April 24, 2024 8:43 pm
Results: 104
Namal was planning on becoming country’s leader - Dilan
Namal Rajapaksa was planning on becoming the country’s next leader if his father was in power for another 15 years, claims State Minister Dilan Perera. MORE..
Estate workers to get loans for Deepavali
The government will provide a loan of Rs 3,500 for estate workers for the Deepavali festival in addition to the Rs 6,500 salary advance, Minister of Plantation Industries Navin Dissanayake says. MORE..
UNP Provincial Councilor Tissa Bandara arrested
UNP Central Provincial Councilor Tissa Bandara has been arrested for allegedly assaulting an individual at the Dambulla Economic Centre, the police say. MORE...
No reason to postpone LG polls - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that there is no reason to postpone the Local Government election which is scheduled to be held in March next year. MORE..
Three more politicians from the UNP, UPFA and JVP sworn-in as Parliamentarians before the Speaker this morning (22). 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..
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..
New cabinet to be sworn in on Sep 02
The Cabinet of Ministers of the new government will be sworn in next Wednesday (September 02), UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrama told Ada Derana. MORE..
SLFP, UNP will form the National Government: Malik
The United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) have reached a final consensus over forming a National Government, UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrama said in a statement today (26).
No legal basis for international investigation within Sri Lanka; it has to be domestic - PM
There is no legal basis for international investigation within Sri Lanka; it has to be domestic, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said in an interview to the Hindu. The reason some of the people have been calling for international investigation is the loss of confidence in the judiciary, he added. MORE...
Rishad’s ACMC removes General Secretary
The General Secretary of the All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC), Y.L.S. Hameed, has been removed from his position while his party membership has also been temporarily cancelled. MORE..
Singapore leaders congratulate Ranil
Leaders of Singapore on Friday (Aug 21) sent congratulatory letters to Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has been re-elected for another term. MORE..
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe on being sworn-in as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister. 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..
The United National Party (UNP) today named the MPs who will enter Parliament through its National List to fill the 13 bonus seats won by the party at the recent general election. MORE..
Senior UNP leader Karu Jayasuriya has been proposed as a suitable candidate for the post of Speaker of the next Parliament, according to political sources. MORE..
SLFP for National Govt; CBK to head MOU committee
(Audio) The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed a committee to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for the forming of a National Government with the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
DMK hopes for permanent solution to Tamils’ issues
DMK President M Karunanidhi today congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe for his victory in the Sri Lanka parliamentary elections and hoped the Tamil National Alliance win in North and East provinces would give rise to a situation for a permanent solution to travails of Tamils. MORE..
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...
UNP wins Galle, UPFA tops postal votes
The United National Party (UNP) has received the highest votes in the Galle Polling Division in the Galle Electoral District. MORE..
Ratnapura postal vote results released
The first postal vote result of the 2015 General Election was released a short while ago by the Department of Elections. MORE..
Court orders handed over to Yapa and Premajayantha
The Colombo High Court today (17) ordered to handover a notice and an order, with respect to the court’s ruling to prevent Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA respectively, to their houses. MORE...
Ranil hails most peaceful election in a long time
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said the 2015 parliamentary poll has been the most peaceful, free and fair election in a long time and that the younger people have not witnessed such an election during their lifetime. MORE..
MR contesting polls to avoid consequences for past actions - UNP
The United National Party (UNP) claims that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is contesting the parliamentary election in an attempt to avoid “serious consequences” for his past actions and that he is seeking protection from ongoing investigations. MORE..
Rajapaksa’s racist brand of politics should be defeated - UNP
Minister Joseph Michael Perera says that it is very necessary to continue with the newly established atmosphere of communal and religious harmony in the country. MORE..
EXCLUSIVE: UNP leadership not my personal property - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that accusations of dividing the country and imposing taxes on water are last-ditch efforts by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to sling mud at the UNP and assured that the people will not be deceived by them. MORE...
UNP vows to combat violence against women
Under a new government, the United National Party (UNP) will appoint two commissions to combat violence against women, the Prime Minister said. MORE...
Economy has flourished every time UNP was in power - Karu
Minister Karu Jayasuriya says that the decision of the voters at the coming parliamentary election will determine the destiny of the country and future of the people, and therefore urged voters to act prudently and identify the need of the hour. MORE..
