Results: 152
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..
Fmr. Embilipitiya ASP arrested by CID
The former ASP of Embilipitiya Police, D.W.C. Dharmaratne, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with the recent death of a youth during a clash with police in Embilipitiya, sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Cabinet agrees to change Divi Neguma to Samurdhi
The Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to change the Divi Neguma Development Department to Samurdhi Department, co-cabinet spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
2016 Budget second reading passed
The second reading of the 2016 Budget was passed in Parliament today with a majority of 107 votes. A total of 159 members voted in favour while 52 voted against. MORE..
Kumar Gunaratnam further remanded
Frontline Socialists Party (FSP) political committee member Premakumar Gunaratnam, who was arrested and remanded for visa violations, has been further remanded till December 11 by the Kegalle Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
Rajitha, Champika and Arjuna ask IGP to probe bribery claims
Ministers Champika Ranawaka, Dr Rajitha Seenaratne and Arjuna Ranatunga today requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the allegations made against them by the Chairman of Avant Garde Private Limited, Nissanka Senadhipathi. MORE..
Hasitha Thilakeratne appointed CAA chairman
Hasitha Thilakeratne has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA). MORE..
Sumanthiran calls for removal of Wigneswaran from TNA
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says that while a proposal has been made to ITAK calling for the removal of Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran from the TNA, it is not the opinion of the entire party. MORE..
CID extends detention order on Pillayan till Dec 10
The Colombo Chief Magistrate today permitted the CID to detain and question former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, who was arrested in connection with the murder of ex-MP Joseph Pararajasingham, till December 10 under detention orders. MORE..
Paranagama report far worse than UN report – Rajitha
The government today said that the resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council on Sri Lanka would have been much more severe if the Paranagama report had been released before the session in Geneva. MORE..
The former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan has been summoned to appear at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to give a statement in connection with a murder incident. MORE..
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...
Wigneswaran lashes out at concentration of power in his party
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V.Wigneswaran publicly lashed out at “concentration of power” in the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), the party to which he belongs. MORE...
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...
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...
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..
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..
President orders Avant Garde case to continue
President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed relevant authorities to continue with legal proceeding regarding the controversial Avant Garde issue, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
Parliament approves civil society representitives of CC
The Parliament today approved the 3 names nominated to represent the civil society in the Constitutional Council (CC). MORE..
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...
TNA wants UN probe recommendations in next resolution
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) today said that it welcomes the report of the investigation conducted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OISL) and its recommendations. MORE..
TN assembly for international probe on Sri Lanka
A day after India and Sri Lanka decided to renew efforts to address the vexed ethnic issue in the island nation, Tamil Nadu today stepped up pressure on the Modi government for an international probe against alleged human rights violations and war crimes committed in 2009 in Northern Sri Lanka. MORE..
MP Chathura Senaratne issued notice
The Negombo Magistrate’s Court has issued notice on UNP Gampaha District MP Chathura Senaratne for allegedly threatening a group of individuals in custody at the Ragama Police Station. MORE..
UN probe report handed over to govt
The UN probe report on alleged war crimes committed during the final phase of Sri Lankan military’s battle against the LTTE has been handed over to the government. MORE..
Lankans adviced not to visit Lumbini until further notice
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal W.M. Seneviratne has appealed to Sri Lankans not to visit Lumbini, Nepal until further notice due to a wave of public protests in the country. MORE...
Ariyaratne, Radhika, Aziz nominated to CC
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy and Shibly Aziz nominated as Civil Society representatives to the Constitutional Council. MORE...
Two more Deputy Ministers appointed
Two more Deputy Ministers have been sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday. MORE..
AG claims witness intimidation in Thajudeen case
The Attorney General today informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate regarding the alleged intimidation of witnesses in the murder case of former Sri Lankan Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen. MORE..
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...
