Results: 360

SAITM CEO shooting was staged - Police

SAITM CEO shooting was staged - Police

Sri Lanka Police today said that investigations into the recent shooting carried out targeting the CEO of SAITM, Dr Sameera Senaratne, have uncovered that the incident was staged in order to falsely portray a threat to his life. MORE..

February 28, 2017  12:09 pm|

Ukrainian arrested for violating visa rules

Ukrainian arrested for violating visa rules

A Ukrainian national, believed to have been living in Sri Lanka illegally and violating visa laws, has been detained at the detention camp in Mirihana. MORE..

February 3, 2017  12:05 pm|

Sri Lanka makes 537 after centuries by Perera, Tharanga

Sri Lanka posted 537 all out in the opening innings of the test series against Zimbabwe, with centuries by Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga putting the visitors in control of the first test. MORE...

October 30, 2016  10:45 pm|

Sri Lanka makes 537 after centuries by Perera, Tharanga

Sri Lanka makes 537 after centuries by Perera, Tharanga

Sri Lanka posted 537 all out in the opening innings of the test series against Zimbabwe, with centuries by Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga putting the visitors in control of the first test. MORE...

October 30, 2016  10:42 pm|

Siva Senai in Sri Lanka gets Shiva Sena Support, Colombo Worried

Siva Senai in Sri Lanka gets Shiva Sena Support, Colombo Worried

Shiv Sena in Mumbai has extended its support to a new Sri Lankan Tamil outfit called Siva Senai, triggering concerns among the mainstream politicians of the island nation that sectarian outfits will reopen wounds of a 20-year-old civil war that ended only in 2009. MORE...

October 14, 2016  08:10 am|

Major disaster averted as two trains almost collide head-on

Major disaster averted as two trains almost collide head-on

Two trains narrowly avoided a head-on collision in Ginthota on the Coastal Line as the drivers of the locomotives managed prevent a possible major train disaster this afternoon. MORE..

January 29, 2016  03:13 pm|

Graham Ford signs up for second spell as Sri Lanka Coach

Graham Ford signs up for second spell as Sri Lanka Coach

Graham Ford has agreed to return to Sri Lanka for a second spell as national coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team. He has signed on from February 1 for a period of 45 months, President SLC told Ada Derana. MORE...

January 29, 2016  08:18 am|

13th Amendment back in the limelight in Sri Lanka

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...

January 21, 2016  08:42 am|

Navy arrests 12 TN fishermen

Navy arrests 12 TN fishermen

Twelve Tamil Nadu fishermen were today arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were fishing near Katchatheevu. MORE...

January 5, 2016  11:00 am|

India committed to build 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka

India committed to build 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka

India is committed to build 50,000 houses for internally displaced people in Sri Lanka, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. MORE..

December 8, 2015  04:35 pm|

Jaya urges Modi to get TN fishermen released from Lanka

Jaya urges Modi to get TN fishermen released from Lanka

Hours after the Sri Lankan Navy arrested eight Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized their two boats, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure the release of a total of 37 fishermen and 55 boats, including those held today. MORE...

November 30, 2015  10:11 am|

Eight more Indian fishermen arrested

Eight more Indian fishermen arrested

Eight Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Navy in an early morning action today. MORE...

November 29, 2015  02:37 pm|

India wants to get back boats as well

India wants to get back boats as well

The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) in India has reiterated its demand to the Centre to prevail upon the Sri Lankan government to release 56 boats belonging to Indian fishermen. MORE...

November 18, 2015  10:25 am|

Sri Lanka to release 126 Indian fishermen on Monday

Sri Lanka to release 126 Indian fishermen on Monday

All the 126 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody will be released by courts in the island nation on Monday. The Sri Lankan government has already issued release orders to the fisheries department, according to the Times of India news agency. MORE...

November 9, 2015  01:38 pm|

Legal hurdles hold up release of fishermen

Legal hurdles hold up release of fishermen

Legal hurdles both in Sri Lanka and India are apparently holding up the release of 120 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 34 Lankan fishermen currently in detention in Lanka and India respectively. MORE...

November 2, 2015  04:32 pm|

Navy arrests five more TN fishermen

Navy arrests five more TN fishermen

Sri Lankan Navy arrested five Tamil Nadu fishermen today and seized their boat on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in their waters. MORE...

November 1, 2015  04:50 pm|

Public petition at Fort to urge porn ban in Sri Lanka

Public petition at Fort to urge porn ban in Sri Lanka

A public petition will be signed on November 04 at Colombo Fort in a bid to request the Government to urge the internet service providers to block access to websites hosting pornographic content. MORE...

November 1, 2015  10:07 am|

Sri Lankan tourists hurt as tour bus plunges into ditch in Thailand

Sri Lankan tourists hurt as tour bus plunges into ditch in Thailand

Twenty-two people, mainly Sri Lankan tourists, were hurt when their tour bus overturned into a ditch in Ratchaburi’s Photharam district on Thursday afternoon. MORE...

October 29, 2015  03:42 pm|

120 Indian fishermen to be released in “next few days”

120 Indian fishermen to be released in “next few days”

The Sri Lankan government has said that it will release “in the next few days” the 120 Tamil Nadu fishermen in its custody in return for the release of 36 Lankan fishermen held by India. MORE...

October 29, 2015  02:56 pm|

Falling space junk to create fireball in the sky: experts

Falling space junk to create fireball in the sky: experts

A piece of space junk will fall back to Earth next month, giving researchers a chance to study how incoming objects behave when they hit the planet’s atmosphere. MORE...

October 29, 2015  01:48 pm|

Govt. mulls bail for Tamils held under terror act: Mano

Govt. mulls bail for Tamils held under terror act: Mano

The Ranil Wickremesinghe government is open to the idea of allowing Tamils held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to get bail, the New India Express quoted the Minister for National Dialogue on Ethnic Issues Mano Ganeshan as saying. MORE...

October 29, 2015  11:58 am|

Lionel Fernando resigns from HRCSL

Lionel Fernando resigns from HRCSL

Lionel Fernando has resigned from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) due to personal reasons, a source said. MORE...

October 26, 2015  08:04 pm|

Indian Coast Guard arrests 29 Sri Lankans

Indian Coast Guard arrests 29 Sri Lankans

Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari apprehended two Sri Lankan trawlers namely Holy Cross III and VI along with 29 Sri Lankan nationals in Lakshadweep waters for poaching of endangered marine species, sea cucumber. MORE...

October 26, 2015  03:14 pm|

Sri Lanka mulls imposing heavy fines on Indian poachers

Sri Lanka mulls imposing heavy fines on Indian poachers

Sri Lanka is mulling imposing fines as high as 150 million rupees on Indian fishermen poaching in the country’s waters, officials said. MORE...

October 26, 2015  10:42 am|

Sri Lanka to release 86 Tamil Nadu fishermen on October 28

Sri Lanka to release 86 Tamil Nadu fishermen on October 28

Eighty-six Tamil Nadu fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the past two months, would be released on October 28, the Indian government has said today. MORE...

October 25, 2015  10:59 pm|

Mihin Lanka to commence services to Oman from tomorrow

Mihin Lanka to commence services to Oman from tomorrow

Budget airline, Mihin Lanka is set to commence operations in Oman from 25 October allowing the passengers from the Sultanate to travel to the country at cheaper base rates. MORE...

October 25, 2015  01:06 pm|

Accountability process would be purely domestic: FM

Accountability process would be purely domestic: FM

The process to fix accountability as mandated by the latest UNHRC resolution for the alleged rights abuses during the conflict with the LTTE will be completely domestic, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has said rejecting claims that it was a hybrid mechanism. MORE...

October 25, 2015  11:45 am|

Sri Lanka holds rates as Mahendran eyes next fiscal budget

Sri Lanka holds rates as Mahendran eyes next fiscal budget

Sri Lanka’s central bank kept interest rates unchanged for a sixth straight month and Governor Arjuna Mahendran said the government will focus on boosting revenue in its budget due November, the Bloomberg news agency reported today. MORE...

October 20, 2015  11:35 am|

Five Lankans reach India using high-speed boat?

Five Lankans reach India using high-speed boat?

Five persons were suspected to have arrived onboard a high-speed fibre glass boat from Sri Lanka that was found abandoned at a coastal village in India, a topTamil Nadu police official has said. MORE...

October 20, 2015  10:44 am|

India, Sri Lanka fisherfolk want to Meet Jaya

India, Sri Lanka fisherfolk want to Meet Jaya

An Indo-Sri Lankan team of fishermen is all set to seek a meeting with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa, to resolve the long standing and irksome issue of fishing in the Palk Strait. MORE...

October 19, 2015  11:00 am|

Jayalalithaa writes again to PM Modi, fishers arrest by Navy rises to 87

Jayalalithaa writes again to PM Modi, fishers arrest by Navy rises to 87

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up at the highest political level the arrest of fishermen from the state by Sri Lanka and said the number of those apprehended has now gone up to 87 besides their 39 boats. MORE...

October 15, 2015  03:56 pm|

Treasury allocates Rs.544 million for Golden Key depositors

Treasury allocates Rs.544 million for Golden Key depositors

The repayment schedule prepared by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for resolving the difficulties confronted by the deposit holders of the Golden Key Credit Card Company Limited (GKCCCL) has already been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. MORE...

October 15, 2015  02:22 pm|

Navy arrests nine more Indian fishermen

Navy arrests nine more Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday apprehended nine Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boat on charges of trespassing into the territorial waters of the island nation, marine police sources at Mandapam in India has said. MORE...

October 14, 2015  05:29 pm|

Indian Coast Guard arrest 5 Sri Lankan fishermen and boat

Indian Coast Guard arrest 5 Sri Lankan fishermen and boat

A Sri Lankan fishing boat along with the 5 crew on board was apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer off Vakalapudi coast with 700 kg of fish on Tuesday. MORE..

October 14, 2015  02:39 pm|

India must act on arrests of fishermen, says Jayalalithaa

India must act on arrests of fishermen, says Jayalalithaa

India cannot be a mute spectator when Sri Lanka continues to violate the rights of Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has said in Chennai. MORE...

October 14, 2015  11:29 am|

Billionaire’s exit prompts SL to seek new oil explorer?

Billionaire’s exit prompts SL to seek new oil explorer?

Sri Lanka will issue a fresh international tender for offshore oil and gas blocks after billionaire Anil Agarwal’s Cairn India Ltd. relinquished its exploration rights in the South Asian island, the Bloomberg news agency reported today. MORE...

October 13, 2015  07:15 pm|

Navy arrests 24 Indian fishermen

Navy arrests 24 Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday arrested 24 Indian fishermen arrested and also seized four boats near Gulf of Mannar. MORE...

October 13, 2015  11:10 am|

Third India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise culminates

Third India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise culminates

The third Indo-Lanka Joint Training Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ focusing on counter- terrorism and insurgency operations culminated in India. MORE...

October 13, 2015  10:03 am|

Fisherworkers forum urges Modi to find permanent solution to fishermen issue

Fisherworkers forum urges Modi to find permanent solution to fishermen issue

Indian National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has requested Prime Minster Narendra Modi to use diplomatic channels to hold dialogue with neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, who arrest, attack and incarcerate Indian fishermen, the New Indian Express news agency reported. MORE...

October 12, 2015  04:23 pm|

SL deceiving nations, says Karunanidhi

SL deceiving nations, says Karunanidhi

India’s DMK leader M Karunanidhi has charged Sri Lanka with using its geographical location to deceive other nations and asked the Indian government to take steps to safeguard the livelihood of the fishermen of Tamil Nadu. MORE...

October 12, 2015  01:23 pm|

Navy officials meet Indian counterparts

Navy officials meet Indian counterparts

Senior officials of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard met their counterparts from Sri Lanka on board a navy patrol vessel near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) recently and discussed operative effectiveness of the forces. MORE...

October 12, 2015  10:47 am|

ICC Probes Sri Lanka Official Over Match Fixing

ICC Probes Sri Lanka Official Over Match Fixing

The International Cricket Council has launched a probe into a top Sri Lankan official suspected of involvement in match-fixing, the sport’s local governing body said today. MORE...

October 11, 2015  11:02 pm|

Indian fishermen protest against Lanka

Indian fishermen protest against Lanka

The fishermen of Rameswaram island in India and the family members of a missing fisherman have observed fast here, urging the authorities to trace him who went missing after the boat he was in sank on the high seas, and protesting against Sri Lankan navy. MORE...

October 8, 2015  03:25 pm|

Indian traffickers attempt to take Lankans to Europe

Indian traffickers attempt to take Lankans to Europe

Sanjay Kumar, key operative of the racket that attempted to traffic Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from Munambam, had earlier attempted to take people to Europe on board a fishing vessel from Thiruvananthapuram, The Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...

October 6, 2015  01:23 pm|

Indian govt. urged to move resolution against Lanka

Indian govt. urged to move resolution against Lanka

India’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has urged the Union government to move a private member resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) seeking an international inquiry into the alleged war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan Army in the last phase of the civil war. MORE...

October 6, 2015  10:26 am|

Nauru allows Lankan asylum-seekers to roam freely

Nauru allows Lankan asylum-seekers to roam freely

Nauru announced Monday (Oct 5) that asylum-seekers, including those from Sri Lanka, at an Australian immigration camp on the Pacific island will no longer be locked up, saying they will instead be free to roam around the tiny nation. MORE...

