November 22, 2024 6:41 am
Results: 97
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
New Provincial Council Ministers sworn-in
New Ministers of the North Western Provincial Council took oath before President Maithripala Sirisena today (14). MORE...
Our government is stable: President
President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday (09) asserted not to expect a Government change till 2020. 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Government to continue mega reservoir project
President Maithripala Sirisena has assured that he will continue a multi-million-dollar mega dam project in the central part of the island nation and stressed that he would not allow its discontinuation, an official said. MORE...
President expresses satisfaction about improved cooperation with Turkey
President Maithripala Sirisena thanked Turkey for the steps taken to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. He said Turkish construction companies have partnered in several construction projects including a housing project in Mannar where 100 houses were built. MORE...
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...
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.
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...
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...
President proposes procedure for “Prashansaneeya Seva Padakkama”
On a proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena as Minister of Defence, the Cabinet has granted its approval to establish a general procedure to award the “Prashansaneeya Seva Padakkama” to officers and other ranks in the tri forces, the Ministry of Defence said. MORE...
Ramazan reinforces common human values that unite humankind: President
As Muslims throughout Sri Lanka and the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, I am most pleased to extend my wishes to them, President Maithripala Sirisena said. MORE...
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...
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.
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..
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...
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...
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...
19th Amendment passed with a vast majority
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed with a vast majority in Parliament, a short while ago on Tuesday (28), with the government gaining 212 votes in favour. MORE...
I 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...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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...
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...
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..
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..
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...
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..
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...