November 25, 2024 1:42 pm
Results: 487
13th Amendment back in the limelight in Sri Lanka
Even as Sri Lanka is preparing to come up with a new Constitution with devolution as one of the key issues, the 13th Amendment, which created provincial councils in the country, is again in the limelight. MORE...
I will save country from drug menace- President
President Maithripala Sirisena says he would save the country and the people from the drug menace, ignoring the income received by the government from the sale of drug and tobacco. MORE...
PM to leave for Switzerland tomorrow
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to leave Sri Lanka tomorrow for the World Economic Forum that will be held in Davos-klosters, Switzerland from January 20 to 23. MORE...
The Attorney General has instructed the Police to arrest Colombo District MP Hirunika Premachandra in connection with the abduction incident in Dematagoda. MORE..
PM vows to continue development projects
UPDATE: The new government has taken every possible effort to resolve issues with respect to allegations of human rights violations, the Prime Minister says. MORE...
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today arrived at the special Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating into large scale corruption and fraud to give a statement. MORE..
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.
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..
Police violated human rights of HNDA students – HRC determines
The Human Rights Commission in its report on the police assault on HNDA students holds that the police had violated the human rights of the HNDA students. The Commission hence recommends compensation to be paid to the students by police and disciplinary action taken against those responsible. 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...
No foreign naval bases on SL soil: PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Lanka will not allow other countries to set up naval bases in its territory. MORE...
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...
Ex-President arrives at PRECIFAC
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Special Presidential Commission to probe large scale corruption to give a statement a short while ago. MORE..
PRECIFAC to summon Mahinda tomorrow
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will again be summoned to the special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) tomorrow (20). MORE...
If contested alone, Rajapaksa should have won: Nalaka Thero
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa could have won the last General Election if he had contested independently, Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero says. MORE...
President should not lead parties at LG polls: Gammanpila
There is a strong demand within the parties that President Maithripala Sirisena should not lead the UPFA and the SLFP at forthcoming local government polls, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila says. more...
Global resolve in dealing firmly with terrorism needed: Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the recent terrorist attack in France has once again underscored the need for global resolve in dealing firmly with terrorism. MORE...
Sumanthiran calls for removal of Wigneswaran from TNA
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says that while a proposal has been made to ITAK calling for the removal of Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran from the TNA, it is not the opinion of the entire party. MORE..
Deepavali signifies a moment of light overcoming darkness: PM
Deepavali renews hope in our hearts towards the engagement of the human spirit in overcoming evil with the goodness that exist among mankind, the Prime Minister said in his Deepavali Message. MORE...
Tamil prisoners recommence hunger strike
Over 200 Tamil prisoners have yet again commenced their hunger strike in several prisons across the country to protest against being jailed for years without trial. Earlier, they ended the fast following an assurance from President Maithripala Sirisena that their grievances would be addressed. MORE...
President to closely monitor Avant Garde issue: Rajitha
President Maithripala Sirisena will closely monitor the investigations with respect to the Avant Garde Security Service issue, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne says. MORE...
JVP activist wins case against police
A JVP activist on Thursday (05) won a lawsuit against the police department who claimed his fundamental rights were breached with the police had arrested him on the charges of displaying a banner which contained a message criticising the former President during the last Presidential election. MORE...
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...
Actress and former MP Upeksha Swarnamali arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC), a short while ago on Thursday (29) morning. MORE...
No common amnesty for fasting Tamil prisoners: Mano
There will be no common amnesty for over 200 prisoners, mostly Tamils, who staged a hunger strike in jails throughout the country, the Sri Lankan government said today. MORE...
Govt. obliged to safeguard dignity and pride of tri-forces: President
When facing allegations of war crimes, the government will take it as an obligation to safeguard the dignity and the pride of the tri-forces, President Maithripala Sirisena says. MORE...
President Sirisena to strengthen Thai– Sri Lanka relations
President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an Official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from November 01 to 04, on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-o-Cha. MORE...
Mahinda speaks about the underground bunker at the President’s House
The US-sponsored resolution that was adopted at the recently concluded UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva includes several terms that could be a threat to the island nation, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says. MORE...
UNP Provincial Councilor Tissa Bandara arrested
UNP Central Provincial Councilor Tissa Bandara has been arrested for allegedly assaulting an individual at the Dambulla Economic Centre, the police say. MORE...
Paranagama report far worse than UN report – Rajitha
The government today said that the resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council on Sri Lanka would have been much more severe if the Paranagama report had been released before the session in Geneva. MORE..
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...
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...
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...
Court adds top army officials’ names as respondents in Eknaligoda case
The Court of Appeal has included the names of Army Commander and Army Intelligence Chief as respondents in connection with the disappearance case of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, Ada Derana reporter says. MORE...
Sri Lanka to allow Chinese submarines to visit, inform neighbours
Sri Lanka will allow future submarine visits by China provided they are not too frequent, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said underlining that the mistrust with India in the past could have been avoided if it had been kept in the picture about the dockings. MORE...
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...
Prime Minister to visit Singapore today
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Singapore today (15) on a two day official tour, the Government Information Department announced. MORE...
MR’s party responds to allegations
Summoning the former President before the Commission to Inquire into Serious Corruption over several matters is undoubtedly an attempt to convey to the public the impression that the former president had engaged in wrongdoing and to gain some political mileage thereby, the Media Secretary to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says. MORE...
Mahinda arrives at Special Prez Commission
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating serious acts of fraud a short while ago. MORE..
CID gets detention order to question Pillayan
The Colombo Chief Magistrate today (14) allowed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to detain former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan for questioning till November 04. MORE...
CID detains Pillayan for further questioning
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is interrogating former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan under a detention order, the police say. MORE...
ICC Probes Sri Lanka Official Over Match Fixing
The International Cricket Council has launched a probe into a top Sri Lankan official suspected of involvement in match-fixing, the sport’s local governing body said today. MORE...
Talks on with Tamil parties: Ranil
The Sri Lankan government has begun “informal discussions” with the Tamil National Alliance and other parties on a political solution to the ethnic conflict, according to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE...
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...
Sri Lanka again asks NTPC to shift power plant location: Report
Sri Lanka has reportedly asked India to change the location of a stalled US$500 million power project to be built by NTPC Ltd, the India Info Line news agency reported today. This is the second time that Sri Lanka has made the request for change of location for this project. The first was in 2007. MORE...
Japan promises PM infrastructure, maritime aid
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged aid to Sri Lanka on Tuesday in a meeting with his counterpart, Ranil Wickremsinghe, and reiterated a promise to help Sri Lanka bolster its maritime security and to provide patrol ships. MORE...
Kundasale PS chairman arrested over assault on principal
Chairman of the Kundasale Pradeshiya Sabha, Asela Ekanayake, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a school principal, the Police said. MORE...
Vigneswaran says he has faith on President Sirisena
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran says he has hope and confident that President Maithripala Sirisena will achieve peace and prosperity.
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.
US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka is not a victory: MR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that though the passage of the US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka in the UNHRC without a vote last Thursday is being hailed as a diplomatic victory for Sri Lanka, he is unable to share that view. MORE...
Prime Minister to address the Japanese Parliament tomorrow
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasingh who is on an official visit to Japan was received by Sri Lanka Ambassador in Japan Professor Dhammika Ganganath Dissanayake at the Kansai Airport. MORE...
Drug kingpin Mohammed Siddique further remanded
Drug kingpin Mohammed Siddique, had was arrested in Pakistan and later brought to Sri Lanka, was further remanded until October 16 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Prime Minister to visit Japan on Sunday
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Japan on Sunday (04) on a five day official tour on the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. MORE..
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...
Reforms to include 25% females to LG bodies - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that reforms will be introduced by the government to include 25 per cent females into local government authorities before the next LG election. MORE..
Maldives president unhurt in blast on his speed boat
An explosion hit a speed boat that Maldives President Abdulla Yameen was travelling in on Monday, but he was unhurt. MORE...
President assures sustainable development by 2030
President Maithripala Sirisena speaking at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015 assured that the Government of Sri Lanka anticipates achieving sustainable development by 2030. MORE...
India refloats plan for lanka port
With a friendlier government now at the helm in Colombo, India has revived its plan to develop a port in Sri Lanka, hoping to catch up with the Chinese, the New India Express news agency reported today. MORE...
Private bank robbed at Dharmapala Mw
Rs 5.5 million has been robbed from a private bank at Dharmapala Mw, Colombo by an individual who arrived on a motor bike, this morning (27), the police said. MORE...
Police seize unclaimed vehicle in Hanwella
A vehicle reportedly belonged to the President Secretary Office has been found while it was left abandoned near a factory in Jaltara area in Hanwella, the police say. MORE...
Wigneswaran welcomes UN proposal to set up hybrid court
The Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Tamil-dominated Northern Province has welcomed the UNHRC’s proposal to set up a hybrid court to probe the alleged war crimes during the last phase of the conflict with the LTTE, saying it is a dramatic step towards achieving reconciliation. MORE...
