April 19, 2024 11:14 pm
Results: 106
UN will continue to press for accountability in Sri Lanka: Farhan
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that the United Nations (UN) will continue to press for accountability in Sri Lanka over incidents related to the alleged war crimes. MORE...
Gary Anandasangaree wins Scarborough-Rouge Park for Liberals
Gary Anandasangaree has won the new riding of Scarborough-Rouge Park for the Liberal party in Canada, beating the Conservatives after the party dropped candidate Jerry Bance late in the campaign. MORE..
India will expect a larger reward: Gammanpila
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya General Secretary and Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila opposed the new proposal to build a $5.19 billion road project to connect India and Sri Lanka through a sea-bridge. MORE...
EU ready to partner with Sri Lanka to face challenges
The European Union (EU) today stressed that it truly remains committed to supporting a healthy democracy and looks forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan government to address some of the “challenges” it faces. MORE..
Sri Lanka has to be alert to global threats – Army Chief
Sri Lanka is now one of the most peaceful countries but we all have to be alert to global threats, the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva said. MORE..
Welgama ready to accept the opposition leader post
Former Minister Kumara Welgama says that he is ready to accept the opposition leader post. Welgama told Ada Derana that he is of the view that he is the most appropriate for the post under the current political situation of the country. MORE... (Audio)
Vacated PC seats to be filled after MPs take oath
The appointing of new Provincial Councillors to fill the seats left vacant by more than 50 Provincial Council members including 3 Chief Ministers who contested and won at the recent parliamentary elections, is scheduled to take place after the new Parliament is sworn in. MORE..
The United National Party (UNP) today named the MPs who will enter Parliament through its National List to fill the 13 bonus seats won by the party at the recent general election. MORE..
EU lauds Sri Lanka’s genuine election
The European Union says the parliamentary elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17 were genuine, well administered and peaceful overall. MORE..
Newly elected UPFA MPs oppose National Govt - Vasu
A group of newly elected Parliamentarians of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) held a discussion in Colombo today with the participation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former UPFA MP and Left Democratic Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara said. 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...
EU monitors say poll well-administered and genuine
The 17 August Parliamentary Elections in Sri Lanka were ―well administered and offered voters a genuine choice from among a broad range of political alternatives, although campaign rules were restrictive‖, said Cristian Preda, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) and Member of the European Parliament.
Preferential votes- General Election 2015
(UPDATE) Preferential votes- General Election 2015. View Preferential votes full list here. MORE...
UNP wins Galle, UPFA tops postal votes
The United National Party (UNP) has received the highest votes in the Galle Polling Division in the Galle Electoral District. MORE..
Ratnapura postal vote results released
The first postal vote result of the 2015 General Election was released a short while ago by the Department of Elections. 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..
No major incidents reported during polling – Elections Chief
Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya says that no major incidents have been reported during voting at the 2015 General Election today and that he expects votes would not have to declare null at any polling station. MORE..
First postal vote result after 11 P.M.
Deputy Elections Commissioner M.M. Mohammed said the Secretariat would be able to announce the first postal vote result between 11.00 p.m. to midnight today and the final result could be issued by noon tomorrow. MORE...
Voting for general election continues, no major violence reported
Polling booths opened across the island at 7:00 am, with voting set to continue for nine hours under tight security provided by 74,000 police and paramilitary forces, officials said. MORE...
HRW asks Sri Lanka to ‘protect’ voters and ensure safe elections
Sri Lankan authorities must ensure that voters can travel safely and securely to polling booths and back during the parliamentary elections on Monday, Human Rights Watch said on Saturday after reports of campaign anomalies. MORE..
Police deploys thousands of officers on election eve
Sri Lanka deployed thousands of police Sunday (Aug 16) in stepped up security on the eve of a general election after the campaign was hit by sporadic violence that claimed four lives. MORE..
Three held with over 1,300 model ballot papers
Thalathuoya Police today arrested three suspects and seized 1,324 model ballot papers being transported in a three-wheeler from Kandahandiya to Galaha. MORE..
Elections Chief expects first result after midnight on Monday
Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya says that it is highly unlikely that the first result of the 2015 General Election will be released before midnight on August 17. MORE..
Information desk for MPs after election
An Information Desk to facilitate the arrangements for the first meeting of the first session of the eighth Parliament that will be elected on Monday will be operative in the House from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on August 23, 24 and 25 for the convenience of MPs, the Secretary General of Parliament said. MORE..
Conspiracies in play to prevent UPFA victory - Dilan
Former MP Dilan Perera says that various conspiracies are in play to prevent the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) from winning the upcoming General Election. 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..
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..
Election campaigning ends at midnight
Campaigning for the General Election will draw to a close at 12.00 midnight today (Aug 14), 48 hours before the election. 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..
Ranil hails most peaceful election in a long time
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said the 2015 parliamentary poll has been the most peaceful, free and fair election in a long time and that the younger people have not witnessed such an election during their lifetime. MORE..
Second chance for those who missed postal voting
Those who missed postal voting could vote on August 11, says the Elections Department. MORE...