Sampanthan as Opposition Leader gives hope - DMK
DMK President M Karunanidhi today welcomed the appointment of Tamil National Alliance leader R Sampanthan as the Leader of Opposition in Sri Lankan Parliament, saying it has given hope for the Tamils in the island nation. MORE..
JVP nominates Bimal Ratnayake as NL MP
(Audio) The JVP has nominated Bimal Ratnayake as a National List MP for the seat vacated due to the resignation of S. Mayadunne, JVP Secretary Tilvin Silva told Ada Derana. MORE..
Culture of excessive number of ministers must end - Sampanthan
Sri Lanka’s new Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan today said that while a national government in the present context in the country may be a national need, it would have been better if the two parties would have been able to come together without an increase in the number of ministries. MORE..
Sampanthan appointed Opposition Leader
TNA parliamentary group leader and Trincomalee District MP R. Sampanthan has been appointed as the Opposition Leader of the 8th Parliament. MORE..
Mano wants Sambandan as opposition leader
The post of Leader of the Opposition should be given to TNA leader R. Sambandan, Democratic People’s Front (DPF) leader Mano Ganesan says. MORE...
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..
Tamil parties turn down U.S. call for internal ‘war crimes’ probe
Leaders representing three constituents of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have rejected the stand of the U.S., which favoured a domestic investigation mechanism on alleged crimes during the final stages of the Eelam War. MORE...
ITAK wants Opposition Leader post
The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) today said that the party’s Parliamentary Group Leader must thus be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with Parliamentary practice and convention as they have now emerged as the largest political party in Opposition in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. MORE..
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..
TN police unable to obtain inputs from former LTTE cadre
K. Krishnakumar (39), the former militant of the proscribed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) arrested by the police in Ramanathapuram on July 20 turned out to be a hard nut to crack and the ‘Q’ Branch police could arrest only one person, police sources said. MORE..
Ex-Army Chief denies accusations over missing persons
The former Commander of the Sri Lankan, Army General Daya Ratnayake, says that allegations regarding disappearances of LTTE cadres who surrendered to security forces are simply made-up stories whispered by anti-Government groups. MORE..
Support a party which can address our issues, asks Wigneswaran
Northern Provincial Council’s Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, who decided to stay “neutral” for the parliamentary elections, called upon Tamils to support a party which stood for retaining Tamil identity and safeguarding the right to self-determination.
Eksath Senaratna case: parents withdraw petition
The petitioner, who accused Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratna’s son of abducting his underage daughter, has withdrawn the petition he had filed at the Colombo High Court, Ada Derana Court reporter said. MORE...
Retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka: Jayalalithaa tells Modi
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect the fishing rights of Indian fishermen and to retrieve the Katchatheevu islet from Sri Lanka. MORE..
Three PSD officers involved in Thajudeen’s murder, says Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne on Thursday (06) charged that three officials attached to the Presidential Security Division (PSD) have allegedly involved in the murder of former Sri Lankan Rugby player, Wasim Thajudeen, who had died under suspicious circumstances. MORE...
Printing press raided over ‘defamatory’ book on Mahinda
Police today raided a printing press which had allegedly been printing a slanderous book targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is contesting the forthcoming General Election. MORE..
Major parties reject TNA’s demand for federalism
Major political parties in Sri Lanka have flatly rejected the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)’s demand for federalism. MORE...
Will not allow anyone to tear the country into pieces, says Mahinda
It is yet a secret that what types of pacts have been signed between the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the United National Party (UNP), former President Mahinda Rajapaksa claims. MORE...
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...
Fire breaks out at CB Ratnayake’s house
A fire had broken out in a three-storied house belonging to former Minister C.B. Ratnayake located at Subadrarama Mawatha in Madiwela this morning. MORE..
Somaratne Dissanayake resigns as Rupavahini Chairman
The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), Dr Somaratne Dissanayake, says that he is resigning from his position with effect from August 03, due to personal reasons. MORE..
Bribery Commission did not probe any serious allegations – Rajitha
New commissioners will be appointed to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption after August 18, says Cabinet Spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne. MORE...
