Results: 514

SAITM CEO shooting was staged - Police

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..

February 28, 2017  12:09 pm|

SLMC attempts to register SAITM students - ACMOA

SLMC attempts to register SAITM students - ACMOA

The All Ceylon Medical Officers Association (ACMOA) says it will lodge a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), against the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). MORE...

February 13, 2017  12:11 pm|

Ukrainian arrested for violating visa rules

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..

February 3, 2017  12:05 pm|

Siva Senai in Sri Lanka gets Shiva Sena Support, Colombo Worried

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...

October 14, 2016  08:10 am|

Major disaster averted as two trains almost collide head-on

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..

January 29, 2016  03:13 pm|

I will save country from drug menace- President

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...

January 20, 2016  10:57 am|

We will not act in haste on war crimes special court - President

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...

January 4, 2016  08:14 am|

Govt gives undertaking to provide clinical training for SAITM students

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..

December 15, 2015  01:48 pm|

Special flight to bring back stranded Sri Lankan pilgrims

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..

December 5, 2015  02:32 pm|

President thanks MPs who voted for budget

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..

December 2, 2015  07:16 pm|

UN conference on climate change commences today

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...

November 30, 2015  11:02 am|

President to leave for France today

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...

November 29, 2015  11:07 am|

Common values are important and not the power of wealth – President

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..

November 28, 2015  10:29 am|

President calls special meeting with SLFP Parliamentary Group

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...

November 23, 2015  12:31 pm|

Hasitha Thilakeratne appointed CAA chairman

Hasitha Thilakeratne appointed CAA chairman

Hasitha Thilakeratne has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA). MORE..

November 20, 2015  09:37 am|

President should not lead parties at LG polls: Gammanpila

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...

November 16, 2015  04:10 pm|

President to closely monitor Avant Garde issue: Rajitha

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...

November 9, 2015  04:59 pm|

President Sirisena to leave for Thailand today

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...

November 1, 2015  11:23 am|

Sri Lankan tourists hurt as tour bus plunges into ditch in Thailand

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...

October 29, 2015  03:42 pm|

PRECIFAC summons Pabha

PRECIFAC summons Pabha

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...

October 29, 2015  10:21 am|

Govt. obliged to safeguard dignity and pride of tri-forces: President

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...

October 26, 2015  06:20 pm|

President Sirisena to strengthen Thai– Sri Lanka relations

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...

October 26, 2015  12:08 pm|

Paranagama report far worse than UN report – Rajitha

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..

October 22, 2015  05:39 pm|

President convenes an all-party meeting today

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...

October 22, 2015  11:10 am|

UN Assistant Secretary-General to visit Sri Lanka

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..

October 21, 2015  10:42 am|

Vavuniya DIG case: President requests report on missing cop

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...

October 20, 2015  06:06 pm|

Sajin gets permission to go to Singapore

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...

October 20, 2015  01:10 pm|

President lauds Airforce’s contribution for National Security

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...

October 19, 2015  05:15 pm|

Term of 23 LG bodies extended till Dec 31

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..

October 14, 2015  06:33 pm|

CID gets detention order to question Pillayan

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...

October 14, 2015  01:29 pm|

US trains Lanka Navy on underwater demining

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...

October 13, 2015  03:28 pm|

CID detains Pillayan for further questioning

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...

October 12, 2015  11:42 am|

Four soldiers sentenced in Vishvamadu rape case

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..

October 8, 2015  01:15 am|

Kundasale PS chairman arrested over assault on principal

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...

October 5, 2015  01:06 pm|

Vigneswaran says he has faith on President Sirisena

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.

October 5, 2015  11:30 am|

Sampath Athukorala released on bail

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...

October 5, 2015  11:20 am|

All-party conference to discuss solutions to rights issue - President

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..

October 2, 2015  08:29 pm|

President arrives after concluding US visit

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..

October 2, 2015  04:14 pm|

Sampath Athukorala remanded over obscene FB post

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..

October 1, 2015  01:21 pm|

President congratulates Nepal on new constitution

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..

October 1, 2015  12:30 pm|

AIDS on the rise among youths: Dr. Liyanage

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...

October 1, 2015  10:43 am|

New plan of action to advance human rights: President Sirisena

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...

September 30, 2015  07:17 pm|

U.S. supports a credible domestic process in Sri Lanka - Kerry

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..

September 29, 2015  06:42 pm|

Everyone agrees that we should find out the truth – Ranil

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..

September 29, 2015  01:47 pm|

Vaiko detained during protest against draft US resolution

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..

September 29, 2015  10:28 am|

Investigations under domestic mechanism victory for Lanka: Tennakoon

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...

September 28, 2015  04:19 pm|

Wigneswaran lashes out at concentration of power in his party

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...

September 28, 2015  10:54 am|

President assures sustainable development by 2030

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...

September 27, 2015  09:55 pm|

President orders Avant Garde case to continue

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..

September 23, 2015  02:09 pm|

High Court grants bail to Sajin Vass

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...

September 23, 2015  12:36 pm|

President to address the 70th UN General Assembly on Sep. 30

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...

September 23, 2015  11:29 am|

President intervenes on behalf of Wijeweera’s family

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..

September 22, 2015  10:57 pm|

Sri Lanka declares a ‘Maritime and Naval Week’

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.

September 21, 2015  05:02 pm|

Karunanidhi slammed over Lankan Tamil issue

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...

September 20, 2015  05:07 pm|

German foreign minister to arrive on Tuesday

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..

September 19, 2015  04:15 pm|

Capital punishment if Parliament approves - President

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..

September 18, 2015  12:19 pm|

Govt at risk of claims by Chinese port city project - document

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..

September 18, 2015  10:53 am|

Govt assures due attention to UN report

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..

September 16, 2015  09:58 pm|

Keheliya, PB and Lalith grilled at Presidential CoI

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..

September 16, 2015  06:04 pm|

Flight diverted to Mattala due to bad weather

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..

September 16, 2015  05:23 pm|

New Provincial Council Ministers sworn-in

New Provincial Council Ministers sworn-in

New Ministers of the North Western Provincial Council took oath before President Maithripala Sirisena today (14). MORE...

September 14, 2015  12:15 pm|

Harsha focusing on economic diplomacy

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..

September 11, 2015  04:02 pm|

Two more Deputy Ministers appointed

Two more Deputy Ministers appointed

Two more Deputy Ministers have been sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday. MORE..

September 10, 2015  02:15 pm|

Sri Lankan flight suffers hydraulic problem after landing in Chennai

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..

September 10, 2015  11:29 am|

Our government is stable: President

Our government is stable: President

President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (09) asserted not to expect a Government change till 2020. MORE...

September 9, 2015  06:07 pm|

New State and Deputy Ministers sworn in

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..

September 9, 2015  02:34 pm|

President, PM appoint their nominees to the CC

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...

September 9, 2015  12:01 pm|

Three new Cabinet Ministers sworn in

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..

September 9, 2015  11:46 am|

Man with gold in rectum held at BIA

Man with gold in rectum held at BIA

Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake have arrested a suspect attempting to smuggle almost 1kg of gold worth over Rs 4.6 million by concealing them in his rectal cavity. MORE..

September 9, 2015  10:49 am|

Two arrested for soliciting Rs. 1.5 million bribe to police

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...

September 8, 2015  05:57 pm|

No bail for Sajin Vass

No bail for Sajin Vass

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...

September 8, 2015  01:14 pm|

Dullas grilled at Presidential Commission of Inquiry

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..

September 8, 2015  11:46 am|

TNA leader lashes out at Wigneswaran

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...

September 8, 2015  10:41 am|

President Sirisena reveals secrets behind January polls

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...

September 6, 2015  04:36 pm|

US decision on Sri Lanka sparks protests in Chennai

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...

September 6, 2015  02:06 pm|

‘Viber, not India, helped in unseating Rajapaksa’: CBK

‘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...

September 6, 2015  12:04 pm|

UAE Foreign Minister calls on President Sirisena

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...

September 6, 2015  11:05 am|

Pass resolution against Sri Lanka: Vaiko

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...

September 6, 2015  06:50 am|

Massive killings if Mahinda returned to power - CBK

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..

September 6, 2015  12:39 am|

Committee to decide on heads for public institutions - President

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..

September 4, 2015  03:19 pm|

New Ministers sworn in

New Ministers sworn in

(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..

September 4, 2015  12:24 pm|

Notices issued to Mattala airport protesters

 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...

September 3, 2015  03:07 pm|

Chennai US Consulate refuses to meet Vaiko on Lanka

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...

September 2, 2015  05:47 pm|

My journey is slow, but no turning back – President

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..

September 2, 2015  05:09 pm|

SLFP celebrates 64th anniversary today

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..

September 2, 2015  10:51 am|

President vows actions against those who misused state resources

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...

September 1, 2015  03:29 pm|

Sajin’s assets case postponed to December 10

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...

September 1, 2015  11:59 am|

Karu elected as new Speaker

Karu elected as new Speaker

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...

September 1, 2015  09:52 am|

Hamid Karzai arrives in Sri lanka

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...

August 31, 2015  04:48 pm|

President allows opposition to pick its leader

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...

August 31, 2015  11:42 am|

New Parliament convenes tomorrow

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...

August 31, 2015  10:43 am|

Vaiko, Ramadoss oppose India gifting away ship to Sri Lanka

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...

August 31, 2015  10:24 am|

Prabhakaran killed himself, says Karuna Amman

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...

August 30, 2015  10:08 pm|

UPFA coalition partners to form new alliance?

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..

August 30, 2015  12:24 am|

Strict laws to stop use of polythene and asbestos – President

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..

August 29, 2015  05:59 pm|

Samarasinghe admits failure to implement 2009 resolution

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..

August 27, 2015  06:15 pm|

President emphasizes importance of coast conservation

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..

August 26, 2015  05:39 pm|

US backs Sri Lanka’s domestic probe

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..

August 26, 2015  02:31 pm|

Biswal meets President Sirisena

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...

August 26, 2015  12:14 pm|

President has no ethical right to select National List MPs, says Gammanpila

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...

August 25, 2015  04:38 pm|

Susil resigns as UPFA General Secretary

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...

August 25, 2015  12:59 pm|

Blair assures to appear on behalf of Sri Lanka

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...

August 25, 2015  11:12 am|

Petition seeks re-appointment of Yapa and Susil

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...

August 24, 2015  05:54 pm|

Three Cabinet Ministers take oath

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...

August 24, 2015  12:02 pm|

New Ministers likely to take oath tomorrow

New Ministers likely to take oath tomorrow

The swearing-in ceremony of the new Ministers will likely be held tomorrow (25), a source said. The oath ceremony will be held before President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe at the President Secretariat Office. MORE...

August 24, 2015  11:07 am|

National Government or opposition: President grants freedom to decide

National Government or opposition: President grants freedom to decide

The MP-elects of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) have been given freedom to choose whether to join the National Government or function in the opposition, MP-elect Mahinda Amaraweera quoted the President as saying. MORE...

August 23, 2015  11:13 pm|

Reports on National Govt. handed over to President

Reports on National Govt. handed over to President

The committees, which were set up to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), have submitted its final reports to the President, a source close to the SLFP said. MORE...

August 23, 2015  02:39 pm|

Government begins Tamil resettlement in Sampoor

Government begins Tamil resettlement in Sampoor

As a part of Government’s effort to resettle Tamils in North and East, a ceremony was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena to hand over the land deeds to 234 war displaced families in Sampur, on Saturday. MORE...

August 23, 2015  11:13 am|

President Sirisena requested to seek a second term

President Sirisena requested to seek a second term

People of Kinniya have appealed to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to seek a second term to fulfill the expectations of the people. The people have made this request when the President visited Kinniya and met the people there, the President’s Media Unit reported. MORE...

August 23, 2015  10:26 am|

US-SL to lift bilateral ties to new height

 US-SL to lift bilateral ties to new height

The United States has assured its fullest support to Sri Lanka’s economic development and reconciliation while emphasizing that Washington wishes to take bilateral relations with the island nation to a new height. MORE..

August 22, 2015  12:15 am|

India should take efforts to solve Lankan Tamils problem: CPI

India should take efforts to solve Lankan Tamils problem: CPI

The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday said that the Centre should take efforts to find a solution to the problems of Tamil population in Sri Lanka, considering the changed political equation in that country. MORE..

August 21, 2015  04:38 pm|

SLFP Central Committee convenes today

SLFP Central Committee convenes today

The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has convened this morning, for the first time after the 2015 parliamentary election. MORE..

August 20, 2015  11:19 am|

I do not expect Opposition Leader post; should go to a senior - Mahinda

I do not expect Opposition Leader post; should go to a senior - Mahinda

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to Ada Derana said that he does not expect the Opposition Leader post and will remain as a Member of Parliament. He added that the opposition leader post should be decided by the UPFA Parliamentary group and should go to a senior of the party. MORE...

August 20, 2015  08:23 am|

President issues special statement following close of polling

President issues special statement following close of polling

Delivering a special statement following the close of polling for the General Election 2015, President Maithripala Sirisena stated that to his knowledge the election which concluded today was the most peaceful in the country’s entire history of holding parliamentary polls since 1947. It is indisputable he added. MORE...

August 18, 2015  04:17 pm|

President hails most peaceful election in Sri Lanka’s history

President hails most peaceful election in Sri Lanka’s history

Hailing today’s General Election as the most peaceful in the country’s history, President Maithripala Sirisena urged the public to enjoy the results in a calm manner. MORE..

August 17, 2015  09:42 pm|

Court orders handed over to Yapa and Premajayantha

Court orders handed over to Yapa and Premajayantha

The Colombo High Court today (17) ordered to handover a notice and an order, with respect to the court’s ruling to prevent Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA respectively, to their houses. MORE...

August 17, 2015  06:20 pm|

UPDATE: President sacks 13 SLFP CC members

UPDATE: President sacks 13 SLFP CC members

President Maithripala Sirisena has sacked 13 members from the SLFP Central Committee. The President in his capacity as the Chairman of the SLFP has sent a letter to the Elections Commissioner informing him of the removal and a list of the new 25 members of the Central Committee, a source from the Presidential Secretariat said. MORE...

August 17, 2015  05:50 pm|

Indonesian plane missing over Papua region

Indonesian plane missing over Papua region

An Indonesian plane with 54 people on board is missing in Papua region, officials have said. MORE..

August 16, 2015  04:07 pm|

Ex-Yakkalamulla PS Vice Chairman arrested

Ex-Yakkalamulla PS Vice Chairman arrested

The former Vice Chairman of the Yakkalamulla Pradeshiya Sabha has been arrested on charges of molesting an underage girl, police said today. MORE..

August 16, 2015  03:40 pm|

Six suspected LTTE operatives arrested in Kolkata

Six suspected LTTE operatives arrested in Kolkata

The arrest of 6 men allegedly belonging to the LTTE has left security officials in West Bengal in a spot of bother. They are verifying why these six men had come to Kolkata from Chennai. MORE..

August 15, 2015  01:46 pm|

Woman caught with cocaine worth Rs 85m at BIA

Woman caught with cocaine worth Rs 85m at BIA

A foreign lady has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake with 12 packets containing over 5.5kg of cocaine, valued at Rs 85 million, concealed inside story books. MORE..

August 14, 2015  08:10 pm|

President sacks Anura and Susil; appoints Duminda and Vishwa

President sacks Anura and Susil; appoints Duminda and Vishwa

The Colombo District Court today issued an enjoining order preventing Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA respectively until August 28, 2015. MORE..