UN war crimes report soft pedals LTTE’s using human shield: G.L.
Former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof.G.L.Peiris has said that the report of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights on “war crimes” in Lanka has soft pedaled the LTTE’s using civilians as a human shield, when it is a war crime under international humanitarian law. MORE...
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...
MR urges Govt. to reject the report by the OHCHR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged the new Government to reject the report by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) on war crime allegations. MORE...
Gazette on Ministry functions today
Gazzette notification of all ministries and their functions will be published today, the Government Printer said. MORE...
Sri Lanka declares a ‘Maritime and Naval Week’
The Government declared the period between September 21 to 27 as the week of maritime and naval activities in Sri Lanka, the Government Information Department announced today.
Four more Provincial Councilors sworn-in
Filling the seats left vacant after the August general election, four more UPFA members of the Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils took oath as Councilors this morning (21). MORE...
$5.19 billion road project to begin by October
Keen on fostering ties with neighbours, India is set to engage in high-level talks with Sri Lanka by October for an ambitious $5.19 billion road project to connect both the nations through a sea-bridge and an underwater tunnel, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. MORE...
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..
No discussions on CEPA: says PM, President
The President and the Prime Minister have yet again assured that discussions on a trade agreement entitled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was not held during PM’s visit to India earlier this week. MORE..
Govt at risk of claims by Chinese port city project - document
Sri Lanka would be exposed to the risk of claims from the firm managing a suspended Chinese-backed real estate project if the government fails to obtain approvals needed by the project within 60 days, a government document showed on Thursday. MORE..
Sri Lanka promises justice after UN war crimes report
Sri Lanka promised to deliver justice after a United Nations human rights report called on Wednesday for a special court to be set up to prosecute war crimes committed during the nation’s 26-year civil conflict. MORE..
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..
PM Wickremasinghe meets Indian President
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan a short while ago. MORE...
OCH from Kaduwela to Kadawatha opens on Sept 17
The second stage of the Outer Circular Highway (OCH) from Kaduwela to Kadawatha will be opened for the public from 9.00pm on Thursday (September 17). MORE..
Brigadier who ordered Weliweriya shooting arrives amidst protest
The Sri Lankan military officer who allegedly ordered troops to open fire on protesters demanding clean water in the Rathupaswala area in Weliweriya two years back, was escorted out of the airport premises under tight security after he arrived in the island today. MORE..
Looking at power sharing and devolution within a unity state: PM
“We are looking at how power sharing and devolution take place within the Constitution, with in a unity state,” Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe says. MORE...
Modi must press for international probe: Ramadoss
Indian MP and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stress on his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe for an international judicial probe into the alleged war crimes in the island nation during the final stages of the civil war. MORE...
PM begins three-day visit to India
On the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe left for an official visit to India from September 14 to 16. MORE...
Australian prime minister ousted after party vote
Australia’s beleaguered prime minister has been ousted from his position by an internal government challenge, and the party’s former leader has been elected to replace him. MORE...
New Provincial Council Ministers sworn-in
New Ministers of the North Western Provincial Council took oath before President Maithripala Sirisena today (14). MORE...
Lankans adviced not to visit Lumbini until further notice
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal W.M. Seneviratne has appealed to Sri Lankans not to visit Lumbini, Nepal until further notice due to a wave of public protests in the country. MORE...
Ex-Principal gets 15 years RI for murdering mistress
A former school principal who was found guilty of shooting and killing his mistress in Habarana has been sentenced to 15 years rigorous imprisonment by the Anuradhapura High Court. MORE..
Bodies of couple found inside home in Gampaha
The severely decomposed bodies of a man and woman have been discovered inside a residence in the Galpotta area in Udugampola, Gampaha. MORE..
Our government is stable: President
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (09) asserted not to expect a Government change till 2020. MORE...
Acid attack on Ayurvedic Commissioner: Court summons accused
Three accused, who were indicted following the acid attack on the former Ayurvedic Commissioner of the North Central Province, have been summoned to appear in the Anuradhapura High Court on November 11. MORE...
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...
Two arrested for soliciting Rs. 1.5 million bribe to police
A brother-in-law of the former Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and another individual have been arrested after they attempted to offer a bribe of Rs. 1.5 million to the Sapugaskanda OIC, this morning (8), the police say. MORE...
Pradeep Nilanga Dela appointed Diyawadana Nilame
Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been appointed as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The election to elect the next Diyawadana Nilame was held today (8). Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been appointed with 205 votes in favour. MORE...
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..
Iran to expand ties with Sri Lanka
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for enhanced relations between Iran and Sri Lanka following a final nuclear agreement reached between Tehran and six world powers and the ensuing lifting of anti-Iran sanctions. MORE...
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...
UNP celebrates 69th anniversary today
The 69th anniversary of the United National Party (UNP) is currently being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe at the party headquarters in Sirikotha. MORE...
(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..
Don’t act like monkeys, says PM
The decision on the opposition leader post sparked uproar in parliament when Colombo district MP Wimal Weerawansa this morning (3) questioned the government on the validity of the new appointment. MORE...
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...
Sri Lanka civil society cries foul over journalist missing case
Attempts are being made to suppress an investigation in the missing of a prominent journalist in Sri Lanka ahead of the 2010 presidential polls while he was working for former Army chief Sarath Fonseka, civil society activists have claimed, the Press Trust of India reported. MORE...
President vows actions against those who misused state resources
Those who misused state resources will be brought before the law irrespective of party, President Maithripala Sirisena says. MORE...
UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament. His name was proposed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and seconded by former opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva. MORE...
Hamid Karzai arrives in Sri lanka
At the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena, Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan accompanied by a high powered delegation arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon (31). MORE...
President allows opposition to pick its leader
President Maithripala Sirisena has agreed to allow the opposition to propose a candidate for the Opposition Leader, former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says. MORE...
New Parliament convenes tomorrow
The first sitting of the Eighth Parliament will be held tomorrow (1) from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
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...
Cases against Anura Yapa and Susil withdrawn
The court cases filed against Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha have been withdrawn by Duminda Dissanayake and Prof. Vishwa Warnapala. MORE..
Eknaligoda disappearance: 4 army personnel held under detention orders
Approval has been granted for the detention and questioning of the four army personnel, arrested in connection with the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, under detention orders, military spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera said. MORE..
President emphasizes importance of coast conservation
President Maithripala Sirisena says that a special programme for coast conservation and preservation would be initiated in the near future. MORE..
Prof. Warnapala assumes duties as UPFA General Secretary
Professor Vishwa Warnapala today assumed duties as the new General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE..
Biswal meets President Sirisena
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (25) evening. She was accompanied by the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski. MORE...
Vacated PC seats to be filled after MPs take oath
The appointing of new Provincial Councillors to fill the seats left vacant by more than 50 Provincial Council members including 3 Chief Ministers who contested and won at the recent parliamentary elections, is scheduled to take place after the new Parliament is sworn in. MORE..
South Africa denies reports of Ramaphosa having talks in SL
The President’s Office of South Africa denied reports that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa of visiting Sri Lanka to have talks over the weekend (22) as alleged in the media reports. MORE...
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...
Nisha Biswal arrives in Sri Lanka
The United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (25). MORE...
India not capable of providing large investment and loans to SL?
China’s state media today said Sri Lanka should retain friendship with cash-rich China as India is “not capable of providing large investment and loans”, in the first commentary following the defeat of pro-Beijing Mahinda Rajapaksa in the recent parliamentary elections. MORE...
Petition seeks re-appointment of Yapa and Susil
A petition has been filed at the Colombo District Court requesting to revoke the previous enjoining order issued to prevent Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA. MORE...
Eknaligoda case: CID questions four more army personnel
(UPDATE) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is interrogating an Army Corporal, a Sergeant, and two Lieutenants, in connection with the mysterious disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, a police source said. MORE...
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...
No legal basis for international investigation within Sri Lanka; it has to be domestic - PM
There is no legal basis for international investigation within Sri Lanka; it has to be domestic, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said in an interview to the Hindu. The reason some of the people have been calling for international investigation is the loss of confidence in the judiciary, he added. MORE...
Nisha Biswal to arrive here next week
The United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal is due to arrive in Sri Lanka next week, the Government sources 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...
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...
Chinese premier congratulates new PM
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sent a congratulatory message to Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was sworn in as prime minister of Sri Lanka, the Xinhua news agency reproted.
EU lauds Sri Lanka’s genuine election
The European Union says the parliamentary elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17 were genuine, well administered and peaceful overall. MORE..
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.
Ranil to hold discussions to establish a national plan
Discussions will be held with the party leaders and the President to reach an agreement on current matters and future party leadership matters in a bid to create a national plan, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said. MORE...
I thank all, says the former President
(Exclusive) I would like to thank all UPFA and SLFP supporters, especially from Kurunegala and my hometown Hambantota, who extended their support at the yesterday’s General Election, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. MORE....