Six arrested for abducting Sagala’s supporters
Police today arrested 6 suspects in connection with the abduction of two men, who were pasting posters of UNP Matara District candidate Sagala Ratanayake, and their three-wheeler in the Diyalape area in Akuressa. MORE..
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..
Nalaka Thero reveals Champika’s alleged plan
In a bid to fulfill the demands of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a pact has been signed between the United National Party (UNP) and Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, Convener of the National Joint Committee, Gunadasa Amarasekara said. MORE...
President cancels SLFP memberships of four including Rajitha, Hirunika
The President has ordered to cancel the SLFP memberships of Rajitha Senaratne, S.B. Navinna, M.K.D.S. Gunawardene, Arjuna Ranatunga and Hirunika Premachandra, the President’s Media Unit said in a statement today (28). MORE...
MR to pay attention to TNA’s reasonable demands
A fair consideration will be paid to sort out the reasonable demands of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the former President said. MORE...
Dilshan becomes 4th Sri Lankan to get to 10,000 ODI runs
Tillakaratne Dilshan has joined an elite club of international cricketers by reaching 10000 One-Day International (ODI) career runs, during the 5th ODI against Pakistan at Hambantota. MORE...
TNA reiterates self determination, North-East re-merger
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a coalition of four parties in Sri Lanka, on Saturday reiterated its adherence to the right to self determination for Tamils and the re-merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces under federal structure. MORE..
The United National Front for Good Governance, a coalition led by the UNP, today released its election manifesto titled “A New Country in 60 Months: Five Point Plan,” underlining the policy of the party for the next five years. Click to Read...
TNA says to push for political solution to Tamil issues
Sri Lanka’s main minority Tamil political party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), on Monday said it will push for a permanent political solution to issues faced by the Tamils, following the August 17 parliamentary election. MORE...
Kalawana OIC among 3 cops suspended
Three police officers including the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Kalawana Police Station have been suspended for allegedly neglecting duties. MORE..
Request has been made to sack five SLFPers, says Thilanga
A request has been made to the Central Committee (CC) of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to sack five party members who defected from the SLFP and scheduled to contest under the United National Front (UNF) at the forthcoming election, SLFP Media Coordinator Thilanga Sumathipala said. MORE...
Ten ex-LTTE members to contest election?
Crusaders for Democracy (CFD), an organization of ex-LTTE cadre and their supporters, will be putting up ten former militants in the Jaffna-Kilinochchi electoral district for the August 17 Sri Lankan parliamentary elections, the New India Express reported. MORE...
Reginald, Amunugama opt out of electoral contest; Sudarshani to go with UPFA
Former MP Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle says that she will not contest the forthcoming General Election from any party other than the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE..
Paranavitana resign as Media Ministry Secretary
Karunaratne Paranavitana has resigned from his position as the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information, with effect from Friday (10). MORE..
Rajitha confirms new alliance with UNP
Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine Dr Rajitha Senaratna today said that they will not reverse the promise made to the public at the recent Presidential Election, to establish good governance within the country. MORE..
A group of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members including several Ministers are preparing to contest the upcoming General Election separately and not from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Paranavitana turns down UPFA nominations
Karunaratne Paranavitana has turned down nominations extended to him from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to contest the forthcoming General Election from the Ratnapura District. MORE..
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..
Ex-LTTE cadres to contest as independent group
Former cadres of LTTE have decided to contest the Sri Lankan parliament elections as an independent group after the main Tamil party TNA refused to field them in the August 17 polls. MORE..
No final decision on nominations yet, says Rajitha
A final decision has not been taken by the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) on whom to give nominations at the forthcoming election, Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...
Former LTTE militants to contest polls as ‘Crusaders For Democracy’
Former militants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and their supporters have decided to form a political party named “Crusaders for Democracy” and seek tickets from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to contest the August 17 Sri Lankan parliamentary elections. MORE..
