November 22, 2024 7:27 am
Results: 278
Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the FCID this morning, has been released on bail after being produced at the Matara Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Lack of transparency in Chinese contracts were the concern – Harsha
Our major concern was the lack of transparency with the way infrastructure projects were originally awarded to the Chinese, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs Harsha Desilva said in an interview. Speaking to Finance Asia he added that where we could, we were able re-negotiate and restructure the contracts to bring the overall costs down. MORE...
Yoshitha, Nishantha and Rohan Weliwita remanded
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Rohan Weliwita, Nishantha Ranatunga and 2 others have been remanded till February 11th by the Kaduwela Magistrates Court. MORE..
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..
Namal was planning on becoming country’s leader - Dilan
Namal Rajapaksa was planning on becoming the country’s next leader if his father was in power for another 15 years, claims State Minister Dilan Perera. MORE..
FCID summons ex-SEC chairman Nalaka Godahewa
The former Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), Dr Nalaka Godahewa, has been summoned to appear before the Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID). MORE..
MR urges govt not to jeopardize national security over petty politics
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused the government of “hastily” releasing “hard core terrorists” without regard to the nation’s security due to political pressure from certain interested quarters. 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...
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...
A1 construction cost up by Rs. 2 billion, says Namal
The construction of the Colombo- Kandy highway has been estimated to be around Rs. 4.2 billion now, however, the former government had plans to finish the project for Rs. 2.2 billion, MP Namal Rajapaksa 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...
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...
Upali Kodikara released on bail
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Upali Kodikara, who was arrested for allegedly obstructing duties of a police officer, has been released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate today. MORE..
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..
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The Presidential Commission of Inquiry this morning again summoned former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for questioning regarding the alleged use of personnel attached to the Civil Security Department for campaigning activities during the last Presidential Election. MORE...
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...
Vaiko detained during protest against draft US resolution
MDMK general secretary Vaiko and representatives from 32 organisations were detained on Monday morning after they threatened to lay siege to the U.S. Consulate in Chennai following a rally condemning the draft U.S. resolution for a domestic investigation into the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Anura wants answers on Avant Garde issue
JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised concerns about the legality of the decision by the former Defence Secretary to transfer the powers to the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd to maintain a commercial floating armoury. MORE...
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...
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The Presidential Commission of Inquiry this morning yet again summoned former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for questioning regarding the alleged use of personnel attached to the Civil Security Department for campaigning activities during the Presidential Election. MORE...
Presidential Commission of Inquiry summons Gotabaya again
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry this morning for questioning regarding the alleged use of personnel attached to the Civil Security Department for campaigning activities during the Presidential Election. MORE..
Gotabaya, Namal arrive at FCID
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Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa arrived at the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) to give a statement a short while ago on Monday (14) morning. MORE...
CBK ran one of the most repressive governments - Rajapaksa
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused fellow SLFP Patron Chandrika Kumaratunga of running one of the most “repressive” governments in living memory and charged that her recent comments amount to an admission that she too presided over a party full of “murderers and rogues.” MORE..
Magisterial inquiry into floating armory case terminated
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The Magisterial inquiry with respect to the floating armory of the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd has been terminated after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) apprised the Court that it would not proceed with the case under AG’s advice. MORE...
‘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...
Massive killings if Mahinda returned to power - CBK
Mahinda Rajapaksa during his tenure as the President of Sri Lanka ran a police state and if he was successful in returning to power as Prime Minister in recent parliamentary polls the country would have experienced massive killings of innocents, according to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. MORE..
Gotabaya to appear before CoI tomorrow again
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been asked to appear before the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Large Scale Corruption and Fraud on Friday (03) as well. MORE...
Notices issued to Mattala airport protesters
The Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (03) issued notices on several persons including the former Chairman of the Lunugamwehera Pradeshiya Sabha for allegedly being a part of a protest held outside the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport yesterday. MORE...
Gotabaya arrives at CoI to give statement for the second time
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa a short while ago arrived at the BMICH to give a statement before the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Large Scale Corruption and Fraud. MORE...
My journey is slow, but no turning back – President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the time has come to subject the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to complete reorganization and to build it under a fresh image. MORE..
UPFA coalition partners to form new alliance?
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s allies are planning to form a new opposition alliance, breaking away from President Maithripala Sirisena’s United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition, senior leftist leaders said on Saturday. MORE..
Former govt spent $6.5m to influence US
The former Sri Lankan government allegedly paid around US$6.5 million to a private equity fund manager over a five-month period in 2014 for consulting services which included influencing the U.S. government, according to documents obtained by Foreign Policy Magazine. MORE..
Petitions against Rajapaksa, Mahendran and Cabraal withdrawn
The petitions filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Governor of the Central Bank Arjuna Mahendran and former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal have been withdrawn.
