November 23, 2024 2:07 am
Results: 514
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..
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...
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..
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...
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..
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...
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...
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..
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..
President thanks MPs who voted for budget
President Maithripala Sirisena has made special appreciation and thanked all Government and opposition MPs who voted in favor of the Budget, the President’s Media Division said. MORE..
UN conference on climate change commences today
The United Nations Conference on Climate Change will commence today (30) in Paris under the patronage of French President Francois Holande. MORE...
President to leave for France today
President Maithripala Sirisena who participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Malta, will leave for France today (Nov. 29) to attend the United Nations Conferenceon Climate Change – 2015. MORE...
Common values are important and not the power of wealth – President
President Maithripala Sirisena said he is fully satisfied with the accomplishment of goals set at the last CHOGM in Colombo during the period of last two years when Sri Lanka was the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth. MORE..
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...
Hasitha Thilakeratne appointed CAA chairman
Hasitha Thilakeratne has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA). MORE..
President should not lead parties at LG polls: Gammanpila
There is a strong demand within the parties that President Maithripala Sirisena should not lead the UPFA and the SLFP at forthcoming local government polls, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila says. more...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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...
UN Assistant Secretary-General to visit Sri Lanka
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, will be visiting Sri Lanka today (21) on a four-day official visit. MORE..
Vavuniya DIG case: President requests report on missing cop
President Maithripala Sirisena has issued a directive to the IGP to expedite the investigation in connection with the disappearance case of a police Sergeant who was a witness in the case in which several top cops including a DIG are suspected of allegedly involved in a treasure hunting incident in Vavuniya. MORE...
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...
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...
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..
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...
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...
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...
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..
Kundasale PS chairman arrested over assault on principal
Chairman of the Kundasale Pradeshiya Sabha, Asela Ekanayake, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a school principal, the Police said. MORE...
Vigneswaran says he has faith on President Sirisena
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran says he has hope and confident that President Maithripala Sirisena will achieve peace and prosperity.
Sampath Athukorala released on bail
Southern Provincial Councilor Sampath Athukorala, who was in custody for allegedly uploading obscene posts on President Maithripala Sirisena on the internet, was released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate today. MORE...
All-party conference to discuss solutions to rights issue - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the country had achieved a great victory at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as the international community expressed high appreciation of the steps taken by the government since January. MORE..
President arrives after concluding US visit
President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in the country a short while ago after concluding his visit the United States to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. MORE..
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..
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..
AIDS on the rise among youths: Dr. Liyanage
The Health Ministry says that the authorities have identified some 160 persons diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) AIDS as of October this year alone. MORE...
New plan of action to advance human rights: President Sirisena
We intend to implement a new programme and plan of action in Sri Lanka to advance human rights, President Maithripala Sirisena said at the General Assembly of the United Nations during the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly Meeting held at the UN Headquarters. MORE...
U.S. supports a credible domestic process in Sri Lanka - Kerry
The U.S. has said it will support a domestic investigation by Sri Lanka to address allegations of human rights abuses during the final phase of the country’s civil war. MORE..
Everyone agrees that we should find out the truth – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the only issue that cropped up during discussions on the UN resolution was whether Sri Lanka’s judiciary is sufficiently strong enough for a domestic mechanism and not about the country’s armed forces. MORE..
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..
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...
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...
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...
President orders Avant Garde case to continue
President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed relevant authorities to continue with legal proceeding regarding the controversial Avant Garde issue, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
High Court grants bail to Sajin Vass
The Colombo High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena who is in custody for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office. MORE...
President to address the 70th UN General Assembly on Sep. 30
President Maithripala Sirisena will address the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 30, during the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly Meeting, held at the UN Headquarters, New York, USA from September 15 to October 04. MORE...
President intervenes on behalf of Wijeweera’s family
President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed relevant authorities to allow the family of the late Rohana Wijeweera, founding leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), to stay six more months at a house belonging to the Welisara navy camp. MORE..
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.
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...
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..
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..
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..
Govt assures due attention to UN report
The Sri Lankan Government today said it will ensure that the content and recommendations of the UNHRC report receive due attention of the relevant authorities including the new mechanisms that are envisaged to be set up. MORE..
Keheliya, PB and Lalith grilled at Presidential CoI
Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, former Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and former Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga have been questioned today regarding Rs 200 million in losses incurred by a state media institution during the Presidential Election. MORE..
Flight diverted to Mattala due to bad weather
A SriLankan Airlines flight arriving from London was diverted to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) today due to inclement weather conditions prevalent in Colombo at the time. MORE..
New Provincial Council Ministers sworn-in
New Ministers of the North Western Provincial Council took oath before President Maithripala Sirisena today (14). MORE...
Harsha focusing on economic diplomacy
Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Harsha de Silva today said that the main economic issue in Sri Lanka is the weaknesses in the country’s economic relations with other countries. MORE..
Two more Deputy Ministers appointed
Two more Deputy Ministers have been sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday. MORE..
Sri Lankan flight suffers hydraulic problem after landing in Chennai
116 passengers and crew members of a Sri Lankan Airlines flight had a narrow escape on Thursday when the plane suffered a hydraulic problem after landing and got stuck in the runway at the Chennai airport. MORE..
Our government is stable: President
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (09) asserted not to expect a Government change till 2020. MORE...
New State and Deputy Ministers sworn in
(UPDATED) The swearing in ceremony of State and Deputy Ministers of the National Government commenced a short while ago at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. MORE..
President, PM appoint their nominees to the CC
The Prime Minister and the President on Wednesday (09) appointed their nominees to the Constitutional Council. Accordingly, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Wijedasa Rajapakse have been appointed to the CC respectively. MORE...