Rajapaksa to be briefed on Sirisena’s decision
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva has met with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kandy this morning, political sources revealed to Ada Derana. MORE..
Murder in Nivithigala: First casualty of election?
A 38-year-old man who was critically wounded following an attack with sharp objects by an unknown group of individuals while he was riding a motorcycle in Nivithigala-Ratnapura, has succumbed to injuries after being admitted to hospital. MORE..
No discussion on LTTE ban at TNA-GTF meet: Mangala
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister says that topics such as lifting the proscription of the LTTE or war crimes allegations did not feature in his recent discussion with the Global Tamil Forum and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in London. MORE..
Cabinet approves 20A with 237 parliamentary seats
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers today approved the 20th amendment to the constitution increasing the number of seats in Parliament to 237 from 225. MORE..
MPs who failed A/L questioning CC nominees’ qualifications - CaFFE
A number of MPs have used the debate on the composition of the Constitution Council (CC) and the appointment of civil members to the CC to derail the progress made by the 19th amendment to the constitution, a Sri Lankan election watchdog said. MORE..
Minority parties didn’t raise their voices properly - Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratna says that a final decision will be reached regarding the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, introducing electoral reforms, at the special cabinet meeting to be held on Friday (12). MORE..
Ex-PMs appointed as senior advisers to President
Former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka D.M. Jayaratne and Ratnasiri Wickramanayake have been appointed as senior advisers to President Maithripala Sirisena on political affairs. MORE..
India unsafe if Sri Lanka is not kept secure – Seneviratne
Sri Lanka has recalled its envoy to India Sudharshan Seneviratne, within a year of his appointment and just when bilateral ties were looking up between the two neighbours. MORE..
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..
I don’t think Mahinda is mentally retarded- says Rajitha
Mahinda Rajapaksa will lose his privileges as a former President, if he contests at the next general election, Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne affirmed. MORE...
Ministers who quit also follow wrong astrologers – Harin
Uva Province Chief Minister Harin Fernando says that the recent resignation of four SLFP Ministers was a “planned game” and that he expects more will follow suit. MORE..
Raviraj Assasination: Five navy personnel remanded
Five navy personnel arrested over the 2006 assassination of TNA MP Nadarajah Raviraj have been remanded until June 5 by the Colombo Magistrate Courts. MORE...
Court bans LTTE remembrance events in Mullaitivu
The Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court today issued a stay order banning the holding if any LTTE remembrance event up to 14 days from 18 May within the Mullaitivu police area, police spokes ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
Bribery Commissioner resigns; new probes on hold
Justice L.K. Wimalachandra, a Commissioner of the Bribery Commission, has resigned with effect from Friday (15), the Director General of the commission Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe said. MORE..
Woman attempt self immolation after ministers’ visit
A 36-year-old woman has attempted self immolation at a displacement camp she had been staying in following the devastating landslide in Meeriyabedda. MORE..
I was offered bribe to cover up ‘Avant-Garde’ issue – Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Rajitha Senaratne claims that he was offered a bribe of Rs 20 million per month in order to cover up the ‘Avant-Garde’ issue. MORE..
Sugath Thilakaratne elected President of SLAA
Former Sri Lankan sprinter Sugath Thilakaratne has been elected as the new President of the Sri Lanka Athletic Association (SLAA), defeating Upali Kumarasiri by a majority of 59 votes. MORE..
AUDIO : Remembrance week for war dead - Sivajilingam
A remembrance week for Tamils killed in the last phase of conflict will be held from May 12-18, TNA Northern Provincial Councillor M.K. Sivajilingam said today. He added that commemoration events will be held in Tamil Nadu in line with those in Sri Lanka. MORE...
SLC election in January 2016 - Sports Minister
The elections for the Sri Lanka Cricket Board will be held prior to January 2016, says Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake. MORE..
Term of LG bodies will not be extended – Rajitha
The term of the local government bodies that were extended until May 15 will not be further extended and would dissolve automatically, Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE..