October 5, 2015  09:02 pm|

Jaya seeks Modi’s help to get TN fishermen freed

Jaya seeks Modi’s help to get TN fishermen freed

Accusing Sri Lanka of intimidating Indian fishermen through repeated arrests to prevent them from venturing into their traditional fishing waters in the Palk Bay, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa drew the attention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to yet another incident of arrest of fishermen by the island navy on October 1. MORE...

October 4, 2015  01:11 pm|

Tamil Eelam is the solution: Ramadoss

Tamil Eelam is the solution: Ramadoss

India’s PMK leader S. Ramadoss has said that if Sri Lanka was ready for an international inquiry into the alleged “war crimes and human rights violations,” the United Nations should hold a referendum among the Sri Lankan Tamils across the world for the creation of a separate Tamil Eelam, The Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...

October 4, 2015  06:50 am|

Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi slam UN resolution on Sri Lanka

Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi slam UN resolution on Sri Lanka

Coming out strongly against a UN resolution that endorsed a domestic probe in Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa expressed deep disappointment and anguish while DMK chief Karunanidhi termed it shocking. MORE..

October 3, 2015  12:30 pm|

SL is pleased to join as co-sponsor of the resolution: Ambassador Ravinatha

SL is pleased to join as co-sponsor of the resolution: Ambassador Ravinatha

We see the resolution on the island nation as a measure of encouraging and inspiring the government of Sri Lanka, delivering his remarks during the general debate on the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha said. MORE...

October 1, 2015  06:04 pm|

Vaiko slams UN resolution on Sri Lanka

Vaiko slams UN resolution on Sri Lanka

The United Nation’s resolution authorising Sri Lanka to hold a probe into war crimes is bound to turn detrimental to ethnic Tamils, India’s MDMK general secretary Vaiko has said. MORE...

October 1, 2015  12:31 pm|

AIDS on the rise among youths: Dr. Liyanage

AIDS on the rise among youths: Dr. Liyanage

The Health Ministry says that the authorities have identified some 160 persons diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) AIDS as of October this year alone. MORE...

October 1, 2015  10:43 am|

Sri Lanka can finally break cycle of impunity: Zeid

Sri Lanka can finally break cycle of impunity: Zeid

Introducing the debate on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Investigation into Sri Lanka (OISL) at the UNHRC’s 30th session on Wednesday, the High Commissioner, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, asserted that since January 2015 space has significantly opened up for freedom of expression, at least in Colombo. MORE...

September 30, 2015  06:51 pm|

Human Rights Council betrays Tamils: Vaiko

Human Rights Council betrays Tamils: Vaiko

With the United Nations’ report on Sri Lankan war crimes likely to come up for discussion at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, India’s MDMK general secretary Vaiko has said that it will be a black day for Tamils all over the world, The New Indian Express reports. MORE...

September 30, 2015  02:05 pm|

TNA hails U.S.-backed resolution on Sri Lanka

TNA hails U.S.-backed resolution on Sri Lanka

The draft resolution on Sri Lanka tabled at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the U.S. and other countries has addressed the main issues of accountability and reconciliation, according to the Tamil National Alliance leader, R. Sampanthan. MORE...

September 29, 2015  11:30 pm|

UN resolution could advance justice in Sri Lanka - HRW

UN resolution could advance justice in Sri Lanka - HRW

The United Nations Human Rights Council should adopt a resolution ensuring a robust international role in Sri Lanka’s justice mechanism for abuses during the country’s brutal civil war, Human Rights Watch said today. MORE..

September 29, 2015  10:46 am|

India’s NFF seeks lasting solution to fishing row with Lanka

India’s NFF seeks lasting solution to fishing row with Lanka

Thanking the India’s Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for helping arrive at a decision to not shoot fishermen at sea, during talks with Sri Lanka, the National Fishworkers’ Forum has requested him to consult Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and find a permanent solution to all the issues faced by the fisherfolk. MORE...

September 28, 2015  01:06 pm|

India, Sri Lanka to hold third joint army exercise

India, Sri Lanka to hold third joint army exercise

The Indian and Sri Lankan armies will be conducting their third joint military exercise Mitra Shakti-2015, starting September 29, said a statement issued in New Delhi today, according to the NDTV news agency. MORE...

September 28, 2015  12:35 pm|

Move resolution for probe into Sri Lanka war crimes: PUCL

Move resolution for probe into Sri Lanka war crimes: PUCL

The India’s People Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has called upon the Centre, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, to move a resolution calling for a credible, independent, international investigation into the violations of humanitarian and human rights laws. MORE...

September 27, 2015  05:15 pm|

India has to maintain friendly relations with Sri Lanka: Venkaiah Naidu

India has to maintain friendly relations with Sri Lanka: Venkaiah Naidu

Reiterating the Narendra Modi government’s stand on relationship with Sri Lanka, India’s Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday that India has to maintain friendly relations with its neighbour. MORE...

September 27, 2015  02:23 pm|

Sri Lanka trying to water down UNHRC resolution: HRW

Sri Lanka trying to water down UNHRC resolution: HRW

Sri Lanka should not be allowed to water down a UNHRC resolution on its alleged rights violations during its civil war with the LTTE, according to a prominent rights group which said that the current draft was “counterproductive” to the reconciliation efforts of the government. MORE..

September 25, 2015  12:48 pm|

Human trafficking racket busted in Kerala; 9 Sri Lankans arrested

Human trafficking racket busted in Kerala; 9 Sri Lankans arrested

Kerala police on Thursday busted a racket of trafficking Sri Lankan refugees from Tamil Nadu to Australia. MORE..

September 25, 2015  11:39 am|

TNA commends govt’s willingness to co-sponsor resolution

TNA commends govt’s willingness to co-sponsor resolution

The Tamil National Alliances (TNA) today welcomed the draft text of a resolution on Sri Lanka tabled by the co-sponsors of the resolution at the UN Human Rights Council. MORE..

September 25, 2015  10:46 am|

Resolution on Sri Lanka tabled at UN Human Rights Council

Resolution on Sri Lanka tabled at UN Human Rights Council

A resolution calling for a “credible justice process” with “Commonwealth and other foreign judges” in order to prosecute for mass atrocities committed during the final stages of the island’s armed conflict has been tabled at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. MORE...

September 24, 2015  10:57 pm|

Indian fishermen protest against Lankan navy

Indian fishermen protest against Lankan navy

Fishermen of Nambiyar Nagar in Nagapattinam district in India has gone on an indefinite strike, seeking the intervention of State and Central governments to secure the release of 15 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, The Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...

September 24, 2015  01:18 pm|

Lankan High Commissioner calls on Bangladesh Foreign Minister

Lankan High Commissioner calls on Bangladesh Foreign Minister

Newly appointed Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Bangladesh Yasoja Gunasekera has paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali. They discussed issues of mutual interest, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has said. MORE...

September 21, 2015  12:31 pm|

Death toll in final phase was not 40,000, says Justice Paranagama

Death toll in final phase was not 40,000, says Justice Paranagama

Justice Maxwell Paranagama, Chairman of the Sri Lankan Commission on missing persons and war crimes, has said that the death toll in the final phase of Eelam War IV was not 40,000, as claimed in the 2011 report of the Panel of Experts appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, but probably a little above 7,000. MORE...

September 21, 2015  10:41 am|

Sri Lanka fishermen reject talk offer by Indian counterparts

Sri Lanka fishermen reject talk offer by Indian counterparts

Sri Lankan fishing community representatives in Colombo have rejected a request by their Indian counterparts to visit them to discuss their issues, including poaching.MORE...

September 20, 2015  11:01 pm|

$5.19 billion road project to begin by October

$5.19 billion road project to begin by October

Keen on fostering ties with neighbours, India is set to engage in high-level talks with Sri Lanka by October for an ambitious $5.19 billion road project to connect both the nations through a sea-bridge and an underwater tunnel, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. MORE...

September 20, 2015  05:05 pm|

China seeks to rebuild Silk Road trade links

China seeks to rebuild Silk Road trade links

China is increasingly engaging other countries for its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative to rebuild the historic Silk Road which begins in Fuzhou, China and goes via Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and East Africa to build trade links with Europe, Asia and Africa. MORE...

September 20, 2015  03:24 pm|

Ready to face trial: Fonseka

Ready to face trial: Fonseka

Democratic Party founder and former SLA Commander Sarath Fonseka, offered himself to face a domestic court of law on allegations against military operations during the Eelam War. MORE...

September 20, 2015  01:07 pm|

Indian Government urged to study Lanka resolution by TN Assembly

Indian Government urged to study Lanka resolution by TN Assembly

Indian Union Minister of State for Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan, has said the Centre would analyse the contents of the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly (TNA) on the Sri Lankan issue and will take an informed decision, The Hindu newspaper reported today. MORE...

September 18, 2015  06:01 pm|

Indian Court dismisses appeal filed by Sri Lankan fishermen

Indian Court dismisses appeal filed by Sri Lankan fishermen

An Indian High Court has dismissed a criminal appeal filed by 10 Sri Lankan fishermen, who were convicted of fishing in Indian waters without permission in 2006, after it was informed that they had gone back to their country after serving the entire sentence period in prison. MORE...

September 18, 2015  11:57 am|

UN members should back hybrid court in Sri Lanka - HRW

UN members should back hybrid court in Sri Lanka - HRW

The call by the United Nations’ top human rights officer for a domestic-international hybrid court to address allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka should receive strong endorsement by members of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Human Rights Watch said today. MORE..

September 17, 2015  02:42 pm|

Govt assures due attention to UN report

Govt assures due attention to UN report

The Sri Lankan Government today said it will ensure that the content and recommendations of the UNHRC report receive due attention of the relevant authorities including the new mechanisms that are envisaged to be set up. MORE..

September 16, 2015  09:58 pm|

Full Report of OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka

Full Report of OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka

The long-anticipated report of the United Nations investigation into allegations of human rights violations during the war in Sri Lanka was released a short while ago. Click for Full Report..

September 16, 2015  03:05 pm|

TN assembly for international probe on Sri Lanka

TN assembly for international probe on Sri Lanka

A day after India and Sri Lanka decided to renew efforts to address the vexed ethnic issue in the island nation, Tamil Nadu today stepped up pressure on the Modi government for an international probe against alleged human rights violations and war crimes committed in 2009 in Northern Sri Lanka. MORE..

September 16, 2015  02:46 pm|

Zeid urges creation of hybrid special court in Sri Lanka

Zeid urges creation of hybrid special court in Sri Lanka

A UN report published today has identified patterns of grave violations in Sri Lanka between 2002 and 2011, strongly indicating that war crimes and crimes against humanity were most likely committed by both sides to the conflict. MORE..

September 16, 2015  02:14 pm|

Boat Suspected to be from Lanka found abandoned in India

Boat Suspected to be from Lanka found abandoned in India

A fibre boat suspected to be that of Sri Lankan fishermen was found abandoned at Maniantheevu near Kodiakarai in Nagapattinam district in India, The Hindu newspaper reported today. MORE...

September 15, 2015  10:15 am|

Swire extends UK support to Sri Lanka

Swire extends UK support to Sri Lanka

The United Kingdom stands ready to help Sri Lanka in any way possible to deliver the credible processes and mechanisms it has promised, British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth office, Hugo Swire, said today (14). MORE...

September 14, 2015  08:58 pm|

No evidence of IS operations in Sri Lanka: defense secretary

No evidence of IS operations in Sri Lanka: defense secretary

The government says that there was no evidence to back claims that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group was operating in the island nation. Defense Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said while there were reports of a Sri Lankan man joining the IS, there was no concrete evidence to suggest the group was operating in Sri Lanka. MORE...

September 14, 2015  04:20 pm|

UN should probe war crimes in Sri Lanka: Ramasamy

UN should probe war crimes in Sri Lanka: Ramasamy

United Nations should probe the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, Indian Second Deputy Chief Minister, Penang, Malaysia, P. Ramasamy, has said in Coimbatore. MORE...

September 14, 2015  10:07 am|

Sri Lanka to release 16 Indian fishermen ahead of PM’s visit

Sri Lanka to release 16 Indian fishermen ahead of PM’s visit

Sri Lanka today said it will release 16 Indian fishermen, arrested recently for allegedly poaching in its waters, in a “goodwill gesture” ahead of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India, his first foreign trip after winning last month’s polls. MORE...

September 13, 2015  10:57 pm|

Trade minister says no to CEPA

Trade minister says no to CEPA

Sri Lanka will not be discussing a trade agreement with India entitled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a visit to India tomorrow, said the Minister for Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama on Sunday. MORE...

September 13, 2015  05:26 pm|

What would happen to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India?

What would happen to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India?

At a time when efforts are on to send Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to their country, opinion is divided on whether hill country Tamils of Indian origin (in plantations) should be persuaded to go back or conferred with Indian citizenship, the Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...

September 13, 2015  04:17 pm|

Sri Lanka set to announce reconciliation plans

Sri Lanka set to announce reconciliation plans

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera would make a statement in Geneva on Monday, the inaugural day of the the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s three-week-long session. MORE...

September 13, 2015  11:25 am|

China like to assist and cooperate with Sri Lanka: Xianliang

China like to assist and cooperate with Sri Lanka: Xianliang

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka Ambassador, Yi Xianliang, said that China would like to assist and cooperate with Sri Lanka in economic development including maritime economy of which there should be of great potentials. MORE...