PM Modi congratulates Ranil Wickremesinghe on poll win
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up Ranil Wickremesinghe to congratulate him on his party’s victory in Sri Lankan parliamentary polls, and expressed confidence that the relations between the two countries will get better under his leadership. 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...
Preferential votes- General Election 2015
(UPDATE) Preferential votes- General Election 2015. View Preferential votes full list here. MORE...
No major incidents reported during polling – Elections Chief
Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya says that no major incidents have been reported during voting at the 2015 General Election today and that he expects votes would not have to declare null at any polling station. MORE..
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...
Ex-Yakkalamulla PS Vice Chairman arrested
The former Vice Chairman of the Yakkalamulla Pradeshiya Sabha has been arrested on charges of molesting an underage girl, police said today. MORE..
Elections Chief expects first result after midnight on Monday
Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya says that it is highly unlikely that the first result of the 2015 General Election will be released before midnight on August 17. MORE..
Susil denies being sacked from UPFA
UPFA Colombo District candidate Susil Premajayantha says that media reports alleging that the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA have been removed are completely untrue. 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..
A Sri Lankan man, believed to be a senior member of terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been arrested by Malaysian police in a special raid in Kuala Lumpur, last week. MORE..
Tamils won’t benefit from discussions about past - CFD
The Crusaders for Democracy (CFD), the new political group formed by ex-Tamil Tigers, says that despite the scars and lingering legacy of the three-decade-long conflict, the war was a closed chapter in the country’s history that should not be brought up again. MORE..
Signatures already given naming Mahinda as next PM - Susil
Reacting to President Maithripala Sirisena’s letter to his predecessor, the General Secretary of the UPFA Susil Premajayantha says that the leaders of the party, including him, have already given their signatures for appointing Mahinda Rajapaksa as the next Prime Minister. MORE..
UPFA will modernise the FCID: Susil
Measures will be taken to modernise the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID), if the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) wins the forthcoming election, former Minister Susil Premajayantha asserted. MORE...
Sri Lankan tourist found dead in temple pond
A 78-year-old Sri Lankan tourist, who was missing two days ago from Bahraich, was found dead in a pond at Korean temple of neighbouring Sharavasti district in Uttar Pradesh, Indian police said today. MORE..
Mahinda to address grievances of public sector if he wins polls
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the trade unions in the island nation that he would look into the grievances of the public sector and raise their basic salaries if he wins the Aug. 17 parliamentary elections. MORE...
Sarath Kumara’s bail plea turned down for 7th time
The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today rejected for the seventh time the bail plea put forward by the House Leader of the North Central Provincial Council, Ananda Sarath Kumara. MORE..
EXCLUSIVE: UNP leadership not my personal property - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that accusations of dividing the country and imposing taxes on water are last-ditch efforts by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to sling mud at the UNP and assured that the people will not be deceived by them. MORE...
Gammanpila invites Patali for a debate
UPFA Colombo district candidate Udaya Gammanpila on Tuesday (11) threw a challenge to former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka for a debate about an alleged deal by the former President with the LTTE during the last presidential election. MORE...
Maj. Gen. Prasanna de Silva replaced
Major General Prasanna de Silva has been removed from the post of Colonel of the Regiment of Commando Regiment, a spokesman said. MORE..
Derana 360 program with Ranil today
Watch 360 program tonight (11) at 10.30 p.m. featuring Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Derana TV and Ada Derana 24x7 on Dialog TV. 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...
Prageeth Eknaligoda case: police arrest two suspects
The police on Monday (10) announced that they have apprehended two suspects in connection with the mysterious disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. MORE...
UPFA has stopped promoting MR, says Wijeyadasa
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has finally realised that there is no point of promoting the former President in its bid to win the forthcoming election, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says. 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...
Patali invites MR for an open discussion on alleged LTTE deal
As I possess enough evidence I would testify against the former President on his alleged deals with the defeated terrorists, and even I would like to invite him for an open discussion in this regard, former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said. MORE...
Higher priority should be given to safeguard the country: Mahinda
It is simple to console people, but a higher priority should be given to safeguard the country from enemy elements, the former President said. 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..
Good governance has become underworld governance - Susil
The UPFA today charged that with the escalating crime wave in the country and the increasing election-related violence being unleashed by UNP candidates, good governance has turned into “underworld governance”. MORE..
Hirunika, Nishantha among 6 sacked from UPFA
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has terminated the membership of 6 Provincial Council members representing the party. MORE..
Enjoining order preventing SLFP’s CC meeting extended till Aug 24
The enjoining order preventing the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from convening without the consent of the party’s Chairman, has been extended until August 24 by the Colombo District Court. MORE..
Elections Chief to brief top police officers
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) is scheduled to conduct a programme to brief the high-ranking police officers in Kurunegala and Puttalam districts with regard to the forthcoming General Election. MORE..
Rajapaksa wants govt to probe Lasantha, Eknaligoda cases
Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has vowed to win an outright majority in parliamentary elections due on 17 August. MORE..
Duminda pleads not guilty in Bharatha murder case
Former UPFA Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and 12 other accused on Thursday (06) pleaded not guilty in the murder of former President’s Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra and three others in Mulleriyawa on October 08, 2011. 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...
Ex-PC member and UC chairman arrested
Former Eastern Provincial Council member Kalanthar Lebbe Mohamed Fareed and the former Chairman of the Kattankudy Urban Council Sahul Hameed Mohamed Asfer have been arrested by police. MORE..
Ranil vows to probe CB bond issue
The Government says that another select committee will be appointed to probe the controversial Central Bank bond issue when the new Parliament convenes. 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..
Rs. 50 billion fraud in Kandy- Colombo expressway project, says Dilan
The Prime Minister has siphoned off over Rs. 50 billion though a new cabinet paper put forward by him with respect to the Kandy- Colombo expressway project, former Minister Dilan Perera charged. 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...
Deshapriya directs MPs to handover state owned vehicles
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has ordered the former Parliamentarians to handover all state owned vehicles with immediate effect. MORE...
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...
Colombo Kandy Expressway construction begins today
The first phase of the construction of the Colombo Kandy Expressway will commence today (3) under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. 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...
Special security for 2nd T20 in Colombo
The Police Department today said that special security arrangements have been made for the second and final Twenty20 (T20) match of the series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. MORE..
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (30) appointed a High Commissioner and two new Ambassadors, the President’s Media Unit said. MORE...
Conspirators were behind anti Muslim attacks: MR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has blamed unnamed conspirators for carrying out anti-Muslim attacks during his tenure as he tries to woo estranged minority communities in his comeback bid in next month’s parliamentary elections. MORE...
Abdul Kalam’s funeral in Rameswaram on Thursday
The funeral of the former President will be held in Rameswaram, his birth place in Tamil Nadu, on Thursday (30) with full military honours. 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...
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam died on Monday at a hospital in Meghalaya, where he had gone to deliver a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, reports Press Trust of India. He was 83. MORE...
Bharatha’s murder accused remanded for violating bail conditions
Chaminda Rav Jayanath, an accused who violated bail conditions in the murder of former President’s Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, was remanded by the Colombo High Court today (27). MORE...
MR to pay attention to TNA’s reasonable demands
A fair consideration will be paid to sort out the reasonable demands of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the former President said. 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.
Mahinda vows to increase Mahapola scholarship to Rs.6,000
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that under a new government he would legislate a new method to offer up to Rs. 50,000 for people aged between 18-30 for their educational purposes. 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..
Chinese company rejects reports of funding Sri Lankan politicians
The China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC) on Thursday rejected reports that it had offered financial assistance to any politician during Sri Lanka’s January presidential elections. 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..
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..
Govt to pay the Golden Key depositors from Friday
The government is to begin the disbursement of payment to the deposit holders of the defunct Golden Key Credit Card Company Ltd (GK) from Friday (July 24). MORE..
Ravi to send letter of demand to MR
“A letter of demand will be sent to the former President seeking Rs 5000 million in damage over several defamatory remarks made against me to a newspaper,” Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said. MORE...
Lankan detained in India was close aide of Prabhakaran – police
One of the two Sri Lankan Tamils arrested last night along with communication gadgets and cyanide in the district of Ramanathapuram has been identified as Krishnakumar, a close associate of slain LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran, Tamil Nadu police said today. MORE..
Several items banned at Premadasa Stadium tomorrow
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has banned spectators from carrying hooters, liquor, glass bottles, sharp objects and lighters/match boxes into the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which is hosting the 4th ODI match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka tomorrow (22). MORE..
JVP attempts to mislead voters, says Mahinda
Former President issuing a statement on Tuesday (21) charged that the JVP speakers have been trying to mislead voters by saying that there was no point in voting for the UPFA because Mahinda Rajapaksa could lose his civic rights. 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...
EU election observers commence their activities
“It is a great pleasure to be here in Sri Lenka and lead the European Union Election Observation Mission to this country,” Cristian Preda, a Romanian member of the European Parliament said today (21). MORE...