August 14, 2015  04:22 pm|

Tamils won’t benefit from discussions about past - CFD

Tamils won’t benefit from discussions about past - CFD

The Crusaders for Democracy (CFD), the new political group formed by ex-Tamil Tigers, says that despite the scars and lingering legacy of the three-decade-long conflict, the war was a closed chapter in the country’s history that should not be brought up again. MORE..

August 14, 2015  01:58 pm|

Pak-SL bond serves as beacon for South Asian countries: Envoy

Pak-SL bond serves as beacon for South Asian countries: Envoy

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain says that the brotherly and time tested relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, having depth, breadth and diversity, serves as a beacon for other countries of South Asia. MORE..

August 14, 2015  01:14 pm|

Rajapaksa sends reply to President Sirisena

Rajapaksa sends reply to President Sirisena

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today responded to the letter from President Maithripala Sirisena, with a letter of his own. MORE..

August 14, 2015  12:11 pm|

Signatures already given naming Mahinda as next PM - Susil

Signatures already given naming Mahinda as next PM - Susil

Reacting to President Maithripala Sirisena’s letter to his predecessor, the General Secretary of the UPFA Susil Premajayantha says that the leaders of the party, including him, have already given their signatures for appointing Mahinda Rajapaksa as the next Prime Minister. MORE..

August 14, 2015  10:42 am|

UPFA will modernise the FCID: Susil

UPFA will modernise the FCID: Susil

Measures will be taken to modernise the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID), if the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) wins the forthcoming election, former Minister Susil Premajayantha asserted. MORE...

August 13, 2015  05:41 pm|

President Sirisena sends urgent letter to Rajapaksa

President Sirisena sends urgent letter to Rajapaksa

President Maithripala Sirisena has sent an urgent letter to former President and UPFA Kurunegala District candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Aug 13), the Presidential Media Unit said. MORE..

August 13, 2015  05:08 pm|

1532 election violence incidents as of today: CaFFE

1532 election violence incidents as of today: CaFFE

The Campaign for Free & Fair Election (CaFFE) says that a total of 1532 incidents of election-related violence have been reported as of today (13). MORE...

August 13, 2015  03:28 pm|

Sri Lankan tourist found dead in temple pond

Sri Lankan tourist found dead in temple pond

A 78-year-old Sri Lankan tourist, who was missing two days ago from Bahraich, was found dead in a pond at Korean temple of neighbouring Sharavasti district in Uttar Pradesh, Indian police said today. MORE..

August 13, 2015  02:40 pm|

Sajin de Vass Gunawardena further remanded

Sajin de Vass Gunawardena further remanded

UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until August 25 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court, today (11 MORE...

August 11, 2015  03:59 pm|

Government to make several SOEs self financed: Ravi

Government to make several SOEs self financed: Ravi

The new government’s plan to restructure the loss making State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to be self financed without depending on the General treasury will be a reality soon, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said. MORE...

August 11, 2015  01:20 pm|

Sundar Pichai appointed the new CEO of Google

Sundar Pichai appointed the new CEO of Google

India-born Sundar Pichai has been named CEO of Google as part of a surprise corporate overhaul that saw the search giant forming a new parent company called Alphabet Inc. MORE..

August 11, 2015  11:21 am|

EXCLUSIVE: Maithri won’t refuse to give Premiership - Mahinda

EXCLUSIVE: Maithri won’t refuse to give Premiership - Mahinda

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he did summon the Attorney General and the heads of security forces to Temple Trees in the early hours of January 09. MORE...

August 11, 2015  01:08 am|

Sajin’s bail application rejected

Sajin’s bail application rejected

A bail application, which was filed by a Counsel on behalf of former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, was dismissed by the Colombo High Court. MORE...

August 10, 2015  11:57 am|

President Sirisena revamps his security ahead of polls

President Sirisena revamps his security ahead of polls

Maithripala Sirisena has disbanded a part of the Presidential Security Division, and replaced the elite Sri Lankan unit with a highly-trained team of commandos, it was reported. MORE...

August 9, 2015  09:18 pm|

President asks voters to elect only suitable people to Parliament

President asks voters to elect only suitable people to Parliament

All voters of the country have a great responsibility to elect only suitable persons to the Parliament in forthcoming General Election, says President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

August 8, 2015  10:31 am|

Economy has flourished every time UNP was in power - Karu

Economy has flourished every time UNP was in power - Karu

Minister Karu Jayasuriya says that the decision of the voters at the coming parliamentary election will determine the destiny of the country and future of the people, and therefore urged voters to act prudently and identify the need of the hour. MORE..

August 7, 2015  11:14 pm|

President removes Secretary to Ministry of Posts

President removes Secretary to Ministry of Posts

President Maithripala Sirisena has removed the Secretary to the Ministry of Posts on a complaint and recommendation of the Elections Commissioner, the Presidential Media Division said. MORE..

August 7, 2015  09:12 pm|

Probe launched into explosion inside Chilaw train

Probe launched into explosion inside Chilaw train

Police today said that an investigation has been launched into the explosion which had occurred inside a train at the Chilaw railway station last night, injuring a railway employee. MORE..

August 7, 2015  12:09 pm|

Rajapaksa wants govt to probe Lasantha, Eknaligoda cases

Rajapaksa wants govt to probe Lasantha, Eknaligoda cases

Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has vowed to win an outright majority in parliamentary elections due on 17 August. MORE..

August 7, 2015  12:17 am|

Keith Richards finds Beatles’ album ‘rubbish’

Keith Richards finds Beatles’ album ‘rubbish’

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has trashed the iconic album of The Beatles, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. MORE..

August 6, 2015  05:03 pm|

Lakshman Wasantha Perera released on bail

Lakshman Wasantha Perera released on bail

Former UPFA Parliamentarian Lakshman Wasantha Perera, who was arrested and remanded in connection with an assault incident, has been released on bail by the Matale Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

August 6, 2015  01:57 pm|

Government to continue mega reservoir project

Government to continue mega reservoir project

President Maithripala Sirisena has assured that he will continue a multi-million-dollar mega dam project in the central part of the island nation and stressed that he would not allow its discontinuation, an official said. MORE...

August 6, 2015  01:10 pm|

President expresses satisfaction about improved cooperation with Turkey

President expresses satisfaction about improved cooperation with Turkey

President Maithripala Sirisena thanked Turkey for the steps taken to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. He said Turkish construction companies have partnered in several construction projects including a housing project in Mannar where 100 houses were built. MORE...

August 4, 2015  05:39 pm|

Will the govt. give nod to road link SL with India?

Will the govt. give nod to road link SL with India?

A road and rail link between Rameswaram in India and Thalaimannar could be a reality soon as the government of India has asked Asian Development Bank to carry out pre-feasibility study for financing the project across Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. MORE...

August 3, 2015  10:40 pm|

Prabhakaran’s bodyguard in election fray

Prabhakaran’s bodyguard in election fray

Sivanathan Navindra alias Venthan, a former bodyguard of the slain Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is among nine ex-Tiger militants contesting the August 17 Sri Lankan parliamentary elections from the Jaffna-Kilinochchi electoral district as members of a new outfit, Crusaders for Democracy (CFD), the New India Express reported. MORE...

August 3, 2015  12:19 pm|

Tip from pilot leads to gold-smuggling bust at BIA

Tip from pilot leads to gold-smuggling bust at BIA

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle 24 gold biscuits worth Rs 12 million, into the country. MORE..

August 1, 2015  01:36 pm|

Swaminathan conveys condolences over death of Abdul Kalam

Swaminathan conveys condolences over death of Abdul Kalam

The Special Envoy of the President, Minister D.M. Swaminathan paid his last respects to the late former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the State Funeral which was held in Rameshwaran on Thursday, the foreign ministry said. MORE..

July 31, 2015  03:56 pm|

Drug trade flourished under Rajapaksa regime - Karu

Drug trade flourished under Rajapaksa regime - Karu

Minister Karu Jayasuriya today charged that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his “set of thieves” would resort to any corrupt an unholy action, crushing all accepted moral values and human relations for the sake of power. MORE..

July 30, 2015  11:16 pm|

Three new diplomats appointed

Three new diplomats appointed

President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (30) appointed a High Commissioner and two new Ambassadors, the President’s Media Unit said. MORE...

July 30, 2015  03:53 pm|

UPFA election manifesto presented to Maithripala

UPFA election manifesto presented to Maithripala

The election manifesto of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), for the 2015 General Election, was presented to President Maithripala Sirisena this morning by a group of party leaders. MORE..

July 28, 2015  10:17 am|

Sri Lankan refugee sentenced to 20 years’ jail for stabbing

Sri Lankan refugee sentenced to 20 years’ jail for stabbing

A man found guilty of the stabbing murder of a fellow Sri Lankan refugee in Adelaide’s north has been jailed for at least 20 years by an Australian court. MORE..

July 28, 2015  09:45 am|

Ex-LTTE man held in India while trying to flee

Ex-LTTE man held in India while trying to flee

The Indian city police arrested a former LTTE operative while he was attempting to escape to Switzerland on a fake passport at Trichy International Airport, the Times of India reported. Police also registered a case against two more persons from Ramanathapuram and Chennai for helping him obtained the fake passport. One of them was arrested. MORE...

July 27, 2015  10:20 am|

Maithri leaves for Maldives

Maithri leaves for Maldives

President Maithripala Sirisena today (26) left for a state visit to participate at the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Maldives in Male.

July 26, 2015  03:07 pm|

President Sirisena to leave for Maldives on Sunday

President Sirisena to leave for Maldives on Sunday

President Maithripala Sirisena is to undertake a state visit to Maldives on Sunday to participate in the special ceremony celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence of the Indian Ocean archipelago to be held in Male. MORE..

July 25, 2015  02:56 pm|

Conviction of ‘LTTE sympathisers’ in India set aside

Conviction of ‘LTTE sympathisers’ in India set aside

The Madras High Court Bench in Madurai on Friday set aside an “illegal conviction and seven-year sentence” imposed by a trial court on three alleged LTTE sympathisers for conspiring to smuggle acetone, glycerine, formaldehyde and dicyanamide to Sri Lanka for making explosive substances and indulging in unlawful activities in 2008. MORE..

July 25, 2015  12:30 pm|

Karuna denies saying Prabhakaran was captured alive

Karuna denies saying Prabhakaran was captured alive

Former Deputy Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan, commonly known as Karuna Amman, today completely denied reports quoting him as saying that slain LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran was arrested and tortured by Sri Lankan troops before being killed. MORE..

July 24, 2015  05:28 pm|

Sri Lankan fishermen issue warning to Indian counterparts

Sri Lankan fishermen issue warning to Indian counterparts

Sri Lankan fishermen have reportedly warned their Indian counterparts that they would be attacked if they continued using banned fishing nets and damaged nets anchored in the Sri Lankan sea. MORE..

July 24, 2015  10:55 am|

Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon to resign

Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon to resign

Minister of Provincial Councils and Regional Development, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, says that he will be resigning from his ministerial portfolio. MORE..

July 24, 2015  09:57 am|

SLTB buses not obtained under my name – Susil

SLTB buses not obtained under my name – Susil

UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha says that it is unreasonable to direct accusations at only him regarding the payments to be made for SLTB buses used during the Presidential Election and balance sheets also concern the President, as he is the incumbent Chairman of the party. MORE..

July 23, 2015  04:35 pm|

UPFA is not divided at all - Mahinda

UPFA is not divided at all - Mahinda

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today denied that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is divided and said that the reason he did not form his own party to contest the election is because he was not ready to abandon the SLFP for his personal gain. MORE..

July 23, 2015  12:13 pm|

SL becoming a key transportation hub for South Asia: ex-US Director of National Intelligence

SL becoming a key transportation hub for South Asia: ex-US Director of National Intelligence

Election outcome in Sri Lanka is important for the region and the world, Dennis Cutler Blair, the former United States Director of National Intelligence and former US Navy admiral has said. MORE...

July 21, 2015  11:13 am|

De-mining groups recover 168 mines in 24-hours

De-mining groups recover 168 mines in 24-hours

The Army says that de-mining groups in Kaddaiadampan, Mulliyawelai, and Pumalanthan have recovered one hundred and sixty-eight anti personnel mines within 24-hours time. MORE...

July 19, 2015  05:30 pm|

Prabhakaran’s distant relative to contest against Mahinda at polls

Prabhakaran’s distant relative to contest against Mahinda at polls

A relative of LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran has entered the fray for Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election to be held in August 17 to challenge former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. MORE...

July 19, 2015  11:03 am|

President proposes procedure for “Prashansaneeya Seva Padakkama”

President proposes procedure for “Prashansaneeya Seva Padakkama”

On a proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena as Minister of Defence, the Cabinet has granted its approval to establish a general procedure to award the “Prashansaneeya Seva Padakkama” to officers and other ranks in the tri forces, the Ministry of Defence said. MORE...

July 18, 2015  02:07 pm|

South Africa train crash: 300 injured near Johannesburg

South Africa train crash: 300 injured near Johannesburg

About 300 people have been injured in a collision between two trains near South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, paramedics have said. MORE...

July 18, 2015  01:21 pm|

Ramazan reinforces common human values that unite humankind: President

Ramazan reinforces common human values that unite humankind: President

As Muslims throughout Sri Lanka and the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, I am most pleased to extend my wishes to them, President Maithripala Sirisena said. MORE...

July 18, 2015  10:54 am|

Willing to make any sacrifice to protect SLFP – Mahinda

Willing to make any sacrifice to protect SLFP – Mahinda

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he is willing to make any sacrifice to protect the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and that although he has not betrayed the country or the people, the finger is being pointed at him. MORE..

July 17, 2015  08:01 pm|

UPFA election campaign to begin from Anuradhapura

UPFA election campaign to begin from Anuradhapura

The inaugural election rally of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is scheduled to be held at the Salgadu Stadium in Anuradhapura today, under the theme “Let’s give life to the country and a new beginning”. MORE..

July 17, 2015  11:09 am|

Sri Lanka human rights improved under Sirisena: UK

Sri Lanka human rights improved under Sirisena: UK

The human rights situation in Sri Lanka has “improved” since Maithripala Sirisena took over presidency from Mahinda Rajapaksa, a UK government report has said. MORE..

July 16, 2015  10:44 pm|

UPFA leaders set to meet Elections Chief today

UPFA leaders set to meet Elections Chief today

Leaders of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have decided to meet with the Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya today. MORE..

July 16, 2015  01:38 pm|

Sri Lankan woman held on charge of smuggling gold

Sri Lankan woman held on charge of smuggling gold

A 33-year-old Sri Lankan woman has been arrested for allegedly smuggling gold worth 5.5 million Indian rupees, Chennai airport officials said on Thursday. MORE..

July 16, 2015  12:05 pm|

President condoles over demise of Ven. Maldeniye Jinalankara Thero

President condoles over demise of Ven. Maldeniye Jinalankara Thero

President Maithripala Sirisena extended his deepest condolences on the passing away of Dimbulagala Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Maldeniye Jinalankara Thero, the Government’s official news portal said in a statement today. MORE...

July 15, 2015  01:16 pm|

Special UPFA meeting; Mahinda arrives at SLFP HQ

Special UPFA meeting; Mahinda arrives at SLFP HQ

(Update) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the SLFP Headquarters a short while ago for a special meeting of the UPFA Election Operation Committee meeting. All leaders of the major constituent parties of the UPFA along with President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to be present at the meeting. MORE...

July 15, 2015  12:01 pm|

Ranil wants Maithri to stay away from election?

Ranil wants Maithri to stay away from election?

President and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) chairperson Maithripala Sirisena, who has received flak recently from certain sections for reportedly clearing the nomination of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the parliamentary elections, is going to stay away from the polls, the Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...