September 13, 2015  11:04 am|

UN probe report handed over to govt

UN probe report handed over to govt

The UN probe report on alleged war crimes committed during the final phase of Sri Lankan military’s battle against the LTTE has been handed over to the government. MORE..

September 12, 2015  04:49 pm|

Tamil question is not just an economic issue: Mano Ganesan

Tamil question is not just an economic issue: Mano Ganesan

The Tamil question cannot be settled by merely regarding it as an economic issue, Mano Ganesan, one of the three Tamil Ministers in the Sri Lankan government, has said. MORE...

September 9, 2015  11:43 pm|

Sri Lanka eyes more Chinese tourists for more forex

Sri Lanka eyes more Chinese tourists for more forex

Sri Lanka is eyeing more Chinese tourists to the island nation as the new government is aiming to make tourism as the top foreign exchange earner, a cabinet minister said. MORE...

September 8, 2015  10:49 pm|

HRC’s sitting on Sri Lanka fixed on Sept 30

HRC’s sitting on Sri Lanka fixed on Sept 30

A report on alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the Eelam War is likely to be presented on September 30 during the 30th session of the United Human Rights Council. MORE...

September 7, 2015  11:18 pm|

Jerome Jayaratne named Sri Lanka interim coach

Jerome Jayaratne named Sri Lanka interim coach

Jerome Jayaratne, the SLC head of coaching, has been appointed interim head coach of the Sri Lanka team for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Jayaratne’s appointment came four days after Marvan Atapattu resigned as the national team coach. MORE...

September 7, 2015  08:46 pm|

Sri Lankan migrants held captive in Mexico rescued

Sri Lankan migrants held captive in Mexico rescued

Some 19 migrants including Sri Lankans held captive by a criminal group were rescued in Tamaulipas state, Mexico, by Mexican police and immigration authorities, El Universal news portal reported. MORE...

September 7, 2015  04:08 pm|

Why Sri Lanka has done a China-style ‘managed float’

Why Sri Lanka has done a China-style ‘managed float’

Sri Lanka’s central bank is allowing the local rupee to become more market-oriented but like Bejing, it has shied away from turning the currency into a true free float. MORE...

September 7, 2015  01:36 pm|

Iran to expand ties with Sri Lanka

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...

September 6, 2015  09:20 pm|

Couldn’t win the war without China’s help: SF

Couldn’t win the war without China’s help: SF

Sri Lanka will maintain the close relationship with China that provided strong support to help Sri Lanka end its 30-year civil war with the Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009, a leading military officer has said. MORE...

September 6, 2015  05:34 pm|

US decision on Sri Lanka sparks protests in Chennai

US decision on Sri Lanka sparks protests in Chennai

As a mark of protest against the U.S. supporting Sri Lanka in war crime probe, a group of members from Ilaiya Thalaimurai Koottamaippu in India, has attempted to stage a protest outside the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. MORE...

September 6, 2015  02:06 pm|

Pass resolution against Sri Lanka: Vaiko

Pass resolution against Sri Lanka: Vaiko

India’s Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko has appealed to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to pass a resolution against Sri Lanka seeking international inquiry against alleged war crimes by Sri Lankan Army during war with LTTE. MORE...

September 6, 2015  06:50 am|

EU ready to partner with Sri Lanka to face challenges

EU ready to partner with Sri Lanka to face challenges

The European Union (EU) today stressed that it truly remains committed to supporting a healthy democracy and looks forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan government to address some of the “challenges” it faces. MORE..

September 3, 2015  10:35 pm|

Sri Lankan fishermen want resumption of talks

Sri Lankan fishermen want resumption of talks

Maintaining that Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy only when they fished deep into the island territory, a Sri Lankan fishermen leader today urged both nations to hold talks to resolve the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Strait. MORE..

September 2, 2015  11:39 pm|

Chennai US Consulate refuses to meet Vaiko on Lanka

Chennai US Consulate refuses to meet Vaiko on Lanka

Former Indian MP and MDMK general secretary Vaiko charged that the US Consulate in Chennai had “disrespected” Tamils by not allowing him to meet the Consul General and present a memorandum on the stand the country had taken on international investigations into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. MORE...

September 2, 2015  05:47 pm|

Two arrested with 740 Tramadol capsules

Two arrested with 740 Tramadol capsules

Naval troops attached to SLNS Kelani of the Western Naval Command have arrested two persons who were transporting 740 Tramadol capsules in a three-wheeler. MORE..

September 2, 2015  02:31 pm|

Indian Goverment should act tough on Sri Lanka: Vasan

Indian Goverment should act tough on Sri Lanka: Vasan

The Indian Government should act tough and put an end to the attacks and arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, Indian Tamil Manila Congress leader G. K. Vasan has said. MORE...

September 2, 2015  12:30 pm|

Push Sri Lanka not to arrest fishermen - Jayalalithaa

Push Sri Lanka not to arrest fishermen - Jayalalithaa

Bringing to the notice of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet another incident of arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Lankan Navy, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday urged him to take immediate steps to release the 16 fishermen and their boats. MORE..

September 2, 2015  10:24 am|

Navy rescues ten local fishermen off Hambantota

Navy rescues ten local fishermen off Hambantota

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued ten local fishermen who were drifting 63 km off South East of Hambantota due to an engine failure. MORE...

August 31, 2015  05:23 pm|

Vaiko, Ramadoss oppose India gifting away ship to Sri Lanka

Vaiko, Ramadoss oppose India gifting away ship to Sri Lanka

Opposing the gifting away of an Indian Coast Guard ship to Sri Lanka, Indian MDMK chief Vaiko today said it was a “betrayal” of Eelam Tamils and Tamil Nadu fishermen the Press Trust of India reported. MORE...

August 31, 2015  10:24 am|

Lankan Tamil refugees urged to return home

Lankan Tamil refugees urged to return home

Given the prevailing political situation in Sri Lanka, the time has come for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu to return home, said S. C. Chandrahasan, founder of the Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OfERR) in India. MORE...

August 30, 2015  01:06 pm|

Indian forum seeks Centre’s intervention to prevent attack on fishermen

Indian forum seeks Centre’s intervention to prevent attack on fishermen

Indian National Fish Workers Forum (NFF) has urged the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swraj to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen were not attacked while fishing by the Sri Lankan naval personnel. MORE...

August 27, 2015  11:13 am|

Sri Lankan held for drug trafficking in India

Sri Lankan held for drug trafficking in India

The Indian police have detained a Sri Lankan Tamil over his alleged involvement with a fake currency circulation, drug and human trafficking gang, the Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...

August 24, 2015  03:30 pm|

UN chief urges Ranil to seize opportunity

UN chief urges Ranil to seize opportunity

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election and commended his message of good governance and national unity. MORE..

August 22, 2015  12:27 am|

Sri Lankan refugees guarded in reaction to Sri Lankan poll results

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..

August 21, 2015  11:50 am|

China stands ready to work with new Government

China stands ready to work with new Government

China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to consolidate the traditional friendship, strengthen mutually-beneficial cooperation, and elevate China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperation partnership to a new level, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying. MORE...

August 19, 2015  05:08 pm|

Arrested Sri Lankans have no links with LTTE: Indian Police

Arrested Sri Lankans have no links with LTTE: Indian Police

Dismissing suggestion that the five Sri Lankans arrested from a city hotel have connection to a “terror group”, the Indian Police have said it has started looking for those who brought them to the city promising fake passports and help getting jobs in France. MORE...

August 19, 2015  12:51 pm|

Preferential votes- General Election 2015

Preferential votes- General Election 2015

(UPDATE) Preferential votes- General Election 2015. View Preferential votes full list here. MORE...

August 18, 2015  02:03 pm|

Suspected former LTTE members arrested in India

Suspected former LTTE members arrested in India

The Special Task Force of the Indian Police have arrested five Sri Lankan nationals, allegedly former LTTE members, and two Indians from a hotel here in the city, the PTI reported today. MORE...

August 17, 2015  10:05 am|

Police deploys thousands of officers on election eve

Police deploys thousands of officers on election eve

Sri Lanka deployed thousands of police Sunday (Aug 16) in stepped up security on the eve of a general election after the campaign was hit by sporadic violence that claimed four lives. MORE..

August 16, 2015  02:59 pm|

Nepal-bound Sri Lankans held by India’s SSB

Nepal-bound Sri Lankans held by India’s SSB

Seema Surkashya Bal (SSB), the border security force of India, arrested five Nepal-bound Sri Lankans from Panitanki, India, along Nepal-India on Friday. MORE..

August 16, 2015  10:14 am|

Sri Lanka stun India with remarkable comeback Test victory

Sri Lanka stun India with remarkable comeback Test victory

Rangana Herath picked up seven wickets in a sublime display of left-arm spin bowling to power Sri Lanka to a spectacular comeback win by 63 runs against India on the fourth day of the opening Test at Galle on Saturday. MORE..

August 15, 2015  01:59 pm|

Sri Lankan tourist found dead in temple pond

Sri Lankan tourist found dead in temple pond

A 78-year-old Sri Lankan tourist, who was missing two days ago from Bahraich, was found dead in a pond at Korean temple of neighbouring Sharavasti district in Uttar Pradesh, Indian police said today. MORE..

August 13, 2015  02:40 pm|

Indian-American Atul Keshap sworn in as US Envoy to Sri Lanka

Indian-American Atul Keshap sworn in as US Envoy to Sri Lanka

Indian-American Atul Keshap has been sworn in as the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, becoming the second Indian-origin diplomat to be posted to the region after Richard Rahul Verma. MORE...

August 13, 2015  09:54 am|

Lankans arrested with gold in India

Lankans arrested with gold in India

The Customs sleuths at the Cochin International Airport in India on Tuesday arrested two Sri Lankan nationals for attempting to smuggle gold. MORE..

August 12, 2015  10:36 am|

Courts release Tamil Nadu fishermen

Courts release Tamil Nadu fishermen

Two courts in the Northern province today (10) ordered the release of 40 fishermen arrested by the Navy for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan territory in June. MORE...

August 10, 2015  02:43 pm|

Police to enforce speed limit on 72 roads

 Police to enforce speed limit on 72 roads

The Police Department today announced that cases will be filed against motorists violating the speed limits on 72 main roads in the country with speed limit signs, with effect from Tuesday (August 11). MORE..

August 8, 2015  05:42 pm|

Probe launched into explosion inside Chilaw train

Probe launched into explosion inside Chilaw train

Police today said that an investigation has been launched into the explosion which had occurred inside a train at the Chilaw railway station last night, injuring a railway employee. MORE..

August 7, 2015  12:09 pm|

Three PSD officers involved in Thajudeen’s murder, says Rajitha

Three PSD officers involved in Thajudeen’s murder, says Rajitha

Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne on Thursday (06) charged that three officials attached to the Presidential Security Division (PSD) have allegedly involved in the murder of former Sri Lankan Rugby player, Wasim Thajudeen, who had died under suspicious circumstances. MORE...

August 6, 2015  06:25 pm|

Lankan Tamil, wife attempt suicide at Tiruchi prison

Lankan Tamil, wife attempt suicide at Tiruchi prison

A Sri Lankan Tamil housed in the special camp in the Tiruchi prison campus here reportedly attempted to end his life by consuming sleeping tablets on Monday. His wife, who had come to meet him at the camp, also consumed sleeping pills, the Hindu reported. MORE...

August 4, 2015  05:36 pm|

Two Sri Lankans held in India

Two Sri Lankans held in India

A day after busting a fake currency circulation and drug trafficking gang by arresting four people, the Indian police have arrested five more, including two Sri Lankan Tamils, on Tuesday while launching a dragnet for five others to pin down the entire network, the Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...

August 4, 2015  03:32 pm|

Iran to further boost ties with Sri Lanka

Iran to further boost ties with Sri Lanka

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at a meeting with Sri Lankan delegation to Iran, has voiced Tehran’s willingness to further boost ties with Sri Lanka, Iranian media reported. MORE...

August 3, 2015  06:17 pm|

Ravi Jayawardena to assume duties as SLRC chairman?

Ravi Jayawardena to assume duties as SLRC chairman?

Ravi Jayawardena, who is a Director and Current Affairs head of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), will likely be appointed as the new Chairman of the Corporation, a source told Ada Derana. MORE...

August 3, 2015  01:18 pm|

Five Indians held for kidney change in Sri Lanka

Five Indians held for kidney change in Sri Lanka

The Special Task Force of the Crime Branch in India has arrested five persons of a family from Berhampur, including a woman, in connection with an illegal kidney transplantation carried out at a hospital in Colombo recently. MORE...

August 2, 2015  01:09 pm|

UN awaits report on Sri Lanka to decide on international probe

UN awaits report on Sri Lanka to decide on international probe

The United Nations says that it’s exploring provision of a broad package of technical and financial assistance to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, at the request of Chief Minister C.V Wigneswaran. MORE..

August 1, 2015  11:44 am|

Another batch of Sri Lankan refugees return home

Another batch of Sri Lankan refugees return home

A fresh batch of 45 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees headed back to their homeland from the international airport in Tiruchi on Tuesday, The Hindu reported. MORE..

