November 22, 2024 9:08 pm
Results: 737
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...
Jaffna incident: IGP admits shortcomings
We should admit the fact that there may have been shortcomings on the part of the police with respect of the incident in Jaffna which resulted in the deaths of two university students, IGP Pujith Jayasundara says. MORE...
Siva Senai in Sri Lanka gets Shiva Sena Support, Colombo Worried
Shiv Sena in Mumbai has extended its support to a new Sri Lankan Tamil outfit called Siva Senai, triggering concerns among the mainstream politicians of the island nation that sectarian outfits will reopen wounds of a 20-year-old civil war that ended only in 2009. MORE...
Colombo Port City: What You Need To Know In A Nutshell and More
(Feature) Clinching a top priority in the not-very-short list of development projects in Sri Lanka, the Colombo Port City has, indeed, been nudging its way into the limelight. Unsurprisingly, the project has its costs and benefits as well as the arguments that come along with the venture. But how does the new project vary from the old? MORE.....
Jaffna University Conflict: Non-Fictional Clash of Clans?
(FEATURE) The violent argument that occurred in the University of Jaffna earlier this month has possibly left considerable doubt in the minds of Lankans: Are we falling prey to racism? Is peace an intricate luxury that we seemingly cannot afford? MORE.....
Lack of transparency in Chinese contracts were the concern – Harsha
Our major concern was the lack of transparency with the way infrastructure projects were originally awarded to the Chinese, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs Harsha Desilva said in an interview. Speaking to Finance Asia he added that where we could, we were able re-negotiate and restructure the contracts to bring the overall costs down. MORE...
Fmr. Embilipitiya ASP arrested by CID
The former ASP of Embilipitiya Police, D.W.C. Dharmaratne, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with the recent death of a youth during a clash with police in Embilipitiya, sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Yoshitha, Nishantha and Rohan Weliwita remanded
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Rohan Weliwita, Nishantha Ranatunga and 2 others have been remanded till February 11th by the Kaduwela Magistrates Court. MORE..
I will save country from drug menace- President
President Maithripala Sirisena says he would save the country and the people from the drug menace, ignoring the income received by the government from the sale of drug and tobacco. MORE...
PM to leave for Switzerland tomorrow
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to leave Sri Lanka tomorrow for the World Economic Forum that will be held in Davos-klosters, Switzerland from January 20 to 23. MORE...
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...
TN parties stoke sentiments on Sri Lanka, LTTE ahead of polls
Ahead of the 2016 assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK and other political parties are attempting to stoke public sentiments on emotive issues like Sri Lankan Tamils’ sufferings and LTTE, although they have not translated into electoral gains in the past. MORE...
Kusal Janith Perera suspended over doping test
Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Janith Perera has been banned from cricket for a still unspecified period after failing a doping test during an earlier home series against Pakistan, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said. MORE..
Cabinet agrees to change Divi Neguma to Samurdhi
The Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to change the Divi Neguma Development Department to Samurdhi Department, co-cabinet spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
Port City will be eco-friendly - CHEC
The China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) says that according to the recently released Supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) report, the Colombo Port City (CPC), upon completion of reclamation works, will incorporate solutions for integrated management of energy, water and waste for long‐term environmental sustainability... MORE.
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..
Port City can resume tomorrow if Chinese firm agrees to leasehold - Ravi
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that the Sri Lankan government is prepared give the go-ahead for the Colombo Port City project to resume even tomorrow, if the Chinese company agrees to begin the US$1.4 billion project on a 99-year lease. MORE.
LG polls unlikely to be held in March - Lakshman Yapa
State Minister of Finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena says that it is unlikely the Local Government election will be held in March next year as scheduled. MORE..
One dead, 7 injured after van topples on Expressway
One woman was killed while another 7 persons were injured when a van toppled on the Southern Expressway near the 73 km post in the Elpitiya police area, police spokesman said. MORE..
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..
Sunil Handunnetti named new COPE Chairman
JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) in Parliament, Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera said. MORE..
Rajitha, Champika and Arjuna ask IGP to probe bribery claims
Ministers Champika Ranawaka, Dr Rajitha Seenaratne and Arjuna Ranatunga today requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the allegations made against them by the Chairman of Avant Garde Private Limited, Nissanka Senadhipathi. MORE..
President calls special meeting with SLFP Parliamentary Group
President Maithripala Sirisena will hold a special meeting with the members of Sri Lanka Freedom Party Parliamentary Group at the Presidential Secretariat, today(23). MORE...
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...
NASA chief: Time to clean up all that space junk
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden warns that too little is being done to remove debris from space, an issue that has drawn plenty of attention this week after an unknown object made a fiery entry into Earth’s atmosphere. MORE...
Govt to publish biographical book on Sobitha Thero
The government today said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to print a book which will include the biography of Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero and the services rendered by him to the country. MORE..
Sumanthiran calls for removal of Wigneswaran from TNA
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says that while a proposal has been made to ITAK calling for the removal of Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran from the TNA, it is not the opinion of the entire party. MORE..
Tamil prisoners recommence hunger strike
Over 200 Tamil prisoners have yet again commenced their hunger strike in several prisons across the country to protest against being jailed for years without trial. Earlier, they ended the fast following an assurance from President Maithripala Sirisena that their grievances would be addressed. MORE...
President to closely monitor Avant Garde issue: Rajitha
President Maithripala Sirisena will closely monitor the investigations with respect to the Avant Garde Security Service issue, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne says. MORE...
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...
Justice Malalgoda denies allegations
Justice Vijith Malalgoda has entirely denied allegations leveled against him by a website that he accepts dollars from the Rajapaksas in a bid to influence the judgments and decisions he makes, Ada Derana court reporter says. MORE...
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...
Karuna Amman resigns from SLFP
Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman says he has decided to to resign from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to join the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) led by V. Anandasangaree. MORE...
President Sirisena to strengthen Thai– Sri Lanka relations
President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an Official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from November 01 to 04, on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-o-Cha. MORE...
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..
Upali Kodikara released on bail
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Upali Kodikara, who was arrested for allegedly obstructing duties of a police officer, has been released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate today. MORE..
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...
CID wants to question Geetha on dual citizenship allegations
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has sought the approval of the Speaker to question MP Geetha Kumarasinghe about allegations that she is a dual citizen of Sri Lanka and a European country. MORE...
Rohan Weliwita questioned by Homagama police
Media Secretary to the former President, Rohan Weliwita, has been summoned to the Homagama Police station to record a statement this morning (20), a police source says. MORE...
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...
Tamil prisoners end hunger strike
Over 200 Tamil political prisoners, who were on hunger strike in Sri Lanka to protest against being jailed for years without trial, today ended their fast following an assurance from President Maithripala Sirisena that their grievances would be addressed. MORE...