Good governance has become underworld governance - Susil
The UPFA today charged that with the escalating crime wave in the country and the increasing election-related violence being unleashed by UNP candidates, good governance has turned into “underworld governance”. MORE..
Hirunika, Nishantha among 6 sacked from UPFA
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has terminated the membership of 6 Provincial Council members representing the party. MORE..
Rajapaksa wants govt to probe Lasantha, Eknaligoda cases
Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has vowed to win an outright majority in parliamentary elections due on 17 August. MORE..
CID pursuing top military officers - Nalaka Thero
Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero says that presently the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is chasing after high-ranking military officers who helped save the country and that the Defence Secretary is aware of it. MORE..
Funeral of free health service not far – Bandula
Former UPFA Parliamentarian Bandula Gunawardena says that the “funeral” of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned free health service is not very far. MORE..
Dilan Perera should tender public apology - P. Harrison
Minister P. Harrison says that former UPFA Parliamentarian Dilan Perera should tender a public apology to the entire body of Maha Sangha for insulting and treating them with contempt. MORE..
Deputy Justice Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe says that it is wrong to ask a person to consume poison and that it is also wrong to attempt to make someone drink poison. MORE..
Printing press raided over ‘defamatory’ book on Mahinda
Police today raided a printing press which had allegedly been printing a slanderous book targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is contesting the forthcoming General Election. MORE..
Mahinda is suffering from Amnesia – Ajith P. Perera
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s only political slogan is based on racism, communalism and religious extremism, says the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
Will not allow anyone to tear the country into pieces, says Mahinda
It is yet a secret that what types of pacts have been signed between the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the United National Party (UNP), former President Mahinda Rajapaksa claims. MORE...
I’m ready to sacrifice my life to save Ranil, says Sajith
“I’m even ready to sacrifice my life in a bid to save the Prime Minister in any situation,” Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), Sajith Premadasa, said. MORE...
Ravi has unleashed terror in Colombo - Thilanga
Deputy Minister Thilanga Sumathipala says that although the Elections Commissioner had promised to conduct a free and fare election, Finance Minister Raci Karunanayake has been able to unleash terror in the city of Colombo. MORE..
UPFA calls for immediate probe into Bloemendhal shooting
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UFPA) today expressed shock and disbelief over the tragic shooting incident at Bloemendhal Road in Colombo, which claimed the life of a UNP supporter and wounded at least another dozen. MORE..
UNP condemns ‘cowardly attack’ on supporters
The United National Party (UNP) today condemned the attack on a group of people engaged in Minister Ravi Karunanayake’s election campaign at Bloemendhal Road, Colombo. MORE..
Ravi condemns shooting at Kotahena
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake today condemned the shooting incident, which claimed the life of a woman and left more than 10 of his supporters wounded near Bloemendhal Road in Kotahena. MORE..
Shots fired at Ravi’s supporters; 1 dead and 11 injured
(UPDATE) One person has been confirmed dead while at least 13 supporters of UNP Colombo District candidate Ravi Karunanayake have been hospitalised with injuries following a shooting incident at Bloemendhal Road, Colombo. MORE..
Drug trade flourished under Rajapaksa regime - Karu
Minister Karu Jayasuriya today charged that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his “set of thieves” would resort to any corrupt an unholy action, crushing all accepted moral values and human relations for the sake of power. MORE..
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..
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...
Ranil wants all to live as kings and no ‘royal family’
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that he wants to make every citizen of the country live like kings and not just establish a ‘royal family’. MORE..
Rajapaksa promises new constitution within 6 months
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today reiterated that that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has not divided into two factions. Only one faction exists and that is the anti-UNP faction, he said. MORE..
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...
Over 70 incidents of election violence within a week
The Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) says that a total of 71 incidents of election-related violence have been reported within the past week, from July 13 to 21. MORE..
FCID cannot summon UPFA candidates before polls – Susil
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) today briefed the Election Commissioner regarding the various problems allegedly faced by the party, such as the lack of security ex-MPs and the summoning of candidates before the FCID, ahead of the General Election. MORE..
I was against giving nominations to MR, says the President
I was of the view that nominations should not be given to the former President to contest under the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket at the forthcoming General Election, President Maithripala Sirisena said today (14). MORE...