Court lifts travel ban on Gotabaya Rajapaksa
The Galle Magistrate on Thursday (27) lifted the foreign travel ban imposed on former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa over allegations he used a commercial floating armoury. MORE...
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...
Gotabaya arrives at CoI to give statement
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the BMICH a short while ago to give a statement before the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Large Scale Corruption and Fraud. MORE...
Sri Lankan refugees guarded in reaction to Sri Lankan poll results
The Sri Lankan Tamils at the Mandapam camp reacted to the election of United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister with cautious optimism. MORE..
Senior UNP leader Karu Jayasuriya has been proposed as a suitable candidate for the post of Speaker of the next Parliament, according to political sources. MORE..
Newly elected UPFA MPs oppose National Govt - Vasu
A group of newly elected Parliamentarians of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) held a discussion in Colombo today with the participation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former UPFA MP and Left Democratic Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara said. MORE..
I do not expect Opposition Leader post; should go to a senior - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to Ada Derana said that he does not expect the Opposition Leader post and will remain as a Member of Parliament. He added that the opposition leader post should be decided by the UPFA Parliamentary group and should go to a senior of the party. MORE...
DMK hopes for permanent solution to Tamils’ issues
DMK President M Karunanidhi today congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe for his victory in the Sri Lanka parliamentary elections and hoped the Tamil National Alliance win in North and East provinces would give rise to a situation for a permanent solution to travails of Tamils. MORE..
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....
Rajapaksa sends reply to President Sirisena
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today responded to the letter from President Maithripala Sirisena, with a letter of his own. MORE..
President Sirisena sends urgent letter to Rajapaksa
President Maithripala Sirisena has sent an urgent letter to former President and UPFA Kurunegala District candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Aug 13), the Presidential Media Unit said. MORE..
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...
MR contesting polls to avoid consequences for past actions - UNP
The United National Party (UNP) claims that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is contesting the parliamentary election in an attempt to avoid “serious consequences” for his past actions and that he is seeking protection from ongoing investigations. MORE..
Rajapaksa’s racist brand of politics should be defeated - UNP
Minister Joseph Michael Perera says that it is very necessary to continue with the newly established atmosphere of communal and religious harmony in the country. MORE..
Public is ready, but are politicians? - Nalaka Thero
The people are prepared to represent the country and cast their votes, but the problem is whether the politicians are ready, says Venerable Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero. 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...
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...
President Sirisena revamps his security ahead of polls
Maithripala Sirisena has disbanded a part of the Presidential Security Division, and replaced the elite Sri Lankan unit with a highly-trained team of commandos, it was reported. MORE...
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...
UPFA getting stronger, says Mahinda
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), day-by-day, draws the support of more people, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. MORE...
Shivajilingam writes to UN human rights chief
M K Shivajilingam, who is contesting in the upcoming parliamentary polls as an independent candidate, has asked the UNHCR for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the conflict with the LTTE. MORE..
Namal denies his family was involved in Thajudeen’s murder
Former UPFA Hambantota District MP Namal Rajapaksa has denied allegations that his family was involved in the murder of former Sri Lankan Rugby player, Wasim Thajudeen. 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..
CID pursuing top military officers - Nalaka Thero
Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero says that presently the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is chasing after high-ranking military officers who helped save the country and that the Defence Secretary is aware of it. MORE..
Unsuccessful financial administration harming country – fmr. SEC chairman
Former Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Dr Nalaka Godahewa says that the country is heading towards a grave danger due to unsuccessful financial administration. MORE..
Dilan Perera should tender public apology - P. Harrison
Minister P. Harrison says that former UPFA Parliamentarian Dilan Perera should tender a public apology to the entire body of Maha Sangha for insulting and treating them with contempt. MORE..
Printing press raided over ‘defamatory’ book on Mahinda
Police today raided a printing press which had allegedly been printing a slanderous book targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is contesting the forthcoming General Election. MORE..
Mahinda is suffering from Amnesia – Ajith P. Perera
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s only political slogan is based on racism, communalism and religious extremism, says the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
Will not allow anyone to tear the country into pieces, says Mahinda
It is yet a secret that what types of pacts have been signed between the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the United National Party (UNP), former President Mahinda Rajapaksa claims. MORE...
Fraud and corruption led to economic downturn, says Ravi
Finance minister Ravi karunanayke said that the wrong economic policies by the previous government embedded with corruption and frauds resulted in the continuous deterioration of the government revenue and the agro based economy as well. MORE...
UPFA calls for immediate probe into Bloemendhal shooting
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UFPA) today expressed shock and disbelief over the tragic shooting incident at Bloemendhal Road in Colombo, which claimed the life of a UNP supporter and wounded at least another dozen. MORE..
Drug trade flourished under Rajapaksa regime - Karu
Minister Karu Jayasuriya today charged that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his “set of thieves” would resort to any corrupt an unholy action, crushing all accepted moral values and human relations for the sake of power. MORE..