July 13, 2015  02:08 pm|

Ex-LTTE cadres to contest as independent group

Ex-LTTE cadres to contest as independent group

Former cadres of LTTE have decided to contest the Sri Lankan parliament elections as an independent group after the main Tamil party TNA refused to field them in the August 17 polls. MORE..

July 10, 2015  10:09 am|

Bittersweet return for Sri Lanka’s displaced Tamils - report

Bittersweet return for Sri Lanka’s displaced Tamils - report

When Balasundaram Rasamalar finally got back her home in Sri Lanka’s battle-scarred north after years of military occupation, there was an unexpected problem. The toilet was still in the militarised zone -- where civilians are not allowed. MORE..

July 9, 2015  04:38 pm|

President warns politicians with links to drug trade

President warns politicians with links to drug trade

President Maithripala Sirisena today said it is essential that Sri Lanka’s politicians completely distance themselves from illegal narcotics. MORE..

July 9, 2015  01:36 pm|

Wigneswaran wants Sirisena to undertake meaningful reforms

Wigneswaran wants Sirisena to undertake meaningful reforms

The US and the international community can play a large role in supporting the Sri Lanka’s economic development and accountability and reconciliation processes, as the country tries to move beyond its corrupt and troubled past, says Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran. MORE..

July 9, 2015  11:40 am|

Liquor shops closed from July 10-12

Liquor shops closed from July 10-12

The Department of Excise announced that all liquor shops in the island will be closed on July 10, 11 and 12 in view of the Temperance Month announced by the Ministry of Health. MORE..

July 8, 2015  03:42 pm|

If UPFA nomination foils; Mahinda prepared to contest through ‘budding flower’

If UPFA nomination foils; Mahinda prepared to contest through ‘budding flower’

In case former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is unable to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA due to a breakdown in the Mahinda-Maithri collaboration, Rajapaksa is scheduled to contest under the Our Sri Lanka Freedom Front (Ape Sri Lanka Nidahas Peramuna) with the symbol of a budding flower. MORE...

July 7, 2015  08:46 am|

President assures to safeguard January 8 victory

President assures to safeguard January 8 victory

President Maithripala Sirisena says that no one will be allowed to turn around the trust the people placed on the transformation which took place in the country on January 08. MORE..

July 4, 2015  04:52 pm|

Mahinda will contest from Kurunegala District - TB

Mahinda will contest from Kurunegala District - TB

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will contest the upcoming General Election from the Kurunegala District, says former Minister T.B. Ekananayake. MORE..

July 4, 2015  03:17 pm|

Former LTTE militants to contest polls as ‘Crusaders For Democracy’

Former LTTE militants to contest polls as ‘Crusaders For Democracy’

Former militants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and their supporters have decided to form a political party named “Crusaders for Democracy” and seek tickets from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to contest the August 17 Sri Lankan parliamentary elections. MORE..

July 4, 2015  09:31 am|

UNP ‘minority’ Govt will be defeated on Aug 17 - Dinesh

UNP ‘minority’ Govt will be defeated on Aug 17 - Dinesh

We hope to defeat the UNP minority government on August 17, MEP Leader and former UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardena said a short while ago. MORE...

July 3, 2015  05:07 pm|

UPFA decides to give nomination to Mahinda Rajapaksa

UPFA decides to give nomination to Mahinda Rajapaksa

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has decided to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest at the upcoming General Election on August 17 under the UPFA ticket. MORE..

July 3, 2015  03:29 pm|

Indian fishermen claim attack by Sri Lankan counterparts

Indian fishermen claim attack by Sri Lankan counterparts

About 30 to 40 fishermen claim they were attacked allegedly by their Sri Lankan counterparts off Kodiakarai coast, who damaged their nets worth millions of rupees and threw the catch into the sea, an Indian fisheries department official said. MORE..

July 3, 2015  02:56 pm|

Ex-LTTE cadre gets 10 years RI for Maithripala assassination attempt

Ex-LTTE cadre gets 10 years RI for Maithripala assassination attempt

The former LTTE operative who was involved in an assassination attempt on President Maithripala Sirisena, when he was the Minister of Mahaweli Development in 2006, has been sentenced to 10 years Rigorous Imprisonment (RI). MORE..

July 3, 2015  01:44 pm|

Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources

Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources

President Maithripala Sirisena has refused to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA ticket, political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..

July 2, 2015  07:45 pm|

Mahinda-Maithri meeting took place, but different venue

Mahinda-Maithri meeting took place, but different venue

Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena today confirmed that a discussion did take place between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and that they had only denied the location of the meeting. MORE..

June 30, 2015  03:34 pm|

Rajapaksa to be briefed on Sirisena’s decision

Rajapaksa to be briefed on Sirisena’s decision

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva has met with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kandy this morning, political sources revealed to Ada Derana. MORE..

June 30, 2015  02:22 pm|

Runaway Sri Lankan maids worry Saudi Labor Ministry

Runaway Sri Lankan maids worry Saudi Labor Ministry

Saudi Arabia’s Labor Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani has asked the Sri Lankan government to stop maids running away from their Saudi sponsors soon after their arrival in the Kingdom. MORE..

June 27, 2015  02:34 pm|

Met Department issues severe weather advisory

Met Department issues severe weather advisory

The Department of Meteorology says that due to the convergence of wind flows showery weather with very heavy rain falls in the southwestern parts of the country and strong southwesterly winds over the country and surrounding sea areas are expected. MORE..

June 27, 2015  12:34 pm|

Gold, liquor bottles smuggled from SL seized at airport

Gold, liquor bottles smuggled from SL seized at airport

Indian Customs officials at the Madurai airport seized 604 grams of raw gold chains (unfinished 24 karat gold chains) and 35 bottles of foreign liquor from 11 persons, all Indian citizens, who arrived from Sri Lanka. MORE..

June 27, 2015  11:32 am|

Lankan refugee stages protest at camp

 Lankan refugee stages protest at camp

A Sri Lankan Tamil refugee housed in a camp at Thuraimangalam near Perambalur abstained from taking food for some time on Friday seeking action against one of the refugees. MORE..

June 27, 2015  09:25 am|

Parliament dissolved - sources

Parliament dissolved - sources

The Parliament of Sri Lanka has been dissolved with effect from midnight today (June 26) by President Maithripala Sirisena, Government sources told Ada Derana. MORE..

June 26, 2015  08:00 pm|

Rajapaksa also denies meeting with Sirisena

Rajapaksa also denies meeting with Sirisena

Reports published regarding an urgent meeting between former Mahinda Rajapaksa and incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena at the Speaker’s official residence are untrue, Rajapaksa’s Media Coordinator Rohan Weliwita said. MORE..

June 26, 2015  03:02 pm|

CB Governor seeks overseas loans to reduce debt costs

CB Governor seeks overseas loans to reduce debt costs

Sri Lankan central bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran is seeking concessional overseas loans to refinance costlier debt and reduce reliance on global bond markets. MORE..

June 26, 2015  01:21 pm|

No Mahinda-Maithri meeting at Speaker’s house - PMD

No Mahinda-Maithri meeting at Speaker’s house - PMD

The President’s Media Division today denied media reports alleging that a meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa took place at the Speaker’s residence yesterday (June 25). MORE..

June 26, 2015  10:34 am|

Emirates plane makes emergency landing at BIA

Emirates plane makes emergency landing at BIA

Emirates Airline Airbus A380 with 501 passengers onboard flying from Sydney to Dubai has made an emergency landing at the Bandaranaike International Airport early today due to a technical failure. MORE..

June 26, 2015  08:26 am|

Lankan refugees allege illegal custody, torture by Police

Lankan refugees allege illegal custody, torture by Police

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees of Aanaiyur camp in Madurai are living in morbid fear borne out of police torture. MORE..

June 25, 2015  11:24 pm|

Indie labels line up to support Apple Music

Indie labels line up to support Apple Music

Several independent music label groups, including those representing Adele, Arcade Fire and Radiohead, say they can now support Apple Music after Apple reversed a decision not to pay royalties during the 90-day free trial period and adjusted other terms. MORE..

June 25, 2015  04:39 pm|

Eight Indian men arrested with gold in rectums, waist band

Eight Indian men arrested with gold in rectums, waist band

Eight Indian nationals have been arrested by Sri Lankan customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to leave the country with gold worth over Rs 4.5 million concealed in their rectal cavities and waist band. MORE..

June 25, 2015  10:36 am|

Mahinda-Maithri coordination committee to meet ex-President

Mahinda-Maithri coordination committee to meet ex-President

The committee appointed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to coordinate the party’s affairs between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to meet with the latter today (25). MORE..

June 25, 2015  09:46 am|

Politicians shouldn’t waste public money for banners, cutouts: President

Politicians shouldn’t waste public money for banners, cutouts: President

Politicians should not waste public money for the banners and cutouts for their election campaigns and instead should spend that money for the welfare of the people, President Maithripala Sirisena said today. MORE..

June 24, 2015  10:31 pm|

Gmail gets ‘undo’ button

Gmail gets ‘undo’ button

Google is making it easier to steer clear of the trouble that can be caused by a misdirected or inappropriate email. MORE..

June 24, 2015  12:22 pm|

Families of gem mine accident victims compensated

Families of gem mine accident victims compensated

President Maithripala Sirisena today distributed financial payments as compensation to the families of persons who died or suffered disabilities in accidents in the gem mines belonging to the Gem and Jewellery Authority. MORE..

June 17, 2015  04:25 pm|

Tissa grilled at Bribery Commission

Tissa grilled at Bribery Commission

Former UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake was today summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to record a statement regarding his acceptance of a ministerial portfolio before the Presidential Election. MORE..

June 17, 2015  10:35 am|

India-Sri Lanka road link in the works: Nitin Gadkari

India-Sri Lanka road link in the works: Nitin Gadkari

Following the inauguration of Agartala-Dhaka bus service and signing of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal motor vehicle agreement, the Centre is also looking at connecting India and Sri Lanka, Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday. MORE..

June 17, 2015  09:36 am|

Man arrested with gold worth over Rs 3.8 million at BIA

Man arrested with gold worth over Rs 3.8 million at BIA

A Sri Lankan man was arrested by customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle gold worth over Rs 3.8 million into the country. MORE..

June 13, 2015  11:45 am|

Lankan refugee flees from custody in Koyambedu

Lankan refugee flees from custody in Koyambedu

A Sri Lankan Tamil refugee fled from custody while being escorted to Puzhal prison at the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus in Koyambedu on Thursday. MORE..

June 13, 2015  10:36 am|

Namal Rajapaksa questioned by CID

Namal Rajapaksa questioned by CID

UPFA Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) this morning to give a statement, Ada Derana Reporter said. MORE..

June 12, 2015  09:19 am|

Air Marshal Gunatilleke appointed new CDS

Air Marshal Gunatilleke appointed new CDS

Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) with effect from June 16, the Air Force Spokesman said. MORE..

June 11, 2015  05:21 pm|

Ex-PMs appointed as senior advisers to President

Ex-PMs appointed as senior advisers to President

Former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka D.M. Jayaratne and Ratnasiri Wickramanayake have been appointed as senior advisers to President Maithripala Sirisena on political affairs. MORE..

June 11, 2015  12:28 pm|

Ban’s spokesman reveals reason for statement delay

Ban’s spokesman reveals reason for statement delay

The Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General has conceded that a failure in its ‘system’ had led to the delay in the dissemination of a statement regarding last week’s telephonic conversation between Ban Ki-Moon and President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

June 11, 2015  10:45 am|

79 estate workers hospitalised after drinking tea

79 estate workers hospitalised after drinking tea

At least 79 estate workers have been hospitalized after consuming tea, suspected to have been accidentally mixed with agrochemicals, in the Piranmalai area in Haputale. MORE..

June 10, 2015  02:08 pm|

President calls for promoting languages in schools

President calls for promoting languages in schools

President Maithripala Sirisena says that Sri Lanka must further develop its education policy with a comprehensive understanding about national and international requirements. MORE..

June 9, 2015  04:36 pm|

Report on Wilpattu resettlement presented to President

Report on Wilpattu resettlement presented to President

A report prepared by environmental organizations on the controversial issue of resettlement within the Wilpattu Sanctuary boundaries has been presented to President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

June 6, 2015  04:46 pm|

Opposition wants installation of majority govt, not Parliament dissolution

Opposition wants installation of majority govt, not Parliament dissolution

Sri Lanka’s opposition parties want the installation of a government which has majority support in parliament and not its dissolution and fresh elections. MORE..

June 6, 2015  03:11 pm|

Sri Lanka condoles with Ghana over fire, flood tragedies

Sri Lanka condoles with Ghana over fire, flood tragedies

The Sri Lankan Government has condoled with the government and people of Ghana over the dual tragedy of flooding and fire outbreak which claimed scores of lives in that country. MORE..

June 6, 2015  11:04 am|

Guinness Record initiative in tea plucking

Guinness Record initiative in tea plucking

Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lanka Tea Board and Sri Lankan Airlines initiated a Sri Lanka Guinness Record on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Onboard Travel (APOT) partners’ congress 2015. MORE..

June 5, 2015  12:21 pm|

UN chief commends President Sirisena

UN chief commends President Sirisena

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has appreciated the new Government’s forward march under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena, to build peace and reconciliation in the country while protecting democratic rights of the People. MORE..

June 4, 2015  10:04 pm|

BJP says committed to solving fishermen issue

BJP says committed to solving fishermen issue

Voicing its commitment to solving the dispute over fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in the Palk Strait, the BJP on Thursday said it was handling the problem “carefully” and a final solution “needs time”. MORE..

June 4, 2015  04:32 pm|

President Sirisena has moved country away from divisive politics - US

President Sirisena has moved country away from divisive politics - US

President Maithripala Sirisena has moved the country away from divisive politics and crony capitalism toward a new path of reconciliation and inclusive development, the United States said today. MORE...

June 3, 2015  09:54 am|

President Sirisena has become a prisoner of the UNP: Bandula

President Sirisena has become a prisoner of the UNP: Bandula

(Exclusive) President Maithripala Sirisena has become a prisoner of the United National Party (UNP), former Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. MORE...

June 1, 2015  12:29 pm|

Police Inspector arrested for assaulting woman

Police Inspector arrested for assaulting woman

A Police Inspector attached to the Medirigiriya Police Station has been arrested for assaulting a woman in Palugasdhamana, Polonnaruwa. MORE..

May 30, 2015  05:10 pm|

Injustice against Tamils in Sri Lanka continues: DMK

Injustice against Tamils in Sri Lanka continues: DMK

Expressing concern over a report on the Sri Lankan army’s “continued occupation” of traditional Tamil homeland, DMK on Saturday said it showed that the scene has not changed despite a change of guard in the island republic. MORE..

May 30, 2015  03:22 pm|

Want to re-open investigations on attacks on media – President

Want to re-open investigations on attacks on media – President

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena says he wants to re-open investigations into all past murders and disappearances of journalists. MORE..

May 30, 2015  12:24 pm|

Sri Lankan refugee found guilty of stabbing neighbour

Sri Lankan refugee found guilty of stabbing neighbour

A man who fatally stabbed a fellow Sri Lankan refugee has been found guilty of murder by an Adelaide jury, which earlier heard the crime was committed after the victim called his killer a “lady boy”. MORE..

May 29, 2015  02:43 pm|

5 Sri Lankan fishermen detained near Nagapattinam

5 Sri Lankan fishermen detained near Nagapattinam

The Indian Coast Guard personnel on Thursday night detained as many as five Sri Lankan fishermen and have confiscated their fishing boat charged with the offence of poaching in Indian waters at about 36 nautical miles off Nagapattinam coast. MORE..

