Approval has been granted for the detention and questioning of the four army personnel, arrested in connection with the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, under detention orders, military spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera said. MORE..
Samarasinghe admits failure to implement 2009 resolution
President Maithripala Sirisena took the initiative to revive Sri Lanka’s connections with countries that had distanced itself from the island nation and he managed to win the trust of the world’s most powerful countries within a short span, says Mahinda Samarasinghe. MORE..
Dates set for Wele Sudha’s case
The Colombo High Court on Thursday (27) set dates for the trial of Samantha Kumara Vithanage alias Wele Sudha, his wife and a cousin brother over a drug related case, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE...
EPDP backs National Government
Since we have a faith that the National Government would address the issues faced by the Tamil community, the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) will back the coalition government, former Minister Douglas Devananda said. MORE... (Audio)
Petitions against Rajapaksa, Mahendran and Cabraal withdrawn
The petitions filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Governor of the Central Bank Arjuna Mahendran and former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal have been withdrawn.
Indian forum seeks Centre’s intervention to prevent attack on fishermen
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Indian National Fish Workers Forum (NFF) has urged the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swraj to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen were not attacked while fishing by the Sri Lankan naval personnel. MORE...
Court lifts travel ban on Gotabaya Rajapaksa
The Galle Magistrate on Thursday (27) lifted the foreign travel ban imposed on former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa over allegations he used a commercial floating armoury. MORE...
Sri Lanka has to be alert to global threats – Army Chief
Sri Lanka is now one of the most peaceful countries but we all have to be alert to global threats, the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva said. MORE..
President emphasizes importance of coast conservation
President Maithripala Sirisena says that a special programme for coast conservation and preservation would be initiated in the near future. MORE..
Prof. Warnapala assumes duties as UPFA General Secretary
Professor Vishwa Warnapala today assumed duties as the new General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE..
US backs Sri Lanka’s domestic probe
The United States said Wednesday that it wants to sponsor a resolution at next month’s U.N. human rights session that is supportive of Sri Lanka’s government, which wants to conduct its own investigation into alleged war crimes. MORE..
New cabinet to be sworn in on Sep 02
The Cabinet of Ministers of the new government will be sworn in next Wednesday (September 02), UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrama told Ada Derana. MORE..
SLFP, UNP will form the National Government: Malik
The United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) have reached a final consensus over forming a National Government, UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrama said in a statement today (26).
FR petition filed challenging UFPA National List
A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed today by a member of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) challenging the UFPA National List, which includes several candidates who were defeated at the general election. MORE..
Welgama ready to accept the opposition leader post
Former Minister Kumara Welgama says that he is ready to accept the opposition leader post. Welgama told Ada Derana that he is of the view that he is the most appropriate for the post under the current political situation of the country. MORE... (Audio)
Biswal meets President Sirisena
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (25) evening. She was accompanied by the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski. MORE...
Vacated PC seats to be filled after MPs take oath
The appointing of new Provincial Councillors to fill the seats left vacant by more than 50 Provincial Council members including 3 Chief Ministers who contested and won at the recent parliamentary elections, is scheduled to take place after the new Parliament is sworn in. MORE..
Sarana Gunawardena further remanded
The Gampaha Magistrate on Wednesday (26) further remanded former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena who was in custody for allegedly assaulting a person. MORE...
South Africa denies reports of Ramaphosa having talks in SL
The President’s Office of South Africa denied reports that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa of visiting Sri Lanka to have talks over the weekend (22) as alleged in the media reports. MORE...
Navy chases away Rameswaram fishermen?
The Sri Lankan navy allegedly attacked and chased away a group of Rameswaram fishermen who were fishing in the territorial waters of the island nation, the Times of India newspaper reported. MORE...
President has no ethical right to select National List MPs, says Gammanpila
The President has no ethical right to select Parliamentarians through the National List, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader Udaya Gammanpila says. MORE...
Nobody expects miracles from Sri Lanka – US
The Sri Lankan Government on Tuesday outlined the measures being taken to address concerns regarding alleged human rights violations including through independent domestic mechanisms, during a high-level discussion with a visiting US delegation. MORE..
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until September 8 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court, today (11). MORE...
Susil resigns as UPFA General Secretary
Susil Premajayantha on Tuesday (25) tendered his resignation letter to the President as the General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE...
Blair assures to appear on behalf of Sri Lanka
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has assured to appear on behalf of Sri Lanka in eliminating misconceptions in the world. He gave this assurance during a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
Nisha Biswal arrives in Sri Lanka
The United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (25). MORE...
Biswal’s visit hastens swearing-in of three key Ministers
The visit of Nisha Biswal, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia on Tuesday to discuss the UN Human Rights Commissioner’s report on war crimes in Sri Lanka, has hastened the swearing-in of Mangala Samaraweera as Foreign Minister; Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Justice Minister; and D.M.Swaminathan as Resettlement Minister. MORE...
India not capable of providing large investment and loans to SL?
China’s state media today said Sri Lanka should retain friendship with cash-rich China as India is “not capable of providing large investment and loans”, in the first commentary following the defeat of pro-Beijing Mahinda Rajapaksa in the recent parliamentary elections. MORE...
Petition seeks re-appointment of Yapa and Susil
A petition has been filed at the Colombo District Court requesting to revoke the previous enjoining order issued to prevent Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA. MORE...
Eknaligoda case: CID questions four more army personnel
(UPDATE) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is interrogating an Army Corporal, a Sergeant, and two Lieutenants, in connection with the mysterious disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, a police source said. MORE...
Sarana remanded for assaulting a person
Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena and three others have been arrested and remanded till 26 August for alleged assault on a person during the General Election 2015. MORE...
Sri Lankan held for drug trafficking in India
The Indian police have detained a Sri Lankan Tamil over his alleged involvement with a fake currency circulation, drug and human trafficking gang, the Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...
Three Cabinet Ministers take oath
Three Cabinet Ministers took oath before the President a short while ago. Mangala Samaraweera took oath as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Minister of Justice and D. M. Swaminathan as Minister of Rehabilitation. MORE...