Those who cannot defeat MR want his security reduced: NFF
A plan is underway to put the former President’s life in danger through reducing his security, Spokesman of the National Freedom Front (NFF), Mohammed Muzammil, said. MORE...
E03 expressway development stuck in a rut,says MR
The former President on Monday (20) charged that the new government has done nothing to further construct the Katunayake expressway though it obtained loans for the development of the project. MORE...
Prasanna Ranatunga, wife arrives at FCID
Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and his wife arrived at the FCID a short while ago to give a statement over an alleged financial malpractice connected to a land deal. MORE...
Four Sri Lankan refugees released from Indian camp
Four Sri Lankan refugees lodged in a special camp at the Tiruchi Central Prison in India were released on Saturday, the Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...
MR vows Rs. 25,000 minimum wage for government sector
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that under a new government they will intend to legislate a minimum monthly wage of Rs.25,000 for the government sector employees. MORE...
Prabhakaran’s distant relative to contest against Mahinda at polls
A relative of LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran has entered the fray for Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election to be held in August 17 to challenge former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. MORE...
SL seeks to expand cooperation with the international community: Kariyawasam
Sri Lanka seeks to expand cooperation with the international community including through new partnerships with donor agencies, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington said today. 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...
Fuel price reduction if world oil prices drop: Ravi
The government will consider a further reduction in the fuel price if oil prices in the world drop, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said. “We won’t do this as an election bribe. When the gas prices dropped in the world market we reduced the price accordingly,” he added. 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...
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..
FCID cannot summon UPFA candidates before polls – Susil
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) today briefed the Election Commissioner regarding the various problems allegedly faced by the party, such as the lack of security ex-MPs and the summoning of candidates before the FCID, ahead of the General Election. MORE..
Dr Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Eric Prasanna Weerawardena of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party have decided to resign from their respective Deputy Ministerial portfolios. 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..
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...
Mahinda appointed UPFA’s Election Operations Committee chief
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been appointed as the Chairman of the United People’s Freedom Alliance’s (UPFA) Election Operations Committee, former Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Ada Derana. 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...
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...
Court grants bail to Prasanna and wife
The Fort Magistrate on Tuesday (14) granted bail to the Chief Minister of the Western Province, Prasanna Ranatunga, and his wife in connection with a case filed against them over an irregular land deal. 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...
Filing of nominations concludes today
Accepting of nominations for the General Election will be concluded today (06) at 12. 00 p.m. the Elections Department said. MORE...
Special traffic plan in Rajagiriya tomorrow
A special traffic plan will be implemented tomorrow (13) in and around Rajagiriya 7.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. while nominations for the forthcoming General Election are accepted, the Department of Police said. MORE...
Ranil promises devolution of power to provinces
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has promised power devolution to the island’s provinces as part of the reconciliation process with the minority Tamils ahead of the August 17 parliamentary election, the PTI reproted. 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..
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..
Court summons Prasanna Ranatunga
The Chief Minister of the Western Province Prasanna Ranatunga has been summoned to appear before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on July 14, in connection with a case filed against him, police said. 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..
Mahinda signs nominations to contest from Kurunegala
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday (09) signed nominations to contest under the United People’s Freedom Alliance ticket for the Kurunegala electoral district, National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa said.
Chilaw Mayor Fernando extends support to UNP
The Chilaw Mayor, Hilary Prasanna Fernando, on Thursday (09) said that he will extend his support to the United National Party at the forthcoming General Election. MORE...
Provincial Councillor arrested for threatening man with gun
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Thushara Perera has been arrested for allegedly threatening a three-wheeler driver with a firearm, police said. 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..
Sri Lanka probes WFP over tsunami SUV gifts
The World Food Program is being investigated in Sri Lanka for gifting luxury duty-free vehicles to a charity headed by former president Mahinda Rajapakse’s wife, officials said Tuesday. MORE...
Acceptance of nominations for election from tomorrow
The Elections Department says that nominations for the 2015 General Election will be accepted from July 06 to 15. The Department is making preparations to hold the General Elections on August 17. MORE...
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..
Construction of Matara-H’tota segment of expressway inaugurated
The construction work on the extension of the Southern Expressway from Matara to Hambantota, which is funded by China, was inaugurated by President Maithripala Sirisena and the Chinese Ambassador this morning. MORE..
UPFA decides to give nomination to Mahinda Rajapaksa
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has decided to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest at the upcoming General Election on August 17 under the UPFA ticket. MORE..
Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources
President Maithripala Sirisena has refused to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA ticket, political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Pradeep Nilanga Dela appointed acting Diyawadana Nilame
Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been appointed as the acting Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa from July 01 until an election is held for the next Diyawadana Nilame. MORE..
Judge declines to give statement over assault complaint
A Supreme Court Judge has declined to give a statement to the police in connection with accusations of assaulting a female servant in his employment. MORE..
Dates announced for submitting postal voting applications
The Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya says that applications for postal voting at the upcoming General Election will be received from July 03 to 14, 2015.
2015 General Election to be held on August 17
The Government Printer says that the General Election for a new Parliament is to be held on August 17, 2015. MORE..
Elections Commissioner ready to retire, but has to wait
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, who has reached the age of retirement, says that he will continue to function in his post until the Elections Commission is established in line with the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. MORE..
US report highlights Sri Lankan human rights problems in 2014
There were reports that the Sri Lankan government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings in 2014, the U.S. State Department said in an annual report on Thursday. MORE..
Recommendations of ‘Welikada riot’ probe committee
The Committee of Inquiry appointed to look into the 2012 Welikada Prison riot has recommended the payment of compensation to the families of the deceased persons and those who were injured in the incident, the Justice Ministry said. MORE..
New twists emerge in Eknaligoda’s case
Details on 22 mobile phones, which were used to contact missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, have been disclosed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the police Spokesperson said. MORE...
SLFP will suffer absolute defeat if Mahinda contests - SB
Minister of Rural Economic Affairs S.B. Dissanayake says that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) would suffer an absolute defeat if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa contests the upcoming General Election. MORE..
Cop dead, 9 injured as van falls into precipice
A police constable was killed and another 09 officers were injured after the van they were traveling in fell into a precipice in Passara this morning. MORE..
Protest demands release of 14 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka
Members of the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) and the fishing community staged a demonstration in Rameswaram on Friday, demanding the release of 14 Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of poaching and protesting against the Centre’s directive to paint the trawlers in green colour. 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..
Ex-PS member arrested for poaching in reserve
A former UNP member of the Ambalantota Pradeshiya Sabha has been arrested by wildlife officers for allegedly poaching within the Madunagala Reserve. MORE..
Ramadan to begin on Friday as new moon not sighted
Since the new moon was not sighted in any part of the country today, the Colombo Grand Mosque has decided that Ramazan fast will commence from Friday (June 19). 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..
76 MPs attend Matara rally; Mahinda was near event?
A total of 76 members of parliament (MPs) are attended the public rally supporting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, currently underway in Matara, former Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. 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..
Expressway closed from Kaduwela to Kottawa
The Southern Expressway will be closed from Kottawa to Kaduwela from midnight today until midnight next Tuesday (June 16) due to construction work on the Colombo Outer Circular Highway (OCH), the Ministry of High ways said. MORE..
Sri Lanka condoles with China on ship sinking
The Sri Lankan Government today expressed condolences to the Government and the people of China on the tragic incident of the capsizing of a cruise ship in the Yangtze River in the Hubei Province, where many people are feared to have drowned, with hundreds still missing. MORE..
Jaffna violence: 43 suspects further remanded
A batch of 43 persons who were recently arrested for unruly behavior near the Jaffna court complex have been further remanded until June 12. 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...
Only people can take me away from PM post: Ranil
“Only the people can take me away from the Prime Ministerial post,” Prime Minster Ranil Wickramasinghe has said. MORE...
Rajapaksa fears LTTE revival in Sri Lanka
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is mounting a political comeback, has expressed fears that the separatist Tamil Tigers could regroup and revive terrorism in the country. 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..
Special facilities for the disabled voters
The Government has taken steps to introduce a system which will ensure that all differently abled citizens can cast their vote at elections, Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said. MORE..
Police use water cannons to disperse protesters in Kahawatta
Police used water cannons to disperse protestors blocking the Embilipitiya-Ratnapura main road at the Kahawatta Town. MORE..
The Attorney General on Wednesday (27) halted the arrest of Parliamentarian Tiran Alles until the Fundamental Rights petition filed by the Parliamentarian at the Supreme Court is heard again. MORE...
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..
Court issues stay order banning protests in Chunnakam
The Mallakam Court issued a stay order banning any processions or protests up to 14 days from today within the Chunnakam police area in Jaffna, police said. MORE..