Treasury allocates Rs.544 million for Golden Key depositors
The repayment schedule prepared by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for resolving the difficulties confronted by the deposit holders of the Golden Key Credit Card Company Limited (GKCCCL) has already been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. MORE...
Suspected underworld figure gunned down in Wellampitiya
A 47-year-old man was killed following a shooting incident which took place on Gothami Mawatha in Welewatta, Wellampitiya. MORE..
Wele Sudha gets capital punishment
The Colombo High Court today (14) awarded death sentence to Samantha Kumara Vithanage alias Wele Sudha for the charges of possession of 7.05 grams of heroin. MORE...
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The Presidential Commission of Inquiry this morning again summoned former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for questioning regarding the alleged use of personnel attached to the Civil Security Department for campaigning activities during the last Presidential Election. MORE...
Four soldiers sentenced in Vishvamadu rape case
The Jaffna High Court today sentenced four Sri Lankan soldiers to 25 years in prison for raping a women and sexually abusing another in Vishvamadu, Mullaitivu in 2010. MORE..
The Colombo High Court today (07) granted bail to Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the former President and Anusha Palpita, former Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRC). MORE...
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...
Eliyantha White arrives at FCID
Eliyantha White, who was said to be the personal physician for the former President, is currently at the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) over the ownership of his house in Mirihana.
Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi slam UN resolution on Sri Lanka
Coming out strongly against a UN resolution that endorsed a domestic probe in Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa expressed deep disappointment and anguish while DMK chief Karunanidhi termed it shocking. MORE..
All-party conference to discuss solutions to rights issue - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the country had achieved a great victory at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as the international community expressed high appreciation of the steps taken by the government since January. MORE..
President arrives after concluding US visit
President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in the country a short while ago after concluding his visit the United States to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. MORE..
Drug kingpin Mohammed Siddique further remanded
Drug kingpin Mohammed Siddique, had was arrested in Pakistan and later brought to Sri Lanka, was further remanded until October 16 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
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..
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..
Government to build 65,000 homes for war-hit families
The government has decided to take up the construction of 65,000 houses “on a priority basis” for Eelam War-hit families in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. MORE...
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...
War crimes in Sri Lanka: Jaya urged to convene all-party meeting
Indian PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday urged Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa to convene an all-party meeting to exert pressure on the Centre to bring out a resolution in the UNHRC, seeking international probe into the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, the Times of India news agency reported. MORE...
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..
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..
Anura wants answers on Avant Garde issue
JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised concerns about the legality of the decision by the former Defence Secretary to transfer the powers to the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd to maintain a commercial floating armoury. MORE...
Three more politicians from the UNP, UPFA and JVP sworn-in as Parliamentarians before the Speaker this morning (22). MORE...
Gazette on Ministry functions today
Gazzette notification of all ministries and their functions will be published today, the Government Printer said. MORE...
India will expect a larger reward: Gammanpila
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya General Secretary and Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila opposed the new proposal to build a $5.19 billion road project to connect India and Sri Lanka through a sea-bridge. MORE...
Sri Lanka declares a ‘Maritime and Naval Week’
The Government declared the period between September 21 to 27 as the week of maritime and naval activities in Sri Lanka, the Government Information Department announced today.
Several UPFA MPs to meet Speaker today
Several MPs of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will have a discussion with the Speaker today (21), a source says. MORE...
China seeks to rebuild Silk Road trade links
China is increasingly engaging other countries for its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative to rebuild the historic Silk Road which begins in Fuzhou, China and goes via Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and East Africa to build trade links with Europe, Asia and Africa. MORE...
Democratic Party founder and former SLA Commander Sarath Fonseka, offered himself to face a domestic court of law on allegations against military operations during the Eelam War. MORE...
UN group on missing to visit Sri Lanka in November
The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances will visit Sri Lanka from from November 9 to 18. The announcement was made at the UN Human Rights Council which is meeting for its 30th session in Geneva. MORE...
German foreign minister to arrive on Tuesday
Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to arrive in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (22) for an official visit, the foreign ministry said. MORE..
Sri Lanka has given approval for SAARC satellite project
Sri Lanka has given its approval for SAARC satellite project, one of the mandatory requirements for ITU registration before the launch even as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) waits for nod from other countries. MORE..
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..
MP Udayashantha Gunasekara hospitalised
UPFA MP Padma Udayashantha Gunasekara has been hospitalized due to a sudden illness while participating in a protest in the Monaragala area today. MORE..
Cop dies from heart attack during Divulapitiya protest
A police officer attached to the intelligence unit has passed away after he suffered a heart attack during a protest held in Divulapitiya this morning demanding the arrest of suspects in the recent murder of 5-year-old girl Seya Sadewmi. MORE..
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..
TN assembly for international probe on Sri Lanka
A day after India and Sri Lanka decided to renew efforts to address the vexed ethnic issue in the island nation, Tamil Nadu today stepped up pressure on the Modi government for an international probe against alleged human rights violations and war crimes committed in 2009 in Northern Sri Lanka. MORE..
Army appoints committee to probe SERRIC allegations
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has appointed a three-member committee to look into the allegations over the SERRIC Center in Narahenpita while the Military Police have been instructed to conduct an investigation simultaneously. MORE..
Swire extends UK support to Sri Lanka
The United Kingdom stands ready to help Sri Lanka in any way possible to deliver the credible processes and mechanisms it has promised, British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth office, Hugo Swire, said today (14). MORE...
New Provincial Council Ministers sworn-in
New Ministers of the North Western Provincial Council took oath before President Maithripala Sirisena today (14). MORE...
Body of missing 5-year-old girl found
The Police today (13) discovered the body of the 5-year-old girl who went missing from her home at Kotadeniyawa in Divulapitiya. A search operation was launched after a complaint was received by police stating that the 5-year-old girl had gone missing from her home, on Saturday. MORE...
UN probe report handed over to govt
The UN probe report on alleged war crimes committed during the final phase of Sri Lankan military’s battle against the LTTE has been handed over to the government. MORE..
5-year-old girl reported missing
A complaint has been received by police that a 5-year-old girl has gone missing from her home at Kotadeniyawa in Divulapitiya. MORE..
Ariyaratne, Radhika, Aziz nominated to CC
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy and Shibly Aziz nominated as Civil Society representatives to the Constitutional Council. MORE...
Two more Deputy Ministers appointed
Two more Deputy Ministers have been sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday. MORE..
AG claims witness intimidation in Thajudeen case
The Attorney General today informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate regarding the alleged intimidation of witnesses in the murder case of former Sri Lankan Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen. MORE..
Our government is stable: President
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (09) asserted not to expect a Government change till 2020. MORE...