May 29, 2015  11:13 am|

Cabinet nod for 20th Amendment

Cabinet nod for 20th Amendment

The Cabinet of the Sri Lankan government today granted approval for the draft bill of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, formulated to change the country’s electoral system, sources said. MORE..

May 27, 2015  10:45 pm|

South African delegation meets Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora in UK

South African delegation meets Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora in UK

A South African delegation has met with Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora organisations with a view to bringing a sense of normalcy to the North-East part of the island and exchange views on how they could contribute towards the peace and reconciliation process. MORE..

May 27, 2015  04:21 pm|

Sri Lankan held for travelling on fake passport

Sri Lankan held for travelling on fake passport

The immigration staff of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad arrested a Sri Lankan passenger during the custom checkup for travelling using a fake passport. MORE..

May 27, 2015  03:52 pm|

Special Parliamentary session to approve CC members

Special Parliamentary session to approve CC members

(UPDATE) A special parliamentary session to approve the civil society representatives of the Constitutional Council will be held next Wednesday (June 03), Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said. MORE..

May 27, 2015  12:53 pm|

Good governance started with bad precedent - Former CJ

Good governance started with bad precedent - Former CJ

Former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka Sarath N. Silva says that good governance cannot be established in a country within just 100 days and that it will never exist under jungle law. MORE..

May 27, 2015  12:51 pm|

Vienna airport security staff smuggled Lankan migrants to US, UK

Vienna airport security staff smuggled Lankan migrants to US, UK

Austrian police have arrested several security employees at Vienna airport over their alleged role in smuggling illegal immigrants to Britain and the US, officials confirmed on Tuesday. MORE..

May 27, 2015  11:03 am|

Sarath Fonseka says he would welcome war crime investigation

Sarath Fonseka says he would welcome war crime investigation

Sri Lanka’s wartime army chief says his conscience is clear and he would welcome a war crimes investigation to prove his innocence. MORE..

May 27, 2015  09:51 am|

Special court to try Jaffna rape accused - President

Special court to try Jaffna rape accused - President

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is currently visiting Jaffna, pledges that the accused in the Pungudutivu gang rape and murder case will be punished even through a special court, the Presidential Media Division said. MORE...

May 26, 2015  01:22 pm|

Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest in parliamentary polls - report

Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest in parliamentary polls - report

Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had informed his close aides that he will contest in the parliamentary elections which are expected to be held in the country in July, a senior opposition member said on Monday. MORE..

May 26, 2015  11:35 am|

JVP to boycott National Executive Council

JVP to boycott National Executive Council

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) says that it would no longer participate in the National Executive Council. MORE..

May 26, 2015  09:14 am|

Film on slain LTTE presenter banned in India

Film on slain LTTE presenter banned in India

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to certify ‘Porkalathil Oru Poo,’ a film based on real life story of television journalist, Isaipriya, who was allegedly killed in captivity by the Sri Lankan armed forces in the final stages of the civil war in 2009... MORE

May 26, 2015  08:08 am|

Jayalalithaa takes oath Tamil Nadu CM

Jayalalithaa takes oath Tamil Nadu CM

AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa on Saturday was sworn in for the fifth time as Tamil Nadu chief minister, nearly eight months after she was forced to quit over corruption charges. MORE..

May 23, 2015  11:25 am|

TN CM Panneerselvam resign; Jayalalithaa invited to form Govt soon

TN CM Panneerselvam resign; Jayalalithaa invited to form Govt soon

Accepting the resignation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam and his council of ministers on Friday Governor K. Rosaiah invited AIADMK general secretary J.Jayalaltihaa to form the ministry at the earliest, a Raj Bhavan statement said. MORE...

May 22, 2015  10:37 am|

Malaysia interested in major joint ventures with Sri Lanka

Malaysia interested in major joint ventures with Sri Lanka

A high level team of Malaysian entrepreneurs headed by Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Datu Seri Utama Samy Vellu called on President Maithripala Sirisena at his official residence today (May 21) and expressed interest in major joint ventures and investments in several areas. MORE..

May 21, 2015  05:02 pm|

Hambantota Mayor released on bail

Hambantota Mayor released on bail

Mayor of Hambantota Eraj Fernando, who was arrested and remanded for allegedly attempting to assault a suspect in police custody, has been released on bail by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

May 20, 2015  10:58 am|

New Parliament by September - President

New Parliament by September - President

President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the Sri Lankan Parliament will be dissolved after appointing a constitutional council and that there will be a new Parliament by September. MORE..

May 20, 2015  09:31 am|

No Smuggler in team - Fishermen Delegation

No Smuggler in team - Fishermen Delegation

Members of the delegation of Tamil Nadu fishermen who met Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena here on May 12 have denied the charge that one of the members of their team was a smuggler. MORE...

May 20, 2015  09:20 am|

NFF claims ‘fake’ Indian fishermen group met Sirisena

NFF claims ‘fake’ Indian fishermen group met Sirisena

Amid allegations that the fisherfolk group which met Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena recently included a smuggler, the National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) in India has demanded that the State, Central, and Sri Lankan governments probe the incident and bring to book the fake fishermen associations. MORE..

May 19, 2015  10:51 am|

Court bans LTTE remembrance events in Mullaitivu

Court bans LTTE remembrance events in Mullaitivu

The Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court today issued a stay order banning the holding if any LTTE remembrance event up to 14 days from 18 May within the Mullaitivu police area, police spokes ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..

May 16, 2015  08:27 pm|

Govt urges Saudi to raise minimum wage of housemaids

Govt urges Saudi to raise minimum wage of housemaids

Sri Lanka has requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to increase the minimum wage of SR900 set for its domestic workers because of the rising cost of living in the island. MORE..

May 16, 2015  01:39 pm|

Tamil Nadu fishermen freed under Indo-SL swap deal

Tamil Nadu fishermen freed under Indo-SL swap deal

The 37 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained in Sri Lanka were released by a court in Point Pedro in Jaffna district on Friday, following a swap agreement with India under which 16 Lankan fishermen jailed in India will also be released, Indian officials told Express. MORE..

May 16, 2015  10:22 am|

Trains delayed as Yal Devi collides with container truck

Trains delayed as Yal Devi collides with container truck

Trains on the main line have been delayed due to a collision involving the Anuradhapura-bound Yal Devi train and a container truck near Hunupitiya Railway Station. MORE..

May 16, 2015  07:34 am|

Govt in special discussions with Emirates CEO

Govt in special discussions with Emirates CEO

A group of top officials from Sri Lanka’s civil aviation sector met Emirates Airline’s incumbent President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Clark in Dubai recently for consultations to develop the island’s aviation services and its allied industries, said very reliable sources. MORE..

May 14, 2015  03:21 pm|

Sri Lankan refugee accused of stabbing fellow refugee

Sri Lankan refugee accused of stabbing fellow refugee

A Sri Lankan refugee accused of murder allegedly stabbed another refugee through the stomach with such force the blade damaged the victim’s spine, an Adelaide court has heard. MORE..

May 14, 2015  10:28 am|

Gammanpila files complaint against President, PM

 Gammanpila files complaint against President, PM

Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya WPC member Udaya Gammanpila today lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission against President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE..

May 13, 2015  06:33 pm|

Sri Lanka and China satisfied over Norochcholai Coal Power Plant - report

Sri Lanka and China satisfied over Norochcholai Coal Power Plant - report

Sri Lankan says it has saved more than 700 million U.S. dollars as a result of a Chinese sponsored coal power plant which has been in operation in the north western part of the country since 2011. MORE...

May 13, 2015  05:00 pm|

DMK welcomes Sri Lanka’s efforts to solve fishing dispute

DMK welcomes Sri Lanka’s efforts to solve fishing dispute

Welcoming Sri Lanka’s efforts to solve the fishing dispute in Palk Strait, DMK today urged the Indian government to take steps for bilateral talks involving fishermen of the island nation and India and bring about a lasting solution to the vexed issue. MORE..

May 13, 2015  04:49 pm|

Sri Lankan man kidnapped, robbed

Sri Lankan man kidnapped, robbed

Three persons kidnapped a Sri Lankan man, stole his car along with KD 870 and two phones in Kuwait. MORE..

May 13, 2015  02:31 pm|

Release order for 37 Indian fishermen - Devadas

Release order for 37 Indian fishermen - Devadas

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the release of 37 Indian fishermen lodged in various prisons of the island nation after a meeting with a delegation of five Indian fishermen. MORE...

May 13, 2015  10:00 am|

General Election before LG polls; LG bodies to come under special commissioner

General Election before LG polls; LG bodies to come under special commissioner

Local Government bodies will come under the supervision of a special commissioner after their automatic dissolution on May 15, President Maithripala Sirisena said. He added that he intends to hold the General Election prior to the Local Government Polls. MORE..

May 12, 2015  07:39 pm|

Arrested corporal had gun, not water bottle – Police

Arrested corporal had gun, not water bottle – Police

Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara today denied claims that the army corporal, who was arrested following a security breach at an event attended by the President, was only holding a bottle of water in his hand and not a gun. MORE..

May 12, 2015  06:14 pm|

Indian man kills Sri Lankan nurse in Kuwait

Indian man kills Sri Lankan nurse in Kuwait

An Indian man murdered a Sri Lankan nurse in Kuwait following a rift over a KD500 (Rs 220,860) debt, a newspaper in the oil-rich Gulf emirate reported. MORE..

May 12, 2015  03:52 pm|

Heroin worth over Rs.80 million recovered from Marawila

Heroin worth over Rs.80 million recovered from Marawila

Over 8kgs of heroin with a street value of over Rs. 80 million has been recovered from Thoduwawa in Marawila, Police said a short while ago. The heroin in believed to have been smuggled from India into the country. MORE..

May 12, 2015  07:31 am|

President Sirisena congratulates British Premier Cameron

President Sirisena congratulates British Premier Cameron

President Maithripala Sirisena has sent a congratulatory message to British Prime Minister David Cameron upon his re-election. MORE...

May 10, 2015  11:17 am|

President orders halt to deforestation in Wilpattu

President orders halt to deforestation in Wilpattu

President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered an immediate halt to deforestation and proposing land lots near the Wilpattu National Park, the Presidential Media Division said. MORE..

May 9, 2015  08:30 pm|

UPDATE: Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated in Qatar fire

UPDATE: Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated in Qatar fire

Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated unharmed after a fire broke out today in a dormitory in Qatar, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MORE..

May 9, 2015  03:42 pm|

Pakistan to expend FTA with Sri Lanka

Pakistan to expend FTA with Sri Lanka

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan on Wednesday said that Free Trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka would be further expended to promote bilateral trade between both the countries. MORE..

May 7, 2015  01:45 am|

President Sirisena meets former President at Parliament

President Sirisena meets former President at Parliament

UPDATE: President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Parliament and much awaited discussions are scheduled to begin in a short while. MORE...

May 6, 2015  01:52 pm|

Special teams to probe into missing persons

Special teams to probe into missing persons

A few days after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged the Sri Lankan government to pursue vigorously complaints on missing persons and take the cooperation of the United Nations and the International Red Cross, the Presidential Commission on Missing Persons has announced its move to have four special teams to probe such complaints. MORE...

May 6, 2015  07:51 am|

SC decides expulsion of Attanayake from parliamentary seat is invalid

SC decides expulsion of Attanayake from parliamentary seat is invalid

The Supreme Court in a historic judgment on Tuesday (5) ruled that expulsion of former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake, from parliamentary seat is invalid as due process was not followed. MORE...

May 5, 2015  10:36 am|

High expectations from Maithri-Mahinda meeting on May 06

High expectations from Maithri-Mahinda meeting on May 06

SLFP Media spokesman and State Minister Dilan Perera says that the scheduled meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Wednesday (May 06), will be “a slap in the face” to those wishing to see the party split. MORE..

May 4, 2015  04:22 pm|

TNA shared its vision for a united Sri Lanka - Kerry

TNA shared its vision for a united Sri Lanka - Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry says that it was interesting to hear Sri Lanka’s Tamil leaders share their vision for a united and peaceful Sri Lanka, even though there are difficult issues still to “get over.” MORE..

May 4, 2015  01:05 pm|

Kerry holds talks TNA, backs justice for Tamils

Kerry holds talks TNA, backs justice for Tamils

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry ended a visit to Sri Lanka Sunday after pledging support for minority Tamils following decades of ethnic war, a local Tamil politician said. MORE..

May 3, 2015  02:10 pm|

Armed soldier at President’s event arrested

Armed soldier at President’s event arrested

An Army Corporal who was allegedly armed with a weapon at a recent event attended by President Maithripala Sirisena in Agunukolapelessa has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..

May 3, 2015  10:30 am|

Kerry’s Sri Lanka visit to ‘show US support’

Kerry’s Sri Lanka visit to ‘show US support’

Top US diplomat John Kerry left early Friday on a landmark trip to Sri Lanka, the first such visit in a decade to the Indian Ocean island as it returns to the diplomatic fold. MORE..

May 1, 2015  02:36 pm|

Sri Lankan gets death sentence for killing mistress

Sri Lankan gets death sentence for killing mistress

A Sri Lankan national, who murdered his mistress while his wife was abroad on holiday, has been sentenced to death in Bahrain. MORE..

May 1, 2015  12:33 pm|

Five jailed in The Hague for supporting Tamil Tigers

Five jailed in The Hague for supporting Tamil Tigers

Five Dutch nationals of Sri Lankan origin have been jailed for between 19 months and six years three months for raising money for the Tamil Tigers, which has been on the EU’s official list of terrorist organisations since 2006. MORE..

May 1, 2015  11:43 am|

Somawansa stages fast demanding action on coup plot

Somawansa stages fast demanding action on coup plot

Former JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has commenced a protest fast at Independence Square in Colombo demanding action against the alleged coup attempt on January 09. MORE..

May 1, 2015  10:27 am|

Navy denies allegations of shooting Indian fishermen

Navy denies allegations of shooting Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday denied allegations that it had shot Indian fishermen who had illegally strayed into local waters and said such an action would be taken only as their “final resort”. MORE..

May 1, 2015  12:18 am|

US welcomes passage of 19th Amendment

US welcomes passage of 19th Amendment

The United States had welcomed the passage of Sri Lanka’s landmark 19th Constitutional Amendment Bill (19A), which was adopted Tuesday with an overwhelming majority in Parliament. MORE..

April 30, 2015  12:15 pm|

Kerry hopes to reset US relations with Sri Lanka

Kerry hopes to reset US relations with Sri Lanka

A senior U.S. State Department official said Wednesday that Secretary of State John Kerry was traveling to Sri Lanka to show that the U.S. “applauds the vision” of that country’s new government. MORE...

April 30, 2015  08:50 am|

EXCLUSIVE: Positive proposals from opposition not discarded – Wijedasa

EXCLUSIVE: Positive proposals from opposition not discarded – Wijedasa

Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapaksa says that not a single positive proposal brought forward by opposition parliamentary groups with regard to the 19th amendment were discarded by the government, despite the raising of baseless and childish arguments at various points. MORE..

April 29, 2015  06:29 pm|

19th Amendment to come into force from April 30

19th Amendment to come into force from April 30

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution will come into force from April 30, except for 4 articles which will come into force in the next Parliament, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa told Ada Derana. MORE..

April 29, 2015  03:07 pm|

Here’s a look at changes made to 19A

Here’s a look at changes made to 19A

Sri Lanka’s parliament overwhelmingly passed reforms on Tuesday (April 28) reducing some of the president’s powers, in a move that did not go as far as President Maithripala Sirisena had promised but is nevertheless seen as a victory for the leader and his government. MORE..

April 29, 2015  01:17 pm|

19th Amendment passed with a vast majority

19th Amendment passed with a vast majority

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed with a vast majority in Parliament, a short while ago on Tuesday (28), with the government gaining 212 votes in favour. MORE...