July 30, 2015  10:09 am|

UN document leaked to undermine September’s rights report: Channel 4

UN document leaked to undermine September’s rights report: Channel 4

Channel 4 News has reported that a leaked UN document raises concerns over the prospects for genuine justice for the Sri Lankan victims of alleged war crimes. MORE...

July 29, 2015  11:43 am|

Minister prohibits use of SLTB buses for election campaigning

Minister prohibits use of SLTB buses for election campaigning

The Ministry of Internal Transport has issued a directive to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) not to grant permission for the political parties to use its properties for election campaign purposes. MORE...

July 28, 2015  05:44 pm|

Sri Lankan student reported missing in India

Sri Lankan student reported missing in India

A Sri Lankan girl student doing hotel management course at a college in Moodbidri near Mangalore has been reported missing from her hostel since July 25, police said. MORE..

July 28, 2015  10:11 am|

Sri Lankan refugee sentenced to 20 years’ jail for stabbing

Sri Lankan refugee sentenced to 20 years’ jail for stabbing

A man found guilty of the stabbing murder of a fellow Sri Lankan refugee in Adelaide’s north has been jailed for at least 20 years by an Australian court. MORE..

July 28, 2015  09:45 am|

Australia may return Sri Lankan asylum seekers

Australia may return Sri Lankan asylum seekers

Sri Lankan asylum-seekers intercepted at sea could be handed back to their home countries if a Labor government assessed they were not owed refugee protection, Leader of the Australian Labor Party Bill Shorten has said. MORE...

July 27, 2015  12:22 pm|

Fishermen act as sea route smugglers?

Fishermen act as sea route smugglers?

The Indian Customs officials anticipate possibilities of gold sneaking into the State from neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka through fishing boats following the large-scale seizures of smuggled gold at the airports in the State, the Hindu newspaper reported today. MORE...

July 27, 2015  11:23 am|

Sri Lanka end Pakistan ODI series with big win

Sri Lanka end Pakistan ODI series with big win

Kusal Perera led Sri Lanka’s strong batting display to give the hosts a comprehensive, but academic, 165-run win over Pakistan in the fifth and final one-dayer here today. MORE...

July 26, 2015  10:51 pm|

Indian fishermen attacked by Sri Lankan navy yet again?

Indian fishermen attacked by Sri Lankan navy yet again?

Indian fishermen were attacked off Katchatheevu islet on Saturday night allegedly by Sri Lankan naval personnel, who opened fire in the air, forcing them to return to shore, the PTI news agency reproted. MORE...

July 26, 2015  10:42 am|

Lankan asylum seekers killed in Australian road crash

Lankan asylum seekers killed in Australian road crash

The two men who died in a crash in Darwin on Wednesday night were Tamil asylum seekers from Sri Lanka who came to Australia for a better life, their friends have said. MORE..

July 24, 2015  05:40 pm|

Navy denies attacking Indian fishermen

Navy denies attacking Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy on Wednesday denied reports that it had attacked a group of Indian fishermen who had strayed into Sri Lankan waters on Tuesday evening. MORE...

July 22, 2015  04:02 pm|

SL becoming a key transportation hub for South Asia: ex-US Director of National Intelligence

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...

July 21, 2015  11:13 am|

Over 200 election violations reported: PAFFREL

Over 200 election violations reported: PAFFREL

Over 200 cases of election violations have been reported from several parts of Sri Lanka and over 60 people have been arrested in such violations, local election observers said. MORE...

July 21, 2015  12:11 am|

Four persons arrested in connection to rioting at Premadasa

Four persons arrested in connection to rioting at Premadasa

Fighting broke out in the stands during the third one-day international between Pakistan and hosts Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium interrupting the game for about half an hour, following which four persons involved in the rioting were arrested, the police said today. MORE...

July 20, 2015  04:46 pm|

WFFP urges full implementation of UN Law of seas

WFFP urges full implementation of UN Law of seas

The World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) has sought a permanent solution to tackle the issue of arrest and incarceration of fishermen crossing the national borders and entering the territory of neighbouring countries. MORE...

July 20, 2015  04:05 pm|

Desperate Brits buy organs through Sri Lankan ‘fixers’

Desperate Brits buy organs through Sri Lankan ‘fixers’

Terminally ill British citizens are buying organs over Facebook from ‘fixers’ in Sri Lanka, who organize transplantations for as little as $75,000, a trade that has come to be known as ‘transplant tourism.’ MORE...

July 20, 2015  03:20 pm|

Three Indian fishermen injured in attack by naval personnel?

Three Indian fishermen injured in attack by naval personnel?

Three Indian fishermen were injured when they were allegedly attacked by Sri Lankan naval personnel off Katchatheevu, the Press Trust of India reported. MORE...

July 20, 2015  12:47 pm|

Sri Lanka’s greatest wealth is the ‘diversity seen in its people’ – Nonis

Sri Lanka’s greatest wealth is the ‘diversity seen in its people’ – Nonis

Sri Lanka is a ‘microcosm of the commonwealth, where there is enormous economic disparity.’ He stated that in order for Sri Lanka to flourish, ‘we must strive towards a knowledge driven economy and embrace the change of development,’ Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Dr Chris Nonis says. MORE...

July 20, 2015  12:05 pm|

SL and India fishermen call for resumption of dialogue

SL and India fishermen call for resumption of dialogue

Leaders of Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen have called for a resumption of the conciliatory dialogue which has been deadlocked since April last, the Hindu newspaper reported. MORE...

July 20, 2015  10:29 am|

Four Sri Lankan refugees released from Indian camp

Four Sri Lankan refugees released from Indian camp

Four Sri Lankan refugees lodged in a special camp at the Tiruchi Central Prison in India were released on Saturday, the Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...

July 19, 2015  03:09 pm|

Govt. plans to procure 120,000 tons of paddy from Yala harvest

Govt. plans to procure 120,000 tons of paddy from Yala harvest

The government of Sri Lanka is planning to procure about 120,000 tons of paddy from farmers during the upcoming secondary ‘yala’ (March - September) harvest. MORE...

July 18, 2015  03:54 pm|

India, Sri Lanka sign currency swap agreement

India, Sri Lanka sign currency swap agreement

The Reserve Bank has signed a special currency swap agreement with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka that will allow the latter to draw up to $1.1 billion. MORE...

July 18, 2015  11:00 am|

Indian police to fight drug traffickers to Sri Lanka

Indian police to fight drug traffickers to Sri Lanka

As Indian authorities witnessed a spurt in smuggling of drugs to Sri Lanka via the sea route, the district police have constituted “D-Team”, an exclusive police team to mount surveillance on drug traffickers and contain the smuggling activities, the Hindu Newspaper reported today. MORE...

July 18, 2015  09:59 am|

Customs seize 116,000 duty-unpaid cigarettes

Customs seize 116,000 duty-unpaid cigarettes

Over 116,000 illegally imported cigarettes have been seized by the Revenue Task Force (RTF) of the Sri Lanka Customs, this morning (15). MORE...

July 15, 2015  01:46 pm|

Four Indian fishermen arrested with 165 kilograms of “Kerala Ganja”

Four Indian fishermen arrested with 165 kilograms of “Kerala Ganja”

The Sri Lanka Navy on Tuesday (14) arrested four Indian fishermen with 165 kilograms of cannabis (Kerala Ganja) in the seas north-west of the Thalai-mannar. MORE...

July 14, 2015  11:17 am|

China and Sri Lanka conclude joint Army exercise

China and Sri Lanka conclude joint Army exercise

Sri Lanka and China on Monday (13) concluded a joint army exercise at the Special Forces (SF) Training School at Maduruoya. MORE...

July 13, 2015  03:20 pm|

Sri Lankan jailed for ‘molesting’ 3-year-old at beach

Sri Lankan jailed for ‘molesting’ 3-year-old at beach

A United Arab Emirates court has sentenced a Sri Lankan to three months in jail for supposedly molesting a three-year-old Filipino boy last April 1. MORE..

July 11, 2015  10:37 am|

RC Wijegunaratne appointed as new Navy Commander

RC Wijegunaratne appointed as new Navy Commander

Vice Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne has been appointed as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy with effect from tomorrow (July 11), the Ministry of Defence said. MORE..

July 10, 2015  01:39 pm|

Navy Chief Jayantha Perera promoted to the rank of Admiral

Navy Chief Jayantha Perera promoted to the rank of Admiral

President Maithripala Sirisena has promoted the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera to the rank of Admiral with effect from Thursday (July 09). MORE..

July 10, 2015  10:21 am|

Kerala eyes more tourists from Sri Lanka

Kerala eyes more tourists from Sri Lanka

A luxury liner from Sri Lanka and chartered flights from China are expected in Kerala as part of efforts to woo more tourists from the two countries, the IANS reported. MORE...

July 9, 2015  05:24 pm|

Bittersweet return for Sri Lanka’s displaced Tamils - report

Bittersweet return for Sri Lanka’s displaced Tamils - report

When Balasundaram Rasamalar finally got back her home in Sri Lanka’s battle-scarred north after years of military occupation, there was an unexpected problem. The toilet was still in the militarised zone -- where civilians are not allowed. MORE..

July 9, 2015  04:38 pm|

Rs 220 billion plan to link Rameswaram to Sri Lanka, says Gadkari

Rs 220 billion plan to link Rameswaram to Sri Lanka, says Gadkari

The Indian government is working towards a Rs 220 billion (Indian rupees) project to provide connectivity between India and Sri Lanka for which the Asian Development Bank has expressed willingness to provide funding, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said. MORE...

July 9, 2015  03:12 pm|

Rights groups urge UNHRC to maintain fullest scrutiny of Sri Lanka

Rights groups urge UNHRC to maintain fullest scrutiny of Sri Lanka

Several international human rights groups have urged the international community and the UN Human Rights Council to maintain the fullest scrutiny of Sri Lanka on questions of justice and accountability. MORE..

July 4, 2015  10:55 am|

Runaway Sri Lankan maids worry Saudi Labor Ministry

Runaway Sri Lankan maids worry Saudi Labor Ministry

Saudi Arabia’s Labor Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani has asked the Sri Lankan government to stop maids running away from their Saudi sponsors soon after their arrival in the Kingdom. MORE..

June 27, 2015  02:34 pm|

Lankan refugee stages protest at camp

 Lankan refugee stages protest at camp

A Sri Lankan Tamil refugee housed in a camp at Thuraimangalam near Perambalur abstained from taking food for some time on Friday seeking action against one of the refugees. MORE..

June 27, 2015  09:25 am|

Navy arrests 78 Australia-bound boatpeople

Navy arrests 78 Australia-bound boatpeople

A group of 78 Sri Lankan nationals attempting to illegally sail to Australia by boat were intercepted by Navy personnel in the sea area around 65 nautical miles off Kirinda in the wee hours today, the navy spokesman said. MORE..

June 26, 2015  02:38 pm|

US report highlights Sri Lankan human rights problems in 2014

US report highlights Sri Lankan human rights problems in 2014

There were reports that the Sri Lankan government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings in 2014, the U.S. State Department said in an annual report on Thursday. MORE..

June 26, 2015  12:41 pm|

Lankan refugees allege illegal custody, torture by Police

Lankan refugees allege illegal custody, torture by Police

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees of Aanaiyur camp in Madurai are living in morbid fear borne out of police torture. MORE..

June 25, 2015  11:24 pm|

Sri Lankan Navy asked not to open fire on fishermen: India

Sri Lankan Navy asked not to open fire on fishermen: India

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday informed the Madras High Court Bench in Madurai that it has impressed upon the Sri Lankan Navy “to act with restraint, not to fire on [Indian] fishermen and to treat [Indian] fishermen in a humane manner.” MORE..

June 24, 2015  09:30 am|

No decision to withdraw army camps from north, east, says PM

No decision to withdraw army camps from north, east, says PM

(VIDEO) The Sri Lankan Government has not made any decision to withdraw military camps from war-torn north and east provinces of the country, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament today. MORE...

June 23, 2015  10:38 pm|

Twelve Police OICs transferred

Twelve Police OICs transferred

Twelve Police officers-in-charge (OICs) have been ordered transferred with immediate effect on exigencies of service by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..

June 23, 2015  02:27 pm|

Protest demands release of 14 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka

Protest demands release of 14 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka

Members of the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) and the fishing community staged a demonstration in Rameswaram on Friday, demanding the release of 14 Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of poaching and protesting against the Centre’s directive to paint the trawlers in green colour. MORE..

June 20, 2015  10:05 am|

Young refugees in TN keen on trying luck in Sri Lanka

Young refugees in TN keen on trying luck in Sri Lanka

As World Refugee Day falls tomorrow, several young Sri Lankan Tamils born and raised in camps in Tamil Nadu are eager to go back to the land of their ancestors to try and connect with their roots and get a sense of belonging. MORE..

June 19, 2015  10:04 pm|

Sri Lankan assaulted in Tiruchi special camp

Sri Lankan assaulted in  Tiruchi special camp

A Sri Lankan Tamil, Y. Srijeyan (39), housed in a special camp in Tiruchi, sustained a head injury after he was allegedly assaulted by two other inmates on Sunday night. MORE..

June 16, 2015  09:14 am|

Two Sri Lankans recognized for 2015 Queen’s Young Leaders Awards

Two Sri Lankans recognized for 2015 Queen’s Young Leaders Awards

Queen Elizabeth is to present the inaugural Queen’s Young Leaders Awards to two young people from Sri Lanka at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace June 22, the Government Information Department announced today. MORE...