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...
PS chairman arrested over ‘distorted’ flag at UPFA rally
The Chairman of the Yatunuwara Pradeshiya Sabha and UPFA Kandy District candidate, Thusitha Kumara Welagedara, has been arrested on charges of hoisting a distorted national flag at a recent election rally. MORE..
Rajapaksa promises new constitution within 6 months
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today reiterated that that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has not divided into two factions. Only one faction exists and that is the anti-UNP faction, he said. MORE..
UPFA election manifesto presented to Maithripala
The election manifesto of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), for the 2015 General Election, was presented to President Maithripala Sirisena this morning by a group of party leaders. MORE..
UPFA confident of election victory, says Dilan
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will secure victory in 14 districts at the forthcoming General Election, former Minister Dilan Perera asserted. 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...
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...
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..
UPFA is not divided at all - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today denied that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is divided and said that the reason he did not form his own party to contest the election is because he was not ready to abandon the SLFP for his personal gain. MORE..
No pressure from India on Port City project - govt
The Sri Lankan government has denied reports that the Indian government is exerting pressure on it to stall the $1.4 billion Colombo Port City Project. MORE..
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...
What happened to MR in Akuressa?
The government is attempting to gain political mileage from the incident which transpired after Mahinda Rajapaksa was caught in the grasp of a supporter while traversing through a gathering of supporters at a rally in Akuressa, says the former President’s Media Coordinator, Rohan Weliwita. MORE..
Govt declares first ‘white van’ arrest a victory for the people
Minister of Home Affairs, Joseph Michael Perera, today said that the recent arrest of three army personnel in possession of a firearm in a white vehicle has finally provided authorities with a much-needed lead to investigate the controversial ‘white van’ culture which had prevailed in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Gotabaya claims white van in Mirihana belonged to LTTE
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the country’s security is the foundation for development and reconciliation and that unfortunately the current leaders of Sri Lanka have given a low priority for security. MORE..
UPFA claims ‘white van’ threat to Mahinda, Gotabaya
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) claims that the recent arrest of three army personnel in a white-coloured van in Mirihana, can be considered as a threat to the security of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. MORE..
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...
SL becoming a key transportation hub for South Asia: ex-US Director of National Intelligence
Election outcome in Sri Lanka is important for the region and the world, Dennis Cutler Blair, the former United States Director of National Intelligence and former US Navy admiral has said. MORE...
Rajapaksa deciding to ‘flee’ Habmantota not surprising - UNP
Former Minister of State for Fisheries, Dilip Wedaarachchi, says that it is not surprising that Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to flee from Hambantota because he failed to provide the much needed water supply scheme, a programme to develop agriculture and improve the livestock industry in his hometown district. 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...
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...
Willing to make any sacrifice to protect SLFP – Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he is willing to make any sacrifice to protect the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and that although he has not betrayed the country or the people, the finger is being pointed at him. MORE..
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..
Petitions filed against Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security detail
A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court seeking a directive to reduce the security provided to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is contesting the forthcoming parliamentary polls. MORE..
UPFA election campaign to begin from Anuradhapura
The inaugural election rally of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is scheduled to be held at the Salgadu Stadium in Anuradhapura today, under the theme “Let’s give life to the country and a new beginning”. MORE..
Sri Lanka human rights improved under Sirisena: UK
The human rights situation in Sri Lanka has “improved” since Maithripala Sirisena took over presidency from Mahinda Rajapaksa, a UK government report has said. MORE..
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...
Special UPFA meeting; Mahinda arrives at SLFP HQ
(Update) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the SLFP Headquarters a short while ago for a special meeting of the UPFA Election Operation Committee meeting. All leaders of the major constituent parties of the UPFA along with President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to be present at the meeting. MORE...
Ranil 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...
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..
No final decision on nominations yet, says Rajitha
A final decision has not been taken by the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) on whom to give nominations at the forthcoming election, Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...
Govt rebuts ex-President’s allegations on ethanol licences
The Ministry of Finance today rejected the allegation made by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa that the government in 100 days has issued 28 ethanol licences. 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.
Rajapaksa denies Rs 9.4 million ‘family breakfast’
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rejected as “exaggerated allegations” made by the United National Party (UNP) regarding the spending of a sum exceeding Rs 9.4 million for a “Rajapaksa family breakfast.” MORE..
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...
If UPFA nomination foils; Mahinda prepared to contest through ‘budding flower’
In case former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is unable to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA due to a breakdown in the Mahinda-Maithri collaboration, Rajapaksa is scheduled to contest under the Our Sri Lanka Freedom Front (Ape Sri Lanka Nidahas Peramuna) with the symbol of a budding flower. MORE...
Mahinda will contest from Kurunegala District - TB
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will contest the upcoming General Election from the Kurunegala District, says former Minister T.B. Ekananayake. MORE..