April 28, 2015  11:10 pm|

I never interfered to secure the release of an impounded container: Senasinghe

I never interfered to secure the release of an impounded container: Senasinghe

Deputy Justice Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe on Tuesday (28) dismisses allegations that he interfered to customs affairs in a bid to secure the release of an impounded container of copper rods, thus, he would instigate legal action against a print media institution that published an article to sling mud at him. MORE...

April 28, 2015  05:50 pm|

19th amendment hits another roadblock?

19th amendment hits another roadblock?

(UPDATE): The Parliamentary session was extended by one hour due to the discussion between Party Leaders with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa. MORE..

April 28, 2015  05:11 pm|

US Secretary of State Kerry to arrive on Saturday

US Secretary of State Kerry to arrive on Saturday

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Sri Lanka on Saturday to meet with its new president, Maithripala Sirisena, the State Department said, following years of strained relations between Washington and the country’s previous government. MORE...

April 28, 2015  07:42 am|

Sirisena pitches for early Parliamentary elections

Sirisena pitches for early Parliamentary elections

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has apparently decided to order early Parliamentary elections in the hope that it will yield a Legislature which will enable him to fulfill his poll promises, informed sources said. This is after he found the current Parliament to be a hard nut to crack. MORE...

April 26, 2015  11:39 am|

AUDIO: Sri Lanka dispatches emergency relief assistance to Nepal, creates hotline

AUDIO: Sri Lanka dispatches emergency relief assistance to Nepal, creates hotline

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu has established a hotline for any inquiries regarding Sri Lankan nationals residing Nepal, in wake of the powerful earthquake that shook the country and Northern India. MORE..

April 25, 2015  08:34 pm|

Sri Lanka to partner with Kerala in tourism sector

Sri Lanka to partner with Kerala in tourism sector

Sri Lanka has expressed interest in joining hands with Kerala Tourism for developing tourism circuits and joint promotions. MORE..

April 25, 2015  02:46 pm|

Cairn India exits Sri Lanka oil exploration

Cairn India exits Sri Lanka oil exploration

A nearly 50 per cent drop in crude oil prices has forced Cairn India to exit its operations in Sri Lanka. MORE..

April 25, 2015  12:28 pm|

Mother and 3 children drown in sea off Tangalle

Mother and 3 children drown in sea off Tangalle

Four persons from the same family drowned in the sea off Parai Wella Beach in Tangalle this morning, police said. MORE..

April 25, 2015  11:28 am|

Wigneswaran defends raising convicts’ issue with Modi

Wigneswaran defends raising convicts’ issue with Modi

Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran on Friday strongly defended his action of forwarding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a representation, seeking the release of four convicts of a case of rape and murder, popularly called the Premananda case. MORE..

April 25, 2015  10:43 am|

Sri Lanka ranks 132 on global happiness index

Sri Lanka ranks 132 on global happiness index

Sri Lanka has climbed 5 places in a global ranking of the happiest nations, coming in at the 132nd spot out of 158 countries on the index that took into account GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of happiness. MORE..

April 24, 2015  05:21 pm|

New govt’s policies have created positive environment: Ban Ki-moon

New govt’s policies have created positive environment: Ban Ki-moon

Welcoming the new Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stated that a positive environment has been created by the policies of the new government in Sri Lanka for a greater collaboration with the United Nations and the international community. MORE..

April 24, 2015  01:06 pm|

President appeals to parties to help adopt 19th Amendment

President appeals to parties to help adopt 19th Amendment

President Maithripala Sirisena today appealed to all political parties to assist in passing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in order to firmly establishing freedom and democracy in the country. MORE..

April 23, 2015  09:51 pm|

SLFP decides to vote in favour of 19A

SLFP decides to vote in favour of 19A

The SLFP Central Committee has unanimously decided to vote in favour of the 19th amendment to the Constitution a short while ago, Minister Rajitha Senaratne told Ada Derana. MORE..

April 23, 2015  08:01 pm|

Peace attempts with ruling party ‘murdered’ - Dullas

Peace attempts with ruling party ‘murdered’ - Dullas

The Sri Lankan opposition on Thursday said that attempts to settle a rift between President Maithripala Sirisena and Former President Mahinda Rajapakse as well as politicians affiliated to both sides has been “murdered” due to the recent actions of the government. MORE..

April 23, 2015  06:23 pm|

Cabinet approves draft bills on Right to Information and National Audit

Cabinet approves draft bills on Right to Information and National Audit

The draft bills on ‘Right to Information’ and ‘National Audit’ have been approved by the cabinet of ministers, Cabinet Spokesman Rajith Senaratne said. MORE..

April 23, 2015  12:19 pm|

SC ruling on 19A: Parliamentary debate on 21,22 April

SC ruling on 19A: Parliamentary debate on 21,22 April

All parties agreed to debate on Supreme Court approved sections of the 19th Amendment in Parliament on 21 and 22 April, General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), Minister Susil Premajayantha said. MORE...

April 19, 2015  12:12 pm|

Sri Lankan couple, daughters land near Rameswaram

Sri Lankan couple, daughters land near Rameswaram

A Sri Lankan Tamil couple with their three teenage daughters landed clandestinely at Arichalmunai, off Dhanushkodi in the early hours of Friday, The Hindu reports. MORE..

April 18, 2015  05:40 pm|

PM offers worship at Guruvayur Temple

PM offers worship at Guruvayur Temple

Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, who left for India this morning, offered worship at the famous Lord Krishna Temple in Guruvayoor amid heavy security. MORE..

April 18, 2015  04:13 pm|

CCCSL maintains Southern Railway project built on low costs

CCCSL maintains Southern Railway project built on low costs

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CCCSL) on Friday rejected the accusation by the new government that the Southern Railway project in the island nation was constructed on a higher cost than the Northern Railway project. MORE..

April 18, 2015  11:18 am|

India unsuited to play mediator due to TN factor - Dayan

India unsuited to play mediator due to TN factor - Dayan

India is “structurally unsuited” to be mediator or facilitator in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict because it is subject to the “emotional and electoral power” of one of its constituent states, namely, Tamil Nadu, argues former Sri Lankan envoy at the UN in Geneva, Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka. MORE..

April 17, 2015  01:47 pm|

Mother jumps in front of train with infant

Mother jumps in front of train with infant

A woman carrying her infant son committed suicide this morning by jumping in front of a speeding train in the Pilimathalawa area. Police said that the both the mother and son were killed instantly. MORE..

April 17, 2015  11:06 am|

Mahinda Rajapaksa prepares for political comeback - report

Mahinda Rajapaksa prepares for political comeback - report

Former president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa is planning to stand in parliamentary polls to launch an attempt to return to power, aides have said. MORE..

April 16, 2015  11:56 pm|

Sri Lankan maid arrested for beating infant

Sri Lankan maid arrested for beating infant

A Sri Lankan housemaid was arrested for beating her Kuwaiti sponsor’s infant due to which the child sustained bruises throughout his body, says Al-Seyassah. MORE..

April 16, 2015  03:21 pm|

No room for any family to control country again – President

No room for any family to control country again – President

President Maithripala Sirisena says that with the proposed amendments to the Constitution, the government will not leave room in the future for any single family to control the country ever again. MORE..

April 16, 2015  02:52 pm|

Bishop meets Sri Lankan Tamils in Chennai

Bishop meets Sri Lankan Tamils in Chennai

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who is on a visit to India, has held talks with Sri Lankan Tamils living there and termed the meeting as “constructive”. MORE..

April 16, 2015  01:44 pm|

Sri Lankan maid pleads not guilty to arson charge

Sri Lankan maid pleads not guilty to arson charge

A Sri Lankan housemaid accused of setting her Bahraini employer’s home on fire before fleeing has appeared in court for the first time to plead not guilty. MORE..

April 16, 2015  12:00 pm|

Chinese naval ships to use Gwadar port after Colombo snub

Chinese naval ships to use Gwadar port after Colombo snub

Pakistan’s Gwadar port which has been taken over by a Chinese firm could guarantee maintenance and supply for China’s naval ships in the Indian Ocean after the new Sri Lankan government declined permission for Chinese vessels to dock in the country. MORE..

April 15, 2015  11:29 pm|

Sri Lanka must offer full support to UN probe - Cameron

Sri Lanka must offer full support to UN probe - Cameron

British Prime Minister David Cameron says he has offered support to the steps being taken by the government to address past issues while stressing that Sri Lanka should “go further” and continue to offer full support to the ongoing UN investigation. MORE..

April 15, 2015  12:14 pm|

Sending IPKF to Sri Lanka was high level policy failure: VK Singh

Sending IPKF to Sri Lanka was high level policy failure: VK Singh

India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs General (retd) V K Singh says that the decision to send the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in 1987 was “a high level policy failure”. MORE..

April 15, 2015  10:51 am|

We will continue to push for independent probe - Ed Miliband

We will continue to push for independent probe - Ed Miliband

British Prime Ministerial hopeful Ed Miliband says that the Labour Party will continue to push for a full and independent, international investigation into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. MORE..

April 14, 2015  01:15 pm|

New Year embellishes national unity, equality and prosperity - PM

New Year embellishes national unity, equality and prosperity - PM

Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a national festival which embellishes the national unity, brotherhood, equality, pleasure and prosperity of which traditions are embedded in the culture of Sri Lankans whose lives are mostly based on an Agricultural economy since distance past, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister said in his New Year Message. MORE..

April 14, 2015  10:21 am|

New Year, spread of festivity amidst commitment to good governance - President

New Year, spread of festivity amidst commitment to good governance - President

What is special in this New Year celebration is the spread of festivity amidst the commitment to good governance that transcends differences of ethnicity, caste and community, with important strides being taken to realise the need for unity among all our people, President Maithripala Sirisena said in a New Year message. MORE..

April 14, 2015  10:15 am|

Christianity,Islam among fastest-growing religions, Buddhism too: Study

Christianity,Islam among fastest-growing religions, Buddhism too: Study

If tech futurists are to be believed, by the year 2050, robots will do many of our errands and drive our cars. If a new study on religious trends is to be believed, many of those robot-controlled cars will stop and park at mosques and churches. MORE...

April 12, 2015  04:52 pm|

HRC helps Lankan maid to return home after accident

HRC helps Lankan maid to return home after accident

A Sri Lankan maid who was in hospital for three years following an accident in Saudi Arabia has flown back home with a smile, thanks to the Human Rights Commission. MORE..

April 11, 2015  04:16 pm|

Indian fishermen protest arrests by Sri Lankan navy

Indian fishermen protest arrests by Sri Lankan navy

The fishermen of Rameswaram staged a demonstration, protesting against the arrest of fishermen and confiscation of their boats by Sri Lankan navy and urging the authorities to secure their traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay. MORE..

April 11, 2015  11:35 am|

Canadian court halts deportation of former LTTE tax collector

Canadian court halts deportation of former LTTE tax collector

A federal judge has stopped the Canadian government from deporting a Sri Lankan war criminal, ruling the former member of the Tamil Tigers could be at risk if forced to return to his home country. MORE..

April 11, 2015  12:28 am|

Passenger held in Pakistan with heroin meant for Sri Lanka

Passenger held in Pakistan with heroin meant for Sri Lanka

Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) has arrested a suspect for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of heroin into Sri Lanka. MORE..

April 10, 2015  12:36 pm|

Power must be distributed – President

Power must be distributed – President

President Maithripala Sirisena says that he plans to announce details of a domestic probe into allegations of human rights violation during Sri Lanka’s long civil war by the end of June, just as the country heads into early general elections. MORE..

April 9, 2015  04:44 pm|

19A to be presented on April 20; Parliament dissolved after

19A to be presented on April 20; Parliament dissolved after

President Maithripala Sirisena says that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be presented to Parliament on the 20th of April and that Parliament will be dissolved once the 19th Amendment is passed. MORE..

April 9, 2015  02:59 pm|

Bhutan Premier to meet President tomorrow

Bhutan Premier to meet President tomorrow

The Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay has arrived in Sri Lanka for a visit from 9 to 12 April on an invitation extended by President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...

April 9, 2015  01:09 pm|

Lankan refugees held over bid to escape

Lankan refugees held over bid to escape

The Marine police of the Coastal Security Group (CSG) in India have apprehended two Sri Lankan Tamil refugees when one of them tried to clandestinely leave for Sri Lanka from Pamban near Ramanathapuram. MORE..

April 9, 2015  10:25 am|

Special traffic plan for Bhutan PM’s visit

Special traffic plan for Bhutan PM’s visit

The Police Headquarters has announced a special traffic plan that would be implemented from today (09) to Sunday (12) as a security measure during the Bhutan Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka. MORE..

April 9, 2015  09:59 am|

54 Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

54 Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

The Government of Sri Lanka today said that at present 54 Sri Lankans have been evacuated from Yemen. MORE..

April 8, 2015  05:11 pm|

Risks of a failed peace appearing only now – Ranil

Risks of a failed peace appearing only now – Ranil

Winning a war or revolution, only to lose the subsequent peace, is one of the grim political truths of our time, says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. MORE..

April 8, 2015  11:17 am|

Sri Lankan cricket team to tour Pakistan soon

Sri Lankan cricket team to tour Pakistan soon

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has assured that Sri Lankan cricket team will tour Pakistan soon, the Express Tribune reported. MORE...

April 7, 2015  03:44 pm|

Bhutan PM to visit SL on April 09

Bhutan PM to visit SL on April 09

The Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay will visit Sri Lanka on Thursday (09) on a three-day visit, the Government Information Department said. MORE...

April 7, 2015  11:54 am|

Sri Lanka’s borrowing soars ahead of parliamentary poll

Sri Lanka’s borrowing soars ahead of parliamentary poll

Sri Lanka’s government borrowing has risen sharply since January, central bank data showed on Monday, due to populist policies adopted by the new government as it seeks to consolidate its grip on power at a parliamentary election. MORE...

April 7, 2015  07:13 am|

Pakistan, Sri Lanka ink six agreements to boost ties

Pakistan, Sri Lanka ink six agreements to boost ties

Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Monday inked six agreements including cooperation between their atomic energy authorities, shipping and disaster management and also vowed to enhance economic ties. MORE...

April 6, 2015  05:51 pm|

39 more Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

39 more Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

Thirty-nine Sri Lankans have been safely evacuated from Yemen with the help of the Chinese Embassy and will be transported to Bahrain, the Government Information Department said on Monday (6). MORE...

April 6, 2015  01:09 pm|

President arrives in Pakistan

President arrives in Pakistan

President Maithripala Sirisena today arrived in Pakistan for a three-day official visit, his first trip to the country after assuming the office in January. MORE...

April 5, 2015  11:00 pm|

Send firm message to Sri Lanka, OPS tells Indian PM

Send firm message to Sri Lanka, OPS tells Indian PM

Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the arrest of 37 fisherman from Nagapattinam at the highest diplomatic-level and secure their release and 18 boats now in the custody of Sri Lankan Navy. MORE...

April 5, 2015  09:30 am|

Pakistan awaits President Sirisena’s visit

Pakistan awaits President Sirisena’s visit

The ambiance is set for the arrival of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in Pakistan tomorrow (April 06). MORE..

April 4, 2015  09:03 pm|

BOI recommends criminal prosecution of ex-SriLankan Airlines Chairman & CEO

BOI recommends criminal prosecution of ex-SriLankan Airlines Chairman & CEO

A Board of Inquiry has found shocking details of corruption running into billions of dollars, manipulations of service contracting, recruitment of unqualified staff and major security breaches at the SriLankan Airlines under the former government. MORE..