BJP leaders discuss 13A with govt
A BJP team from Tamil Nadu on a Track II diplomatic mission has urged the Sri Lankan government to expedite democratic reforms under the 13th amendment to ensure devolution of powers to Tamil provinces and grant of equal rights to Tamils. MORE..
TNA shared its vision for a united Sri Lanka - Kerry
US Secretary of State John Kerry says that it was interesting to hear Sri Lanka’s Tamil leaders share their vision for a united and peaceful Sri Lanka, even though there are difficult issues still to “get over.” MORE..
Kerry holds talks TNA, backs justice for Tamils
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry ended a visit to Sri Lanka Sunday after pledging support for minority Tamils following decades of ethnic war, a local Tamil politician said. MORE..
Dual citizens cannot contest Parliamentary Polls – govt
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ajith P. Perera says that according to provisions included in the 19th amendment to the constitution, Sri Lankan nationals who possess dual citizenships are not permitted to contest in the General Election. MORE..
SLFP decides to vote in favour of 19A
The SLFP Central Committee has unanimously decided to vote in favour of the 19th amendment to the Constitution a short while ago, Minister Rajitha Senaratne told Ada Derana. MORE..
Cabinet approves draft bills on Right to Information and National Audit
The draft bills on ‘Right to Information’ and ‘National Audit’ have been approved by the cabinet of ministers, Cabinet Spokesman Rajith Senaratne said. MORE..
ITAK ‘entitled’ to post of Opposition Leader
Weighing in on the standoff over the Opposition Leader post, Sri Lanka’s main Tamil party today said that no MP elected from the UPFA or UNP can hold the position and that the ITAK is entitled to it, having the next highest number of representatives. MORE..
Four dead, 1 injured after gem mine collapses
Four persons were killed and another person wounded due to the collapsing of an earth embankment at a gem mine in Gileemale, Ratnapura. MORE..
China today denied that a sum of Rs 30 billion has been reduced from the construction cost of the Colombo Outer Circular Expressway, as claimed by the spokesman of the Sri Lankan government. MORE..
Shortest total lunar eclipse of the century on Saturday
There will be a lunar eclipse on April 4th visible to Sri Lanka with the moon rising from the eastern horizon around 6.18 p.m. and till 7.15 p.m. MORE..
Sanath Jayasuriya resigns as Sri Lanka’s chief selector
Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee, Sanath Jayasuriya says that he has resigned from his post. MORE..
Prabhakran is my Leader, but Modi is my Political Model - Sritharan
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP from Jaffna district, Sivagnanam Sritharan, who was once a bitter critic of India during the war, has undergone a major political makeover and now believes the problems of Sri Lankan Tamils cannot be solved without the India’s help. MORE..
Soldier dead, 28 injured in army truck-bus collision
Two soldiers were killed while another 28 persons were wounded following a traffic collision involving an Army truck and a passenger transport bus in Ratnapura new town today. MORE..
Mattala is like a ‘chicken-and-egg’ problem: ex-CEO
Eran Wickramaratne, the deputy minister of investment promotion, says the current government now has to figure out how sunken investments like the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) can be salvaged, or if they can be at all. MORE..
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...
Over 26 SLFP MPs attend Ratnapura rally
Over 26 Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Parliamentarians attend a public rally currently being held in Ratnapura urging Mahinda Rajapaksa to be nominated as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate. MORE..
Lack of vehicles jeopardizing MR’s security - Media Coordinator
The lack of vehicles to transport the 213 security personnel assigned to Mahinda Rajapaksa has jeopardized his security, according to the former president’s Media Coordinator Mr Rohan Welivita. MORE..
National Govt: SLFP the only loser – Gammanpila
Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Provincial Councilor Udaya Gammanpila, says that there is a risk of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) being offered the position for Opposition Leader. MORE..