US citizens in Sri Lanka cautioned ahead of polls
The United States has issued a security message to its citizens living or traveling in Sri Lanka, in view of the forthcoming parliamentary polls in the island. 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..
Deshapriya directs MPs to handover state owned vehicles
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has ordered the former Parliamentarians to handover all state owned vehicles with immediate effect. MORE...
Rajapaksa promises new constitution within 6 months
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today reiterated that that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has not divided into two factions. Only one faction exists and that is the anti-UNP faction, he said. MORE..
TNA reiterates self determination, North-East re-merger
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a coalition of four parties in Sri Lanka, on Saturday reiterated its adherence to the right to self determination for Tamils and the re-merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces under federal structure. MORE..
Election posters inside cab with fake army plates, 2 arrested
Police today arrested two persons and seized a vehicle with two difference number plates, including an army number plate, along with a stack of more than 4,500 election posters of a UPFA candidate in Kebithigollewa. MORE..
2015 General Election: 566,823 eligible for postal voting
A total of 566,823 voters are eligible to cast postal votes at the forthcoming General Election. Additional Elections Commissioner M.M. Mohamed stated that 628,925 persons had applied for postal voting and that 62,102 applications were rejected. 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..
Over 70 incidents of election violence within a week
The Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) says that a total of 71 incidents of election-related violence have been reported within the past week, from July 13 to 21. MORE..
Three army personnel arrested with firearm
The police on Monday (20) have arrested three armed army soldiers in civvies who were travelling in a white-coloured van with fake number plates, the police Spokesperson said. MORE...
FCID cannot summon UPFA candidates before polls – Susil
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) today briefed the Election Commissioner regarding the various problems allegedly faced by the party, such as the lack of security ex-MPs and the summoning of candidates before the FCID, ahead of the General Election. MORE..
Police reports against Wele Suda ‘displaced’
The Attorney General today sought more time from the Colombo High Court to decide on whether to proceed with the case filed against suspected underworld kingpin and drug trafficker, Samantha Kumara alias ‘Wele Suda’. 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..
EU observers confirmed for General Election
Following an invitation from the Sri Lanka authorities, the European Union has today started the deployment of an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka to observe the Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 17 August 2015. MORE...
Postal voting applications: deadline falls at midnight
The time period allocated for accepting applications from individuals eligible to cast postal votes at the parliamentary election, is scheduled to end at midnight today (14). MORE..
Filing of nominations concludes today
Accepting of nominations for the General Election will be concluded today (06) at 12. 00 p.m. the Elections Department said. MORE...
Special traffic plan in Rajagiriya tomorrow
A special traffic plan will be implemented tomorrow (13) in and around Rajagiriya 7.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. while nominations for the forthcoming General Election are accepted, the Department of Police said. MORE...
Paranavitana resign as Media Ministry Secretary
Karunaratne Paranavitana has resigned from his position as the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information, with effect from Friday (10). MORE..
UNP forms new alliance to contest against UPFA
A new political alliance headed by the UNP, under the name of “United National Front for Good Governance,” is to contest the parliamentary election on August 17 with sections of the SLFP and JHU, sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
I will quit politics if Mahinda gets a vote more than me – Sujeewa
Former Deputy Minister of Justice Sujeewa Senasinghe today vowed to leave politics forever, if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa obtains even a single vote more than him at the forthcoming General Election. MORE..
Paranavitana turns down UPFA nominations
Karunaratne Paranavitana has turned down nominations extended to him from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to contest the forthcoming General Election from the Ratnapura District. 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..
Chilaw Mayor Fernando extends support to UNP
The Chilaw Mayor, Hilary Prasanna Fernando, on Thursday (09) said that he will extend his support to the United National Party at the forthcoming General Election. MORE...
Election deposits made by 85 independent groups, 2 parties
A total of 85 independent groups and 2 political parties have made their deposits for the General Election as of last evening. MORE..
Postal voting on August 5-6, Teachers could vote on Aug 3
Postal voting for the upcoming General Election to be held on August 17 will take place on August 5-6, Assistant Elections Commissioner told Ada Derana. He added that Teachers could cast their postal votes on August 3. 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...
Gayantha says UNP confident in election win
As the United National Party (UNP) is about to contest separately at the General Election, it does not matter to whom the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) grant nominations to, Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka asserted. MORE...
Acceptance of nominations for election from tomorrow
The Elections Department says that nominations for the 2015 General Election will be accepted from July 06 to 15. The Department is making preparations to hold the General Elections on August 17. MORE...
SLMC still undecided on contesting with UNP
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) says that it has still not taken a final decision regarding contesting the forthcoming election with the United National Party (UNP). 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..
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..
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..
School term and holiday dates revised
The Ministry of Education today announced that the dates of the school term holiday have been amended due to the General Election and the revision of the timetable of the 2015 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination. MORE..
I invite the former President to contest for the prime ministerial post at the forth coming general election in next August, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said. MORE...
The Department of Examinations today announced that the dates for the 2015 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination have been revised due to the General Election being held on August 17. Click to View Timetable..