April 4, 2015  04:08 pm|

Man held with Wallapatta chips worth Rs 9.6 million

Man held with Wallapatta chips worth Rs 9.6 million

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to leave the country with Wallpatta chips, worth around Rs 9.6 million in the market, concealed in his baggage. MORE..

April 4, 2015  03:08 pm|

37 Indian fishermen, 5 boats arrested

37 Indian fishermen, 5 boats arrested

Sri Lanka Navy personnel have arrested 37 Indian fishermen along with their 5 boats for engaging in poaching activities in Sri Lankan waters. MORE..

April 4, 2015  12:25 pm|

26/11-like attack by ISI agents based in Sri Lanka thwarted - report

26/11-like attack by ISI agents based in Sri Lanka thwarted - report

A 26/11-like attack was in the making, but this time, from the east coast. That is how National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General Sharad Kumar sums up the agency’s exhaustive nearly two-year investigation into what it says was a massive terror plot against India by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). MORE..

April 4, 2015  11:23 am|

10 arrested over attempt to burn Sirisena’s effigy

10 arrested over attempt to burn Sirisena’s effigy

Indian police took into custody 10 persons belonging to the Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi in Kumbakonam on Friday who attempted to burn an effigy of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

April 4, 2015  10:26 am|

Sri Lankan boat with six fishermen on board arrested off Chennai

Sri Lankan boat with six fishermen on board arrested off Chennai

Indian Coast Guard on Friday seized a Sri Lankan fishing boat with six fishermen on board for allegedly fishing in Indian waters. MORE..

April 4, 2015  10:04 am|

China ‘appreciates’ Sri Lanka’s stance on Dalai Lama invitation

China ‘appreciates’ Sri Lanka’s stance on Dalai Lama invitation

China on Friday said it appreciated Sri Lanka’s stance on the Dalai Lama, as it seems unlikely their government would grant him a visa to visit. MORE..

April 4, 2015  12:18 am|

IPL 8: Sri Lankan cricketers not allowed to play in Chennai

IPL 8: Sri Lankan cricketers not allowed to play in Chennai

Last year’s wooden spooners Delhi Daredevils will have to go into a tough IPL 8 opening encounter against the formidable Chennai Super Kings on April 9 without the services of star all-rounder Angelo Mathews. MORE..

April 3, 2015  10:13 am|

Prabhakran is my Leader, but Modi is my Political Model - Sritharan

Prabhakran is my Leader, but Modi is my Political Model - Sritharan

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP from Jaffna district, Sivagnanam Sritharan, who was once a bitter critic of India during the war, has undergone a major political makeover and now believes the problems of Sri Lankan Tamils cannot be solved without the India’s help. MORE..

April 2, 2015  05:40 pm|

Two dead after lorry crashes into shop

Two dead after lorry crashes into shop

Two persons were killed after a lorry veered off the road and crashed into a shop in the Meepitita area on the Colombo-Kandy main road. MORE..

April 2, 2015  11:26 am|

FCID grills ex-Air Force chief Donald Perera

FCID grills ex-Air Force chief Donald Perera

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) is currently questioning former Sri Lanka Air Force commander Air Chief Marshal G Donald Perera regarding the controversial MiG deal. MORE..

April 1, 2015  10:15 am|

“I have a clean record,” says Mevyn Silva

“I have a clean record,” says Mevyn Silva

(EXCLUSIVE) “I’m not concerned that I wasn’t offered a ministerial portfolio from the coalition government, despite campaigning for the victory of the present President in the January polls,” former Minister Mevyn Silva said. MORE...

March 31, 2015  07:10 pm|

Sri Lankan fishermen welcome Ranil’s ‘shooting’ remarks

Sri Lankan fishermen welcome Ranil’s ‘shooting’ remarks

Fishermen of the Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province say they welcome Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe’s remarks that Indian fishermen may be shot if they intruded into Sri Lankan waters. MORE..

March 31, 2015  12:52 pm|

Sri Lankan jailed over abusing woman at knifepoint

Sri Lankan jailed over abusing woman at knifepoint

A Sri Lankan cook has been jailed for five years and two months for getting drunk and then forcing himself on his female colleague and raping her at knifepoint at her friend’s flat in Dubai. MORE..

March 31, 2015  11:49 am|

One thousand acres for Jaffna resettlement

One thousand acres for Jaffna resettlement

An extent of 1,000 acres is to be released for the resettlement of the people in the Jaffna District by April and the Security Forces are exploring possibilities of releasing more land for resettlement in the district, the President Media Unit said on Monday (30). MORE...

March 30, 2015  10:56 pm|

Two Sri Lankans arrested at Cochin airport

Two Sri Lankans arrested at Cochin airport

Officials of the Indian Customs Air Intelligence Unit at the Cochin International airport on Sunday seized about 400 grams of gold, 11 cell phones and SD cards valued at Rs.3 million from two passengers who landed here from Colombo. The metal, in the form of eight gold bars, were concealed in their rectum. MORE...

March 30, 2015  03:18 pm|

Priyantha Sirisena’s cremation takes place today

Priyantha Sirisena’s cremation takes place today

The cremation of Priyantha Sirisena, 43, will take place at the Public Cemetery, Polonnaruwa today (30). MORE...

March 30, 2015  09:55 am|

UPDATE: President addresses Boao Forum in China

UPDATE: President addresses Boao Forum in China

The theme of this year’s Boao Forum, ‘Asia’s new future towards a community of common destiny’, is relevant and dynamic, President Maithripala Sirisena said on Saturday (28). MORE...

March 28, 2015  05:32 pm|

Sri Lanka fires fresh salvo at Chinese firm

Sri Lanka fires fresh salvo at Chinese firm

The Chinese company involved in the controversial US$1.4 billion Colombo Port City project has failed to furnish the necessary documents within the two-week deadline set by the new government, which is also reviewing other Chinese projects including a high-profile telecommunications tower, Sri Lanka’s finance minister said. MORE..

March 28, 2015  01:32 am|

Suspected attacker of President’s brother surrenders

Suspected attacker of President’s brother surrenders

The suspect who was wanted in connection with the attack on President Maithripala Sirisena’s brother Priyantha earlier today has been arrested. MORE..

March 26, 2015  10:21 pm|

President’s brother hospitalised following attack

President’s brother hospitalised following attack

(UPDATE) Priyantha Sirisena, a brother of President Maithripala Sirisena, who was admitted to the Polonnaruwa Hospital following an alleged attack has been airlifted to a private hospital in Colombo. MORE..

March 26, 2015  08:49 pm|

China offers Sri Lanka olive branch and warnings

China offers Sri Lanka olive branch and warnings

President Xi Jinping worked to mend relations with Sri Lanka on Thursday as Chinese state-run media warned the island nation’s new government against shutting off billions in investments from Beijing, AFP reports. MORE...

March 26, 2015  01:45 pm|

Sirisena meets China’s President amid new look at ties

Sirisena meets China’s President amid new look at ties

Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena has held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping amid efforts to recalibrate his predecessor’s strongly pro-China policies. MORE..

March 26, 2015  10:28 am|

Govt to establish National Unity office under CBK

Govt to establish National Unity office under CBK

The government is planning to establish an office of National Unity headed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to promote national unity in the country. MORE..

March 26, 2015  10:14 am|

Sri Lankan jailed for killing wife in Dubai

Sri Lankan jailed for killing wife in Dubai

A Sri Lankan man, who killed his wife after suspecting that she cheated on him and had extramarital affairs, has been jailed for life by a Dubai court. MORE..

March 26, 2015  09:59 am|

Sirisena Govt. has inherited a ‘financial mess’ - US

Sirisena Govt. has inherited a ‘financial mess’ - US

The US government said on Tuesday that it was exploring the possibility of increasing its assistance to the Sri Lankan government to help it tackle issues like governance, accountability, commerce and “much more”. MORE...

March 26, 2015  07:19 am|

General amnesty offered to army absentees

General amnesty offered to army absentees

Following the approval of the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Minister of Defence, President Maithripala Sirisena, has offered a general amnesty period for Army absentees, enabling them to receive their legal discharge from the Army within a day or two. MORE...

March 25, 2015  03:07 pm|

President Sirisena leaves for Beijing

President Sirisena leaves for Beijing

President Maithripala Sirisena today left for Beijing commencing a four-day state visit on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. MORE..

March 25, 2015  02:10 pm|

Fonseka to continue in politics while protecting respect

Fonseka to continue in politics while protecting respect

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says he will continue to engage in active politics while safeguarding the respect for his new uniform. MORE..

March 25, 2015  11:36 am|

Sri Lanka call for US $ 1.4b Chinese project to continue

Sri Lanka call for US $ 1.4b Chinese project to continue

Ahead of Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena’s first visit to China a local organisation called for China’s largest investment project to resume, an official said on Tuesday. MORE...

March 25, 2015  10:03 am|

TN fishermen may get 83-day access to SL waters - Indian media

TN fishermen may get 83-day access to SL waters - Indian media

The third round of talks between representatives of fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka ended in Chennai on Tuesday, a day ahead of schedule, with the two sides meeting each other half way. MORE...

March 25, 2015  07:20 am|

JVP mulls quitting National Executive Council

JVP mulls quitting National Executive Council

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) says that the government had taken a sudden decision to cancel the National Executive Council meeting scheduled for today. MORE..

March 24, 2015  04:48 pm|

Germanwings plane crashes in southern France

Germanwings plane crashes in southern France

An Airbus plane operated by Lufthansa’s Germanwings budget airline crashed in southern France on Tuesday en route from Barcelona to Duesseldorf, police and aviation officials said. MORE...

March 24, 2015  04:28 pm|

19th Amendment tabled in Parliament

19th Amendment tabled in Parliament

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which could see the amending of executive powers and restoration of independent commissions, was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe a short while ago. MORE..

March 24, 2015  02:12 pm|

Sri Lanka has many lessons to share: UN

Sri Lanka has many lessons to share: UN

“The findings in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) country report make a strong case for Sri Lanka to be a leading and credible actor in the global deliberations around the development agenda for post-2015,” UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Subinay Nandy said. MORE...

March 24, 2015  01:28 pm|

Sirisena heads to China to smooth ruffled ties

Sirisena heads to China to smooth ruffled ties

Sri Lanka’s new president heads to Beijing this week for talks with China’s leadership, seeking to smooth ruffled feathers after scuttling Chinese-funded projects and seeking stronger ties with regional rival India. MORE...

March 24, 2015  10:19 am|

Rameswaram fishermen launch indefinite strike

Rameswaram fishermen launch indefinite strike

Fishermen in Rameswaram launched an indefinite strike on Monday demanding the release of 54 fishers who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy on Saturday night. MORE..

March 23, 2015  02:58 pm|

Free arrested fishermen before talks - Tamil Nadu CM

Free arrested fishermen before talks - Tamil Nadu CM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has sought Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention for the immediate release of 54 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday. MORE..

March 23, 2015  10:29 am|

New SLFP Ministers take oath

New SLFP Ministers take oath

President Maithripala Sirisena today appointed eleven new Cabinet Ministers, five State Ministers and ten Deputy Ministers at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. MORE..

March 22, 2015  03:39 pm|

President halts all police transfers

President halts all police transfers

President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered to halt all police transfers with immediate effect, the Presidential Media Unit said. MORE...

March 22, 2015  02:45 pm|

Indian, Sri Lankan fishermen to meet to sort out issues

Indian, Sri Lankan fishermen to meet to sort out issues

Fishermen’s associations of India and Sri Lanka will meet in Chennai next week to resolve the vexed issue of violation the maritime boundary and invading each other’s waters. MORE...

March 22, 2015  12:18 pm|

Dalai Lama should be allowed to visit Lanka: former diplomat

Dalai Lama should be allowed to visit Lanka: former diplomat

Former Sri Lankan Consul General in Sydney, Bandula Jayasekara, has suggested that the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, be allowed to visit Sri Lanka purely as a Buddhist pilgrim and on the strict condition that he talks no politics while being here. MORE...

March 22, 2015  10:14 am|

Bid to invite Dalai Lama stirs up controversy

Bid to invite Dalai Lama stirs up controversy

The reported bid by a leading Sri Lankan Buddhist monk to invite the Dalai Lama to the island nation, has received flak from official as well as non-official quarters in Colombo. MORE..

March 21, 2015  12:02 pm|

India interfering in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, says Chinese thinktank

India interfering in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, says Chinese thinktank

A Chinese government backed thinktank has accused India of interfering in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka when Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the Tamil dominated Jafna area. It has also said India was trying to counter Beijing’s influence by encouraging Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh to avoid the China’s Silk Road program. MORE.

March 21, 2015  01:06 am|

President Sirisena to visit Indonesia in April

President Sirisena to visit Indonesia in April

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has confirmed his participation at the 60th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (AAC) and 10th Anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) in Jakarta, Bandung (West Java), on April 22-24. MORE..

March 20, 2015  02:24 pm|

Stipulated prices for three food items

Stipulated prices for three food items

The Consumer Affairs Authority has introduced stipulated prices for three food items, with effective from Thursday (19). MORE...

March 19, 2015  05:50 pm|

UNP confident against ex-president

UNP confident against ex-president

Sri Lanka’s ruling United National Party (UNP) on Wednesday expressed confidence that former President Mahinda Rajapakse will not be able to make a come back to politics. MORE...

March 19, 2015  11:23 am|

EU delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka to discuss GSP plus

EU delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka to discuss GSP plus

A high-level delegation from the EU will arrive in Sri Lanka next week to hold discussions with the Sri Lankan government on the GSP plus trade concessions which has been withdrawn from Sri Lanka during the previous regime, the Sri Lankan government said on Wednesday. MORE...

March 19, 2015  10:59 am|

Chinese PM to discuss suspended project with the President

Chinese PM to discuss suspended project with the President

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang is likely to have friendly discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena who is scheduled to visit China later this month and negotiations with respect to the suspended Colombo Port City Project (CPCP) will be a high priority topic, Ada Derana learns. MORE...

March 18, 2015  12:02 am|

State Minister Rajiva Wijesinha joins the opposition

State Minister Rajiva Wijesinha joins the opposition

Former State Minister Rajiva Wijesinha on Tuesday (17) defected and sat in the opposition side of the Parliament citing several issues including the 19th amendment and removal of the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC). MORE...

March 17, 2015  03:22 pm|

Restraining order on Harbour protesters

Restraining order on Harbour protesters

The Colombo Magistrate on Tuesday (17) issued a restraining order on the officials of Harbour Container Transport Union preventing them from blocking the entrance to the Harbour. MORE...

March 17, 2015  02:39 pm|

11 more trade unions join container truck drivers’ strike

11 more trade unions join container truck drivers’ strike

Eleven more trade unions have today joined to the strike action launched by container truck drivers at the entrance to the Colombo Port. MORE..

March 17, 2015  01:02 pm|

Modi’s call for devolution of power gets mixed reactions

Modi’s call for devolution of power gets mixed reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s call for early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment, that sets up a mechanism for devolution of power to provincial councils, and going beyond it to achieve reconciliation with the Tamil minority community during his recent Sri Lanka visit has got a mixed response. MORE...

March 16, 2015  04:21 pm|

Modi’s ‘historic’ visit will pave way for stronger ties: BJP

Modi’s ‘historic’ visit will pave way for stronger ties: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka as ‘historic’ and said that it would pave the way for strong ties between both nations. MORE...

March 16, 2015  10:23 am|

The man who helped blow up the Bamiyan Buddhas

The man who helped blow up the Bamiyan Buddhas

Mirza Hussain was 26 when Taliban commanders ordered him to plant explosives on the famous Buddha statues in his home province, Bamiyan. MORE...