Film on slain LTTE presenter banned in India
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to certify ‘Porkalathil Oru Poo,’ a film based on real life story of television journalist, Isaipriya, who was allegedly killed in captivity by the Sri Lankan armed forces in the final stages of the civil war in 2009... MORE
Fonseka’s Democratic Party to back UPFA at the election- Dayasiri
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will form a coalition government after the forthcoming election, thus several political parties are expected to join hands with the party in near future, North Western Province Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said. 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..
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..
Private bus strike in several Southern cities
A group of private bus operators have launched a strike in protest of authorities allegedly allowing buses to operate on the Southern Expressway without valid permits. 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..
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..
UN shows no positive progress for our issue, says Wigneswaran
Chief Minister of Northern Provincial Council Justice C.V. Wigneswaran on Monday (18) condemned the international community for its delay in handling the accountability issue in Sri Lanka and failure to bring justice to the Tamil people. MORE...
War was against LTTE, not Tamils, says Mahinda
The Tri-forces had no intention to fight against the Tamil minority during the three decade armed conflict but fought to eliminate the Tamil rebel terrorists who wanted to divide the island nation, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. MORE...
Stay order on full-face helmets extended
The Court of Appeal on Monday (18) extended the stay order against the ban of full-face helmets till July 2. MORE...
PM’s remark is a major blow to the independence of the judiciary: Silva
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe’s recent remark, concerning the order of the Supreme Court on the former Defence Secretary’s fundamental rights petition, is a major blow to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, Opposition Leader and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Nimal Siripala de Silva said today (17). MORE...
SC stays return of lands to Sampur Tamils
The Supreme Court has stayed a bid by the Sirisena government to return 818 acres of land at Sampur in the Eastern Province to Tamils from whom the lands were seized during Eelam War IV.MORE..
Gota’s FR: Ranil points to ‘defect’ in court order
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that a “defect” may exist with regard to the recent Supreme Court order, preventing the arrest of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, because such a stay order requires a minimum of three judges. MORE..
Speaker signs 19th amendment to constitution
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has put his signature validating the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which was passed in Parliament with an overwhelming majority on April 28. MORE..
Rajapaksa vows legal actions against those who make ‘baseless’ allegations
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he would not hesitate to take legal actions against those who make ‘baseless’ allegations about him. The observation was made at a special event held at the Matugama Nandana Temple on Wednesday (14) afternoon. 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..
SC issues order preventing Gota’s arrest
The Supreme Court today issued an interim order preventing the arrest of former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, until the determination of the FR petition filed by him. 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..
SC rejects FR against Arjuna Mahendran
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today rejected the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition seeking an independent inquiry into the controversial Central Bank Treasury bond issue and it’s Governor Arjuna Mahendran. 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..
Diyawadana Nilame questioned by FCID
Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela is currently being questioned by the Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) over alleged financial fraud that took place in the Dalada Maligawa. MORE..
PM ensures the independence of FCID
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Monday (11) said that the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), which came to effect in February through an extraordinary gazette notification, is only a functional division of the Police Department, which was established in response to the emerging trend of serious financial frauds. MORE...
CoA prevents removal of Central Province CM
The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order preventing the removal of Central province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayaka. 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...
Journalists in Sri Lanka most vulnerable: Report
Journalists in Sri Lanka are among the most vulnerable in the South Asia, because attackers generally go scot-free, says a report of the International Federation of Journalists. MORE..
Court grants bail for 10 UPFA MPs
Colombo Chief Magistrate today granted personal bail of Rs. 1 million each for 27 including 10 UPFA MPs for contempt of court charges. The 27 are charged with participating in a protest in front of the Bribery Commission on April 23 despite a court order preventing such protests. MORE...
SC decides expulsion of Attanayake from parliamentary seat is invalid
The Supreme Court in a historic judgment on Tuesday (5) ruled that expulsion of former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake, from parliamentary seat is invalid as due process was not followed. MORE...
1,400 prisoners released under general amnesty
The Department of Prisons says that a group of 1,400 prisoners will be given a general amnesty in lieu of the Vesak Poya Day which marks the three noble events of Buddha’s life. MORE..
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..
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..
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..
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..
Girl who scribbled on Mirror wall released
The girl who was sentenced to two years in prison for scribbling on the Sigiriya Mirror wall and later given a Presidential pardon, has been released by the Anuradhapura Prison this morning. 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..
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..
Sri Lankan gets 7-year jail in robbery case
The Second Additional Assistant Sessions Court in Tiruchy on Monday convicted and sentenced a Sri Lankan Tamil to undergo seven-year imprisonment for robbing a woman of a gold chain after attacking her in April 2013. MORE..
Historic moment where modern-day slavery will be abolished - Wijedasa
The next two days will be a historic moment for all Sri Lankans, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa said in parliament today. He added that with the 19th amendment to the constitution Sri Lankans will finally be rid of modern-day slavery. MORE...
Wigneswaran defends raising convicts’ issue with Modi
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran on Friday strongly defended his action of forwarding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a representation, seeking the release of four convicts of a case of rape and murder, popularly called the Premananda case. MORE..
New govt’s policies have created positive environment: Ban Ki-moon
Welcoming the new Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stated that a positive environment has been created by the policies of the new government in Sri Lanka for a greater collaboration with the United Nations and the international community. MORE..
Wigneswaran requests Modi to release 3 convicted of raping 13 girls
Chief minister of Sri Lanka’s Tamil-majority Northern Province C V Wigneswaran has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release three life convicts in the sensational Swamy Premananda case. 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..
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..
Court sentences ousted Egypt president to 20 years in prison
An Egyptian criminal court on Tuesday sentenced ousted Islamist President Mohammad Morsi to 20 years in prison over the killing of protesters in 2012, the first verdict to be issued against the country’s first freely elected leader. MORE...
Landslide at 5-acre land area in Haldamulla
The Disaster Managment Center (DMC) today said that a landslide has been reported in a 5-acre land area in Nikapotha, Haldamulla.
I had no secret accounts in any foreign bank, says Rajapaksa
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday (19) dismissed allegations of him, his wife or sons maintaining any illegal or secret offshore accounts in any foreign bank. 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...
Former President offers worship at Kirivehera Temple
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa offered worship at the Kataragama Kirivehera Temple on Saturday (18). MORE...
Sri Lanka neither pro-India nor pro-China: Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has said Sri Lanka is neither pro-India nor pro-China. MORE...
Sri Lankan couple, daughters land near Rameswaram
A Sri Lankan Tamil couple with their three teenage daughters landed clandestinely at Arichalmunai, off Dhanushkodi in the early hours of Friday, The Hindu reports. MORE..
CCCSL maintains Southern Railway project built on low costs
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CCCSL) on Friday rejected the accusation by the new government that the Southern Railway project in the island nation was constructed on a higher cost than the Northern Railway project. MORE..
‘Sung influenced Sri Lanka for Ban’s election’
Deceased Keangnam Enterprises Chairman Sung Woan-jong claimed that he contributed considerably to the election of Ban Ki-moon as United Nations secretary general, Sung’s associates were quoted as saying by a vernacular newspaper. MORE..
Sending IPKF to Sri Lanka was high level policy failure: VK Singh
India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs General (retd) V K Singh says that the decision to send the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in 1987 was “a high level policy failure”. MORE..
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...
Dissanayake to step down as SLFP Ampara organiser
Former Provincial Councilor Wimalaweera Dissanayake on Sunday (12) asserted that he will step down from his post as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party organiser for Ampara electoral district in protest over party’s conclusion to sack several members attached to its central committee. 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..
FCID grills Shasheendra Rajapaksa
The Financial Crimes Investigations Division is currently recording a statement from former Uva Province Chief Minister, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, over the misuse of two luxury buses belonging to the Foreign Ministry.
“The UN system and UNDP in particular is pleased to continue to provide support to the 100 days programme, at the request of the Government,” UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director Haoliang Xu has said. MORE...
19A to be presented on April 20; Parliament dissolved after
President Maithripala Sirisena says that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be presented to Parliament on the 20th of April and that Parliament will be dissolved once the 19th Amendment is passed. MORE..
SC determines 19th Amendment consistent with Constitution
The Supreme Court has determined that the 19th Amendment is consistent with the constitution and that, however, certain sections require a referendum, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa informed Parliament today. 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...
SLFP says no to 19 A, if electoral reforms are not included
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will comply with the new Government to pass the draft bill on the 19th Amendment, if constitutional changes take place for new electoral reforms, the opposition said on Wednesday (8). 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..
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...
New gov’t satisfied with progress achieved
The new Sri Lankan government said on Tuesday that it is happy with the progress achieved so far since it came to power following the Jan. 8 presidential elections. 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...
Chinese mafia behind red sandalwood smuggling in SL?
The Indian police have found details on a Chinese mafia that smuggles red sandalwood through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Sri Lanka which has a major demand for it in China, Japan, Middle East and the United States of America. MORE...
Dinesh to get Opposition Leader post?
A proposal signed by some 60 Parliamentarians, requesting to appoint Mahajana Eksath Peramuna leader Dinesh Gunawardena as the Opposition Leader, has been handed over to the Speaker, former Minister T.B. Ekanayake told Ada Derana. 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...