Three new Cabinet Ministers sworn in
Three new Cabinet Ministers were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena short while ago, the Presidential Media Division said. MORE..
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..
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...
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until September 22 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court, today (08). MORE...
Dullas grilled at Presidential Commission of Inquiry
UPFA Parliamentarian Dullas Alahapperuma has been summoned by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate serious acts of fraud, corruption and abuse of power, state resources, and privileges. MORE..
TNA leader lashes out at Wigneswaran
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) president and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)’s deputy leader in Parliament, Mavai S. Senathirajah, has come out against Chief Minister of the Northern Province and his colleague C.V. Wigneswaran for the latter’s “conduct” during the recent Parliamentary election campaign. MORE...
President Sirisena reveals secrets behind January polls
President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday (6) revealed that he was alerted by his security not to attend the last election rally held in Maradana prior the presidential polls in January. MORE...
US decision on Sri Lanka sparks protests in Chennai
As a mark of protest against the U.S. supporting Sri Lanka in war crime probe, a group of members from Ilaiya Thalaimurai Koottamaippu in India, has attempted to stage a protest outside the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. MORE...
‘Viber, not India, helped in unseating Rajapaksa’: CBK
Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Bandarnaike Kumaratunga is in India for her first visit since the surprise defeat of her successor Mahinda Rajapaksa, a man who was once a close associate and now a political enemy whose regime she was instrumental in overturning. MORE...
UAE Foreign Minister calls on President Sirisena
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nayhan has called on President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE...
Pass resolution against Sri Lanka: Vaiko
India’s Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko has appealed to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to pass a resolution against Sri Lanka seeking international inquiry against alleged war crimes by Sri Lankan Army during war with LTTE. MORE...
Massive killings if Mahinda returned to power - CBK
Mahinda Rajapaksa during his tenure as the President of Sri Lanka ran a police state and if he was successful in returning to power as Prime Minister in recent parliamentary polls the country would have experienced massive killings of innocents, according to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. MORE..
Committee to decide on heads for public institutions - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today stated that a “common committee” will be appointed by himself and the Prime Minister to ensure that the most suitable individuals are selected for the top posts in government institutions. MORE..
(UPDATED) The swearing in ceremony of the new Cabinet of the National Government commenced at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. MORE..
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...
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...
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..
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..
President vows actions against those who misused state resources
Those who misused state resources will be brought before the law irrespective of party, President Maithripala Sirisena says. MORE...
Sajin’s assets case postponed to December 10
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (1) set the trial for former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena in connection with the case filed against him by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The case will be taken up for hearing on December 10. MORE...
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...
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...
President allows opposition to pick its leader
President Maithripala Sirisena has agreed to allow the opposition to propose a candidate for the Opposition Leader, former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says. MORE...
New Parliament convenes tomorrow
The first sitting of the Eighth Parliament will be held tomorrow (1) from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
Vaiko, Ramadoss oppose India gifting away ship to Sri Lanka
Opposing the gifting away of an Indian Coast Guard ship to Sri Lanka, Indian MDMK chief Vaiko today said it was a “betrayal” of Eelam Tamils and Tamil Nadu fishermen the Press Trust of India reported. MORE...
Prabhakaran killed himself, says Karuna Amman
Ex LTTE eastern commander and Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman claims that the leader of the defeated Tamil tigers, Velupillai Prabhakaran, committed suicide by shooting himself with a firearm. MORE...
UPFA coalition partners to form new alliance?
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s allies are planning to form a new opposition alliance, breaking away from President Maithripala Sirisena’s United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition, senior leftist leaders said on Saturday. MORE..
Strict laws to stop use of polythene and asbestos – President
President Maithripala Sirisena says he would enforce strict laws from January 1, 2016 to prevent use of polythene which is a major threat to the environment and the health of the people. MORE..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
Susil resigns as UPFA General Secretary
Susil Premajayantha on Tuesday (25) tendered his resignation letter to the President as the General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE...
Blair assures to appear on behalf of Sri Lanka
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has assured to appear on behalf of Sri Lanka in eliminating misconceptions in the world. He gave this assurance during a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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..
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...
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...
Indonesian plane missing over Papua region
An Indonesian plane with 54 people on board is missing in Papua region, officials have said. MORE..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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...
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..
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...
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...
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..
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (30) appointed a High Commissioner and two new Ambassadors, the President’s Media Unit said. MORE...
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..
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..
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...
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.
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
Google is making it easier to steer clear of the trouble that can be caused by a misdirected or inappropriate email. MORE..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
JVP to boycott National Executive Council
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) says that it would no longer participate in the National Executive Council. MORE..
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
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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..
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
“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...
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..
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..
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...
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...
Priyantha Sirisena’s cremation takes place today
The cremation of Priyantha Sirisena, 43, will take place at the Public Cemetery, Polonnaruwa today (30). MORE...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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..
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..
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...
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...
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..
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...
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..
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
President halts all police transfers
President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered to halt all police transfers with immediate effect, the Presidential Media Unit said. MORE...
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...
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...
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..
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.
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..
Stipulated prices for three food items
The Consumer Affairs Authority has introduced stipulated prices for three food items, with effective from Thursday (19). MORE...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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....
ASP Ruwan Gunasekara appointed Police Spokesman
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ruwan Gunasekara has been appointed as the new Police Media Spokesman. MORE..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
Tamil families demand U.N. probe of missing members
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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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to accept two ministerial portfolios and the deputy chairmanship of the Eastern Provincial Council. MORE..
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...
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...
President meets PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Hyderabad House, this morning. MORE...
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...
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...
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..
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..
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...
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..
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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...
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..