March 15, 2015  11:56 am|

Modi visit won’t hurt Sri Lanka-China ties: Chinese commentary

Modi visit won’t hurt Sri Lanka-China ties: Chinese commentary

China-Sri Lanka relations will not be affected by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit but only grow stronger, a commentary in the Chinese media said. MORE...

March 15, 2015  07:40 am|

Modi meets Rajapaksa, concludes Sri Lanka visit

Modi meets Rajapaksa, concludes Sri Lanka visit

In a personal gesture, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his two-day visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday with a meeting with the former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was ousted from power in elections in January. MORE..

March 15, 2015  01:10 am|

Jaffna spreading message of peace to the world - Modi

Jaffna spreading message of peace to the world - Modi

Jaffna is making a new mark for itself, spreading message of peace to the world, says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. MORE..

March 14, 2015  02:52 pm|

Sri Lanka-India ties have grown stronger: Maj Gen Sinho

Sri Lanka-India ties have grown stronger: Maj Gen Sinho

Major General (retd.) S.R. Sinho, an Indian defence expert, on Saturday said the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka should be seen as a good gesture on the part of as India, and added that the bilateral relationship between India and its neighbours has improved. MORE..

March 14, 2015  02:16 pm|

Modi flags off train service at Talaimannar Pier

Modi flags off train service at Talaimannar Pier

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off a train service at the north-western Sri Lankan town of Talaimannar – the closest point to India – restored after decades of civil war, completing the reconstruction of the entire Northern Province Railway Line. MORE..

March 14, 2015  01:27 pm|

We are going after Rajapaksa’s stolen assets: Mangala

We are going after Rajapaksa’s stolen assets: Mangala

The Sri Lankan government has asked India to help with its investigation against the former regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa for alleged corruption, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera told The Hindu. MORE..

March 14, 2015  11:30 am|

Be patient with Sri Lankan govt.: Modi to TNA

Be patient with Sri Lankan govt.: Modi to TNA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Sri Lanka’s Tamils to be patient with the new government in Colombo, The Hindu learns from sources. MORE..

March 14, 2015  10:09 am|

Rajapaksa says RAW rallied opposition to his presidency

Rajapaksa says RAW rallied opposition to his presidency

Claiming that the Research and Analysis Wing conspired with “Western agencies” CIA and MI-6 to rally the opposition led by President Maithripala Sirisena against his presidency, Sri Lanka’s former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he does not, however, believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the government was responsible. MORE..

March 14, 2015  12:43 am|

Unity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka paramount to India: Modi

Unity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka paramount to India: Modi

India and Sri Lanka don’t have a land boundary but we are the closest neighbours in every sense, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, addressing the Sri Lankan Parliament today. MORE..

March 13, 2015  04:33 pm|

Tamils in Canada urge Modi to pressure Sri Lanka

Tamils in Canada urge Modi to pressure Sri Lanka

Welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo, a leading Tamil group in Canada - home to the largest Tamil diaspora outside Sri Lanka - has urged him to put pressure on new President Maithiripala Sirisena to resolve the dragging ethnic issue. MORE..

March 13, 2015  04:12 pm|

India to help Trincomalee become regional energy hub

India to help Trincomalee become regional energy hub

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that the Indian government will extend visa on arrival facility to Sri Lankan nationals from 14 April this year. MORE..

March 13, 2015  12:14 pm|

Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Sri Lanka

Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Sri Lanka

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sri Lanka early this morning for a historic visit during which he is expected to hold talks with the country’s top leadership. MORE..

March 13, 2015  06:43 am|

President Sirisena pledges war crimes inquiry

President Sirisena pledges war crimes inquiry

Sri Lanka hopes to set up a domestic inquiry within a month into atrocities from the civil war, President Maithripala Sirisena has told the BBC. MORE...

March 12, 2015  05:25 pm|

Lankan jailed for molesting 13-year-old girl on flight

Lankan jailed for molesting 13-year-old girl on flight

A 45-year-old Sri Lankan, who allegedly groped a 13-year-old girl who was travelling alone in a flight, has been sentenced to one year in jail. MORE..

March 12, 2015  02:31 pm|

India, Sri Lanka to release fishermen ahead of Modi’s visit

India, Sri Lanka to release fishermen ahead of Modi’s visit

President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the release of 86 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody as a goodwill gesture ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island. MORE..

March 12, 2015  01:33 pm|

Modi likely to meet Rajapaksa during visit

Modi likely to meet Rajapaksa during visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet the former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to the island nation beginning Friday. Efforts are on to arrange a meeting in Colombo, political sources has told The Hindu newspaper. MORE....

March 12, 2015  10:30 am|

ASP Ruwan Gunasekara appointed Police Spokesman

ASP Ruwan Gunasekara appointed Police Spokesman

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ruwan Gunasekara has been appointed as the new Police Media Spokesman. MORE..

March 12, 2015  07:40 am|

Modi to discuss growing influence of China with Sri Lanka

Modi to discuss growing influence of China with Sri Lanka

Indian defence expert Qamar Agha on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take up the matter of growing Chinese influence in the region with the Sri Lankan government during his upcoming visit to the island nation. MORE..

March 11, 2015  02:45 pm|

Balendra Jeyakumari released on bail

Balendra Jeyakumari released on bail

Tamil activist Balendra Jeyakumari, who was arrested for allegedly harbouring terror suspects in her home, has been released on bail with strict conditions by the Colombo Additional Magistrate. MORE..

March 10, 2015  12:02 pm|

Sri Lankan woman jailed for killing own baby

Sri Lankan woman jailed for killing own baby

A court of appeals in Khorfakkan upheld a previous court verdict and sentenced a Sri Lankan woman to three years in prison and ordered her deportation from the UAE after she was found guilty of killing her newborn baby. MORE..

March 10, 2015  11:56 am|

Protest against Maithripala in London

Protest against Maithripala in London

A large number of British Tamils staged a rally in London on Monday (09) against the visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Srisena. MORE..

March 10, 2015  11:05 am|

Court acquits General Sarath Fonseka

Court acquits General Sarath Fonseka

The Colombo High Court on Monday (9) acquitted General Sarath Fonseka of all charges in harbouring Army deserters case. MORE...

March 9, 2015  12:10 pm|

President to attend Commonwealth Day Observances today

President to attend Commonwealth Day Observances today

President Maithripala Sirisena, as the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth, will attend the Commonwealth Day Observances, themed ‘A Young Commonwealth’, today (09). MORE...

March 9, 2015  11:37 am|

Congress leader wants PM to cancel Lanka visit over Ranil’s remark

Congress leader wants PM to cancel Lanka visit over Ranil’s remark

Condemning Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe’s controversial remarks regarding Indian fishermen, Congress leader V Narayanasamy today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel his visit to the island nation scheduled for next week as a mark of protest. MORE...

March 8, 2015  07:00 pm|

Sri Lanka may release Tamil detainee ahead of Modi’s visit

Sri Lanka may release Tamil detainee ahead of Modi’s visit

Coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit here next week, Sri Lanka is likely to release a Tamil mother who has symbolised the fight against the alleged disappearance of Tamils during the final stages of the war against the LTTE in 2009, DNA Iindia news agency reported. MORE...

March 8, 2015  04:35 pm|

Lanka Tamils ask Modi to stop poaching in waters

Lanka Tamils ask Modi to stop poaching in waters

Sri Lanka’s main Tamil party Saturday asked neighboring India to stop poaching in local waters, saying it was affecting fishermen struggling to rebuild their lives after decades of ethnic war. MORE...

March 8, 2015  12:56 pm|

India, Sri Lanka mull resuming ferry services

India, Sri Lanka mull resuming ferry services

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday discussed with her Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera the possibility of resuming ferry services between the two countries, The Hindu reported. MORE..

March 7, 2015  04:04 pm|

Sushma says India, Sri Lanka destinies intertwined

Sushma says India, Sri Lanka destinies intertwined

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is here on a two-day official visit ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival next week, said India and Sri Lanka were bound by ties of history, geography and culture, and their destinies were intertwined. MORE..

March 7, 2015  01:12 pm|

DMK urges Modi to ensure ‘harsh comments’ are not made

DMK urges Modi to ensure ‘harsh comments’ are not made

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan on Saturday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi must discuss the fishermen issue with Sri Lanka and ensure that such harsh comments are not made from the other side in near future. MORE..

March 7, 2015  11:29 am|

President leaves for London on a three-day visit

President leaves for London on a three-day visit

President Maithripala Sirisena accompanied by First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena today left for the United Kingdom on a three-day official visit. MORE..

March 7, 2015  10:34 am|

Dr Chris Nonis appointed Presidential Adviser

Dr Chris Nonis appointed Presidential Adviser

Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to UK Dr Chris Nonis has been appointed as Adviser to the President on International Affairs, the President’s Media Division said. MORE..

March 6, 2015  07:29 pm|

Sushma Swaraj arrives in Sri Lanka

Sushma Swaraj arrives in Sri Lanka

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in the island today on a two-day official visit, in preparation for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit later this month. MORE..

March 6, 2015  05:04 pm|

National Drug Policy Bill passed in Parliament

National Drug Policy Bill passed in Parliament

The National Medicine Regulatory Authority Bill which was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday has been passed with amendments in parliament with a majority of 67 votes. MORE..

March 6, 2015  03:36 pm|

Modi free to visit any part of Sri Lanka - Ranil

Modi free to visit any part of Sri Lanka - Ranil

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Friday that the Government of Sri Lanka and its people are eagerly looking forward to Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island-nation next week. MORE..

March 6, 2015  03:29 pm|

Modi to offer assistance to Sri Lanka to counter China influence

Modi to offer assistance to Sri Lanka to counter China influence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will offer island nations in the Indian Ocean a broad range of military and civilian assistance next week in a bid to wrest back some of the influence China has gained by spending billions of dollars in the region. MORE...

March 5, 2015  10:45 am|

Spy cables reveal Sri Lanka hyped up Tamil Tiger postwar threat: Report

Spy cables reveal Sri Lanka hyped up Tamil Tiger postwar threat: Report

In the cable, dated June 9, 2010, South Africa’s State Security Agency (SSA) replied to a request for information about several cases of purported LTTE activity in South Africa, from a suspected military training camp held in May 2010 to suspicions that local Tamil organizations were raising money for the LTTE... MORE..

March 5, 2015  02:31 am|

Ex-CSCL chairman among 4 arrested over coal deal

Ex-CSCL chairman among 4 arrested over coal deal

The former Chairman of the national line Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd. (CSCL), Kanchana Ratwatte, and three other state officials have been arrested for criminal breach of trust with regard to coal shipments worth Rs 528 million. MORE..

March 4, 2015  05:17 pm|

Tamil families demand U.N. probe of missing members

Tamil families demand U.N. probe of missing members

Families of the several missing people in Sri Lanka’s war-ravaged north and east have demanded a United Nations team to launch an investigation to locate their family members. MORE...

March 4, 2015  12:12 pm|

Yoshitha questioned by CCD over light aircraft

Yoshitha questioned by CCD over light aircraft

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been summoned by the Colombo Crimes Division(CCD) to record a statement regarding the light aircraft found at the Economic Centre at Narahenpita in January, the CCD said. MORE...

March 4, 2015  09:14 am|

India, Sri Lanka to revive fishermen talks

India, Sri Lanka to revive fishermen talks

Sri Lanka today accepted India’s request to revive talks between the fishing communities of the two countries, days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to the country. MORE...

March 4, 2015  08:29 am|

UN supports a credible domestic probe in Sri Lanka

UN supports a credible domestic probe in Sri Lanka

The United Nations supports a credible domestic process that meets international standards to investigate allegations of war crimes in Sri Lanka, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffery Feltman said. MORE..

March 3, 2015  05:11 pm|

Mid-sea fight threatens to jeopardise talks between Indian, Sri Lanka fishermen

Mid-sea fight threatens to jeopardise talks between Indian, Sri Lanka fishermen

Fishermen in the region, who were looking forward to a new round of talks between their representatives with Sri Lanka, are in a state of suspended animation as a mid-sea fight seems to have turned the tides. They were hoping that bilateral talks would begin on March 5 once the state government received clearance from the Centre. MORE..

March 3, 2015  12:00 pm|

President to visit Northern and Eastern Provinces

President to visit Northern and Eastern Provinces

President Maithripala Sirisena will commence his first visit to Northern and Eastern Provinces on Tuesday (03) after assuming office as the President. MORE...

March 2, 2015  05:23 pm|

Govt. seeks foreign help in corruption probe

Govt. seeks foreign help in corruption probe

The government said that it has sought assistance from India, the US and Britain to help investigate financial fraud allegations against the former government. MORE...

March 2, 2015  12:19 pm|

Government cancels licences for foreign mining firms

Government cancels licences for foreign mining firms

The President has cancelled mining licences issued by the previous government to 16 foreign companies to search for blue sapphires and other gems, the President’s Media Unit said in statement. MORE...

March 2, 2015  10:28 am|

Public opinion survey is underway on 100-day programme: PM

Public opinion survey is underway on 100-day programme: PM

The Government has launched a special survey to find out the opinion of the general public and to analyze the progress of the 100 days programme, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said in a statement today (1). MORE...

March 1, 2015  03:01 pm|

Jaishankar to arrive in Sri Lanka

Jaishankar to arrive in Sri Lanka

Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will today begin his South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) ‘Yatra’ with Bhutan as the first stop. MORE...

March 1, 2015  01:55 pm|

Minister Mangala to meet Zeid tomorrow

Minister Mangala to meet Zeid tomorrow

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaweera will travel to Geneva to attend the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to be held on March 2nd, 2015. MORE...

March 1, 2015  11:31 am|

Maldivian opposition delegation calls on President

Maldivian opposition delegation calls on President

Qasim Ibrahim, the leader of the Jumhooree Party (JP) also known as the Republican Party, one of the main opposition parties in Maldives, on Saturday called on Sri Lankan President Maithiripala Sirisena. MORE..

February 28, 2015  03:19 pm|

Malaysia eyes infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka

Malaysia eyes infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka

Malaysia has proposed to implement several infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka under a government-to-government understanding which, among others, include the Colombo City Monorail by Scomi International, oil pipeline, highways, and housing development. MORE..

February 28, 2015  11:53 am|

China formally backs trilateral partnership with India, Sri Lanka

China formally backs trilateral partnership with India, Sri Lanka

China on Friday formally backed a trilateral partnership with India and Sri Lanka to establish a Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and promote the rise of Eurasia. MORE..

February 28, 2015  10:37 am|

Sri Lanka says China to be consulted on any project re-think

Sri Lanka says China to be consulted on any project re-think

Sri Lanka will not make any decision on Chinese projects it is reviewing until it consults China, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said on Friday, pledging that his new government would welcome Chinese investors. MORE..

February 27, 2015  05:53 pm|

Executive powers to be slashed under new constitutional reforms?

Executive powers to be slashed under new constitutional reforms?

According to the proposed constitutional reforms currently under discussion, the President will always act on the advice of the Prime Minister, however may request the Prime Minister to reconsider advice given to him and request Parliament to reconsider a Bill presented to him for assent, sources said. MORE..

February 27, 2015  04:24 pm|

Lankan jailed for molesting a 10-year-old girl in wheelchair

Lankan jailed for molesting a 10-year-old girl in wheelchair

A Sri Lankan worker has been jailed for three months for molesting a 10-year-old girl on a wheelchair in a Dubai store where he worked and performed a lewd act in front of her. MORE..

February 26, 2015  11:22 pm|

Ranil asked me to read a book – Rajiva

Ranil asked me to read a book – Rajiva

Professor Rajiva Wijesinghe says that he was asked by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe to read a book titled ‘Art of the Possible’, when he explained to the latter regarding his concerns and the inability to continue serving as the State Minister for Higher Education. MORE..