New government to form a coalition with SLFP
Minster and Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne on Sunday (22) said that the Government will form a coalition with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). MORE...
Sri Lanka’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Tamara Kunanayakam, today accused Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera of playing on racist and chauvinist anti-Tamil sentiment and termed him as “unsuitable” to represent the country internationally. MORE..
Colombo HC issues notice on Rajitha and son
The Colombo High Court today issued notice on Minister Rajitha Senaratna and his son Eksath Senaratna to appear before the court on April 02 in connection with the case filed against the alleged abduction of an underage girl. MORE..
Former officials stashed billions abroad - Rajitha
Sri Lankan investigators have located more than $US2 billion ($2.6 billion) that was secretly transferred to accounts in Dubai by figures close to the administration of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government said on Thursday. MORE...
UPDATE: 19th Amendment draft bill gets cabinet approval
The Cabinet approval has been granted for the draft bill on the 19th Amendment and it will be tabled in parliament within next few days, Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said.
“Minister Rajitha’s son abducted our underage daughter”: Parents
A mother and a father on Sunday (15) accused that a son of a powerful minister has abducted their underage daughter and they neither know her whereabouts ever since nor whether their child is dead or alive. MORE...
Be patient with Sri Lankan govt.: Modi to TNA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Sri Lanka’s Tamils to be patient with the new government in Colombo, The Hindu learns from sources. MORE..
Supreme Court issues notice to PM
The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) issued a notice to Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe with respect to a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by former Health Minister and former General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Tissa Attanayake. MORE...
Government releases Tamil activists, but conspiring to arrest war heroes: NFF
Leader of New Left Front Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne said that former President’s brother and ex-Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa should be arrested if enough evidence exists in the floating armoury case. MORE...
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..
Deal with TATAs on housing project is unacceptable - Ravi
Sri Lankan Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has said that the government is reviewing the USD 430 million TATA Housing Project because the deal entered into with the earlier Mahinda Rajapaksa government is unacceptable. MORE..
National Drug Policy Bill passed in Parliament
The National Medicine Regulatory Authority Bill which was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday has been passed with amendments in parliament with a majority of 67 votes. MORE..
Ex-ministers yet to return over 300 vehicles, says Rajitha
The authorities are yet to locate some 300 vehicles used by the ex-government’s ministers, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...
Karunaratne out of World Cup with broken finger
Sri Lanka batsman Dimuth Karunaratne has been ruled out of the World Cup after a fracturing the little finger on his left hand at practice in Sydney. MORE...
General election to be held after new electoral reforms
The Cabinet has decided to hold the next General Election only after constitutional changes take place for new electoral reforms, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...
Spy cables reveal Sri Lanka hyped up Tamil Tiger postwar threat: Report
In the cable, dated June 9, 2010, South Africa’s State Security Agency (SSA) replied to a request for information about several cases of purported LTTE activity in South Africa, from a suspected military training camp held in May 2010 to suspicions that local Tamil organizations were raising money for the LTTE... MORE..
CWC15: Dilshan tops all-rounders chart, Sanga second in batting standings
Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan has become the highest ranked all-rounder in the ICC ODI Player Rankings after 23 pool stage matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. MORE...
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..
AG gets six more months to decide on KP
The Court of Appeal on Thursday (26) granted more time for the Attorney General’s Department to submit a comprehensive report with respect to the Writ Application filed against Shanmugam Kumaran Tharmalingam alias Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP). MORE...
Ex-Police Spokesman set to make special disclosure
Former Police Media Spokesman SSP Prashantha Jayakody, who left for Australia in 2013 after alleging unduly political pressure during his execution of police duties, is set to return to the country today. MORE...
TNA slams delay in UN rights report
Sri Lanka’s main Tamil party has expressed dismay over the UN’s decision to delay a report on the human rights situation in the country describing it as “justice delayed is justice denied”. MORE...
TNA: Enforce Witness Protection Act as it is
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is happy that the parliament has passed the Victims of Crimes and Witnesses Protection Act at long last. But it insists that the Act will be only as good as it is implemented. MORE...