June 14, 2015  01:09 pm|

Migrants say Australia paid smugglers to turn back

Migrants say Australia paid smugglers to turn back

Indonesia’s foreign minister on Saturday demanded answers from Canberra over claims that Australian officials paid thousands of dollars to turn a boat back to Indonesia after Prime Minister Tony Abbott refused to deny the allegations. MORE..

June 13, 2015  01:12 pm|

Lankan refugee flees from custody in Koyambedu

Lankan refugee flees from custody in Koyambedu

A Sri Lankan Tamil refugee fled from custody while being escorted to Puzhal prison at the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus in Koyambedu on Thursday. MORE..

June 13, 2015  10:36 am|

Sri Lanka rupee falls to record low

Sri Lanka rupee falls to record low

The Sri Lankan rupee fell to a record low of 134 on Friday as a state-run bank, through which the central bank directs the markets, lowered the dollar selling rate by 20 cents, dealers said. MORE..

June 12, 2015  03:53 pm|

Lankan charged for kissing 3-year-old at UAE beach

Lankan charged for kissing 3-year-old at UAE beach

A Sri Lankan man faced a court in the United Arab Emirates Thursday for allegedly inappropriately kissing a three-year-old boy at a beachside in Jumeirah last April. MORE..

June 12, 2015  02:29 pm|

Australia denies officials paid people smugglers

Australia denies officials paid people smugglers

The Australian government has denied claims that customs officials paid thousands of dollars to people smugglers to take asylum seekers back to Indonesia. MORE..

June 11, 2015  09:54 am|

Mubarak recalled for Tests against Pakistan

Mubarak recalled for Tests against Pakistan

After being sidelined for close to eight years, Jehan Mubarak, the allrounder, was recalled to Sri Lanka’s Test team when the 16-man squad for the three-match series against Pakistan was announced on Wednesday (June 10). MORE..

June 10, 2015  11:35 pm|

Sri Lankan refugee seeks compensation for his daughter’s death

Sri Lankan refugee seeks compensation for his daughter’s death

A Sri Lankan refugee at a Tamil Nadu refugee camp today moved the Madras High court seeking Rs 10 lakh in compensation from the state government for the death of his minor daughter who succumbed to injuries as the dilapidated house they were staying in collapsed in rains last year. MORE..

June 9, 2015  09:51 am|

Six police OICs shuffled

Six police OICs shuffled

Police Headquarters has transferred 06 officers-in-charge (OICs) of police stations with effect from Friday (5) on exigencies of the service, police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..

June 6, 2015  12:47 pm|

Detained Lankan refugees plead for NZ help

Detained Lankan refugees plead for NZ help

Sixty-five refugees including Sri Lankan nationals detained in Indonesia are pleading for help from the New Zealand Government. MORE..

June 6, 2015  10:22 am|

Three-wheeler used in Raviraj assassination found – CID

Three-wheeler used in Raviraj assassination found – CID

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that the three-wheeler which is believed to have been used in the assassination of the former TNA Parliamentarian Nadarajah Raviraj, has been located. MORE..

June 5, 2015  03:06 pm|

Guinness Record initiative in tea plucking

Guinness Record initiative in tea plucking

Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lanka Tea Board and Sri Lankan Airlines initiated a Sri Lanka Guinness Record on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Onboard Travel (APOT) partners’ congress 2015. MORE..

June 5, 2015  12:21 pm|

Sri Lanka to talk to India on fishing

Sri Lanka to talk to India on fishing

Sri Lanka said on Monday that it will continue to engage with India on the fishermen issue to seek satisfactory short-term and long-term solutions. MORE...

June 1, 2015  03:06 pm|

Injustice against Tamils in Sri Lanka continues: DMK

Injustice against Tamils in Sri Lanka continues: DMK

Expressing concern over a report on the Sri Lankan army’s “continued occupation” of traditional Tamil homeland, DMK on Saturday said it showed that the scene has not changed despite a change of guard in the island republic. MORE..

May 30, 2015  03:22 pm|

Govt does not have will to help Tamils - Wigneswaran

Govt does not have will to help Tamils - Wigneswaran

Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, C.V. Wigneswaran, has accused the country’s Central government of not “having the will” to help Tamils or minorities. MORE..

May 30, 2015  10:26 am|

Sri Lankan refugee found guilty of stabbing neighbour

Sri Lankan refugee found guilty of stabbing neighbour

A man who fatally stabbed a fellow Sri Lankan refugee has been found guilty of murder by an Adelaide jury, which earlier heard the crime was committed after the victim called his killer a “lady boy”. MORE..

May 29, 2015  02:43 pm|

5 Sri Lankan fishermen detained near Nagapattinam

5 Sri Lankan fishermen detained near Nagapattinam

The Indian Coast Guard personnel on Thursday night detained as many as five Sri Lankan fishermen and have confiscated their fishing boat charged with the offence of poaching in Indian waters at about 36 nautical miles off Nagapattinam coast. MORE..

May 29, 2015  11:13 am|

Lankan kidnapped in Nigeria released

Lankan kidnapped in Nigeria released

The Sri Lankan engineer, D A Karunadasa, who was abducted in Nigeria for ransom, has been released by his abductors, Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith P Perera said. MORE...

May 28, 2015  09:48 am|

South African delegation meets Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora in UK

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..

May 27, 2015  04:21 pm|

Modi paying special attention for Sri Lankan Tamils’ welfare - BJP

Modi paying special attention for Sri Lankan Tamils’ welfare - BJP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been paying special attention for the welfare of Tamils both in India and in Sri Lanka, says Muralidhar Rao, national general secretary of the BJP. MORE..

May 27, 2015  02:17 pm|

Vienna airport security staff smuggled Lankan migrants to US, UK

Vienna airport security staff smuggled Lankan migrants to US, UK

Austrian police have arrested several security employees at Vienna airport over their alleged role in smuggling illegal immigrants to Britain and the US, officials confirmed on Tuesday. MORE..

May 27, 2015  11:03 am|

No room for separatism and violence, says Lankan Cannes star

No room for separatism and violence, says Lankan Cannes star

Jesuthasan Anthonythasan, the Tamil Tiger child soldier who attained international stardom when his film Dheepan bagged the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year, has well and truly abjured violence and separatism, which had marked his life in Sri Lanka. MORE..

May 26, 2015  02:52 pm|

‘Dheepan’ wins Palme d’Or in upset Cannes finale

‘Dheepan’ wins Palme d’Or in upset Cannes finale

The 68th Cannes Film Festival was brought to a surprising close Sunday with Jacques Audiard’s Sri Lankan refugee drama taking the festival’s coveted top honor, the Palme d’Or. MORE..

May 26, 2015  11:29 am|

Sri Lankan van driver jailed for killing jogger

Sri Lankan van driver jailed for killing jogger

An “extremely tired” Sri Lankan van driver who hit and killed a jogger near Epsom after working a 12-hour night shift has been jailed for four years by a UK court. MORE..

May 23, 2015  05:02 pm|

India hands over 16 Sri Lankan fishermen

India hands over 16 Sri Lankan fishermen

India on Saturday handed over 16 Sri Lankan fishermen—arrested for allegedly poaching in the Indian waters—to Sri Lankan authorities, several days after they were ordered released by courts. MORE..

May 23, 2015  12:46 pm|

Govt’s immediate priority to reset investment climate - Mangala

Govt’s immediate priority to reset investment climate - Mangala

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister says that with relatively well developed infrastructure and human capital, the government’s immediate priority is to reset the investment climate by making Sri Lanka a secure, efficient and competitive investment destination in South Asia. MORE..

May 23, 2015  10:56 am|

Huge ransom demanded for kidnapped Sri Lankan

Huge ransom demanded for kidnapped Sri Lankan

Kidnappers have demanding a huge ransom for the release of a Sri Lankan national who was abducted during a brazen kidnapping operation at the boundary of Ondo and Kogi States, Nigerian media reported today. MORE..

May 21, 2015  09:53 am|

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector outperforms broader economy: report

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector outperforms broader economy: report

A steep rise in visitor numbers to Sri Lanka is driving growth in the country’s tourism industry, though a slowdown in the Chinese economy and problems in Russia could take the edge off the surge of arrivals later in the year. MORE..

May 19, 2015  11:56 pm|

ITJP seeks info about 110 surrendered Tamil Tigers

ITJP seeks info about 110 surrendered Tamil Tigers

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) Sri Lanka, headed by South African rights activist Yasmin Sooka, has asked the Sri Lankan government to give information about the whereabouts of 110 LTTE leaders who had surrendered to the Lankan military in full public view on May 18, 2009. MORE..

May 19, 2015  11:05 am|

Court bans LTTE remembrance events in Mullaitivu

Court bans LTTE remembrance events in Mullaitivu

The Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court today issued a stay order banning the holding if any LTTE remembrance event up to 14 days from 18 May within the Mullaitivu police area, police spokes ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..

May 16, 2015  08:27 pm|

Sri Lankan arrested after undercover sting in Florida

Sri Lankan arrested after undercover sting in Florida

A 22-year-old Sri Lankan man is facing up to 15 years in prison if found guilty on charges of attempted lewd and lascivious battery and traveling to meet a minor for a sexual encounter in Florida, US. MORE..

May 16, 2015  02:36 pm|

Govt urges Saudi to raise minimum wage of housemaids

Govt urges Saudi to raise minimum wage of housemaids

Sri Lanka has requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to increase the minimum wage of SR900 set for its domestic workers because of the rising cost of living in the island. MORE..

May 16, 2015  01:39 pm|

Majority of Sri Lankan refugees not willing to return - Swaminathan

Majority of Sri Lankan refugees not willing to return - Swaminathan

Only 35 per cent of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in Tamil Nadu are willing to come back, D.M. Swaminathan, Minister for Resettlement, Reconstruction and Hindu Religious Affairs, said on Friday. MORE..

May 16, 2015  11:14 am|

Tamil Nadu fishermen freed under Indo-SL swap deal

Tamil Nadu fishermen freed under Indo-SL swap deal

The 37 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained in Sri Lanka were released by a court in Point Pedro in Jaffna district on Friday, following a swap agreement with India under which 16 Lankan fishermen jailed in India will also be released, Indian officials told Express. MORE..

May 16, 2015  10:22 am|

Sri Lankan-origin teen sues school over ‘racist bullies’

Sri Lankan-origin teen sues school over ‘racist bullies’

A boy, 17, is taking Australian education authorities to court, claiming he has been robbed of his future by his school’s failure to deal with the racist classroom bullies who tormented him. MORE..

May 14, 2015  03:06 pm|

Sri Lanka briefs diplomats on moves to restore democracy

Sri Lanka briefs diplomats on moves to restore democracy

Sri Lanka has briefed diplomats based in the country on moves to restore democracy, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. MORE..

May 14, 2015  11:58 am|

Sri Lankan refugee accused of stabbing fellow refugee

Sri Lankan refugee accused of stabbing fellow refugee

A Sri Lankan refugee accused of murder allegedly stabbed another refugee through the stomach with such force the blade damaged the victim’s spine, an Adelaide court has heard. MORE..

May 14, 2015  10:28 am|

65 Sri Lankan refugees return from India

65 Sri Lankan refugees return from India

A batch of 65 Sri Lankan refugees, from some 32 families, returned from India today, Minister of Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D.M. Swaminathan told Ada Derana. MORE..

May 13, 2015  06:18 pm|

Indian man kills Sri Lankan nurse in Kuwait

Indian man kills Sri Lankan nurse in Kuwait

An Indian man murdered a Sri Lankan nurse in Kuwait following a rift over a KD500 (Rs 220,860) debt, a newspaper in the oil-rich Gulf emirate reported. MORE..

May 12, 2015  03:52 pm|

No Sri Lankans injured; SL embassy in Nepal damaged

No Sri Lankans injured; SL embassy in Nepal damaged

No Sri Lankans were injured in the latest earthquake to hit Nepal, Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry said a short while ago. The Ministry stated that all Sri Lankan citizens were evacuated to Sri Lanka after the last earthquake and the sole remaining Sri Lankans in Nepal were Sri Lankan embassy officials who were safe. MORE...

May 12, 2015  01:25 pm|

Man convicted of stabbing Lankan shop worker

Man convicted of stabbing Lankan shop worker

A man has been convicted of wounding with intent after stabbing a Sri Lankan shop worker in the neck and causing him life-changing injuries in Buckinghamshire, England. MORE..

May 12, 2015  10:21 am|

UPDATE: Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated in Qatar fire

UPDATE: Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated in Qatar fire

Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated unharmed after a fire broke out today in a dormitory in Qatar, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MORE..

May 9, 2015  03:42 pm|

Sri Lankan drug dealer arrested in Beijing with ‘ice’

Sri Lankan drug dealer arrested in Beijing with ‘ice’

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested by Chinese police officers for the possession of crystal methamphetamine, an illegal drug popularly known as “ice”, following a crackdown on drug dealers students of targeting international schools in Beijing. MORE..

May 9, 2015  12:35 pm|

BJP leaders discuss 13A with govt

BJP leaders discuss 13A with govt

A BJP team from Tamil Nadu on a Track II diplomatic mission has urged the Sri Lankan government to expedite democratic reforms under the 13th amendment to ensure devolution of powers to Tamil provinces and grant of equal rights to Tamils. MORE..