UNP ‘minority’ Govt will be defeated on Aug 17 - Dinesh
We hope to defeat the UNP minority government on August 17, MEP Leader and former UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardena said a short while ago. MORE...
UPFA decides to give nomination to Mahinda Rajapaksa
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has decided to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest at the upcoming General Election on August 17 under the UPFA ticket. MORE..
Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources
President Maithripala Sirisena has refused to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA ticket, political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Mahinda-Maithri meeting took place, but different venue
Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena today confirmed that a discussion did take place between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and that they had only denied the location of the meeting. MORE..
Rajapaksa to be briefed on Sirisena’s decision
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva has met with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kandy this morning, political sources revealed to Ada Derana. MORE..
Rajapaksa also denies meeting with Sirisena
Reports published regarding an urgent meeting between former Mahinda Rajapaksa and incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena at the Speaker’s official residence are untrue, Rajapaksa’s Media Coordinator Rohan Weliwita said. MORE..
CB Governor seeks overseas loans to reduce debt costs
Sri Lankan central bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran is seeking concessional overseas loans to refinance costlier debt and reduce reliance on global bond markets. MORE..
No Mahinda-Maithri meeting at Speaker’s house - PMD
The President’s Media Division today denied media reports alleging that a meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa took place at the Speaker’s residence yesterday (June 25). MORE..
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..
Mahinda-Maithri coordination committee to meet ex-President
The committee appointed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to coordinate the party’s affairs between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to meet with the latter today (25). MORE..
Gota could lose civil rights in ‘MiG deal’ probe - Mangala
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera today welcomed the the US State Department report which had revealed the existence of the LTTE’s financial network and said that it reflected the “failure” of the former government. MORE..
Mahinda Rajapaksa has not asked for a helicopter – Weliwita
Reports that the government has provided a helicopter for the use of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa are completely untrue, according to latter’s Media Coordinator, Rohan Weliwita. MORE..
Tissa grilled at Bribery Commission
Former UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake was today summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to record a statement regarding his acceptance of a ministerial portfolio before the Presidential Election. MORE..
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..
Namal Rajapaksa questioned by CID
UPFA Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) this morning to give a statement, Ada Derana Reporter said. MORE..
No-confidence motion against PM a ‘senseless act’ - Wijedasa
Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa says that the President intends to dissolve Parliament after the constitutional amendment bill to change the electoral system is submitted. MORE..
No-confidence Motion against PM handed over to Speaker
The motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been handed over to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa last night, UPFA Parliamentarian Bandula Gunawardena said. MORE..
Politicians who sacrilege religious places are eventual losers - Gayantha
Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka says that individuals who commit sacrilege at religious places of worship for political purposes are the eventual losers and that political and religious extremism is a threat to the peace and harmony in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Shashi Weerawansa grilled by FCID
Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa’s wife, Shashi Weerawansa, arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) to give a statement regarding a property transaction. MORE..
Parliament adjourned amidst CC stand-off
The Speaker today decided to adjourn Parliament until next Tuesday (June 09), despite its failure to reach a final decision with regard to the appointing of three civil society representatives to the Constitutional Council. MORE..
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...
Attempts to pin murder charges on my family – MR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa claims that the government is attempting to level even murder charges against members of his family. MORE..
I don’t think Mahinda is mentally retarded- says Rajitha
Mahinda Rajapaksa will lose his privileges as a former President, if he contests at the next general election, Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne affirmed. MORE...
South African delegation meets Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora in UK
A South African delegation has met with Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora organisations with a view to bringing a sense of normalcy to the North-East part of the island and exchange views on how they could contribute towards the peace and reconciliation process. MORE..
Good governance started with bad precedent - Former CJ
Former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka Sarath N. Silva says that good governance cannot be established in a country within just 100 days and that it will never exist under jungle law. MORE..
Former Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa, was further remanded till June 10 by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (27). MORE...
Sarath Fonseka says he would welcome war crime investigation
Sri Lanka’s wartime army chief says his conscience is clear and he would welcome a war crimes investigation to prove his innocence. MORE..
Shiranthi Rajapaksa summoned to FCID
Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been asked to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), MP Namal Rajapaksa has said. 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..
Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest in parliamentary polls - report
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had informed his close aides that he will contest in the parliamentary elections which are expected to be held in the country in July, a senior opposition member said on Monday. MORE..
Ministers who quit also follow wrong astrologers – Harin
Uva Province Chief Minister Harin Fernando says that the recent resignation of four SLFP Ministers was a “planned game” and that he expects more will follow suit. MORE..
Court refuses to grant interim order against Harin
The Court of Appeals today refused to grant an interim order to suspend Harin Fernando from discharging his duties as the Chief Minister of the Uva Province. MORE..
