November 21, 2024 8:20 pm
Results: 148
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today arrived at the special Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating into large scale corruption and fraud to give a statement. MORE..
MR urges govt not to jeopardize national security over petty politics
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused the government of “hastily” releasing “hard core terrorists” without regard to the nation’s security due to political pressure from certain interested quarters. MORE..
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..
Sajin gets permission to go to Singapore
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (20) allowed former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, whose passport was earlier seized, to go to Singapore for medical treatments. MORE...
High Court grants bail to Sajin Vass
The Colombo High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena who is in custody for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office. MORE...
Three more politicians from the UNP, UPFA and JVP sworn-in as Parliamentarians before the Speaker this morning (22). MORE...
Several UPFA MPs to meet Speaker today
Several MPs of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will have a discussion with the Speaker today (21), a source says. MORE...
MP Udayashantha Gunasekara hospitalised
UPFA MP Padma Udayashantha Gunasekara has been hospitalized due to a sudden illness while participating in a protest in the Monaragala area today. MORE..
CBK ran one of the most repressive governments - Rajapaksa
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused fellow SLFP Patron Chandrika Kumaratunga of running one of the most “repressive” governments in living memory and charged that her recent comments amount to an admission that she too presided over a party full of “murderers and rogues.” MORE..
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until September 22 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court, today (08). MORE...
Petition seeks revocation of UPFA National List MPs appointments
A petition has been filed at the Supreme Court requesting to revoke the appointments of the UPFA MPs who got elected to the Parliament through the National List, Ada Derana Court reporter says. MORE...
Sajin’s assets case postponed to December 10
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (1) set the trial for former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena in connection with the case filed against him by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The case will be taken up for hearing on December 10. MORE...
UPFA coalition partners to form new alliance?
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s allies are planning to form a new opposition alliance, breaking away from President Maithripala Sirisena’s United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition, senior leftist leaders said on Saturday. MORE..
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..
Cases against Anura Yapa and Susil withdrawn
The court cases filed against Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha have been withdrawn by Duminda Dissanayake and Prof. Vishwa Warnapala. MORE..
Prof. Warnapala assumes duties as UPFA General Secretary
Professor Vishwa Warnapala today assumed duties as the new General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). 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).
FR petition filed challenging UFPA National List
A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed today by a member of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) challenging the UFPA National List, which includes several candidates who were defeated at the general election. MORE..
Welgama ready to accept the opposition leader post
Former Minister Kumara Welgama says that he is ready to accept the opposition leader post. Welgama told Ada Derana that he is of the view that he is the most appropriate for the post under the current political situation of the country. MORE... (Audio)
Susil resigns as UPFA General Secretary
Susil Premajayantha on Tuesday (25) tendered his resignation letter to the President as the General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). MORE...
Gammanpila, Dinesh, Vasu and many MP-elects to remain in opposition
Udaya Gammanpila says that many MP-elects including Wimal Weerawansam, Dinesh Gunawardena, and Vasudeva Nanayakkara have already decided to function in the opposition. MORE...
T.B. Ekanayake too sacked from UPFA ExCo
MP-elect T.B. Ekanayake says that he been removed from the UPFA Executive Committee and that he has received respective letter. MORE...
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) today named the 12 MPs who would enter the next Parliament from the party’s National List. MORE..
Welgama, Pavithra and SM sacked from UPFA ExCo
Former MP Kumara Welgama says that he has received letters from the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA notifying of his removal from the UPFA Executive Committee. MORE..
Newly elected UPFA MPs oppose National Govt - Vasu
A group of newly elected Parliamentarians of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) held a discussion in Colombo today with the participation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former UPFA MP and Left Democratic Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara said. MORE..
SLFP Central Committee convenes today
The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has convened this morning, for the first time after the 2015 parliamentary election. MORE..
I do not expect Opposition Leader post; should go to a senior - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to Ada Derana said that he does not expect the Opposition Leader post and will remain as a Member of Parliament. He added that the opposition leader post should be decided by the UPFA Parliamentary group and should go to a senior of the party. MORE...
DMK hopes for permanent solution to Tamils’ issues
DMK President M Karunanidhi today congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe for his victory in the Sri Lanka parliamentary elections and hoped the Tamil National Alliance win in North and East provinces would give rise to a situation for a permanent solution to travails of Tamils. MORE..
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..
Conspiracies in play to prevent UPFA victory - Dilan
Former MP Dilan Perera says that various conspiracies are in play to prevent the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) from winning the upcoming General Election. MORE..
Susil denies being sacked from UPFA
UPFA Colombo District candidate Susil Premajayantha says that media reports alleging that the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA have been removed are completely untrue. MORE..
President sacks Anura and Susil; appoints Duminda and Vishwa
The Colombo District Court today issued an enjoining order preventing Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA respectively until August 28, 2015. MORE..
Rajapaksa sends reply to President Sirisena
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today responded to the letter from President Maithripala Sirisena, with a letter of his own. MORE..