Dates announced for submitting postal voting applications
The Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya says that applications for postal voting at the upcoming General Election will be received from July 03 to 14, 2015.
Election likely to affect A/L exam dates
With the announcing of the General Election to be held on August 17, it has been reported that certain changes are likely to be made to the timetable of the 2015 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, which was scheduled to be held in the same month. MORE..
2015 General Election to be held on August 17
The Government Printer says that the General Election for a new Parliament is to be held on August 17, 2015. 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..
SLFP will suffer absolute defeat if Mahinda contests - SB
Minister of Rural Economic Affairs S.B. Dissanayake says that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) would suffer an absolute defeat if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa contests the upcoming General Election. MORE..
UNP to contest General Election alone
The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has decided that the party will contest the upcoming General Election alone and to give party leader PM Ranil Wickremesinghe powers to make appointments to the nominations board. 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..
Tiran Alles not to be arrested until next hearing
The Attorney General today again undertook not to arrest of Parliamentarian Tiran Alles until the Fundamental Rights petition filed by the Parliamentarian at the Supreme Court is heard again on June 29. MORE...
The Attorney General on Wednesday (27) halted the arrest of Parliamentarian Tiran Alles until the Fundamental Rights petition filed by the Parliamentarian at the Supreme Court is heard again. 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..
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..
Court issues warrant for arrest of Ven. Gnanasara Thera
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara Thera after he failed to appear before the court on a case regarding his alleged participation at an unlawful assembly in front of the Bribery Commission. 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...
1,400 prisoners released under general amnesty
The Department of Prisons says that a group of 1,400 prisoners will be given a general amnesty in lieu of the Vesak Poya Day which marks the three noble events of Buddha’s life. MORE..
Even the best constitution can be wrongly implemented - GL
Former External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris says that the passage of the 19th amendment is not the “massive constitutional revolution” believed by certain sections of the public. MORE..
Dual citizens cannot contest Parliamentary Polls – govt
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ajith P. Perera says that according to provisions included in the 19th amendment to the constitution, Sri Lankan nationals who possess dual citizenships are not permitted to contest in the General Election. 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..
Vajira Wijegunawardene appointed SEC Director General
Vajira Wijegunawardene has been appointed as the Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka with immediate effect. MORE..
“The UN system and UNDP in particular is pleased to continue to provide support to the 100 days programme, at the request of the Government,” UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director Haoliang Xu has said. 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..
Senior UN official visits war-ravaged north
A senior UN official, who is on a six-day tour to Sri Lanka, has visited the war ravaged north to assess the development needs in the area and hold discussions with government officials, the UN office in Colombo said. MORE...
UN Assistant Secretary-General meets Harsha de Silva
The Visiting UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP’s Regional Director Haoliang Xu, had discussions with the Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic Affairs, Dr. Harsha de Silva on Monday (6). MORE...
Sarath Fonseka bestowed with Field Marshal title
The Government on Sunday (22) awarded the Field Marshal title to former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka for the yeoman service rendered by him, achieving the victory over terrorism. 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...
No disaccord with Rajapaksa representing UPFA – Susil
UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha says that if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to take a decision regarding active politics for the victory of the UPFA, then there is no disaccord with him representing the party. MORE..
Bharatha killing: AG requests Trial-at-Bar
The Attorney General’s Department on Wednesday (18) requested the Chief Justice to appoint a Trial-at-Bar for the case in which Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and 12 others accused in the killing of three people including Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra. 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..
UNP decides to go for General Election after April 23
The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has decided to go for a General Election after April 23, as promised to the public during the Presidential polls campaign, the Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka said. 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...
General election to be held after new electoral reforms
The Cabinet has decided to hold the next General Election only after constitutional changes take place for new electoral reforms, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...
Duminda Silva indicted on Bharatha Lakshman killing
Attorney General today indicted UPFA Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and 12 others in connection with the killing of former MP and Presidential Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra. 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..
VIDEO: No intention of staying as Opposition Leader for long – Nimal
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva says that it is not important who will be appointed as the Prime Minister and that what is important is that a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) government is formed. MORE..
Fonseka files petition to get back lost seat
Democratic Party (DP) leader General Sarath Fonseka on Wednesday (25) filed a petition at the Court of Appeal seeking an order to reclaim his lost Parliamentary seat and revoke the appointment of Parliamentarian Jayantha Ketagoda. MORE...
Jeffrey Feltman to visit Sri Lanka this week
One week after the UN Human Rights Council agreed to withhold the already delayed report on war crimes in Sri Lanka, the UN announced that Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s highest political official Jeffrey Feltman will visit the country this week. 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..
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..
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..
Jayasinghe Bandara, who received the 5th highest number of preference votes for the UPFA from the Polonnaruwa District at the 2010 General Election, was sworn in as a Parliamentarian filling the Parliamentary seat vacated by President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
All ranks, privileges & pension restored for General Sarath Fonseka
Entitlement to wearing of all decorations of General Sarath Fonseka, former Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, has been restored, following the full Presidential amnesty granted by President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...