Basil further remanded till May 27
Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and three other officials, who were arrested on charges of misappropriation of Divi Neguma funds, have been further remanded until May 27 by the Kaduwala Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Basil Rajapaksa transferred to Cardiology Unit
Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who was being treated at the National Hospital, has been transferred to the hospital’s Cardiology Unit, a source from the hospital 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...
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..
I was offered bribe to cover up ‘Avant-Garde’ issue – Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Rajitha Senaratne claims that he was offered a bribe of Rs 20 million per month in order to cover up the ‘Avant-Garde’ issue. MORE..
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...
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..
Arrested corporal had gun, not water bottle – Police
Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara today denied claims that the army corporal, who was arrested following a security breach at an event attended by the President, was only holding a bottle of water in his hand and not a gun. MORE..
FCID postpones; Gotabaya at Bribery Commission
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was initially informed to be present at the FCID today has been asked to appear on May 20, his attorney told Ada Derana. He is currently at the Bribery Commission to give a statement. MORE...
Mahinda warns of arrests in coming weeks
There are moves to arrest anyone who acts against the Government, Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa warned last evening. He added that there were plans to arrest a few prominent members of the last government within the next couple of weeks. MORE...
Will bring no-confidence motion against Ranil - Wimal
Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says that a motion of no confidence will be brought against Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. MORE..
Gotabaya seeks Rs 1 billion in damages from Watagala
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent a letter of demand to JVP Western Provincial Councillor Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, seeking Rs 1 billion in damages over alleged malicious and defamatory remarks made by the latter against him. MORE..
Mahinda rejects Mangala allegations
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today denied allegations by Foreign Minister Mangala Samarweera that he had siphoned off state monies during his tenure and that his family held assets worth US$18 billion overseas. MORE...
FCID grills Maj Gen Nanda Mallawaarachchi
The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) is currently recording a statement from the former Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Law and Order, Major General Nanda Mallawaarachchi, regarding alleged financial irregularities. MORE..
Army personnel removed from Presidential Guard
The Presidential Guard established under the Sri Lanka Army by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been dissolved, the military spokesman said. 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...
Ada Derana reliably learns that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been summoned to appear at the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on May 1. MORE..
Gotabaya vows legal actions against JVP
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on Wednesday filed a case against former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa with the Bribery Commission. MORE...
President Sirisena meets former President at Parliament
UPDATE: President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Parliament and much awaited discussions are scheduled to begin in a short while. MORE...
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...
Basil Rajapaksa to be produced before Kaduwela Magistrate today
Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa who was remanded till today (5) has been brought to the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, a short while ago. MORE...
High expectations from Maithri-Mahinda meeting on May 06
SLFP Media spokesman and State Minister Dilan Perera says that the scheduled meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Wednesday (May 06), will be “a slap in the face” to those wishing to see the party split. MORE..
Armed soldier at President’s event arrested
An Army Corporal who was allegedly armed with a weapon at a recent event attended by President Maithripala Sirisena in Agunukolapelessa has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
Kerry’s Sri Lanka visit to ‘show US support’
Top US diplomat John Kerry left early Friday on a landmark trip to Sri Lanka, the first such visit in a decade to the Indian Ocean island as it returns to the diplomatic fold. MORE..
Somawansa stages fast demanding action on coup plot
Former JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has commenced a protest fast at Independence Square in Colombo demanding action against the alleged coup attempt on January 09. MORE..
Dual citizens cannot contest Parliamentary Polls – govt
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ajith P. Perera says that according to provisions included in the 19th amendment to the constitution, Sri Lankan nationals who possess dual citizenships are not permitted to contest in the General Election. MORE..
Kerry hopes to reset US relations with Sri Lanka
A senior U.S. State Department official said Wednesday that Secretary of State John Kerry was traveling to Sri Lanka to show that the U.S. “applauds the vision” of that country’s new government. MORE...
EXCLUSIVE: Positive proposals from opposition not discarded – Wijedasa
Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapaksa says that not a single positive proposal brought forward by opposition parliamentary groups with regard to the 19th amendment were discarded by the government, despite the raising of baseless and childish arguments at various points. MORE..
19th Amendment to come into force from April 30
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution will come into force from April 30, except for 4 articles which will come into force in the next Parliament, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa told Ada Derana. MORE..
DG Kumarage elected as Kataragama Basnayake Nilame
D.G. Kumarage has been elected as the new Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya. MORE..
Parliament has approved three(03) months leave for MP Basil Rajapaksa commencing from today(28). The approval was granted on a proposal made by Opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva. MORE...
US Secretary of State Kerry to arrive on Saturday
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Sri Lanka on Saturday to meet with its new president, Maithripala Sirisena, the State Department said, following years of strained relations between Washington and the country’s previous government. MORE...
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...