Sri Lankan man jailed for killing disabled friend
A Sri Lankan man has been jailed by a British court for killing his housebound friend by punching him in the head when he was in bed. MORE..
New State and Deputy Ministers sworn in
(UPDATED) The swearing in ceremony of State and Deputy Ministers of the National Government commenced a short while ago at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. MORE..
Tax on imported sugar, potatoes revised
The special commodity levy imposed on imported sugar has been increased by Rs 12 per kilogram while the levy on potatoes has been increased by Rs 10 per kilogram, the Finance Ministry said. MORE..
President, PM appoint their nominees to the CC
The Prime Minister and the President on Wednesday (09) appointed their nominees to the Constitutional Council. Accordingly, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Wijedasa Rajapakse have been appointed to the CC respectively. MORE...
Three new Cabinet Ministers sworn in
Three new Cabinet Ministers were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena short while ago, the Presidential Media Division said. MORE..
44 Ministerial Secretaries appointed
The appointing of 44 Secretaries for the new Ministries took place today at the Presidential Secretariat with the participation of Secretary to the President P.B. Abeykoon. MORE..
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..
HRC’s sitting on Sri Lanka fixed on Sept 30
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A report on alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the Eelam War is likely to be presented on September 30 during the 30th session of the United Human Rights Council. MORE...
No decision to dissolve Bribery Commission: PMU
A decision has not been taken to dissolve the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, the President’s Media Unit says. MORE...
Magisterial inquiry into floating armory case terminated
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The Magisterial inquiry with respect to the floating armory of the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd has been terminated after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) apprised the Court that it would not proceed with the case under AG’s advice. MORE...
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...
‘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..
Sampanthan as Opposition Leader gives hope - DMK
DMK President M Karunanidhi today welcomed the appointment of Tamil National Alliance leader R Sampanthan as the Leader of Opposition in Sri Lankan Parliament, saying it has given hope for the Tamils in the island nation. MORE..
Committee to decide on heads for public institutions - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today stated that a “common committee” will be appointed by himself and the Prime Minister to ensure that the most suitable individuals are selected for the top posts in government institutions. MORE..
(UPDATED) The swearing in ceremony of the new Cabinet of the National Government commenced at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. MORE..
Anura proposed for the post of Chief Opposition Whip
The name of JVP Leader and Colombo District MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been proposed for the post of Chief Opposition Whip, a source said. MORE..
Culture of excessive number of ministers must end - Sampanthan
Sri Lanka’s new Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan today said that while a national government in the present context in the country may be a national need, it would have been better if the two parties would have been able to come together without an increase in the number of ministries. MORE..
Sampanthan appointed Opposition Leader
TNA parliamentary group leader and Trincomalee District MP R. Sampanthan has been appointed as the Opposition Leader of the 8th Parliament. MORE..
My journey is slow, but no turning back – President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the time has come to subject the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to complete reorganization and to build it under a fresh image. MORE..
Two in hospital after acid attack
A woman traveling in a car and the driver of the vehicle have been hospitalised following an acid attack on the Panamura road in Embilipitiya. MORE..
Mano wants Sambandan as opposition leader
The post of Leader of the Opposition should be given to TNA leader R. Sambandan, Democratic People’s Front (DPF) leader Mano Ganesan says. MORE...
No justifiable reasons to arrest Tiran Alles: SC determines
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (2) determined that no justifiable reasons to arrest former MP Tiran Alles; cannot be arrested until final determination of the Fundamental Rights petition filed by him. MORE...
SLFP celebrates 64th anniversary today
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will hold its 64th Anniversary commemoration in Polonnaruwa today under the patronage of party leader President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Push Sri Lanka not to arrest fishermen - Jayalalithaa
Bringing to the notice of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet another incident of arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Lankan Navy, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday urged him to take immediate steps to release the 16 fishermen and their boats. MORE..
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...
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...
Dr. Thenuwara appointed new President of FUTA
Dr. Chandragupta Thenuwara, of University of Peradeniya has been appointed as the new President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA). MORE...
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...
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..
ITAK wants Opposition Leader post
The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) today said that the party’s Parliamentary Group Leader must thus be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with Parliamentary practice and convention as they have now emerged as the largest political party in Opposition in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. MORE..
Police launch probe into fake postage stamps
Police today said that a special investigation has been launched regarding the counterfeit postage stamps found in more than 500 envelops at the Nittambuwa post office. MORE..
Samarasinghe admits failure to implement 2009 resolution
President Maithripala Sirisena took the initiative to revive Sri Lanka’s connections with countries that had distanced itself from the island nation and he managed to win the trust of the world’s most powerful countries within a short span, says Mahinda Samarasinghe. MORE..
Dates set for Wele Sudha’s case
The Colombo High Court on Thursday (27) set dates for the trial of Samantha Kumara Vithanage alias Wele Sudha, his wife and a cousin brother over a drug related case, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE...
Petitions against Rajapaksa, Mahendran and Cabraal withdrawn
The petitions filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Governor of the Central Bank Arjuna Mahendran and former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal have been withdrawn.
Court lifts travel ban on Gotabaya Rajapaksa
The Galle Magistrate on Thursday (27) lifted the foreign travel ban imposed on former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa over allegations he used a commercial floating armoury. MORE...
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..
FR petition filed challenging UFPA National List
A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed today by a member of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) challenging the UFPA National List, which includes several candidates who were defeated at the general election. MORE..
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...
Missing Persons Commission holds public sittings in Batticaloa
The Presidential Commission to Investigate into Complaints Regarding Missing Persons held Public Sittings in the Batticaloa Distinct today. The Public Sittings will be held in the Kaluwanchikudy Divisional Secretariat tomorrow as well, an official said. 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...
President’s Coordinating Secretary appointed as Municipal Councillor
President’s Coordinating Secretary, Attorney at Law Rajika kodithuwakku sworn in as a member of Municipal Council, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, before President Maithripala Sirisena today (Aug. 22). MORE...
T.B. Ekanayake too sacked from UPFA ExCo
MP-elect T.B. Ekanayake says that he been removed from the UPFA Executive Committee and that he has received respective letter. MORE...
UN chief urges Ranil to seize opportunity
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election and commended his message of good governance and national unity. 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 for National Govt; CBK to head MOU committee
(Audio) The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed a committee to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for the forming of a National Government with the United National Party (UNP). 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...
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.
US commends commitment to democracy
The United States has commended Sri Lanka’s commitment to democracy and rule of law as displayed by the peaceful parliamentary elections. 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...
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..
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..
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..
Sri Lanka going through transition phase - Murali
Blaming their woeful performance to the ‘transition phase’, Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan on Thursday said it is advantage India in the ongoing series and they would take couple of years to rebuild the team. 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..