Government to assist thousands of war widows
Government is to set up a welfare center in the former war-torn north to assist thousands of women widowed by the country’s three-decade war, a statement from the prime minister’s office said on Monday. MORE...
President Maithripala Sirisena today arrived in Pakistan for a three-day official visit, his first trip to the country after assuming the office in January. MORE...
Former President dismisses infrastructure project allegation
The Media Coordinating Secretary of Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday (5) dismissed allegations leveled by Minister Kabir Hashim about several infrastructure projects initiated by the ex-government. MORE...
China today denied that a sum of Rs 30 billion has been reduced from the construction cost of the Colombo Outer Circular Expressway, as claimed by the spokesman of the Sri Lankan government. MORE..
Shortest total lunar eclipse of the century on Saturday
There will be a lunar eclipse on April 4th visible to Sri Lanka with the moon rising from the eastern horizon around 6.18 p.m. and till 7.15 p.m. MORE..
Sanath Jayasuriya resigns as Sri Lanka’s chief selector
Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee, Sanath Jayasuriya says that he has resigned from his post. MORE..
Prabhakran is my Leader, but Modi is my Political Model - Sritharan
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP from Jaffna district, Sivagnanam Sritharan, who was once a bitter critic of India during the war, has undergone a major political makeover and now believes the problems of Sri Lankan Tamils cannot be solved without the India’s help. MORE..
Embilipitiya UC chairman removed
The Chairman of the Embilipitiya Urban Council, Venerable Wevelduwe Gnanapraba Thero, has been temporarily removed from the post by Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Maheepala Herath. MORE..
Woman jailed scribbling on Mirror Wall pardoned by President
A 27-year-old woman who scribbled on the Sigiriya Mirror Wall with a sharp object and sentenced to two years imprisonment has been pardoned by President Maithripala Sirisena today. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa told the Govt. Info Dept that the President had signed the relevant documents today. MORE...
Clash between uni students, police regrettable: PMO
The Prime Minister’s Office says the clash between protesting university students and police personnel was “regrettable” and that protesters refusing to allow their representatives to hand over the memorandum had resulted in yesterday’s unfortunate incident. MORE..
Police probe violent clashes between students and police
The police on Wednesday launched an investigation into the violent clashes which erupted between local university students and the police on Tuesday resulting in several people being injured. MORE...
SLFP to propose new reforms to 19 A
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday (1) said that it will propose new reforms to the draft bill on the 19th Amendment. MORE...
Duminda Silva and 10 others released on bail
UPFA Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and 10 other accused in the killing of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra were released on bail by the Colombo High Court today. MORE..
“I have a clean record,” says Mevyn Silva
(EXCLUSIVE) “I’m not concerned that I wasn’t offered a ministerial portfolio from the coalition government, despite campaigning for the victory of the present President in the January polls,” former Minister Mevyn Silva said. MORE...
Mattala is like a ‘chicken-and-egg’ problem: ex-CEO
Eran Wickramaratne, the deputy minister of investment promotion, says the current government now has to figure out how sunken investments like the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) can be salvaged, or if they can be at all. MORE..
Police tear gas protesting university students
(UPDATE) The Galle Road has been closed from Kollupitiya Junction to Galle Face Roundabout due to the protest launched by university students, polcie spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
Rathgama PS chairman’s murder: Main suspect surrenders, remanded till April 6
The main suspect in the murder of the Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman has been remanded till April 06 after he surrendered to the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court today. MORE..
One thousand acres for Jaffna resettlement
An extent of 1,000 acres is to be released for the resettlement of the people in the Jaffna District by April and the Security Forces are exploring possibilities of releasing more land for resettlement in the district, the President Media Unit said on Monday (30). MORE...
Sri Lanka to resume road development projects with China
The Sri Lankan government has decided to recommence all the main and provincial road development projects in the island nation with China, a government official said on Sunday. MORE...
Free Wi-Fi from today at 26 public locations
Free Wi-Fi internet access will be given for selected 26 public locations across the island from today (30), which was promised by the Government’s 100 day programme, the Prime Minister’s Office said. MORE...
Priyantha Sirisena’s cremation takes place today
The cremation of Priyantha Sirisena, 43, will take place at the Public Cemetery, Polonnaruwa today (30). MORE...
Political settlement with Tamils must for stability: PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said a “political settlement” with the minority Tamil community is a prerequisite for a “stable and secure” country. MORE...
Pakistan expresses grief over death of President’s brother
The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan at Colombo, Dr. Sarfraz Sipra has expressed his deep shock, heartfelt condolences and sympathies on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan on tragic demise of Priyantha Sirisena, the youngest brother of President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
Special agent to monitor NP projects
A special agent will be appointed in order to supervise the activities and monitor the progress of projects in the Northern Province, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said on Sunday (29). MORE...
China ready to sign friendship treaties with SL: Xi Jinping
Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China stands ready to sign treaties of friendship and cooperation with all its neighbours including Sri Lanka to provide strong support for the development of bilateral relations as well as prosperity and stability in the region. MORE...
President Maithripala Sirisena’s brother dies
Priyantha Sirisena, the brother of President Maithripala Sirisena, who was treated at a private hospital in Colombo after an axe attack died this morning (28) at the age of 40. MORE...
Sri Lanka fires fresh salvo at Chinese firm
The Chinese company involved in the controversial US$1.4 billion Colombo Port City project has failed to furnish the necessary documents within the two-week deadline set by the new government, which is also reviewing other Chinese projects including a high-profile telecommunications tower, Sri Lanka’s finance minister said. MORE..
Priyantha Sirisena’s attacker remanded
The suspect who was arrested last night for attacking the President’s brother Priyantha Sirisena with an axe, has been remanded until the 8th of April by the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Priyantha Sirisena’s attacker reveals motive
The suspect arrested over the attack on President Maithripala Sirisena’s brother Priyantha, says he hid and waited before attacking the victim with an axe, because the latter had yelled at his parents. MORE..
Suspected attacker of President’s brother surrenders
The suspect who was wanted in connection with the attack on President Maithripala Sirisena’s brother Priyantha earlier today has been arrested. MORE..
President’s brother hospitalised following attack
(UPDATE) Priyantha Sirisena, a brother of President Maithripala Sirisena, who was admitted to the Polonnaruwa Hospital following an alleged attack has been airlifted to a private hospital in Colombo. MORE..
Man gets death penalty for heroin possession
A person found guilty for the possession of 303.5 grams of heroin was sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court today. MORE..
Sirisena meets China’s President amid new look at ties
Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena has held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping amid efforts to recalibrate his predecessor’s strongly pro-China policies. MORE..
SC upholds death penalty for Angulana double murder
The Supreme Court today upheld the death sentence handed down to 4 persons including the former Angulana OIC for the murder of two youths in August 2009. MORE..
General amnesty offered to army absentees
Following the approval of the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Minister of Defence, President Maithripala Sirisena, has offered a general amnesty period for Army absentees, enabling them to receive their legal discharge from the Army within a day or two. MORE...
President Sirisena leaves for Beijing
President Maithripala Sirisena today left for Beijing commencing a four-day state visit on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. MORE..
Sri Lanka call for US $ 1.4b Chinese project to continue
Ahead of Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena’s first visit to China a local organisation called for China’s largest investment project to resume, an official said on Tuesday. MORE...
19A is a ‘Constitutional Coup’-JHU
The 19th amendment is a ‘constitutional coup’ to empower the Prime Ministerial post, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) charged on Tuesday (24). MORE...
19th Amendment tabled in Parliament
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which could see the amending of executive powers and restoration of independent commissions, was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe a short while ago. MORE..
Rathgama PS chairman shot dead in Hikkaduwa
The Chairman of the Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha, Manoj Pushpakumara Mendis, has been shot dead at a hotel in Hikkaduwa last night, police said. MORE..
Arachchikattuwa PS member arrested for impersonating a cop
A UPFA member of the Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha, M. Prabath Fernanado, has been arrested in the Wella area in Chilaw for allegedly impersonating a police officer. MORE..
MIA slams Oprah for ‘shutting her down’ and ‘calling her a terrorist’
American singer, M.I.A. has slammed Oprah Winfrey for shutting her down and calling her a terrorist. MORE...
President Maithripala Sirisena today appointed eleven new Cabinet Ministers, five State Ministers and ten Deputy Ministers at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. MORE..
Special commissioner for LG bodies: ex-President expresses disapproval
Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday (22) expressed his disapproval with respect to the new government’s decision to place all local government bodies under a special commissioner. MORE...
President halts all police transfers
President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered to halt all police transfers with immediate effect, the Presidential Media Unit said. MORE...
No disaccord with Rajapaksa representing UPFA – Susil
UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha says that if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to take a decision regarding active politics for the victory of the UPFA, then there is no disaccord with him representing the party. MORE..