February 26, 2015  03:48 pm|

Maithripala to visit Pakistan on March 31

Maithripala to visit Pakistan on March 31

The President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena will undertake his maiden visit to Pakistan on 31st of March and ink nine bilateral agreements including one pertaining to civil nuclear cooperation with the host country. MORE...

February 26, 2015  12:44 pm|

Mangala starts China tour

Mangala starts China tour

Foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera left for a two day visit to China in a bid to strengthen relations, an official said here on Wednesday. MORE...

February 26, 2015  08:04 am|

Modi’s Sri Lanka visit to push soft power & project India’s Buddhist links

Modi’s Sri Lanka visit to push soft power & project India’s Buddhist links

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to visit Sri Lanka’s ancient capital Anuradhapura during his trip to the island nation next month, a move aimed at pushing India’s soft power and projecting the country’s Buddhist links in the region. MORE..

February 25, 2015  04:21 pm|

AI slams Sri Lanka on unlawful detentions, torture

AI slams Sri Lanka on unlawful detentions, torture

Sri Lankan authorities continued to threaten, harass and arrest human rights defenders, including lawyers, family members of the disappeared and other activists last year, according to Amnesty International. MORE..

February 25, 2015  11:57 am|

New Army Commander assumes duties

New Army Commander assumes duties

The newly-appointed 21st Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General A. W. J. Crishanthe De Silva who took office this morning (23) at the Army Headquarters, was greeted with military honours and other ceremonials before a large representative gathering of senior Army officers. MORE...

February 23, 2015  02:55 pm|

Daya Ratnayake promoted to rank of General

Daya Ratnayake promoted to rank of General

The outgoing Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake who formally retired from the Army on Saturday (21) has been promoted to the rank of four star General effective from today by the President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

February 21, 2015  03:02 pm|

Dutch tourist who fell off World’s End rescued

Dutch tourist who fell off World’s End rescued

A Chinese tourist who fell off a platform at World’s End in Horton Plains National Park this morning has been rescued and airlifted to a hospital by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). MORE..

February 21, 2015  12:43 pm|

Sri Lanka shares more info with India on Rajapaksa deals

Sri Lanka shares more info with India on Rajapaksa deals

Sri Lanka has shared more information with India on the billions of dollars that its new government alleges members of the previous regime headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa had stashed abroad, to support the island nation’s request for New Delhi’s help to set up a Financial Intelligence Unit to trace the money. MORE..

February 21, 2015  11:39 am|

New Govt ends US lobbying contracts

New Govt ends US lobbying contracts

In a sign of improving relations with the U.S., Sri Lanka has terminated lobbying contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars a month that the previous government had signed to help it win friends in Washington amid war crimes allegations, the nation’s ambassador says. MORE..

February 21, 2015  10:36 am|

Chrishantha De Silva appointed new Army Commander

Chrishantha De Silva appointed new Army Commander

Former Chief of Staff of the Army Major General Chrishantha de Silva has been appointed as the 21st Commander of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) by President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

February 20, 2015  02:13 pm|

Sri Lanka: Killing of 21 Egyptians by IS ‘a crime against humanity’

Sri Lanka: Killing of 21 Egyptians by IS ‘a crime against humanity’

The Government of Sri Lanka today condemned the gruesome killing of twenty one Coptic Christian Egyptians by the terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Libya last Sunday. MORE..

February 19, 2015  11:11 pm|

India reduces entry fee to National Museum for Lankans

India reduces entry fee to National Museum for Lankans

The entry fee to the National Museum in New Delhi for Sri Lankan nationals has been reduced from INR 300 (LKR 640) to INR 10 (LKR 21) - at par with the fee paid by Indian nationals, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said. MORE..

February 19, 2015  04:53 pm|

Indian Premier to visit Sri Lanka from March 13

Indian Premier to visit Sri Lanka from March 13

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka from 13 to 15 March, the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over 25- years, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...

February 19, 2015  04:07 pm|

Lankan accused of groping 13-year-old girl flying alone

Lankan accused of groping 13-year-old girl flying alone

A 45-year-old Sri Lankan vendor, who allegedly groped a 13-year-old girl travelling alone in a flight, has been charged with molestation in the Dubai Court of First Instance. MORE..

February 19, 2015  01:23 pm|

Navy provides treatment to Indian fisherman

Navy provides treatment to Indian fisherman

Sri Lankan Navy personnel today offered treatment to an Indian fisherman after he was stung by a poisonous fish while poaching in the Palk strait, PTI reported. MORE..

February 17, 2015  05:58 pm|

TNA accepts SLMC’s invitation

TNA accepts SLMC’s invitation

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to accept two ministerial portfolios and the deputy chairmanship of the Eastern Provincial Council. MORE..

February 17, 2015  01:54 pm|

Air Force to deploy aviation unit to South Sudan

Air Force to deploy aviation unit to South Sudan

The Sri Lanka Air Force is to deploy an aviation unit under the charge of the United Nations helicopter deployment in South Sudan, the Ministry of Defense said on Monday. MORE...

February 16, 2015  05:37 pm|

India signs nuclear pact with Sri Lanka, countering China

India signs nuclear pact with Sri Lanka, countering China

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena signed a deal with India to receive training for his country’s civilian nuclear program, a sign of improving ties as he looks to reduce the island nation’s dependence on China. MORE...

February 16, 2015  04:59 pm|

President meets PM Narendra Modi

President meets PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Hyderabad House, this morning. MORE...

February 16, 2015  01:39 pm|

India, Sri Lanka may sign nuclear agreement

India, Sri Lanka may sign nuclear agreement

India and Sri Lanka will seek to open a new chapter in ties on Monday with a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and President Maithripala Sirisena who has chosen India for his maiden visit abroad as president. MORE...

February 16, 2015  12:01 pm|

President assures domestic mechanism to probe alleged rights violations

President assures domestic mechanism to probe alleged rights violations

President Maithripala Sirisena assured the diplomatic community that his government will not hesitate to punish the offenders of human rights violations said to have taken place during the war after the conduct of a credible domestic inquiry through a judicial process into the allegations. MORE...

February 15, 2015  11:34 am|

Muslims want panel to probe “hate campaign and violence”

Muslims want panel to probe “hate campaign and violence”

Faiszer Musthapha, MP of the Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Azath Sally, Member of the Central Provincial Council, has asked President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint a commission to inquire into the “hate campaign and violence” against Muslims in the last four years and take appropriate measures to ensure that all Sri Lankans are protected. MORE..

February 15, 2015  10:24 am|

President’s India visit to begin today

President’s India visit to begin today

President Maithripala Sirisena will leave for India today on his first foreign trip after assuming charge during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss key issues including peace, and reconciliation process in the country. MORE...

February 15, 2015  08:07 am|

Kabir was wrong to order UGC head to resign – Rajiva

Kabir was wrong to order UGC head to resign – Rajiva

State Minister of Higher Education Prof. Rajiva Wijesinghe today said that it is “completely wrong” to bow down to pressure from groups and remove the UGC Chairperson, without even probing the allegations against her. MORE..

February 14, 2015  06:24 pm|

SLFP appoints new National Organiser, Treasurer and VP

SLFP appoints new National Organiser, Treasurer and VP

(UPDATE) The Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed MP Susil Premajantha as the party’s National Organiser and SB Nawinne as the Treasurer while Anura Priyadarshana Yapa is to remain as the General Secretary. MORE..

February 14, 2015  04:09 pm|

Bid to bring ex-LTTE cadre into Tamil political mainstream

Bid to bring ex-LTTE cadre into Tamil political mainstream

N. Vithyatharan, former editor of popular pro-LTTE Tamil dailies Sudar Oli and Uthayan, has started a movement to bring into the Tamil political mainstream, former LTTE cadre and their supporters, who are either out rightly rejected or discriminated against by existing Tamil political organizations like ITAK and TNA. MORE..

February 14, 2015  04:00 pm|

Ten high-ranking army officers reinstated

Ten high-ranking army officers reinstated

Ten high-ranking army officers including a Major General, who were sent on compulsory leave following the 2010 Presidential Election, have been reinstated, a spokesman said. MORE..

February 14, 2015  01:07 pm|

Rajiva Wijesinha resigns as State Minister?

Rajiva Wijesinha resigns as State Minister?

State Minister of higher Education Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha has resigned from his ministerial portfolio, reliable sources told Ada Derana. MORE...

February 14, 2015  11:27 am|

India must push Sri Lanka on 13A - Sampanthan

India must push Sri Lanka on 13A - Sampanthan

The Indian government must continue pushing the Sri Lankan government towards the implementation of the 13th Amendment, Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan said. MORE..

February 14, 2015  10:59 am|

Modi calls Sirisena, extends best wishes for World Cup 2015

Modi calls Sirisena, extends best wishes for World Cup 2015

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a telephone call to President Maithripala Sirisena, has said that he looks forward to the latter’s visit to India from February 15-18. MORE..

February 13, 2015  01:43 pm|

I want entire Parliament to be a Govt – Ranil

I want entire Parliament to be a Govt – Ranil

Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe today said that he does not want to form a United National Party (UNP) government at the next General Election and that he desires for the entire Parliament to be a government. MORE..

February 12, 2015  05:32 pm|

China official says Colombo Port City project going ahead

China official says Colombo Port City project going ahead

The China-funded port city project in Colombo was going ahead, a top Chinese official from the company executing it said Wednesday, days after the new Sri Lankan government claimed the deal was still being assessed. MORE..

February 12, 2015  10:23 am|

TN fishermen seek compensation for damaged boats

TN fishermen seek compensation for damaged boats

Indian fishermen’s leaders and owners of the 87 fishing vessels detained by Sri Lanka, were ecstatic when they learnt that the boats were going to be released this week on the orders of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

February 12, 2015  09:59 am|

Sri Lanka’s fiscal targets pressured by weak trend of revenues, Moody’s says

Sri Lanka’s fiscal targets pressured by weak trend of revenues, Moody’s says

Sri Lanka’s new budget continues the fiscal consolidation, but there are risks that revenue targets are not met while higher expenditure may revive inflation in the island nation, Moody’s Investors Service said. MORE..

February 11, 2015  11:39 pm|

President Sirisena ushers new chapter of hope for Sri Lanka - NY Times

President Sirisena ushers new chapter of hope for Sri Lanka - NY Times

It was just one month ago that Sri Lanka surprised the world by electing opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena as president, rejecting the authoritarianism, corruption and dynastic politics of the administration of the incumbent, Mahinda Rajapaksa. MORE...

February 11, 2015  03:46 pm|

18-hour water cut in parts of Colombo

18-hour water cut in parts of Colombo

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) announced an 18 hour water cut from 9.00pm on Friday (13) to 3.00pm on Saturday (14) in certain parts of Colombo, due to necessary repair work. MORE..

February 11, 2015  02:25 pm|

Can’t call it “genocide” – Rajitha

Can’t call it “genocide” – Rajitha

Terming the resolution adopted in the Northern Provincial Council an “extremist position,” Health Minister and Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne says President Maithripala Sirisena had promised to initiate an internationally approved, domestic inquiry process. MORE..

February 11, 2015  01:04 pm|

UK Parliament delegates visit Mullaittivu

UK Parliament delegates visit Mullaittivu

An all party Parliamentary team on Sri Lanka from the UK Parliament, chaired by British Conservative Party politician Baron Naseby, has visited the Security Force Headquarters in Mullaittivu. MORE...

February 10, 2015  03:08 pm|

Lankan accused of molesting girl in wheelchair

Lankan accused of molesting girl in wheelchair

A Sri Lankan worker has been accused of molesting a wheelchair-bound 10-year-old girl in a Dubai grocery store where he worked and performed a lewd act in front of her. MORE..

February 10, 2015  12:08 pm|

State Minister Faizer Mustapha resigns

State Minister Faizer Mustapha resigns

Parliamentarian Faizer Mustapha has tendered his resignation as State Minister of Aviation, this morning. Mustapha told Ada Derana, however, he will continue to support the President Maithripala Sirisena though he resigned from the ministerial portfolio. MORE...

February 9, 2015  01:00 pm|

CAA instructed to ‘move fast’ on errant traders

CAA instructed to ‘move fast’ on errant traders

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen has instructed the Consumers Affairs Authority (CAA) to ‘move fast on errant traders’ who fail to give the recent budgetary benefits to Sri Lankan consumers. MORE..

February 7, 2015  05:13 pm|

Sri Lanka to strengthen ‘special friendship’ with China

Sri Lanka to strengthen ‘special friendship’ with China

Describing the bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka as a ‘special friendship,’ Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his desire to closely engage with the Chinese Government. MORE..

February 7, 2015  02:33 pm|

Impounded boats will be returned: forum

Impounded boats will be returned: forum

The Rameswaram fishermen are elated as the new regime in Sri Lanka, headed by Maithiripala Sirisena, has decided to release their impounded boats, according to the Alliance for the Release of Innocent Fishermen (ARIF). MORE..

February 7, 2015  11:24 am|

Two convicted in VAT scam brought to Sri Lanka

Two convicted in VAT scam brought to Sri Lanka

Two Sri Lankan nationals convicted in South Asia’s largest VAT scam case were brought to Sri Lanka from Malaysia last night, police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said. MORE..

February 7, 2015  10:12 am|

US security adviser Rice pledges help for Sri Lanka ‘transition’

US security adviser Rice pledges help for Sri Lanka ‘transition’

The United States pledged on Friday to assist Sri Lanka’s new government in creating a more open and democratic society. MORE..

February 7, 2015  10:08 am|

China welcomes decision to go ahead with Port City Project

China welcomes decision to go ahead with Port City Project

China today welcomed new Sri Lankan government’s decision to go ahead with the controversial USD 1.5 billion Colombo Port City project funded by it, calling the country an important partner in implementing its mega Maritime Silk Road project in South Asia. MORE..

February 6, 2015  11:24 pm|

Ahamed Nazeer sworn in as Eastern Province CM

Ahamed Nazeer sworn in as Eastern Province CM

SLMC Deputy Leader and Provincial Councilor, Ahamed Nazeer Zainulabdeen, took oaths as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province before the Governor Austin Fernando this evening. MORE..

February 6, 2015  07:12 pm|

30-hour water cut in parts of Colombo

30-hour water cut in parts of Colombo

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) announced a 30-hour water cut from 9.00am tomorrow (Feb 7) to 3.00pm Sunday (Feb 8) in Colombo 1, 2, 3, and Colombo 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 due to an urgent repair. MORE..

February 6, 2015  05:32 pm|

Maithri continuing with Mahinda’s oppressive laws - FSP

Maithri continuing with Mahinda’s oppressive laws - FSP

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today accused President Maithripala Sirisena of carrying out the same “oppressive laws” as former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. MORE..

February 6, 2015  02:04 pm|

Sri Lanka to go ahead with China-backed Port City Project

Sri Lanka to go ahead with China-backed Port City Project

The Cabinet has decided to continue with the Chinese-assisted Colombo Port City Project, cabinet spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratna said today. MORE..

February 5, 2015  04:41 pm|

Tissa Attanayake gets relief from court

Tissa Attanayake gets relief from court

The Fort Magistrate’s Court today allowed Tissa Attanayake MP to attend Parliament sessions on 5, 6, and 7, February. MORE...

February 5, 2015  01:05 pm|

President reaffirms commitment to ties with China

President reaffirms commitment to ties with China

In a message to mark the Chinese New Year, President Sirisena noted the importance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Sri Lanka last September and affirmed that ties between Sri Lanka and China will continue at a strong level during his tenure. MORE..

February 5, 2015  10:48 am|

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