Sri Lanka’s Dance with the Devil of Universal Internet Access
Who today is against Internet access and digital connectivity? These are ideas and technical buzzwords that resonate across the political spectrum; politically-neutral words that are capable of uniting Left and Right and are consequently easily adopted by both the establishment and its opposition. MORE..
MR contesting polls to avoid consequences for past actions - UNP
The United National Party (UNP) claims that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is contesting the parliamentary election in an attempt to avoid “serious consequences” for his past actions and that he is seeking protection from ongoing investigations. MORE..
Eksath Senaratna case: parents withdraw petition
The petitioner, who accused Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratna’s son of abducting his underage daughter, has withdrawn the petition he had filed at the Colombo High Court, Ada Derana Court reporter said. MORE...
Sri Lankan man found not guilty of raping S. Korean student
An appeals court on Tuesday found a Sri Lankan man accused of raping a South Korean college student not guilty, citing a lack of evidence. MORE..
Sri Lanka softens stance on China-backed port project
Sri Lanka is offering a compromise that could allow a major Chinese-backed real estate project to restart after months of delays, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told Reuters on Monday. 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...
SC wants intelligence report on Mahinda’s security
The Supreme Court on Monday (10) directed the Attorney General’s Department to obtain an intelligence report to reveal on which basis security has been provided to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 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...
UNP vows to combat violence against women
Under a new government, the United National Party (UNP) will appoint two commissions to combat violence against women, the Prime Minister said. MORE...
Police to enforce speed limit on 72 roads
The Police Department today announced that cases will be filed against motorists violating the speed limits on 72 main roads in the country with speed limit signs, with effect from Tuesday (August 11). 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..
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..
Retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka: Jayalalithaa tells Modi
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect the fishing rights of Indian fishermen and to retrieve the Katchatheevu islet from Sri Lanka. MORE..
Three PSD officers involved in Thajudeen’s murder, says Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne on Thursday (06) charged that three officials attached to the Presidential Security Division (PSD) have allegedly involved in the murder of former Sri Lankan Rugby player, Wasim Thajudeen, who had died under suspicious circumstances. 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..
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...
Dilan Perera should tender public apology - P. Harrison
Minister P. Harrison says that former UPFA Parliamentarian Dilan Perera should tender a public apology to the entire body of Maha Sangha for insulting and treating them with contempt. MORE..
Deputy Justice Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe says that it is wrong to ask a person to consume poison and that it is also wrong to attempt to make someone drink poison. MORE..
Mahinda is suffering from Amnesia – Ajith P. Perera
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s only political slogan is based on racism, communalism and religious extremism, says the United National Party (UNP). 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...
Litro sends letter of demand to Bandula
The Litro Gas Lanka Ltd sent a letter of demand to former Minister Bandula Gunawardena demanding Rs. 1 billion in damage over several remarks made against it. MORE...
Will not allow anyone to tear the country into pieces, says Mahinda
It is yet a secret that what types of pacts have been signed between the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the United National Party (UNP), former President Mahinda Rajapaksa claims. 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...
The Dambulla police on Sunday (3) arrested Central Provincial Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon over an alleged assaulting incident. MORE...
I’m ready to sacrifice my life to save Ranil, says Sajith
“I’m even ready to sacrifice my life in a bid to save the Prime Minister in any situation,” Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), Sajith Premadasa, said. MORE...
UPDATE: One dead, 4 injured after van runs over Duminda’s supporters
One person died while another 4 were wounded, 2 critically, when a van driven by a police officer ran over a group of political party supporters in Rambewa, Anuradhapura. 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..
UPFA calls for immediate probe into Bloemendhal shooting
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UFPA) today expressed shock and disbelief over the tragic shooting incident at Bloemendhal Road in Colombo, which claimed the life of a UNP supporter and wounded at least another dozen. MORE..
UPFA candidate’s cards distributed with ‘Pirith’ books at temple
Nawagattegama Police have arrested four persons who were allegedly distributing cards of UPFA candidate Neomal Perera along with Pirith Poth or sacred books of protective chants at a temple today (July 31) - Adhi Esala Full Moon Poya Day. 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..
Shots fired at Ravi’s supporters; 1 dead and 11 injured
(UPDATE) One person has been confirmed dead while at least 13 supporters of UNP Colombo District candidate Ravi Karunanayake have been hospitalised with injuries following a shooting incident at Bloemendhal Road, Colombo. MORE..
Bribery Commission did not probe any serious allegations – Rajitha
New commissioners will be appointed to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption after August 18, says Cabinet Spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne. MORE...
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (30) appointed a High Commissioner and two new Ambassadors, the President’s Media Unit said. MORE...
PS chairman arrested over ‘distorted’ flag at UPFA rally
The Chairman of the Yatunuwara Pradeshiya Sabha and UPFA Kandy District candidate, Thusitha Kumara Welagedara, has been arrested on charges of hoisting a distorted national flag at a recent election rally. MORE..
Chamath Palihapitiya helped Sri Lanka get Google’s Internet balloons
The entire island country of Sri Lanka could soon get free Internet beamed down from Google Loon balloons, and it might not have happened without one of the co-owners of the Golden State Warriors. MORE..
Nalaka Thero reveals Champika’s alleged plan
In a bid to fulfill the demands of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a pact has been signed between the United National Party (UNP) and Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, Convener of the National Joint Committee, Gunadasa Amarasekara said. MORE...
Strike at the Colombo National Hospital today
The paramedic staff at the Colombo National Hospitals on Wednesday (29) resorted to a strike action in protest over several demands. MORE...
Litro Gas denies Bandula’s allegations
The Litro Gas Lanka Ltd on Wednesday (29) denied allegations that the government has signed a MoU with Shell Gas Ltd to purchase Gas at US D 105 per MT, contrary to international tender procedures. MORE...
Minister prohibits use of SLTB buses for election campaigning
The Ministry of Internal Transport has issued a directive to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) not to grant permission for the political parties to use its properties for election campaign purposes. MORE...
President cancels SLFP memberships of four including Rajitha, Hirunika
The President has ordered to cancel the SLFP memberships of Rajitha Senaratne, S.B. Navinna, M.K.D.S. Gunawardene, Arjuna Ranatunga and Hirunika Premachandra, the President’s Media Unit said in a statement today (28). MORE...
Ranjan Ramanayake to be charged of contempt of court?
Kotte Deputy Mayor Madura Vithanage on Monday (27) handed over a letter to the Supreme Court seeking contempt of court charges against Deputy Minister, Ranjan Ramanayake, for allegedly making defamatory remarks on the judiciary and lawyers. 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..
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.
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..