May 9, 2015  10:46 am|

Sri Lankan-origin candidate elected to UK Parliament

Sri Lankan-origin candidate elected to UK Parliament

Ranil Jayawardena, Conservative Party candidate of Sri Lankan origin who was running for election in North East Hampshire, has been elected to the UK Parliament.

May 8, 2015  11:42 am|

Lankan accused in hit-and-run pleads guilty

Lankan accused in hit-and-run pleads guilty

A Sri Lankan man, who is in New Zealand on a work permit, has admitted he struck a woman while driving a rental car and talking on a mobile phone, then fled the scene. MORE..

May 8, 2015  10:55 am|

Sri Lanka ranked 63rd in Tourism Index

Sri Lanka ranked 63rd in Tourism Index

According to the World Economic Forum’s index of most tourist-friendly countries Sri Lanka has been ranked 63rd out of 141 countries. Ahead of the Sri Lanka on the index were Malaysia(25)m Indonesia (50) and India (52). MORE...

May 8, 2015  08:39 am|

Sri Lankan jailed for reckless driving in Qatar

Sri Lankan jailed for reckless driving in Qatar

A Criminal Court in Doha has awarded a six-month jail sentence to a Sri Lankan expatriate motorist for his reckless driving, which caused the death of a GCC citizen and injury to some others, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported yesterday. MORE..

May 4, 2015  05:29 pm|

TNA shared its vision for a united Sri Lanka - Kerry

TNA shared its vision for a united Sri Lanka - Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry says that it was interesting to hear Sri Lanka’s Tamil leaders share their vision for a united and peaceful Sri Lanka, even though there are difficult issues still to “get over.” MORE..

May 4, 2015  01:05 pm|

Kerry holds talks TNA, backs justice for Tamils

Kerry holds talks TNA, backs justice for Tamils

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry ended a visit to Sri Lanka Sunday after pledging support for minority Tamils following decades of ethnic war, a local Tamil politician said. MORE..

May 3, 2015  02:10 pm|

To restore democracy, the US will always stand with SL- Kerry

To restore democracy, the US will always stand with SL- Kerry

In order to restore democracy, the American people will stand with Sri Lanka, thus, the US will establish an annual partnership dialogue with the island nation, US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

May 2, 2015  12:02 pm|

Kerry’s Sri Lanka visit to ‘show US support’

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..

May 1, 2015  02:36 pm|

Sri Lankan gets death sentence for killing mistress

Sri Lankan gets death sentence for killing mistress

A Sri Lankan national, who murdered his mistress while his wife was abroad on holiday, has been sentenced to death in Bahrain. MORE..

May 1, 2015  12:33 pm|

Navy denies allegations of shooting Indian fishermen

Navy denies allegations of shooting Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday denied allegations that it had shot Indian fishermen who had illegally strayed into local waters and said such an action would be taken only as their “final resort”. MORE..

May 1, 2015  12:18 am|

Myanmar releases 17 Sri Lankan fishermen on Presidential pardon

Myanmar releases 17 Sri Lankan fishermen on Presidential pardon

Seventeen Sri Lankan fishermen who were in custody in Myanmar on charges of breaching International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) have been released following a Presidential pardon. MORE..

April 30, 2015  04:08 pm|

Sri Lankan gang arrested over fake passport racket

Sri Lankan gang arrested over fake passport racket

The Q branch of the Tamil Nadu police busted on Wednesday, a fake passport racket run by a Sri Lankan gang which had been ‘issuing’ fake Indian passports and fake visas to Sri Lankan refugees after collecting huge amounts and helping them to go to Europe and Canada via Nepal. MORE..

April 30, 2015  03:09 pm|

India urges Sri Lanka Navy not to fire on stray Indian fishermen

India urges Sri Lanka Navy not to fire on stray Indian fishermen

The Indian Government today said it has requested Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint and not to fire on Indian fishermen if they stray into the waters of the island nation. MORE..

April 29, 2015  11:39 pm|

Sri Lankan gets 7-year jail in robbery case

Sri Lankan gets 7-year jail in robbery case

The Second Additional Assistant Sessions Court in Tiruchy on Monday convicted and sentenced a Sri Lankan Tamil to undergo seven-year imprisonment for robbing a woman of a gold chain after attacking her in April 2013. MORE..

April 28, 2015  01:02 pm|

Indian fishermen indulge in illegal acts in Sri Lankan waters, says ICG

Indian fishermen indulge in illegal acts in Sri Lankan waters, says ICG

In a stand that may not go down well in Tamil Nadu, Indian Coast Guard on Monday told the Madras High Court that Indian fishermen allegedly indulge in various illegal acts such as smuggling and trawling in Sri Lankan waters resulting in action by the island nation’s navy. MORE..

April 28, 2015  12:01 pm|

Sri Lankan woman arrested smuggling gold into India

Sri Lankan woman arrested smuggling gold into India

Indian customs officials have arrested a Sri Lankan woman who smuggled gold weighing nearly one kilogram into the country by concealing it under her garments. MORE..

April 25, 2015  06:25 pm|

Amnesty for army absentees ends

Amnesty for army absentees ends

The recently declared General Amnesty period of Sri Lanka Army has come to an end today (25th April 2015), said Military Spokesperson, Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera while speaking to the media. MORE..

April 25, 2015  05:15 pm|

Sri Lanka to partner with Kerala in tourism sector

Sri Lanka to partner with Kerala in tourism sector

Sri Lanka has expressed interest in joining hands with Kerala Tourism for developing tourism circuits and joint promotions. MORE..

April 25, 2015  02:46 pm|

Sri Lanka ranks 132 on global happiness index

Sri Lanka ranks 132 on global happiness index

Sri Lanka has climbed 5 places in a global ranking of the happiest nations, coming in at the 132nd spot out of 158 countries on the index that took into account GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of happiness. MORE..

April 24, 2015  05:21 pm|

New govt’s policies have created positive environment: Ban Ki-moon

New govt’s policies have created positive environment: Ban Ki-moon

Welcoming the new Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stated that a positive environment has been created by the policies of the new government in Sri Lanka for a greater collaboration with the United Nations and the international community. MORE..

April 24, 2015  01:06 pm|

No complaint of Sri Lanka Navy hurling petrol bombs

No complaint of Sri Lanka Navy hurling petrol bombs

The Indian government did not get any complaint against Sri Lankan navy allegedly hurling petrol bombs at Indian fishermen, the Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh informed the Rajya Sabha. MORE..

April 24, 2015  10:46 am|

Arjuna Mahendran resumes duty at Central Bank - sources

Arjuna Mahendran resumes duty at Central Bank - sources

Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran has resumed his duties after a more than five-week voluntary leave of absence after being cleared by a panel investigating a controversial government bond auction, according to a Reuters report. MORE..

April 23, 2015  02:15 pm|

Sri Lankan asylum seekers on Nauru set to go to Cambodia

Sri Lankan asylum seekers on Nauru set to go to Cambodia

Five asylum seekers from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Iran have agreed to be among the first to leave the Pacific island nation of Nauru for Cambodia under a deal that allows refugees rejected by Australia to be resettled in the Southeast Asian country, a refugee advocate said Monday. MORE...

April 20, 2015  04:17 pm|

Former President likely not moving to ‘Peacock’ bungalow

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...

April 20, 2015  12:53 pm|

Government donates USD 50,000 for Vanuatu cyclone victims

Government donates USD 50,000 for Vanuatu cyclone victims

As a token of solidarity with the people of Vanuatu, the Government of Sri Lanka has sanctioned a cash contribution of USD 50,000 for the victims of Cyclone Pam that ravaged the Vanuatu last month, the Government Information Department said. MORE...

April 19, 2015  11:09 am|

Indian police seize 142 kg cannabis bound for Sri Lanka

Indian police seize 142 kg cannabis bound for Sri Lanka

The Indian district police have detained under the National Security Act (NSA) two ganja smugglers who were arrested while attempting to smuggle 142 kg of ganja to Sri Lanka via sea route. MORE...

April 19, 2015  09:01 am|

Sri Lankan couple, daughters land near Rameswaram

Sri Lankan couple, daughters land near Rameswaram

A Sri Lankan Tamil couple with their three teenage daughters landed clandestinely at Arichalmunai, off Dhanushkodi in the early hours of Friday, The Hindu reports. MORE..

April 18, 2015  05:40 pm|

Sri Lankan arrested in Pakistan

Sri Lankan arrested in Pakistan

With the Zarb-i-Azb operation underway in North Waziristan Agency, the Peshawar Police launched a massive search operation on Sunday, arresting more than 118 illegal residents, including a Sri Lankan national, from the posh Hayatabad Township bordering Khyber Agency. MORE..

April 18, 2015  12:16 pm|

Arjuna Mahendran questioned at Bribery Commission

Arjuna Mahendran questioned at Bribery Commission

The Bribery Commission has recorded a statement from the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Arjuna Mahendran. MORE..

April 16, 2015  05:28 pm|

Sri Lankan maid arrested for beating infant

Sri Lankan maid arrested for beating infant

A Sri Lankan housemaid was arrested for beating her Kuwaiti sponsor’s infant due to which the child sustained bruises throughout his body, says Al-Seyassah. MORE..

April 16, 2015  03:21 pm|

Bishop meets Sri Lankan Tamils in Chennai

Bishop meets Sri Lankan Tamils in Chennai

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who is on a visit to India, has held talks with Sri Lankan Tamils living there and termed the meeting as “constructive”. MORE..

April 16, 2015  01:44 pm|

Sri Lankan maid pleads not guilty to arson charge

Sri Lankan maid pleads not guilty to arson charge

A Sri Lankan housemaid accused of setting her Bahraini employer’s home on fire before fleeing has appeared in court for the first time to plead not guilty. MORE..

April 16, 2015  12:00 pm|

Chinese naval ships to use Gwadar port after Colombo snub

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..

April 15, 2015  11:29 pm|

Young girl sent back to Sri Lanka under Hague Convention

Young girl sent back to Sri Lanka under Hague Convention

A 5-year-old girl was returned to live with her Japanese father in Sri Lanka in early April after being abducted by her mother and brought to Japan, a government official told The Japan Times on Wednesday. MORE..

April 15, 2015  02:51 pm|

Future of Asia Cup in doubt as ACC faces shutdown: report

Future of Asia Cup in doubt as ACC faces shutdown: report

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could soon be dissolved or merged with the International Cricket Council (ICC), putting a question mark over the future of Asia Cup. MORE..

April 14, 2015  01:25 pm|

Rajapaksa gov’t was more diplomatic on fishermen issue: Leaders

Rajapaksa gov’t was more diplomatic on fishermen issue: Leaders

In contrast to Lanka’s present leaders, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was more diplomatic, fishermen’s leaders in Karainagar, Jaffna has told the New India Express. MORE...

April 12, 2015  09:29 pm|

Sri Lanka has potential to be a role model: UN

Sri Lanka has potential to be a role model: UN

“If handled well, the case of Sri Lanka has the potential to constitute an example for the region and for the world of how a sustainable peace ought to be achieved,” says Pablo de Greiff, UN Special Rapporteur on Truth, Justice, Reparations, and Guarantees of Non-recurrence. MORE...

April 12, 2015  01:11 pm|

HRC helps Lankan maid to return home after accident

HRC helps Lankan maid to return home after accident

A Sri Lankan maid who was in hospital for three years following an accident in Saudi Arabia has flown back home with a smile, thanks to the Human Rights Commission. MORE..

April 11, 2015  04:16 pm|

Govt to accept Interpol’s special travel permit

Govt to accept Interpol’s special travel permit

The Government of Sri Lanka has decided to accept the special travel permit introduced by the International Police (INTERPOL) within Sri Lanka to facilitate cross border investigations relating to the activities of the global agency. MORE..

April 11, 2015  03:58 pm|

China, Sri Lanka hold drill to enhance anti-terror skills

China, Sri Lanka hold drill to enhance anti-terror skills

China and Sri Lanka have held a joint drill at a comprehensive military training base in southern China to enhance their capabilities, specially in combating terror. MORE..

April 11, 2015  02:26 pm|

Indian fishermen protest arrests by Sri Lankan navy

Indian fishermen protest arrests by Sri Lankan navy

The fishermen of Rameswaram staged a demonstration, protesting against the arrest of fishermen and confiscation of their boats by Sri Lankan navy and urging the authorities to secure their traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay. MORE..

April 11, 2015  11:35 am|

Lankan refugees held over bid to escape

Lankan refugees held over bid to escape

The Marine police of the Coastal Security Group (CSG) in India have apprehended two Sri Lankan Tamil refugees when one of them tried to clandestinely leave for Sri Lanka from Pamban near Ramanathapuram. MORE..

April 9, 2015  10:25 am|

54 Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

54 Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

The Government of Sri Lanka today said that at present 54 Sri Lankans have been evacuated from Yemen. MORE..

April 8, 2015  05:11 pm|

New gov’t satisfied with progress achieved

New gov’t satisfied with progress achieved

The new Sri Lankan government said on Tuesday that it is happy with the progress achieved so far since it came to power following the Jan. 8 presidential elections. MORE...

April 8, 2015  10:45 am|

Sri Lankan drowns in Australia

Sri Lankan drowns in Australia

A Sri Lankan man, holidaying in Coffs Harbour from Sydney, died at Sapphire Beach after he was pulled unconscious from the water. MORE..