Sirisena pitches for early Parliamentary elections
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has apparently decided to order early Parliamentary elections in the hope that it will yield a Legislature which will enable him to fulfill his poll promises, informed sources said. This is after he found the current Parliament to be a hard nut to crack. MORE...
Gammanpila regrets ‘distorted flags’ controversy
The General Secretary of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Udaya Gammanpila, today expressed regret over the presence of several distorted national flags during a protest staged yesterday opposite the Bribery Commission. MORE..
UPFA politicians summoned on contempt charges
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today issued notice on 27 persons including 10 UPFA Parliamentarians to appear before the court on May 8 on contempt of court charges, after they violated a court order and staged a protest opposite the bribery commission. MORE..
Ready to face any challenge for the people - Basil
Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa says that all ‘Divi Neguma’ funds were spent for the people’s welfare and that if doing so is wrong he is ready to face any challenge on behalf of the people. MORE..
Peace attempts with ruling party ‘murdered’ - Dullas
The Sri Lankan opposition on Thursday said that attempts to settle a rift between President Maithripala Sirisena and Former President Mahinda Rajapakse as well as politicians affiliated to both sides has been “murdered” due to the recent actions of the government. MORE..
Sri Lanka has become a police state – Gotabaya
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa today said that he has not unlawfully obtained a single cent within the past 9 years and that he is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt. MORE..
Tense situation outside Bribery Commission as Gota arrives
A tense situation reported due to a protest opposite the Bribery Commission as former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been summoned to give a statement, the police said. MORE..
Basil Rajapaksa transferred to prison hospital
MP Basil Rajapaksa who was remanded last night by the Kaduwela Magistrate has been transferred to the prison hospital, Police told Ada Derana. MORE...
Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and two other senior ministry officials, who were arrested by the Police FCID over allegations of financial fraud, have been remanded until the 05th of May by the Kaduwela Magistrate. MORE..
Court bans protests in front of Bribery Commission
The Colombo Chief Magistrate has issued an order banning protest in front of the Bribery Commission tomorrow (April 23), police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
Sri Lanka needs early elections for stability - MR
Former Sri Lankan strongman Mahinda Rajapakse Wednesday accused the new government of pursuing a witch-hunt against his family as he and his brother prepared to be interrogated by anti-corruption investigators. MORE...
Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Wednesday (22) arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to give a statement concerning the allegations of financial frauds against him, the Police Spokesperson said.
Opposition demands anti-graft chief’s sacking
Main opposition demanded on Tuesday the country’s anti-graft chief be sacked for summoning former president Mahinda Rajapaksa to answer bribery allegations amid renewed uproar in parliament. MORE...
There is a move to damage my reputation and goodwill- Gotabaya
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (20) said some elements of the new government struggle to destroy his reputation and goodwill that he had built for years by being instrumental in the country’s struggle to defeat the Tamil rebels.
Former President likely not moving to ‘Peacock’ bungalow
(UPDATE) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is likely not moving to a house which was offered to him by Sri Lanka Labour Party Leader A.S.P. Liyanage, Ada Derana learns. MORE...
Basil to return to country tomorrow
Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa is scheduled to return to the country tomorrow(21), sources said. Rajapaksa, speaking to Ada Derana earlier on March 26, said that he will return to Sri Lanka soon and assist in the investigations into allegations against him. MORE...
MR, Gotabaya asked to appear before Bribery Commission
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been asked to appear before the Bribery Commission on April 24, spokesman for the former President Rohan Welivita told Ada Derana. He alse confirmed that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa also has been asked to appear before the Commission on April 23 and 27. 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...
Former President offers worship at Kirivehera Temple
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa offered worship at the Kataragama Kirivehera Temple on Saturday (18). 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..
Mahinda Rajapaksa prepares for political comeback - report
Former president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa is planning to stand in parliamentary polls to launch an attempt to return to power, aides have said. MORE..
No room for any family to control country again – President
President Maithripala Sirisena says that with the proposed amendments to the Constitution, the government will not leave room in the future for any single family to control the country ever again. MORE..
57 MPs visit Mahinda Rajapaksa
Around fifty-seven Members of Parliament today visited former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Carlton House in Tangalle. MORE..
Chinese naval ships to use Gwadar port after Colombo snub
Pakistan’s Gwadar port which has been taken over by a Chinese firm could guarantee maintenance and supply for China’s naval ships in the Indian Ocean after the new Sri Lankan government declined permission for Chinese vessels to dock in the country. MORE..
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.
Speaker apprises Susil to nominate Opposition Leader
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has apprised the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Susil Premajayantha to have discussions with the party members and decide on who should be appointed as the Opposition Leader. MORE...
Risks of a failed peace appearing only now – Ranil
Winning a war or revolution, only to lose the subsequent peace, is one of the grim political truths of our time, says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. MORE..