Street sweeper stumbles upon grenade and ammunition
A live hand grenade and 20 bullets have been discovered in the roadside at Jaya Mawatha in Pallama, Puttalam. MORE..
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..
Jayasuriya briefed on Pakistan’s telecom sector
Deputy Minister Provisional Councils and Regional Development Sanath Jayasuriya visited Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters in Islamabad. MORE..
Army says it has only ‘limited’ role in north
The Sri Lankan Army has maintained that its involvement in the Northern Province is limited “only to demining, construction works and infrastructure development in connection with the resettlement of people.” 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..
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..
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..
The United National Front for Good Governance, a coalition led by the UNP, today released its election manifesto titled “A New Country in 60 Months: Five Point Plan,” underlining the policy of the party for the next five years. Click to Read...
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..
No pressure from India on Port City project - govt
The Sri Lankan government has denied reports that the Indian government is exerting pressure on it to stall the $1.4 billion Colombo Port City Project. MORE..
What happened to MR in Akuressa?
The government is attempting to gain political mileage from the incident which transpired after Mahinda Rajapaksa was caught in the grasp of a supporter while traversing through a gathering of supporters at a rally in Akuressa, says the former President’s Media Coordinator, Rohan Weliwita. MORE..
Govt declares first ‘white van’ arrest a victory for the people
Minister of Home Affairs, Joseph Michael Perera, today said that the recent arrest of three army personnel in possession of a firearm in a white vehicle has finally provided authorities with a much-needed lead to investigate the controversial ‘white van’ culture which had prevailed in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Gotabaya claims white van in Mirihana belonged to LTTE
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the country’s security is the foundation for development and reconciliation and that unfortunately the current leaders of Sri Lanka have given a low priority for security. MORE..
UPFA claims ‘white van’ threat to Mahinda, Gotabaya
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) claims that the recent arrest of three army personnel in a white-coloured van in Mirihana, can be considered as a threat to the security of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. MORE..
Military Police investigates Mirihana incident: DM
The Military Police have launched an investigation in connection with the three army personnel who were arrested by the police while traveling in a white-coloured van with fake number plates in Mirihana, the Defence Ministry said in a statement today (21). 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...
Students among 29 injured after bus topples
At least 29 passengers including several school children were wounded after a bus toppled in the Dulpitiya area on the Hemmathagama-Dikpitiya road this morning. 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...
Desperate Brits buy organs through Sri Lankan ‘fixers’
Terminally ill British citizens are buying organs over Facebook from ‘fixers’ in Sri Lanka, who organize transplantations for as little as $75,000, a trade that has come to be known as ‘transplant tourism.’ MORE...
No poll ticket for Rajiv attacker: BJP
The radical Sinhalese-Buddhist party, the Bodu Jana Permuna (BJP), has refused to give an election ticket to Wijemuni Vijitha Rohana de Silva, who had hit Rajiv Gandhi with his rifle butt when the then Indian Prime Minister. 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...
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..
Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated tomorrow
Muslims in Sri Lanka will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr tomorrow (July 18) as the new moon has been sighted today, marking the conclusion of the month of Ramadan, the Colombo Grand Mosque said. MORE..
India wanted Sri Lanka to stop Colombo Port City – Gotabaya
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that India’s National Security Advisor had requested the former Sri Lankan government to stop the Chinese-funded Colombo Port City project as it would pose a threat to that country’s security. MORE..
Cops put the brakes on UPFA candidate’s vehicle parade
The vehicle parade of a certain UPFA Colombo District candidate and his supporters, engaged in election campaigning, was dispersed following the intervention of the police. 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..
Request has been made to sack five SLFPers, says Thilanga
A request has been made to the Central Committee (CC) of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to sack five party members who defected from the SLFP and scheduled to contest under the United National Front (UNF) at the forthcoming election, SLFP Media Coordinator Thilanga Sumathipala said. MORE...
Enjoining order issued against convening SLFP’s CC
The Colombo District Court on Wednesday (15) issued an enjoining order against convening of the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), without a prior permission from the President. 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...
I was against giving nominations to MR, says the President
I was of the view that nominations should not be given to the former President to contest under the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket at the forthcoming General Election, President Maithripala Sirisena said today (14). 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...
UPFA and UNP Colombo District nominations announced
The nominations lists (Colombo) of the United National Party (UNP) and the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have been announced for the forthcoming General Election. MORE...
MoU of ‘Good Governance’ alliance signed
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the formation of the “United National Front for Good Governance,” which is to contest the upcoming General Election under the UNP’s “Elephant” symbol, was signed at the Temple Trees, today (12). MORE...
Reginald, Amunugama opt out of electoral contest; Sudarshani to go with UPFA
Former MP Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle says that she will not contest the forthcoming General Election from any party other than the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE..
Hirunika to contest under ‘elephant’ symbol
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Hirunika Premachandra has reportedly signed nominations to contest the upcoming parliamentary election from the United National Front for Good Governance, the UNP-led political alliance. MORE..
Four members of same family arrested over Wellapalla murder
Four individuals from the same family, including two women, have been arrested in connection with a murder which had taken place in Wellapalla, Pannala-Muthugalayagama. MORE..
MoU of ‘Good Governance’ alliance to be inked tomorrow
The singing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the formation of the “United National Front for Good Governance,” which is to contest the upcoming General Election under the UNP’s “Elephant” symbol, is to take place on Sunday (12). 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..
Rajitha confirms new alliance with UNP
Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine Dr Rajitha Senaratna today said that they will not reverse the promise made to the public at the recent Presidential Election, to establish good governance within the country. MORE..
UNP approves United National Front for Good Governance
The United National Party (UNP) today approved the forming of the new alliance “United National Front for Good Governance” to contest the forthcoming General Election under ‘Elephant’ symbol. 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..
A group of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members including several Ministers are preparing to contest the upcoming General Election separately and not from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), political 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..
No final decision on nominations yet, says Rajitha
A final decision has not been taken by the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) on whom to give nominations at the forthcoming election, Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne said. 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..
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..
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..
Sri Lankan prostitution suspect escapes while police go for dinner
A Sri Lankan woman, wanted for allegedly soliciting for prostitution, escaped from police custody while being treated at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. MORE..
Rajapaksa denies Rs 9.4 million ‘family breakfast’
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rejected as “exaggerated allegations” made by the United National Party (UNP) regarding the spending of a sum exceeding Rs 9.4 million for a “Rajapaksa family breakfast.” 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..
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..
Murder in Nivithigala: First casualty of election?
A 38-year-old man who was critically wounded following an attack with sharp objects by an unknown group of individuals while he was riding a motorcycle in Nivithigala-Ratnapura, has succumbed to injuries after being admitted to hospital. MORE..