April 8, 2015  10:18 am|

Sri Lankan cricket team to tour Pakistan soon

Sri Lankan cricket team to tour Pakistan soon

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has assured that Sri Lankan cricket team will tour Pakistan soon, the Express Tribune reported. MORE...

April 7, 2015  03:44 pm|

Pakistan, Sri Lanka ink six agreements to boost ties

Pakistan, Sri Lanka ink six agreements to boost ties

Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Monday inked six agreements including cooperation between their atomic energy authorities, shipping and disaster management and also vowed to enhance economic ties. MORE...

April 6, 2015  05:51 pm|

Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka grow by 84 percent

Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka grow by 84 percent

China remained the second largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka growing by 84.5 percent in March when compared with the previous year, latest data released here on Monday showed. MORE...

April 6, 2015  02:01 pm|

39 more Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

39 more Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

Thirty-nine Sri Lankans have been safely evacuated from Yemen with the help of the Chinese Embassy and will be transported to Bahrain, the Government Information Department said on Monday (6). MORE...

April 6, 2015  01:09 pm|

Fresh tenders for Kalpitiya Islands

Fresh tenders for Kalpitiya Islands

The Sri Lankan Government is planning to call for fresh tenders for 11 islands under the Kalpitiya development project. The islands according to the project are to be given on 30-99 year leases to the private sector. However, three out of 14 islands in Kalpitiya had been earlier given on lease to investors. MORE...

April 6, 2015  11:33 am|

Man held with Wallapatta chips worth Rs 9.6 million

Man held with Wallapatta chips worth Rs 9.6 million

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to leave the country with Wallpatta chips, worth around Rs 9.6 million in the market, concealed in his baggage. MORE..

April 4, 2015  03:08 pm|

37 Indian fishermen, 5 boats arrested

37 Indian fishermen, 5 boats arrested

Sri Lanka Navy personnel have arrested 37 Indian fishermen along with their 5 boats for engaging in poaching activities in Sri Lankan waters. MORE..

April 4, 2015  12:25 pm|

26/11-like attack by ISI agents based in Sri Lanka thwarted - report

26/11-like attack by ISI agents based in Sri Lanka thwarted - report

A 26/11-like attack was in the making, but this time, from the east coast. That is how National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General Sharad Kumar sums up the agency’s exhaustive nearly two-year investigation into what it says was a massive terror plot against India by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). MORE..

April 4, 2015  11:23 am|

Sri Lankan boat with six fishermen on board arrested off Chennai

Sri Lankan boat with six fishermen on board arrested off Chennai

Indian Coast Guard on Friday seized a Sri Lankan fishing boat with six fishermen on board for allegedly fishing in Indian waters. MORE..

April 4, 2015  10:04 am|

Eight Sri Lankan safely evacuated from Yemen

 Eight Sri Lankan safely evacuated from Yemen

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today announced that three Sri Lankans have already Yemen and that another five are currently on their way to Djibouti via sea. MORE..

April 3, 2015  02:59 pm|

Lankan refugee murdered in India

Lankan refugee murdered in India

A Sri Lankan refugee was hacked to death in his house at Puliampatti refugee camp near Palani on Wednesday night. The deceased was identified as G. Kamala Nathan (35), a daily wage worker engaged in painting work. MORE..

April 3, 2015  11:04 am|

China to help evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen

China to help evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen

China has agreed to assist in evacuating Sri Lankan nationals stranded in Yemen following a request made by the Government of Sri Lanka, Acting Chinese Ambassador Ren Faqiang said. MORE..

April 2, 2015  06:34 pm|

Sri Lanka vows to remedy root causes of terrorism

Sri Lanka vows to remedy root causes of terrorism

The Sri Lankan Government today vowed to remedy the root causes of injustice, discrimination and prejudice that have spawned hate and violence for many decades in the country. MORE..

April 2, 2015  12:59 pm|

Govt to evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen

Govt  to evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen

The Government today said that it is making arrangements to evacuate all Sri Lankans in Yemen, considering the prevailing volatile situation in the Arab nation. MORE..

April 1, 2015  07:09 pm|

FCID grills ex-Air Force chief Donald Perera

FCID grills ex-Air Force chief Donald Perera

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) is currently questioning former Sri Lanka Air Force commander Air Chief Marshal G Donald Perera regarding the controversial MiG deal. MORE..

April 1, 2015  10:15 am|

Sri Lankan fishermen welcome Ranil’s ‘shooting’ remarks

Sri Lankan fishermen welcome Ranil’s ‘shooting’ remarks

Fishermen of the Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province say they welcome Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe’s remarks that Indian fishermen may be shot if they intruded into Sri Lankan waters. MORE..

March 31, 2015  12:52 pm|

Three navy personnel arrested over Nadarajah Raviraj killing

Three navy personnel arrested over Nadarajah Raviraj killing

Three navy personnel have been detained and are being questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over the killing of TNA MP Nadarajah Raviraj in 2006, the police spokesman said. MORE..

March 31, 2015  10:53 am|

Two Sri Lankans arrested at Cochin airport

Two Sri Lankans arrested at Cochin airport

Officials of the Indian Customs Air Intelligence Unit at the Cochin International airport on Sunday seized about 400 grams of gold, 11 cell phones and SD cards valued at Rs.3 million from two passengers who landed here from Colombo. The metal, in the form of eight gold bars, were concealed in their rectum. MORE...

March 30, 2015  03:18 pm|

Sri Lanka to resume road development projects with China

Sri Lanka to resume road development projects with China

The Sri Lankan government has decided to recommence all the main and provincial road development projects in the island nation with China, a government official said on Sunday. MORE...

March 30, 2015  02:22 pm|

Lanka for India’s inclusion in regional cooperation with China

Lanka for India’s inclusion in regional cooperation with China

Sri Lanka has backed China’s surprise initiative to make India an important component of a regional cooperation to address New Delhi’s concerns over Chinese involvement in large-scale projects in the country, a senior Sri Lankan minister has said. MORE...

March 29, 2015  10:23 pm|

Pablo de Greiff to visit Sri Lanka today

Pablo de Greiff to visit Sri Lanka today

UN Special Rapporteur on Truth, Justice, Reparations, and Guarantees of Non-recurrence, Pablo de Greiff, will arrive in Sri Lanka for a six-day visit, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Sunday (29). MORE...

March 29, 2015  12:06 pm|

India and Sri Lanka to fight ISI influence

India and Sri Lanka to fight ISI influence

Top intelligence sources said that some Pakistani embassy staff were allegedly using their diplomatic cover in promoting ISI’s anti-India activities. MORE...

March 29, 2015  07:36 am|

Four Indian ships arrive at the port of Trincomalee

Four Indian ships arrive at the port of Trincomalee

Indian Naval Ships, “TIR”, “KESARI”, “SUDARSHANI” and Indian Coast Guard Ship “VARUNA” belonging to the first training squadron of the Indian Navy arrived at the port of Trincomalee. MORE...

March 28, 2015  03:31 pm|

Obama honours Sri Lankan science mentor

Obama honours Sri Lankan science mentor

An Indian-American and a Sri Lankan-origin scientist and teacher are among fourteen individuals and one organization named winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). MORE...

March 28, 2015  02:05 pm|

China ready to sign friendship treaties with SL: Xi Jinping

China ready to sign friendship treaties with SL: Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China stands ready to sign treaties of friendship and cooperation with all its neighbours including Sri Lanka to provide strong support for the development of bilateral relations as well as prosperity and stability in the region. MORE...

March 28, 2015  11:55 am|

Sri Lanka starts process to regain EU’s GSP Plus

Sri Lanka starts process to regain EU’s GSP Plus

Strengthened by previous positive vibes from the European Union, the Government of Sri Lanka has started the process to regain the generalised system of preferences plus (GSP Plus) status, according to an official statement. MORE...

March 28, 2015  10:44 am|

Sri Lanka fires fresh salvo at Chinese firm

Sri Lanka fires fresh salvo at Chinese firm

The Chinese company involved in the controversial US$1.4 billion Colombo Port City project has failed to furnish the necessary documents within the two-week deadline set by the new government, which is also reviewing other Chinese projects including a high-profile telecommunications tower, Sri Lanka’s finance minister said. MORE..

March 28, 2015  01:32 am|

Obama taps Indian Americans to control Asian region

Obama taps Indian Americans to control Asian region

With the naming of Atul Keshap to be appointed as the new US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Americans would be serving as US envoys in three of eight SAARC nations. MORE..

March 27, 2015  01:17 pm|

Indian Naval vessels to reach Sri Lanka’s east coast for drill today

Indian Naval vessels to reach Sri Lanka’s east coast for drill today

Four Indian Navy vessels will arrive in Sri Lanka on Friday to hold a three-day training exercise for Sri Lankan Navy personnel in the country’s east coast. MORE..

March 27, 2015  09:54 am|

Dalai Lama should be allowed to visit Lanka: former diplomat

Dalai Lama should be allowed to visit Lanka: former diplomat

Former Sri Lankan Consul General in Sydney, Bandula Jayasekara, has suggested that the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, be allowed to visit Sri Lanka purely as a Buddhist pilgrim and on the strict condition that he talks no politics while being here. MORE...

March 22, 2015  10:14 am|

India interfering in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, says Chinese thinktank

India interfering in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, says Chinese thinktank

A Chinese government backed thinktank has accused India of interfering in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka when Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the Tamil dominated Jafna area. It has also said India was trying to counter Beijing’s influence by encouraging Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh to avoid the China’s Silk Road program. MORE.

March 21, 2015  01:06 am|

EU delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka to discuss GSP plus

EU delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka to discuss GSP plus

A high-level delegation from the EU will arrive in Sri Lanka next week to hold discussions with the Sri Lankan government on the GSP plus trade concessions which has been withdrawn from Sri Lanka during the previous regime, the Sri Lankan government said on Wednesday. MORE...

March 19, 2015  10:59 am|

Arjuna accepts SLFP membership

Arjuna accepts SLFP membership

Democratic National Alliance MP Arjuna Ranatunga says that he has accepted the membership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE...

March 18, 2015  01:59 pm|

CB Governor to take leave during probe: PM

CB Governor to take leave during probe: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Tuesday (17) informed the Parliament that Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran will be on leave until investigation on the treasury bonds issue is concluded. MORE...

March 17, 2015  03:09 pm|

Interim report on missing persons this week

Interim report on missing persons this week

The Presidential Commission to Investigate into Complaints Regarding Missing Persons is to hand in an interim report to the President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday, the President Media Unit said in a statement. MORE...

March 16, 2015  02:04 pm|

20,000-year-old fossilized human teeth discovered in Sri Lanka

20,000-year-old fossilized human teeth discovered in Sri Lanka

People adapted to living in tropical rainforests thousands of years earlier than previously known, according to scientists who found crucial evidence in 20,000-year-old fossilized human teeth discovered in Sri Lanka. MORE...

March 16, 2015  11:52 am|

Modi meets Rajapaksa, concludes Sri Lanka visit

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..

March 15, 2015  01:10 am|

US welcomes release of Balendra Jeyakumari

US welcomes release of Balendra Jeyakumari

The U.S. has welcomed the release by Sri Lanka’s new government of a rights activist arrested a year ago for demanding information about people who went missing during the country’s decades-long civil war. MORE..

March 13, 2015  11:26 am|

Court issues notice on six including Finance Minister

Court issues notice on six including Finance Minister

The Appeal Court today (12 March) issued notices on six including Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Secretary to the Treasury, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury and Director General of Customs. MORE..

March 12, 2015  05:28 pm|

Time to replace 13th Amendment with a more dynamic system: Wigneswaran

Time to replace 13th Amendment with a more dynamic system: Wigneswaran

It is time the 13th Amendment was replaced with a more dynamic system of devolution of powers, according to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran. MORE...

March 12, 2015  04:40 pm|

Sri Lanka beat Scotland by 148 runs

Sri Lanka beat Scotland by 148 runs

Kumar Sangakkara became the first batsman to hit four consecutive one-day centuries and set a new record for dismissals by a wicketkeeper as Sri Lanka defeated Scotland by 148 runs in the Cricket World Cup at Bellerive Oval on Wednesday. MORE..

March 11, 2015  04:47 pm|

Modi to discuss growing influence of China with Sri Lanka

Modi to discuss growing influence of China with Sri Lanka

Indian defence expert Qamar Agha on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take up the matter of growing Chinese influence in the region with the Sri Lankan government during his upcoming visit to the island nation. MORE..

March 11, 2015  02:45 pm|

US to help Sri Lanka heal ethnic tensions

US to help Sri Lanka heal ethnic tensions

The US will help Sri Lanka’s new government to restore democracy and heal “fragile ethnic tensions”, a senior American official said on Tuesday. MORE..

March 10, 2015  04:33 pm|

JVP wants Central Bank Governor to resign

JVP wants Central Bank Governor to resign

The People’s Liberation Front, popularly known as the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), today called for the resignation of Mr. Arjuna Mahendran as the Governor at Central Bank of Sri Lanka. MORE..

March 10, 2015  03:24 pm|

Karunanidhi condemns Ranil Wickramasinghe’s remarks

Karunanidhi condemns Ranil Wickramasinghe’s remarks

Slamming Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe for his remarks that Indian fishermen may be shot if they intruded into Lankan waters, DMK on Monday said it “amounted to a slap” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s face ahead of his tour to the island nation. MORE...