Anura Yapa questioned by police over CPC losses
UPFA MP Anura Priyadharshana Yapa is being questioned by the Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in connection with the Rs 35 million in losses incurred by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), during his tenure as Minister of Petroleum Industries. MORE..
Will Chinese investors quit if Port City comes to a standstill?
The temporary suspension of the Port City project in Colombo has put lot of Chinese investors in uncertainty regarding the Sri Lankan investment policy. MORE..
Stipulated prices for three food items
The Consumer Affairs Authority has introduced stipulated prices for three food items, with effective from Thursday (19). MORE...
Bharatha killing: AG requests Trial-at-Bar
The Attorney General’s Department on Wednesday (18) requested the Chief Justice to appoint a Trial-at-Bar for the case in which Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and 12 others accused in the killing of three people including Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra. MORE...
UNP confident against ex-president
Sri Lanka’s ruling United National Party (UNP) on Wednesday expressed confidence that former President Mahinda Rajapakse will not be able to make a come back to politics. MORE...
Select Committee to probe corrupt deals at the Stock Exchange
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Wednesday (18) informed the Parliament that a Select Committee will be appointed to probe corrupt deals said to have taken place at the Colombo Stock Exchange since 2010. MORE...
Ex-President’s security in jeopardy?
The new Government has taken steps to withdraw some vehicles attached to the motorcade of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security detail, a source told Ada Derana. MORE...
Chinese PM to discuss suspended project with the President
Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang is likely to have friendly discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena who is scheduled to visit China later this month and negotiations with respect to the suspended Colombo Port City Project (CPCP) will be a high priority topic, Ada Derana learns. MORE...
China urges Sri Lanka to protect interests of investors
China on Tuesday urged Sri Lanka to protect the interests of Chinese investors and promote bilateral economic ties following the suspension of a China-funded port project in Colombo. MORE...
Gazette on 19th Amendment published - Govt Printer
The Gazette notification on the 19th Amendment to the Constitution has been printed and published, the Government Printer said. MORE..
Livelihood programme for ex-LTTE cadres
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinhge has emphasized the necessity of introducing a livelihood programme to ensure permanent source of income for ex LTTE cadres. MORE...
JHU okay with executive Presidency, but against arbitrary powers
The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) is not against the executive Presidency, but against the arbitrary powers of the President, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said. MORE...
Sri Lanka-China tensions rise over suspended port project
The Sri Lankan government’s decision to review, and in effect suspend, the $US1.4 billion, Chinese-backed Colombo Port City (CPC) project has strained relations between Beijing and Colombo. MORE...
President Sirisena appointed UPFA Chairman
President Maithripala Sirisena has been appointed as the Chairman of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), a party source said on Sunday (15). MORE...
Modi visit won’t hurt Sri Lanka-China ties: Chinese commentary
China-Sri Lanka relations will not be affected by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit but only grow stronger, a commentary in the Chinese media said. MORE...
Tamils seek positive action to resolve problems - Wigneswaran
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran says that even though security concerns should be left to the Central Administration in any Country, it should not transgress the limits of protection of the Country to a protracted pursuit of purposeful military occupation with political undertones in place. MORE..
‘If this is good governance, then god bless Sri Lanka’
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that politicians have now started to say things which should be said by the IGP or Attorney General and that politicians are the ones announcing who will be remanded, who will be arrested and within how many days. MORE..
Supreme Court issues notice to PM
The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) issued a notice to Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe with respect to a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by former Health Minister and former General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Tissa Attanayake. MORE...
Government releases Tamil activists, but conspiring to arrest war heroes: NFF
Leader of New Left Front Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne said that former President’s brother and ex-Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa should be arrested if enough evidence exists in the floating armoury case. MORE...
32 CPC members submit affidavits to remove CM Sarath Ekanayake
Thirty-two Central Provincial Council (CPC) members today submitted affidavits to the Governor of the Central Province Surangani Ellawala, seeking to remove Sarath Ekanayake from the post of Chief Minister and appoint Thilina Bandara Tennakoon instead. MORE..
UNP decides to go for General Election after April 23
The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has decided to go for a General Election after April 23, as promised to the public during the Presidential polls campaign, the Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka said. MORE..
Deal with TATAs on housing project is unacceptable - Ravi
Sri Lankan Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has said that the government is reviewing the USD 430 million TATA Housing Project because the deal entered into with the earlier Mahinda Rajapaksa government is unacceptable. MORE..
Protest against Maithripala in London
A large number of British Tamils staged a rally in London on Monday (09) against the visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Srisena. MORE..
Court acquits General Sarath Fonseka
The Colombo High Court on Monday (9) acquitted General Sarath Fonseka of all charges in harbouring Army deserters case. MORE...
Chinese firm confirms suspension of Colombo Port City project
China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), the ultimate investor in the Colombo Port City Project, says that it will fully cooperate with the Government of Sri Lanka and continue to adhere to the procedures and conditions stipulated in the agreement entered into with the government. MORE..
MR’s message read at rally in Kandy
A message from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was read at the public rally currently being held in Kandy. MORE..
UN calls for increase in women’s political representation in Sri Lanka
The United Nations today urged all political parties in Sri Lanka to take steps necessary to increase the number of women being nominated for elected bodies. MORE..
Tissa files petition against expulsion from UNP
Former Health Minister Tissa Attanayake today filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the cancellation of his party membership by the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
Public opinion can’t be changed with threats – Rajapaksa
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that public opinion cannot be changed with threats and intimidation and that it is wrong to prohibit SLFP members from attending rallies organized by other political parties. MORE..
UN rights chief urges Sri Lanka not to repeat ‘failures of the past’
The United Nations’ top human rights official today urged the Sri Lankan Government to consult “deeply” with the people, particularly victims of the war, in order to design mechanisms that will work and not repeat the failures of the past. MORE..
Ex-ministers yet to return over 300 vehicles, says Rajitha
The authorities are yet to locate some 300 vehicles used by the ex-government’s ministers, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...
Ex-President rejects allegations against him
Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday (5) denied allegations that a presidential residence was being built for his excusive use in Kankesanthurei. MORE...
Tamil families demand U.N. probe of missing members
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Families of the several missing people in Sri Lanka’s war-ravaged north and east have demanded a United Nations team to launch an investigation to locate their family members. MORE...
Duminda Silva indicted on Bharatha Lakshman killing
Attorney General today indicted UPFA Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and 12 others in connection with the killing of former MP and Presidential Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra. MORE..
Protest against Colombo Port City causes traffic jam
Severe traffic congestion has been reported around York Street Fort in Colombo due to a protest against the Colombo Port City Project by environmental groups, police said.
SLFP politicos barred from attending other party rallies
The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has decided to prohibit people’s representatives of the party from participating in public rallies organized by other political parties, without approval from the party. MORE..
Woman jailed for 2 years for scribbling on Mirror Wall
A 27-year-old woman who scribbled on the Sigiriya Mirror Wall with a sharp object has been sentenced to two years imprisonment. MORE...
Govt. seeks foreign help in corruption probe
The government said that it has sought assistance from India, the US and Britain to help investigate financial fraud allegations against the former government. MORE...
Bus strike on Kandy-Colombo route
Inter-provincial private buses operating on the Kandy-Colombo route have resorted to a strike action, since this morning, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gemunu Wijerathne said. MORE...
Public opinion survey is underway on 100-day programme: PM
The Government has launched a special survey to find out the opinion of the general public and to analyze the progress of the 100 days programme, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said in a statement today (1). MORE...
Bus strike on Tangalle-Colombo route
Private buses operating on the Tangalle-Colombo route have resorted to a strike action since this morning, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gemunu Wijerathne said. MORE...
VIDEO: No intention of staying as Opposition Leader for long – Nimal
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva says that it is not important who will be appointed as the Prime Minister and that what is important is that a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) government is formed. MORE..
BRSR Nagahamulla new CID Director
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) B.R.S.R. Nagahamulla has been appointed as the new Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). MORE..
China formally backs trilateral partnership with India, Sri Lanka
China on Friday formally backed a trilateral partnership with India and Sri Lanka to establish a Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and promote the rise of Eurasia. MORE..
Sri Lanka says China to be consulted on any project re-think
Sri Lanka will not make any decision on Chinese projects it is reviewing until it consults China, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said on Friday, pledging that his new government would welcome Chinese investors. MORE..
Executive powers to be slashed under new constitutional reforms?
According to the proposed constitutional reforms currently under discussion, the President will always act on the advice of the Prime Minister, however may request the Prime Minister to reconsider advice given to him and request Parliament to reconsider a Bill presented to him for assent, sources said. MORE..
SC issues stay order on Pudukuduirippu, Maritimepattu polls
The Supreme Court today issued a stay order preventing the holding of elections for Maritimepattu and Pudukuduirippu Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Mullaittivu District until March 27. MORE..
Ex-Police Spokesman set to make special disclosure
Former Police Media Spokesman SSP Prashantha Jayakody, who left for Australia in 2013 after alleging unduly political pressure during his execution of police duties, is set to return to the country today. MORE...