UN closes down humanitarian office in Sri Lanka
The United Nations is downsizing its humanitarian staff in some Asian countries where governments have stepped up with funds and manpower after a decade of massive floods, storms and earthquakes. 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..
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..
US wants to build lasting peace and fellowship in Sri Lanka
The United States wants to build a lasting peace and fellowship among Sri Lanka’s various religious and ethnic groups, President Barack Obama’s ambassadorial nominee for Sri Lanka told lawmakers today. MORE...
No decision to withdraw army camps from north, east, says PM
(VIDEO) The Sri Lankan Government has not made any decision to withdraw military camps from war-torn north and east provinces of the country, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament today. MORE...
Mahinda Rajapaksa has not asked for a helicopter – Weliwita
Reports that the government has provided a helicopter for the use of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa are completely untrue, according to latter’s Media Coordinator, Rohan Weliwita. MORE..
No discussion over road, rail link with India - Govt
The Sri Lankan government says that India had not held any discussions with Sri Lanka over establishing a road and rail link connecting the two countries across the Palk Strait. MORE..
56 garment factory workers hospitalised
At least 56 workers at a garment factory in the Katunayake Investment Promotion Zone were hospitalised today with symptoms of food poisoning. 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..
Special commodity levy on Dhal reduced, oils increased
The special commodity levy on imported Dhal has been reduced from Rs 5 to 25 cents per Kg while levy on oils - except coconut oil - has been increased from Rs 90 to 110 per kg from today.
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..
Petitions against FCID and Sajith postponed
The Court of Appeals today postponed considering the petition filed against the Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID), until July 07. 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..
US commends fight against corruption in Lanka
The US called on Sri Lanka to “continue on its path of ensuring accountability and reconciliation” in a statement delivered to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. In an opening statement delivered on Monday, the US said “we commend the people of Sri Lanka for restoring democratic institutions and combatting corruption”. MORE...
A Buddhist monk has committed suicide by self-immolation in a forest area at the Madunagala Hermitage. MORE..
Cabinet approves 20A with 237 parliamentary seats
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers today approved the 20th amendment to the constitution increasing the number of seats in Parliament to 237 from 225. MORE..
Women for Justice blame Sobitha Thero
A woman’s group says that Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, chief incumbent of the Kotte Naga Vihara, should be held accountable for the current predicament which has befallen the country. 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..
MPs who failed A/L questioning CC nominees’ qualifications - CaFFE
A number of MPs have used the debate on the composition of the Constitution Council (CC) and the appointment of civil members to the CC to derail the progress made by the 19th amendment to the constitution, a Sri Lankan election watchdog said. MORE..
Minority parties didn’t raise their voices properly - Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratna says that a final decision will be reached regarding the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, introducing electoral reforms, at the special cabinet meeting to be held on Friday (12). 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...
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..
PM orders halt to forceful evictions, land acquisitions in Colombo
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to immediately stop land acquisition activities “in the guise of development” in the Colombo District and to stop forceful evictions and acquisitions. 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..
Special commodity levy on potatoes, big onions slashed
The Ministry of Finance announced that the special commodity levy imposed on imported Potatoes and Big onions has been reduced with effect from midnight today (05). 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..
Parliament adjourned amidst CC stand-off
The Speaker today decided to adjourn Parliament until next Tuesday (June 09), despite its failure to reach a final decision with regard to the appointing of three civil society representatives to the Constitutional Council. 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...
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..
Govt does not have will to help Tamils - Wigneswaran
Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, C.V. Wigneswaran, has accused the country’s Central government of not “having the will” to help Tamils or minorities. MORE..
38-year-old man shot dead in Bingiriya
A 38-year-old man has been gunned down and murdered near the Bingiriya weekly market today, police said. MORE..
SLFP Parliamentarians Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Chandrasiri Sooriyaarachchi, Hemal Gunasekara and Pandu Bandaranayake have received ministerial portfolios. MORE..
Sri Lanka reluctant to demilitarise - report
Notwithstanding the four-month-old Sirisena government’s repeated assertions of attaching priority to ethnic reconciliation in the country, the regime has been found to be “reluctant” in demilitiarising the Northern and Eastern Provinces, where Tamils live in large numbers, according to a study of Oakland Institute, a U.S.-based policy think tank.
I don’t think Mahinda is mentally retarded- says Rajitha
Mahinda Rajapaksa will lose his privileges as a former President, if he contests at the next general election, Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne affirmed. MORE...
Three suspects in Kotakethana double murder acquitted
The Colombo High Court today acquitted the three suspects accused in the 2012 murder of a mother and daughter in Kotakethana, Kahawatta. MORE..
Lankan kidnapped in Nigeria released
The Sri Lankan engineer, D A Karunadasa, who was abducted in Nigeria for ransom, has been released by his abductors, Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith P Perera said. 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..
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..
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..
We don’t know who to believe now – Rajapaksa
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that certain members of the government who had accused him of corruption in the constructing of the Colombo Port City project, during the Presidential Election, are now saying no such thing has taken place. 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..
Sri Lanka condemns suicide attack on Saudi mosque
Sri Lanka has condemned Friday’s suicide attack on a mosque in Saudi Arabia that left at least 21 people dead and more than 100 injured. 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..
Post-war systemic breakdown blamed for Jaffna violence
Dr. Daya Somasundaram, Professor of Psychiatry at Jaffna University, blames the breakdown of traditional social and administrative structures for the gang rape and murder of 18 year old school girl, S. Vithya, at Pungudithivu on May 13, and the mayhem that engulfed Sri Lanka’s Northern Province subsequently. MORE..
Court bans protests in Jaffna Town
The Jaffna Magistrate Court has issued a stay order banning all types of protests in Jaffna Town, Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara 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..
130 arrested over Jaffna violence remanded
The 130 persons arrested for unlawful protest, damaging public property and assaulting police officers near the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court have been ordered remanded. MORE..
Court refuses to grant interim order against Harin
The Court of Appeals today refused to grant an interim order to suspend Harin Fernando from discharging his duties as the Chief Minister of the Uva Province. MORE..
Several Ministers to resign today
Several ministers of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) are set to resign from their respective portfolios today. MORE..
Tense situation erupts near Jaffna Court
Police today used tear gas to disperse protesters who were behaving violently near Jaffna Court over a rape and murder of a girl in Kayts, the police said. 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...
Tense situation during protest near Hambantota Port
A tense situation was reported during a protest near the Hambantota Port this morning, when a police jeep collided with one of the protesters. MORE..
ITJP seeks info about 110 surrendered Tamil Tigers
The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) Sri Lanka, headed by South African rights activist Yasmin Sooka, has asked the Sri Lankan government to give information about the whereabouts of 110 LTTE leaders who had surrendered to the Lankan military in full public view on May 18, 2009. 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..