UPFA and UNP Colombo District nominations announced
The nominations lists (Colombo) of the United National Party (UNP) and the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have been announced for the forthcoming General Election. MORE...
No nominations for Earl from UNP
The nominations has not been given for former Parliamentarian Earl Gunasekara to contest at the August election under the United National Party (UNP) ticket, it was reported. MORE...
MoU of ‘Good Governance’ alliance signed
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the formation of the “United National Front for Good Governance,” which is to contest the upcoming General Election under the UNP’s “Elephant” symbol, was signed at the Temple Trees, today (12). MORE...
Reginald, Amunugama opt out of electoral contest; Sudarshani to go with UPFA
Former MP Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle says that she will not contest the forthcoming General Election from any party other than the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE..
Hirunika to contest under ‘elephant’ symbol
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Hirunika Premachandra has reportedly signed nominations to contest the upcoming parliamentary election from the United National Front for Good Governance, the UNP-led political alliance. MORE..
MoU of ‘Good Governance’ alliance to be inked tomorrow
The singing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the formation of the “United National Front for Good Governance,” which is to contest the upcoming General Election under the UNP’s “Elephant” symbol, is to take place on Sunday (12). 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..
UNP approves United National Front for Good Governance
The United National Party (UNP) today approved the forming of the new alliance “United National Front for Good Governance” to contest the forthcoming General Election under ‘Elephant’ symbol. MORE..
UNP forms new alliance to contest against UPFA
A new political alliance headed by the UNP, under the name of “United National Front for Good Governance,” is to contest the parliamentary election on August 17 with sections of the SLFP and JHU, sources told Ada Derana. 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..
Chilaw Mayor Fernando extends support to UNP
The Chilaw Mayor, Hilary Prasanna Fernando, on Thursday (09) said that he will extend his support to the United National Party at the forthcoming General Election. MORE...
SB Nawinna to contest from UNP
SLFP Treasurer and Minister S.B. Nawinne says that he will join the United National Party (UNP) and contest the upcoming General Election from the UNP ticket. MORE..
SLMC still undecided on contesting with UNP
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) says that it has still not taken a final decision regarding contesting the forthcoming election with the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
We have to rise above hatred and feelings of vengeance - Mangala
The Sri Lankan government pursues a policy of engagement, dialogue and cooperation with all countries and international organisations and will remain open to the ideas of others, their views and opinions, says the country’s foreign minister. MORE..
UNP to contest General Election alone
The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has decided that the party will contest the upcoming General Election alone and to give party leader PM Ranil Wickremesinghe powers to make appointments to the nominations board. MORE..
Ex-PS member arrested for poaching in reserve
A former UNP member of the Ambalantota Pradeshiya Sabha has been arrested by wildlife officers for allegedly poaching within the Madunagala Reserve. MORE..
Opposition Leader slams UNP’s “dual policy”
Sri Lanka’s Opposition today said that they will seek to debate the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament, in the third week of July. MORE..
Tissa grilled at Bribery Commission
Former UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake was today summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to record a statement regarding his acceptance of a ministerial portfolio before the Presidential Election. MORE..
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..
The ruling United National Party (UNP) has strongly defended the scheme of electoral reforms approved by the Cabinet a few days ago as part of the 20th constitutional amendment. MORE...
Opposition wants installation of majority govt, not Parliament dissolution
Sri Lanka’s opposition parties want the installation of a government which has majority support in parliament and not its dissolution and fresh elections. MORE..
Sarath Fonseka says he would welcome war crime investigation
Sri Lanka’s wartime army chief says his conscience is clear and he would welcome a war crimes investigation to prove his innocence. MORE..
19A has failed to address what it promised, says Attanayake
(Exclusive) The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which passed with a two third majority in the parliament, has failed to address what it promised to the people back in the January polls, former General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) and former Health Minister Tissa Attanayake said. MORE...
The Mayor of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Janaka Ranawaka, who was arrested this morning for allegedly assaulting the Opposition Leader of the Municipal Council, has been remanded until May 11 by the Hulftsdorp Magistrate court. MORE..