Speaker needs more time on Opposition Leader’s post
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa says that he needs more time to consider his decision on the Opposition Leader’s post, which subject of controversy after 26 Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MPs joined the new Government to accept ministerial portfolios. 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...
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...
BOI recommends criminal prosecution of ex-SriLankan Airlines Chairman & CEO
A Board of Inquiry has found shocking details of corruption running into billions of dollars, manipulations of service contracting, recruitment of unqualified staff and major security breaches at the SriLankan Airlines under the former government. MORE..
“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..
Minister Karu Jayasuriya says that the Government has decided to extend the terms of 234 local government bodies till 15 & 31 May. A gazette notification will be issued soon, in this regard, the Minister added. MORE...
I will return to Sri Lanka soon - Basil
Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, speaking to Ada Derana, said that he will return to Sri Lanka soon and assist in the investigations into allegations against him. MORE..
Over 26 SLFP MPs attend Ratnapura rally
Over 26 Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Parliamentarians attend a public rally currently being held in Ratnapura urging Mahinda Rajapaksa to be nominated as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate. MORE..
Court orders investigation into Gota’s bank accounts
Galle Magistrate has ordered the CID to investigate bank accounts belonging to former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Directors of Avant Guard in connection with the floating armoury..
Lack of vehicles jeopardizing MR’s security - Media Coordinator
The lack of vehicles to transport the 213 security personnel assigned to Mahinda Rajapaksa has jeopardized his security, according to the former president’s Media Coordinator Mr Rohan Welivita. MORE..
Police to seek court order to bring down Basil Rajapaksa
The police will seek a court order to bring down ex-President’s brother and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa in order to question him over alleged financial frauds, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE...
Ex-President visits Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya last evening (23) where he paid homage and participated in religious observances. 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...
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..
Bribery Commission files action against Sajin
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today filed action against MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena under section 9 of the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law No. 1 on 1975. MORE..
Former officials stashed billions abroad - Rajitha
Sri Lankan investigators have located more than $US2 billion ($2.6 billion) that was secretly transferred to accounts in Dubai by figures close to the administration of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government said on Thursday. 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...
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...
Weapons found in floating armoury are not state owned: Gotabaya
Ex-President’s brother and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (16) asserted that weapons recovered from the floating armoury in the southern port of Galle are not owned by the state. MORE...
Pirith chanting in Kiri Vehera to invoke blessings on national heroes
A special religious ceremony to invoke blessings on the country’s national heroes was taken place on March 15, marking the 200th year of signing the Kandyan Convention of 1815. MORE...
Modi meets Rajapaksa, concludes Sri Lanka visit
In a personal gesture, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his two-day visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday with a meeting with the former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was ousted from power in elections in January. MORE..
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..
Still no response from Gotabaya on assets declaration - Ravi
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is still to respond to his challenge to declare assets, although three weeks have passed. MORE..
We are going after Rajapaksa’s stolen assets: Mangala
The Sri Lankan government has asked India to help with its investigation against the former regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa for alleged corruption, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera told The Hindu. MORE..
Rajapaksa says RAW rallied opposition to his presidency
Claiming that the Research and Analysis Wing conspired with “Western agencies” CIA and MI-6 to rally the opposition led by President Maithripala Sirisena against his presidency, Sri Lanka’s former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he does not, however, believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the government was responsible. MORE..
‘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..
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...
Special ceremony to invoke blessing on national heroes
The principal and administrator of the Pepiliyana Sunethra Mahadevi Pirivena, Dr. Medagoda Abayatissa Thero, says that a special religious ceremony to invoke blessings on the country’s national heroes will take place on March 15, 2015 marking the 200th year of signing the Kandyan Convention of 1815. MORE..
Modi likely to meet Rajapaksa during visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet the former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to the island nation beginning Friday. Efforts are on to arrange a meeting in Colombo, political sources has told The Hindu newspaper. MORE....
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..
Sri Lanka is not anti-China but mainland firms won’t get ‘carte blanche’: Ravi
Sri Lanka’s new leadership is not targeting China and only wants its help to fight corrupt deals orchestrated by the last government, the island nation’s finance minister said, even as he ratcheted up rhetoric against Chinese companies he said were once given “carte blanche” in his country. MORE...
Gotabaya’s passport impounded over floating armoury case
The Galle Magistrate’s Court on Monday (9) issued a directive to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to temporarily impound the passports of four persons including ex-Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake. 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..
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..
Modi free to visit any part of Sri Lanka - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Friday that the Government of Sri Lanka and its people are eagerly looking forward to Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island-nation next week. MORE..
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..
Yoshitha transferred to Navy HQ
Yoshitha Rajapaksa who was attached to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security division has been transferred to Navy Headquarters with effect from March 9, Navy spokesman told Ada Derana. MORE...
Sunday Leader tenders unconditional apology to Gotabaya
The Sunday Leader has tendered an unconditional apology to former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa in courts for a defamatory publication regarding MiG aircraft purchases. 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...