The UN at 70: A 60-Year Journey with Sri Lanka
The year 2015 marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s relationship with the United Nations. It is the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and also the 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s entry into the U.N. system. 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..
Majority of Sri Lankan refugees not willing to return - Swaminathan
Only 35 per cent of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in Tamil Nadu are willing to come back, D.M. Swaminathan, Minister for Resettlement, Reconstruction and Hindu Religious Affairs, said on Friday. 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..
Three nabbed over kidnap, rape and murder of student
Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping, rape and murder of an 18-year-old student, who was on her way to school Wednesday morning in Punkudithivu, Jaffna. MORE..
Mathews stays as Test, ODI skipper
Angelo Mathews has been reappointed captain of the Sri Lankan Test and One-Day International teams, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Thursday (May 14). The national selectors have also retained Lasith Malinga as the captain for Twenty20 Internationals. MORE..
I was offered bribe to cover up ‘Avant-Garde’ issue – Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Rajitha Senaratne claims that he was offered a bribe of Rs 20 million per month in order to cover up the ‘Avant-Garde’ issue. MORE..
Heavy rain fall expected in parts of the country
The Department of Meteorology says that under the influence of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the possibility for rain and lightning activities over the country still persists. 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..
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..
SC judge steps down from bench hearing Gota’s FR
Supreme Court Judge Buwaneka Aluwihare says that he will withdraw from the bench considering the fundamental rights (FR) petition filed by former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. MORE..
Lalith Weeratunga questioned over RADA
Former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga is currently giving a statement at the special investigations unit regarding alleged financial fraud at the Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA), police said. 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...
SLC election in January 2016 - Sports Minister
The elections for the Sri Lanka Cricket Board will be held prior to January 2016, says Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake. 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..
FCID questions Avant-Garde chairman
The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today recorded a statement from the Chairman of Avant-Garde Security Services, Major (rtd) Nissanka Senadhipathi. 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..
(UPDATE) UPFA Western Provincial Councilor Nauzer Fowzie, who was arrested by the CCD for allegedly threatening a businessman at gunpoint, has been released on bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court. 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..
19A has failed to address what it promised, says Attanayake
(Exclusive) The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which passed with a two third majority in the parliament, has failed to address what it promised to the people back in the January polls, former General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) and former Health Minister Tissa Attanayake said. MORE...
FCID postpones; Gotabaya at Bribery Commission
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was initially informed to be present at the FCID today has been asked to appear on May 20, his attorney told Ada Derana. He is currently at the Bribery Commission to give a statement. MORE...
UN group on missing to visit Sri Lanka in August
The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has confirmed that it will visit Sri Lanka from August 3 – 12. 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..
Ex-COO of RADA arrested for tsunami fund fraud
The former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Sri Lanka Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA), Saliya Wickramasuriya, has been arrested over alleged fraud in tsunami housing funds. MORE..
Term of LG bodies will not be extended – Rajitha
The term of the local government bodies that were extended until May 15 will not be further extended and would dissolve automatically, Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
BJP leaders discuss 13A with govt
A BJP team from Tamil Nadu on a Track II diplomatic mission has urged the Sri Lankan government to expedite democratic reforms under the 13th amendment to ensure devolution of powers to Tamil provinces and grant of equal rights to Tamils. MORE..
High Court suspends Salman Khan’s jail sentence
The Mumbai high court suspended on Friday actor Salman Khan’s jail term in the 2002 hit-and-run case, pending appeal, giving him temporary reprieve. MORE..
Lankan accused in hit-and-run pleads guilty
A Sri Lankan man, who is in New Zealand on a work permit, has admitted he struck a woman while driving a rental car and talking on a mobile phone, then fled the scene. MORE..
Ada Derana reliably learns that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been summoned to appear at the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on May 1. 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...
Sri Lanka’s Development Goals fall short on Gender Equality - report
When Rosy Senanayake, Sri Lanka’s minister of state for child affairs, addressed the U.N. Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in New York last month, she articulated both the successes and shortcomings of gender equality in a country which prided itself electing the world’s first female head of government... 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..
Probe launched into sale of liquor at Army Resort
Sri Lanka’s Military Police, acting on the directions of the Army Commander, has commence investigations regarding the alleged sale of liquor at the Wadduwa Army Holiday Resort, which is also known as Laya Beach Resort. 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..
FUTA condemns attack on former president
Condemning the Friday’s attack on Dr Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri and Dr Kumudu Kusum Kumara, the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations today said that the incident is a grim reminder of the political culture that people thought they had defeated on January 08. 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..
Dr Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri hospitalised following attack
Former FUTA president, Dr Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri, has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following an attack by a group of individuals in Kirulapana, police said. 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..
Child dead, 13 injured after truck hits tree
A child was killed and another 13 persons wounded after a small truck, carrying a group of pilgrims, veered off the road and collided with a tree in Konwewa, Thambuttegama. 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..
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..
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..
Two uni students arrested for damaging public property
Two university students arrested on charges of causing damage to public property during a protest opposite the UGC yesterday have been remanded until May 11, police said. MORE..
Myanmar releases 17 Sri Lankan fishermen on Presidential pardon
Seventeen Sri Lankan fishermen who were in custody in Myanmar on charges of breaching International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) have been released following a Presidential pardon. 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..
Sri Lanka economy grows 7.4% in 2014: CB Report
Sri Lanka’s economy grew by 7.4% (Agriculture 0.3%, Industry 11.4%, service 6.5%) last year, according to the Annual Report of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2014 which was launched today. 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...
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..
Death toll in Nepal may touch 10,000 - PM Koirala
The death toll in Nepal’s devastating earthquake may go up to 10,000, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Tuesday told the envoys of India, China and the US. 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..
AUDIO: Nepal earthquake kills atleast 449, triggers avalanches
(UPFATE) The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu says that so far there have been no reports of Sri Lankan nationals in Nepal being affected by the earthquake. MORE..
Eight injured after tree falls on two homes
At least 8 persons have been hospitalised due to injuries after a large tree collapsed on two houses at the Drayton Estate in Kotagala, Hatton. 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..
Woman murders husband with crowbar
A woman has allegedly murdered her husband in the Kibissa area in Sigiriya this morning. Police said that the victim was asleep at home when his wife attacked him with a hexagonal crowbar (Alawanguwa). 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..
Rathgama PS chairman’s murder: Another suspect surrenders
Another suspect wanted in connection with the murder of Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Manoj Pushpakumara Mendis was arrested after he surrendered to police. MORE..
Tense situation outside Bribery Commission as Gota arrives
A tense situation reported due to a protest opposite the Bribery Commission as former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been summoned to give a statement, the police said. MORE..