Kotte Opposition leader also arrested
Opposition leader of the Kotte Municipal Council Sugath Appuhami has been arrested over the alleged assault on the Mayor of the Kotte MC, police said. Earlier today the Mayor of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Janaka Ranawaka, was arrested for allegedly assaulting the Opposition Leader of the Municipal Council, police said. MORE...
Kotte Mayor arrested over attack on Opposition Leader
The Mayor of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Janaka Ranawaka, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting the Opposition Leader of the Municipal Council, police said. MORE..
SC decides expulsion of Attanayake from parliamentary seat is invalid
The Supreme Court in a historic judgment on Tuesday (5) ruled that expulsion of former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake, from parliamentary seat is invalid as due process was not followed. MORE...
EXCLUSIVE: Positive proposals from opposition not discarded – Wijedasa
Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapaksa says that not a single positive proposal brought forward by opposition parliamentary groups with regard to the 19th amendment were discarded by the government, despite the raising of baseless and childish arguments at various points. MORE..
19th Amendment to come into force from April 30
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution will come into force from April 30, except for 4 articles which will come into force in the next Parliament, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa told Ada Derana. MORE..
Here’s a look at changes made to 19A
Sri Lanka’s parliament overwhelmingly passed reforms on Tuesday (April 28) reducing some of the president’s powers, in a move that did not go as far as President Maithripala Sirisena had promised but is nevertheless seen as a victory for the leader and his government. MORE..
19th amendment hits another roadblock?
(UPDATE): The Parliamentary session was extended by one hour due to the discussion between Party Leaders with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa. MORE..
President appeals to parties to help adopt 19th Amendment
President Maithripala Sirisena today appealed to all political parties to assist in passing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in order to firmly establishing freedom and democracy in the country. MORE..
Mahinda Rajapaksa prepares for political comeback - report
Former president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa is planning to stand in parliamentary polls to launch an attempt to return to power, aides have said. MORE..
Bandula sacked from SLFP central committee
Former Minister Bandula Gunawardena says that he has been removed from the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). The UPFA MP said he has received a letter notifying him of this decision. 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..
Major parties should agree on reasonable power devolution - Kiriella
The major political parties in the country should agree on reasonable devolution of power to the North and East, says Minister of Plantation Industries Lakshman Kiriella. MORE..
“I have a clean record,” says Mevyn Silva
(EXCLUSIVE) “I’m not concerned that I wasn’t offered a ministerial portfolio from the coalition government, despite campaigning for the victory of the present President in the January polls,” former Minister Mevyn Silva said. MORE...
Won’t do anything that requires referendum – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe today expressed confidence that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be passed in Parliament with sufficient backing, despite objections voiced by certain parties including the JHU - a key partner of the government – and calls for a referendum. MORE..
Rehearsal for a new political culture - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe says that the time has come to introduce a new political culture to the country and do away with the existing “expired” political system and culture. 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..
Special commissioner for LG bodies: ex-President expresses disapproval
Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday (22) expressed his disapproval with respect to the new government’s decision to place all local government bodies under a special commissioner. MORE...
UNP confident against ex-president
Sri Lanka’s ruling United National Party (UNP) on Wednesday expressed confidence that former President Mahinda Rajapakse will not be able to make a come back to politics. MORE...
Ex-Kegalle UC member commits suicide
A former UNP member of the Kegalle Urban Council has committed suicide by hanging himself, police said. MORE..
UNP decides to go for General Election after April 23
The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has decided to go for a General Election after April 23, as promised to the public during the Presidential polls campaign, the Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka said. MORE..
Tissa files petition against expulsion from UNP
Former Health Minister Tissa Attanayake today filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the cancellation of his party membership by the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to accept two ministerial portfolios and the deputy chairmanship of the Eastern Provincial Council. MORE..
ex-President rejects allegations against him
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that false and misleading statements continue to be made about him by members of the present government. MORE...
Tissa Attanayake gets relief from court
The Fort Magistrate’s Court today allowed Tissa Attanayake MP to attend Parliament sessions on 5, 6, and 7, February. MORE...
Attanayake remanded until 11 Feb
Former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Tissa Attanayake was remanded by the Fort Magistrate’s Court until 11 February, a short while ago. MORE...
Former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Tissa Attanayake has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), this afternoon, Police Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana said. MORE...