Spy cables reveal Sri Lanka hyped up Tamil Tiger postwar threat: Report
In the cable, dated June 9, 2010, South Africa’s State Security Agency (SSA) replied to a request for information about several cases of purported LTTE activity in South Africa, from a suspected military training camp held in May 2010 to suspicions that local Tamil organizations were raising money for the LTTE... MORE..
Rohitha Abeygunawardena questioned by Bribery Commission
Former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena is being questioned by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption following a compliant lodged with the commission, a source said. MORE...
Yoshitha questioned by CCD over light aircraft
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been summoned by the Colombo Crimes Division(CCD) to record a statement regarding the light aircraft found at the Economic Centre at Narahenpita in January, the CCD said. MORE...
China says Sri Lanka loans made “based on consensus”
China’s loans to Sri Lanka were made based on consensus through talks between the two countries and at Sri Lanka’s request, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday, after Sri Lanka’s foreign minister expressed concern about the loans. MORE...
Court of Appeal dismisses Shashindra’s petition
Court of Appeal on Monday (2) dismissed the petition filed by ousted Chief Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa seeking to make the appointment of Harin Fernando as the Uva Chief Minister illegal. MORE...
Government cancels licences for foreign mining firms
The President has cancelled mining licences issued by the previous government to 16 foreign companies to search for blue sapphires and other gems, the President’s Media Unit said in statement. MORE...
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..
Even wives of politicians must be protected from govt - MR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that not only politicians but even their wives and children have to be safeguarded from the government now as they are being “harassed” one by one. 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...
Yoshitha Rajapaksa assigned to Mahinda’s security detail
The son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Lieutenant Yoshitha Rajapaksa, has been assigned to the security detail of his father, sources within the Sri Lanka Navy said. MORE...
Sri Lanka shares more info with India on Rajapaksa deals
Sri Lanka has shared more information with India on the billions of dollars that its new government alleges members of the previous regime headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa had stashed abroad, to support the island nation’s request for New Delhi’s help to set up a Financial Intelligence Unit to trace the money. MORE..
New Govt ends US lobbying contracts
In a sign of improving relations with the U.S., Sri Lanka has terminated lobbying contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars a month that the previous government had signed to help it win friends in Washington amid war crimes allegations, the nation’s ambassador says. MORE..
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..
Rajiva Wijesinha resigns as State Minister?
State Minister of higher Education Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha has resigned from his ministerial portfolio, reliable sources told Ada Derana. MORE...
CID records statement from Gotabaya
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has recorded a statement from former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa in connection with the investigations into the armories of the Avant Garde and Rakna Lanka companies. 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..
China official says Colombo Port City project going ahead
The China-funded port city project in Colombo was going ahead, a top Chinese official from the company executing it said Wednesday, days after the new Sri Lankan government claimed the deal was still being assessed. MORE..
TN fishermen seek compensation for damaged boats
Indian fishermen’s leaders and owners of the 87 fishing vessels detained by Sri Lanka, were ecstatic when they learnt that the boats were going to be released this week on the orders of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Sri Lanka’s fiscal targets pressured by weak trend of revenues, Moody’s says
Sri Lanka’s new budget continues the fiscal consolidation, but there are risks that revenue targets are not met while higher expenditure may revive inflation in the island nation, Moody’s Investors Service said. MORE..
President Sirisena ushers new chapter of hope for Sri Lanka - NY Times
It was just one month ago that Sri Lanka surprised the world by electing opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena as president, rejecting the authoritarianism, corruption and dynastic politics of the administration of the incumbent, Mahinda Rajapaksa. MORE...
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...
’India must be on guard against Tamil separatists’
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former defence secretary of Sri Lanka, former army officer and former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s brother, was largely seen as the driving force behind Sri Lanka’s Eelam War IV that decimated the Tamil Tigers and ended an intense, quarter century long civil war in the island nation in 2009. MORE...
Namal says he voted for the budget with ‘reluctance’
Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said that he voted favorably on the new Government’s interim budget with ‘reluctance’ because of concerns he has about the unsustainable nature of the proposals that have been presented. 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..
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..
The Sri Lankan government stepped up pressure in 2014 on human rights activists and journalists, particularly those urging justice for past war crimes, Human Rights Watch said in its World Report 2015 released today. MORE...
Lawyers at Hultsdorf call for CJ’s resignation
A group of lawyers attached to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has staged a protest, in front of the Hultsdorf Court complex for the second time, and called for the immediate resignation of Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, this morning. 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...
Gotabaya has still not given up hopes to topple the government- Rajitha
Revealing a confidential matter at TV Derana 360 programme, Minister Rajitha Senaratne last night alerted that the leftover elements of the previous government have still not given up hopes to topple the current government. MORE...