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..
Bill for 80% pictorial warning passed in Parliament
The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (Amendment) bill, which includes increased pictorial warnings covering 80 per cent of cigarette packets, has been passed in Parliament. MORE..
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..
SC rejects Kumar Gunaratnam’s petition
The petition filed by Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Central Committee Member Kumar Gunaratnam seeking to prevent him from being arrested and deported from the country has been dismissed by the Supreme Court on Wednesday (18). MORE...
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to accept two ministerial portfolios and the deputy chairmanship of the Eastern Provincial Council. MORE..
Defence Ministry denies new Army Chief’s appointment
The Defence Ministry on Tuesday (17) denied reports that measures are underway to appoint a new Army Commander. MORE...
UPDATE: 15 Major Generals and 3 Brigadiers transferred
Fifteen Major Generals and three Brigadiers of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) have been transferred with immediate effect, army spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera told Ada Derana. MORE...
SLFP appoints new National Organiser, Treasurer and VP
(UPDATE) The Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed MP Susil Premajantha as the party’s National Organiser and SB Nawinne as the Treasurer while Anura Priyadarshana Yapa is to remain as the General Secretary. MORE..
Bid to bring ex-LTTE cadre into Tamil political mainstream
N. Vithyatharan, former editor of popular pro-LTTE Tamil dailies Sudar Oli and Uthayan, has started a movement to bring into the Tamil political mainstream, former LTTE cadre and their supporters, who are either out rightly rejected or discriminated against by existing Tamil political organizations like ITAK and TNA. MORE..
Ten high-ranking army officers reinstated
Ten high-ranking army officers including a Major General, who were sent on compulsory leave following the 2010 Presidential Election, have been reinstated, a spokesman said. MORE..
India must push Sri Lanka on 13A - Sampanthan
The Indian government must continue pushing the Sri Lankan government towards the implementation of the 13th Amendment, Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan said. MORE..
SC bars deportation of Kumar Gunaratnam until Feb 18
The Supreme Court today instructed immigration authorities not to take measures to deport Frontline Socialists Party (FSP) central committee member Premakumar ‘Kumar’ Gunaratnam, until February 18. MORE..
China official says Colombo Port City project going ahead
The China-funded port city project in Colombo was going ahead, a top Chinese official from the company executing it said Wednesday, days after the new Sri Lankan government claimed the deal was still being assessed. MORE..
TN fishermen seek compensation for damaged boats
Indian fishermen’s leaders and owners of the 87 fishing vessels detained by Sri Lanka, were ecstatic when they learnt that the boats were going to be released this week on the orders of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Can’t call it “genocide” – Rajitha
Terming the resolution adopted in the Northern Provincial Council an “extremist position,” Health Minister and Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne says President Maithripala Sirisena had promised to initiate an internationally approved, domestic inquiry process. MORE..
Authorities told not to deport Kumar Gunaratnam
The Supreme Court today directed authorities not to take steps to deport Frontline Socialists Party (FSP) central committee member Premakumar ‘Kumar’ Gunaratnam, until February 13. MORE..
No Confidence Motion submitted against John Amaratunga
The No Confidence Motion against Minister John Amaratunga which was signed by 114 Opposition MPs has been handed over to the Secretary General of Parliament, Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva said. MORE..
Maithri continuing with Mahinda’s oppressive laws - FSP
The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today accused President Maithripala Sirisena of carrying out the same “oppressive laws” as former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. MORE..
Sri Lanka to go ahead with China-backed Port City Project
The Cabinet has decided to continue with the Chinese-assisted Colombo Port City Project, cabinet spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratna said today. MORE..
Wattala PS Chairman assaulted, evicted from chamber
The Chairman of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha, R.A. Thyagaratna Alwis, was reportedly assaulted and forcefully removed from the chamber during the monthly session of the local government institution this morning. MORE..