March 9, 2015  10:57 pm|

Sri Lanka qualify for World Cup quarter finals

Sri Lanka qualify for World Cup quarter finals

Bangladesh will play its quarter-final at the MCG on 19 March while Sri Lanka will play its quarter-final at the SCG on 18 March, against opponents to be determined by the respective finishing positions in the pool stage. MORE...

March 9, 2015  05:58 pm|

Sri Lanka is not anti-China but mainland firms won’t get ‘carte blanche’: Ravi

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...

March 9, 2015  03:03 pm|

29% of Sri Lanka female journos sexually harassed at work place: report

29% of Sri Lanka female journos sexually harassed at work place: report

Almost 29 percent of Sri Lankan female journalists have experienced sexual harassment in the work place according to the latest survey conducted by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the New Indian Express reported. MORE...

March 9, 2015  10:31 am|

PM Modi to push economic ties in Sri Lanka

PM Modi to push economic ties in Sri Lanka

India is expected to offer a credit line to Sri Lanka to ensure funds for infrastructure and development projects and expanded support for military training during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the island nation this week, as New Delhi aims to match growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region. MORE...

March 9, 2015  07:10 am|

Australia beats Sri Lanka by 64 runs

Australia beats Sri Lanka by 64 runs

Australia dismissed Sri Lanka for 312 to clinch a 64 run victory in a Pool A match in Sydney on Sunday. MORE...

March 8, 2015  05:13 pm|

Sri Lanka needs 377 to win against Australia

Sri Lanka needs 377 to win against Australia

Electing to bat, Australia made 376 for 9 against Sri Lanka in a pool A ODI cricket match of the ICC World Cup here today. MORE...

March 8, 2015  01:19 pm|

India takes up fishermen issue after Lanka threat

India takes up fishermen issue after Lanka threat

A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Indian fishermen may be shot if they “intruded” into his country’s waters, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday raised the matter with the Sri Lankan government and emphasised that it was a humanitarian” and “livelihood” issue for the fishermen. MORE...

March 8, 2015  08:28 am|

Six Sri Lankan fishermen detained off Nagapattinam

Six Sri Lankan fishermen detained off Nagapattinam

The Indian Coast Guard has detained six Sri Lankan fishermen on the charge of poaching in Indian waters, 128 nautical miles off Nagapattinam coast on Friday. MORE..

March 7, 2015  05:12 pm|

Yoshitha transferred to Navy HQ

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...

March 6, 2015  01:32 pm|

Police slaps 90-day detention on France-bound woman

Police slaps 90-day detention on France-bound woman

Sri Lankan authorities Thursday extended by 90 days the detention of a suspected former Tamil rebel fighter arrested as she was returning to her home in France, police said. MORE...

March 5, 2015  06:00 pm|

Sri Lanka needs fiscal consolidation to cut debt: IMF

Sri Lanka needs fiscal consolidation to cut debt: IMF

The International Monetary Fund ( IMF) said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka’s economic prospects remain favorable under the new government but a mid-term fiscal consolidation is essential. MORE...

March 5, 2015  11:47 am|

Spy cables reveal Sri Lanka hyped up Tamil Tiger postwar threat: Report

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..

March 5, 2015  02:31 am|

Final report on missing persons this month

Final report on missing persons this month

The final report prepared by the Presidential Commission to Investigate into Complaints Regarding Missing Persons is to be presented to President Maithripala Sirisena in mid March. MORE...

March 4, 2015  03:47 pm|

Pakistan naval ship in Trincomalee on a goodwill visit

Pakistan naval ship in Trincomalee on a goodwill visit

Pakistan Navy Ship ‘Zulfiquar’ has arrived at the port of Trincomalee last evening on a four days goodwill visit. MORE...

March 4, 2015  02:32 pm|

Sanga rejects politics rumours

Sanga rejects politics rumours

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara today rejected rumours that he is planning on entering politics. Posting on his official Facebook page Sangakkara stated that the completely baseless and are just irresponsible rumours. MORE...

March 3, 2015  03:56 pm|

Mid-sea fight threatens to jeopardise talks between Indian, Sri Lanka fishermen

Mid-sea fight threatens to jeopardise talks between Indian, Sri Lanka fishermen

Fishermen in the region, who were looking forward to a new round of talks between their representatives with Sri Lanka, are in a state of suspended animation as a mid-sea fight seems to have turned the tides. They were hoping that bilateral talks would begin on March 5 once the state government received clearance from the Centre. MORE..

March 3, 2015  12:00 pm|

China says Sri Lanka loans made “based on consensus”

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...

March 2, 2015  04:02 pm|

Government cancels licences for foreign mining firms

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...

March 2, 2015  10:28 am|

Indian FM to visit Sri Lanka this week

Indian FM to visit Sri Lanka this week

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will arrive in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit on March 6 to pave way for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nation in mid March, the foreign ministry officials said Sunday. MORE...

March 1, 2015  05:03 pm|

Missing persons hearing continues amid protests

Missing persons hearing continues amid protests

The presidential commission investigating cases of missing persons has continued hearing on missing persons cases amid protests by Tamil groups who are demanding a credible investigation into such issues. MORE...

March 1, 2015  04:13 pm|

85 undocumented Sri Lankans detained in Medan

85 undocumented Sri Lankans  detained in Medan

Immigration authorities in Medan, North Sumatra, have detained 85 Sri Lankan citizens for trespassing on Indonesian territory without documents. MORE...

March 1, 2015  02:01 pm|

Jaishankar to arrive in Sri Lanka

Jaishankar to arrive in Sri Lanka

Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will today begin his South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) ‘Yatra’ with Bhutan as the first stop. MORE...

March 1, 2015  01:55 pm|

Sri Lanka unhappy with ‘tiring’ World Cup travel

Sri Lanka unhappy with ‘tiring’ World Cup travel

Sri Lanka flew back to New Zealand on Friday grumbling about their World Cup travel following a hectic dash across the Tasman sea for just one game even as some other teams enjoyed a relaxed schedule. MORE...

February 27, 2015  06:48 am|

Lankan jailed for molesting a 10-year-old girl in wheelchair

Lankan jailed for molesting a 10-year-old girl in wheelchair

A Sri Lankan worker has been jailed for three months for molesting a 10-year-old girl on a wheelchair in a Dubai store where he worked and performed a lewd act in front of her. MORE..

February 26, 2015  11:22 pm|

Sri Lanka thrash Bangladesh by 92 runs

Sri Lanka thrash Bangladesh by 92 runs

Lasith Malinga picked up 3 wickets to regain lost form as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 92 runs in their World Cup Pool A clash following a commanding display in Melbourne. MORE..

February 26, 2015  04:46 pm|

Govt. expresses concern over situation in Maldives

Govt. expresses concern over situation in Maldives

The Sri Lankan government issuing a statement expressed its concern over the developing situation in the Maldives following the arrest of former President Mohamed Nasheed. MORE...

February 26, 2015  11:04 am|

Another call to re-call Mahinda

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...

February 26, 2015  07:58 am|

Yoshitha Rajapaksa assigned to Mahinda’s security detail

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...

February 25, 2015  09:35 pm|

AI slams Sri Lanka on unlawful detentions, torture

AI slams Sri Lanka on unlawful detentions, torture

Sri Lankan authorities continued to threaten, harass and arrest human rights defenders, including lawyers, family members of the disappeared and other activists last year, according to Amnesty International. MORE..

February 25, 2015  11:57 am|

Jeffrey Feltman to visit Sri Lanka this week

Jeffrey Feltman to visit Sri Lanka this week

One week after the UN Human Rights Council agreed to withhold the already delayed report on war crimes in Sri Lanka, the UN announced that Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s highest political official Jeffrey Feltman will visit the country this week. MORE...

February 25, 2015  11:05 am|

Daya Ratnayake promoted to rank of General

Daya Ratnayake promoted to rank of General

The outgoing Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake who formally retired from the Army on Saturday (21) has been promoted to the rank of four star General effective from today by the President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

February 21, 2015  03:02 pm|

Dutch tourist who fell off World’s End rescued

Dutch tourist who fell off World’s End rescued

A Chinese tourist who fell off a platform at World’s End in Horton Plains National Park this morning has been rescued and airlifted to a hospital by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). MORE..

February 21, 2015  12:43 pm|

Special police unit to probe large-scale financial crime

Special police unit to probe large-scale financial crime

The police department has decided to establish a special unit to investigate large-scale financial crimes, including money laundering. MORE..

February 20, 2015  06:06 pm|

Chrishantha De Silva appointed new Army Commander

Chrishantha De Silva appointed new Army Commander

Former Chief of Staff of the Army Major General Chrishantha de Silva has been appointed as the 21st Commander of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) by President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..

February 20, 2015  02:13 pm|

SLC to hold election on April 30

SLC to hold election on April 30

The election of new office bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is to be held on April 30, SLC said. MORE..

February 18, 2015  08:07 pm|

Navy provides treatment to Indian fisherman

Navy provides treatment to Indian fisherman

Sri Lankan Navy personnel today offered treatment to an Indian fisherman after he was stung by a poisonous fish while poaching in the Palk strait, PTI reported. MORE..

February 17, 2015  05:58 pm|

Sri Lanka, India relax visa regulations for diplomats

Sri Lanka, India relax visa regulations for diplomats

Sri Lanka and India have signed an agreement granting diplomats and government officials from both sides of visa-free access and stay for up to 30 days, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said here on Monday. MORE...

February 17, 2015  01:06 pm|

India, Sri Lanka may sign nuclear agreement

India, Sri Lanka may sign nuclear agreement

India and Sri Lanka will seek to open a new chapter in ties on Monday with a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and President Maithripala Sirisena who has chosen India for his maiden visit abroad as president. MORE...

February 16, 2015  12:01 pm|

Goverment says foreign minister’s U.S. visit successful

Goverment says foreign minister’s U.S. visit successful

The Sri Lankan government on Sunday said the just-concluded visit to the United States by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera was successful. MORE...

February 15, 2015  05:36 pm|

Muslims want panel to probe “hate campaign and violence”

Muslims want panel to probe “hate campaign and violence”

Faiszer Musthapha, MP of the Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Azath Sally, Member of the Central Provincial Council, has asked President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint a commission to inquire into the “hate campaign and violence” against Muslims in the last four years and take appropriate measures to ensure that all Sri Lankans are protected. MORE..

February 15, 2015  10:24 am|

SLFP appoints new National Organiser, Treasurer and VP

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..

February 14, 2015  04:09 pm|

Ten high-ranking army officers reinstated

Ten high-ranking army officers reinstated

Ten high-ranking army officers including a Major General, who were sent on compulsory leave following the 2010 Presidential Election, have been reinstated, a spokesman said. MORE..

February 14, 2015  01:07 pm|

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 98 runs in World Cup opener

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 98 runs in World Cup opener

Hosts New Zealand gave the cricket World Cup a cracking start with a scintillating batting show as they crushed last edition losing finalists Sri Lanka by 98 runs in the opening match of the showpiece event here today. MORE..

February 14, 2015  12:06 pm|

I’ll miss playing for Sri Lanka – Mahela

I’ll miss playing for Sri Lanka – Mahela

As he gets ready to play the final phase of his 18-year long illustrious career, Mahela Jayawardene says he will miss the Sri Lankan dressing room after the conclusion of 2015 Cricket World Cup. MORE..

February 13, 2015  04:50 pm|

I want entire Parliament to be a Govt – Ranil

I want entire Parliament to be a Govt – Ranil

Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe today said that he does not want to form a United National Party (UNP) government at the next General Election and that he desires for the entire Parliament to be a government. MORE..

February 12, 2015  05:32 pm|

Northern PC adopts another resolution: calls for international investigation

Northern PC adopts another resolution: calls for international investigation

The Northern Provincial Council (NPC) today unanimously passed a resolution and called for an international investigation into alleged ‘genocide’ against the Tamils community. MORE...

February 10, 2015  04:55 pm|

Lankan accused of molesting girl in wheelchair

Lankan accused of molesting girl in wheelchair

A Sri Lankan worker has been accused of molesting a wheelchair-bound 10-year-old girl in a Dubai grocery store where he worked and performed a lewd act in front of her. MORE..

February 10, 2015  12:08 pm|

Sri Lanka to strengthen ‘special friendship’ with China

Sri Lanka to strengthen ‘special friendship’ with China

Describing the bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka as a ‘special friendship,’ Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his desire to closely engage with the Chinese Government. MORE..

February 7, 2015  02:33 pm|

EU ban on fish imports from Sri Lanka not revoked

EU ban on fish imports from Sri Lanka not revoked

The European Union (EU) Thursday said the ban on fish import from Sri Lanka has not been lifted. MORE...

February 5, 2015  02:50 pm|

New President has given hope to Tamils: Velayutham

New President has given hope to Tamils: Velayutham

The election of Maithripala Sirisena as the Sri Lankan President has offered a hope to the Tamils in Sri Lanka and they are able to move freely without the Army’s interruption, said K. Velayutham, Sri Lankan Minister of State for Plantation and Industry. MORE...

February 2, 2015  08:20 am|

Former President denies military coup attempt allegations

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...

January 27, 2015  08:32 pm|

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