Another call to re-call Mahinda
A group of opposition members are expected to meet former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and urge him to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections in the island country, an opposition member has told the Xinhua news agency. MORE...
Ex-Transport Director released on bail
Former Transport Director of the Presidential Secretariat Office (PSO), Keerthi Samarasinghe, who was remanded over three missing vehicles attached to the PSO, has been released on bail by the Fort Magistrate, this morning (25). MORE...
Sri Lanka to discuss domestic probe with UN
Sri Lanka’s government will next month look to win United Nations backing for a domestic probe into allegations of human rights violations during the final stage of the war, an official said today. MORE..
Prisoner escapes from hospital bathroom
A prisoner has escaped while receiving treatment at the Balapitiya Hospital today, police said. MORE..
One dead, 4 injured after collision on Expressway
An elderly woman was killed while another four persons were wounded following a collision involving an SUV and a van in the area between Gelanigama-Kahatuduwa on the Southern Expressway. MORE..
New Govt ends US lobbying contracts
In a sign of improving relations with the U.S., Sri Lanka has terminated lobbying contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars a month that the previous government had signed to help it win friends in Washington amid war crimes allegations, the nation’s ambassador says. MORE..
Police mistakenly took away my vehicle - Raththaran
UPFA Southern Provincial Council member Krishantha Pushpakumara, popularly known as “Raththaran,” says that police have seized an SUV belonging to him, mistaking it for one of the vehicles missing from the Presidential Secretariat. MORE...
Mangala to visit Geneva, meet Zeid
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Mangala Samaweera will travel to Geneva to attend the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to be held on March 2nd, 2015. MORE..
MSD officer remanded over assaulting incident
The Wattala Magistrate on Tuesday (22) remanded an Inspector attached to the Ministerial Security Division (MSD) for allegedly assaulting a person in Mahabage in July, 2014. MORE...
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to accept two ministerial portfolios and the deputy chairmanship of the Eastern Provincial Council. MORE..
Dambulla police bust three in prostitution sting
The Dambulla police have arrested three trishaw drivers for allegedly procuring a 21-year-old woman in prostitution, last evening, the police said. MORE...
President assures domestic mechanism to probe alleged rights violations
President Maithripala Sirisena assured the diplomatic community that his government will not hesitate to punish the offenders of human rights violations said to have taken place during the war after the conduct of a credible domestic inquiry through a judicial process into the allegations. MORE...
Kabir was wrong to order UGC head to resign – Rajiva
State Minister of Higher Education Prof. Rajiva Wijesinghe today said that it is “completely wrong” to bow down to pressure from groups and remove the UGC Chairperson, without even probing the allegations against her. MORE..
SLFP appoints new National Organiser, Treasurer and VP
(UPDATE) The Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed MP Susil Premajantha as the party’s National Organiser and SB Nawinne as the Treasurer while Anura Priyadarshana Yapa is to remain as the General Secretary. MORE..
Ten high-ranking army officers reinstated
Ten high-ranking army officers including a Major General, who were sent on compulsory leave following the 2010 Presidential Election, have been reinstated, a spokesman said. MORE..
Karunanidhi wants India to move resolution against Sri Lanka
DMK president M Karunanidhi on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider moving a resolution in the UNHRC against Sri Lanka over alleged genocide and wanted India to support adoption of a human rights violation report in the world body. MORE..
Kindelpitiya hands over info on ‘white van’ abductions to CID
Democratic Party (DP) Western Provincial Council member Susil Kindelpitiya today handed over information to the CID regarding 13 alleged disappearances and ‘white van’ abductions which had taken place during the previous government. MORE..
SC bars deportation of Kumar Gunaratnam until Feb 18
The Supreme Court today instructed immigration authorities not to take measures to deport Frontline Socialists Party (FSP) central committee member Premakumar ‘Kumar’ Gunaratnam, until February 18. MORE..
I want entire Parliament to be a Govt – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe today said that he does not want to form a United National Party (UNP) government at the next General Election and that he desires for the entire Parliament to be a government. MORE..
Goverment to set up an Anti-Corruption Secretariat
The government today decided to set up a special Secretariat to investigate into large corruption and malpractices of the previous government, the official Government news portal said in a statement. MORE...
China official says Colombo Port City project going ahead
The China-funded port city project in Colombo was going ahead, a top Chinese official from the company executing it said Wednesday, days after the new Sri Lankan government claimed the deal was still being assessed. MORE..
Can’t call it “genocide” – Rajitha
Terming the resolution adopted in the Northern Provincial Council an “extremist position,” Health Minister and Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne says President Maithripala Sirisena had promised to initiate an internationally approved, domestic inquiry process. MORE..
Authorities told not to deport Kumar Gunaratnam
The Supreme Court today directed authorities not to take steps to deport Frontline Socialists Party (FSP) central committee member Premakumar ‘Kumar’ Gunaratnam, until February 13. MORE..
Mahinda Rajapaksa goes to jail
Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa spent time briefly at the main prison in Colombo visiting his recently acquired ally Tissa Attanayake. MORE...
ex-President rejects allegations against him
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that false and misleading statements continue to be made about him by members of the present government. MORE...
Pictures: Police seize unclaimed luxury vehicle
An abandoned Prado reportedly belongs to the President’s Secretariat Office has been found from a garage in Havelock Road, Galle, the police said. MORE...
Injured Prasad to miss World Cup
Sri Lanka were dealt a blow on Saturday (February 7) as Dhammika Prasad was ruled out of the 2015 World Cup due to an injury. MORE..
No Confidence Motion submitted against John Amaratunga
The No Confidence Motion against Minister John Amaratunga which was signed by 114 Opposition MPs has been handed over to the Secretary General of Parliament, Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva said. MORE..
Armed robbery at financial institute in Warakapola
An armed robbery has taken place at a private financial institution located in the Warakapola town. MORE...
Maithri continuing with Mahinda’s oppressive laws - FSP
The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today accused President Maithripala Sirisena of carrying out the same “oppressive laws” as former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. MORE..
Sri Lanka to go ahead with China-backed Port City Project
The Cabinet has decided to continue with the Chinese-assisted Colombo Port City Project, cabinet spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratna said today. MORE..
Tissa Attanayake gets relief from court
The Fort Magistrate’s Court today allowed Tissa Attanayake MP to attend Parliament sessions on 5, 6, and 7, February. MORE...
President reaffirms commitment to ties with China
In a message to mark the Chinese New Year, President Sirisena noted the importance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Sri Lanka last September and affirmed that ties between Sri Lanka and China will continue at a strong level during his tenure. MORE..
Former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Tissa Attanayake has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), this afternoon, Police Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana said. MORE...
New President has given hope to Tamils: Velayutham
The election of Maithripala Sirisena as the Sri Lankan President has offered a hope to the Tamils in Sri Lanka and they are able to move freely without the Army’s interruption, said K. Velayutham, Sri Lankan Minister of State for Plantation and Industry. MORE...
Ensure improved climate to protect press freedom in Sri Lanka - CPJ
A US-based journalist advocacy group has asked the new Sri Lankan government to ensure improved climate for press freedom and to take concrete and meaningful steps in this regard. MORE..
Mohan Peiris says his removal as CJ was ‘unlawful’
Mohan Peiris says that he has not retired, resigned or vacated the office of Chief Justice and that, however, due to exertions by external forces he has been displaced from office through an “unconstitutional process.” MORE..
Canada welcomes reinstatement of Sri Lankan Chief Justice
The Canadian Government today welcomed the reinstatement of Shirani Bandaranayake as Chief Justice of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court while also expressing hope that President Maithripala Sirisena fulfills the mandate given to him by the people to foster a transparent, responsive and pluralistic government. MORE..
K. Sripavan sworn in as Chief Justice
Justice K. Sripavan today took oaths as the 44th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka before President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Transfer of 10,000 police officers postponed to May
The transfer of nearly 10,000 police officers scheduled for February 01 has been postponed to May 01. Police Headquarters, in a communiqué, said that the transfer orders will come into effect from May 01, 2015. MORE..
Three-wheeler, school van fares slashed
Minister of Internal Transport, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, says that three-wheeler fares will be reduced by 10 percent while school van charges will be reduced by 5 percent with effect from February 01. MORE..
Wattala PS Chairman assaulted, evicted from chamber
The Chairman of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha, R.A. Thyagaratna Alwis, was reportedly assaulted and forcefully removed from the chamber during the monthly session of the local government institution this morning. MORE..
All ranks, privileges & pension restored for General Sarath Fonseka
Entitlement to wearing of all decorations of General Sarath Fonseka, former Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, has been restored, following the full Presidential amnesty granted by President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
Former President denies military coup attempt allegations
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has denied allegations leveled at him that he had attempted to stage a military coup in the early hours of the 9 January to remain in power even after the Presidential elections. MORE...