Court bans protests in front of Bribery Commission
The Colombo Chief Magistrate has issued an order banning protest in front of the Bribery Commission tomorrow (April 23), police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
ICC withholding funds will disrupt cricket in Sri Lanka - SLC
Sri Lanka`s cricket board Monday accused the world governing body of “gravely” disrupting the sport in the island by withholding its share of proceeds from World Cup tournaments. MORE...
Former President likely not moving to ‘Peacock’ bungalow
(UPDATE) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is likely not moving to a house which was offered to him by Sri Lanka Labour Party Leader A.S.P. Liyanage, Ada Derana learns. MORE...
Woman murdered at a leading school in Bambalapitiya?
The body of a woman has been found inside a store room at a leading school in Bambalapitiya, police 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...
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..
Govt vows to protect freedom of the Internet
The Sri Lankan government says that it has adopted several policy and institutional measures to combat internet crimes, whilst protecting the freedom of the Internet. MORE..
19A: Bar Association asks parties to set aside differences
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today called on all political parties in the country to set aside their political differences to act in the best interests of the nation and enact the ‘crucial’ measures proposed in the 19th Amendment. MORE..
SLTB-private bus race leaves 24 hospitalised
Around 24 persons were admitted to the Putalam Base Hospital following a collision involving two passenger transport buses in the Mampuriya area on the Puttalam-Kalpitiya road this morning. MORE..
Lankan charged over hit-and-run in New Zealand
A Sri Lankan man has allegedly hit a woman in the rental car he was driving then fled the scene in New Zealand, foreign media reported. 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..
No-confidence motion against Sarath Ekanayake
A motion of no-confidence has been handed over today against the Chief Minister of the Central Provincial Council (CPC), Sarath Ekanayake. 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..
ICC to seek explanation from Navin
The International Cricket Council (ICC) says that it will seek “a full and proper explanation” from the Sports Minister of Sri Lanka, Navin Dissanayake regarding the government’s recent intervention in Sri Lanka Cricket. MORE..
Somawansa resigns from JVP to form new party
Former Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Somawansa Amarasinghe today said that he will resign from the JVP and form a new party. MORE..
At least 37 passengers have been wounded and hospitalised after a bus toppled in the 2nd Mile Post area on the Passara-Madolsima road this afternoon. MORE..
World’s first self-powered video camera developed
The world’s first self-powered video camera that runs without a battery and can produce an image each second has been developed by researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist. 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..
Sri Lankan student’s film to premiere at Cannes Film Festival
Charmini Peli Kankanamalage is terrified she stole something from her child. MORE..
Rohitha Abeygunawardena sacked from SLFP central committee
Former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena has also been removed from the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). 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..
400 migrants die in shipwreck off Libya
About 400 migrants died in an attempt to reach Italy from Libya when their boat capsized, survivors said on Tuesday, the latest tragedy in the Mediterranean where the death toll from shipwrecks has surged this year. 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..
Two brothers intentionally run over after dispute
Two brothers were killed and another person critically wounded after they were intentionally run over by a lorry driver in the Kehelulla area in Padiyathalawa. MORE..
Future of Asia Cup in doubt as ACC faces shutdown: report
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could soon be dissolved or merged with the International Cricket Council (ICC), putting a question mark over the future of Asia Cup. 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..
US diplomat discusses human rights and accountability with Sri Lanka
A senior American diplomat has held discussion with Sri Lankan government officials on human rights and strengthening democracy, transparency, and accountability during his recent visit to the island nation. 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..
Indian held at BIA with gold worth Rs 17 million
An Indian national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake with gold worth around Rs 17 million. MORE..
SLFP appoints new members to Central Committee: sources
Replacing the sacked senior members, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) sources on Monday (13) announced its bid to appoint five new members to the party’s Central Committee. MORE...
Sacking of Central Committee members not unlawful: SLFP
The removal of four members from the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is not a violation of party’s constitution, a party source said. 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...
Maha Nayake Thero was an erudite and scholarly monk - PM
The passing away of Aggamaha Panditha Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Maha Nayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter is the most saddening news to us Sri Lankans, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated in a condolence message. MORE...
Several SLFP central committee members sacked
Several more UPFA Parliamentarians say they have been removed from the central committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE..
China, Sri Lanka hold drill to enhance anti-terror skills
China and Sri Lanka have held a joint drill at a comprehensive military training base in southern China to enhance their capabilities, specially in combating terror. MORE..
Bishops Conference condoles passing of Asgiriya Chief Prelate
The Catholic Bishops Conference has referred to the great service rendered by the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikāya (sect) who passed away last Wednesday. 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..
ITAK ‘entitled’ to post of Opposition Leader
Weighing in on the standoff over the Opposition Leader post, Sri Lanka’s main Tamil party today said that no MP elected from the UPFA or UNP can hold the position and that the ITAK is entitled to it, having the next highest number of representatives. MORE..
19A modifications to avoid referendum
Following the Sri Lankan Supreme Court’s ruling on the 19th Constitutional Amendment (19A) on Thursday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that appropriate changes will be made in the draft to avoid going for a referendum. Click to read what clauses will be removed...
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..
The police Special Investigation Unit on Thursday (9) recorded a statement from MP Tiran Alles over an alleged financial fraud, the police Spokesperson 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..
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...
Police catch more suspects in Rathgama PS chairman murder
The police on Wednesday (9) apprehended to more suspects in connection with the murder of Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Manoj Pushpakumara Mendis. 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..
Day of mourning declared for Chief Prelate of Asgiriya Chapter
A decision has been taken to declare the 12th of April, 2015 as a national day of mourning for the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikāya (sect). MORE..
Four dead, 1 injured after gem mine collapses
Four persons were killed and another person wounded due to the collapsing of an earth embankment at a gem mine in Gileemale, Ratnapura. MORE..
Speaker apprises Susil to nominate Opposition Leader
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has apprised the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Susil Premajayantha to have discussions with the party members and decide on who should be appointed as the Opposition Leader. 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..
Chief Prelate of Asgiriya Chapter passes away
The Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikāya (sect), Most Ven. Aggamahapanditha Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Rathanapala Mahanayake Thero, has passed away. MORE..
PM, CBK take crucial decisions now: Gammanpila
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary and Western Provincial Councillor Udaya Gammanpila on Tuesday (7) charged that those who assisted to form the new government take crucial decisions about the island nation, but not the President. 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...
Fresh tenders for Kalpitiya Islands
The Sri Lankan Government is planning to call for fresh tenders for 11 islands under the Kalpitiya development project. The islands according to the project are to be given on 30-99 year leases to the private sector. However, three out of 14 islands in Kalpitiya had been earlier given on lease to investors. MORE...