Election campaigning ends at midnight
Campaigning for the General Election will draw to a close at 12.00 midnight today (Aug 14), 48 hours before the election. MORE..
UPFA will modernise the FCID: Susil
Measures will be taken to modernise the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID), if the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) wins the forthcoming election, former Minister Susil Premajayantha asserted. MORE...
President Sirisena sends urgent letter to Rajapaksa
President Maithripala Sirisena has sent an urgent letter to former President and UPFA Kurunegala District candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Aug 13), the Presidential Media Unit said. MORE..
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...
Sajin de Vass Gunawardena further remanded
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until August 25 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court, today (11 MORE...
Attempt to distribute light bulbs at Neomal’s event
Two persons have been arrested with 21 light bulbs to be distributed at an election meeting in support of former Deputy Minister Neomal Perera in Saliyawewa. MORE..
EXCLUSIVE: Maithri won’t refuse to give Premiership - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he did summon the Attorney General and the heads of security forces to Temple Trees in the early hours of January 09. MORE...
Dilan confident of election win
The experts have predicted that the United People’s Freedom Alliance would secure at least 112 seats at the forthcoming general election, former Minister Dilan Perera said. MORE...
UPFA has stopped promoting MR, says Wijeyadasa
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has finally realised that there is no point of promoting the former President in its bid to win the forthcoming election, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says. MORE...
Manusha Nanayakkara‘s driver arrested
The police on Monday (10) arrested a person who is said to be the driver of Galle district UPFA candidate Manusha Nanayakkara following a road accident occurred in Wawulagala area on Deniyaya-Colombo road. MORE...
Sajin’s bail application rejected
A bail application, which was filed by a Counsel on behalf of former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, was dismissed by the Colombo High Court. MORE...
UPFA getting stronger, says Mahinda
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), day-by-day, draws the support of more people, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. MORE...
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..
Lakshman Wasantha Perera released on bail
Former UPFA Parliamentarian Lakshman Wasantha Perera, who was arrested and remanded in connection with an assault incident, has been released on bail by the Matale Magistrate’s Court. 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..
Ex-Eastern Province Chief Minister arrested
UPFA Trincomalee District candidate and former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province, Najeeb A Majeed, has been arrested for forcefully entering the postal voting center at the Kinniya Divisional Secretariat and intimidating voters. 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..
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..
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...
Fraud and corruption led to economic downturn, says Ravi
Finance minister Ravi karunanayke said that the wrong economic policies by the previous government embedded with corruption and frauds resulted in the continuous deterioration of the government revenue and the agro based economy as well. MORE...
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..
UPDATE: One dead, 4 injured after van runs over Duminda’s supporters
One person died while another 4 were wounded, 2 critically, when a van driven by a police officer ran over a group of political party supporters in Rambewa, Anuradhapura. 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..
UPFA candidate’s cards distributed with ‘Pirith’ books at temple
Nawagattegama Police have arrested four persons who were allegedly distributing cards of UPFA candidate Neomal Perera along with Pirith Poth or sacred books of protective chants at a temple today (July 31) - Adhi Esala Full Moon Poya Day. 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...
PS chairman arrested over ‘distorted’ flag at UPFA rally
The Chairman of the Yatunuwara Pradeshiya Sabha and UPFA Kandy District candidate, Thusitha Kumara Welagedara, has been arrested on charges of hoisting a distorted national flag at a recent election rally. MORE..
Rajapaksa promises new constitution within 6 months
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today reiterated that that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has not divided into two factions. Only one faction exists and that is the anti-UNP faction, he said. MORE..
UPFA election manifesto presented to Maithripala
The election manifesto of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), for the 2015 General Election, was presented to President Maithripala Sirisena this morning by a group of party leaders. MORE..
UPFA confident of election victory, says Dilan
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will secure victory in 14 districts at the forthcoming General Election, former Minister Dilan Perera asserted. MORE...
The Supreme Court today dismissed the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by former UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena challenging his arrest and detention. MORE..
Election posters inside cab with fake army plates, 2 arrested
Police today arrested two persons and seized a vehicle with two difference number plates, including an army number plate, along with a stack of more than 4,500 election posters of a UPFA candidate in Kebithigollewa. MORE..
SLTB buses not obtained under my name – Susil
UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha says that it is unreasonable to direct accusations at only him regarding the payments to be made for SLTB buses used during the Presidential Election and balance sheets also concern the President, as he is the incumbent Chairman of the party. MORE..
UPFA is not divided at all - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today denied that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is divided and said that the reason he did not form his own party to contest the election is because he was not ready to abandon the SLFP for his personal gain. MORE..
What happened to MR in Akuressa?
The government is attempting to gain political mileage from the incident which transpired after Mahinda Rajapaksa was caught in the grasp of a supporter while traversing through a gathering of supporters at a rally in Akuressa, says the former President’s Media Coordinator, Rohan Weliwita. MORE..
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..
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until August 4 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court. MORE...
Willing to make any sacrifice to protect SLFP – Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he is willing to make any sacrifice to protect the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and that although he has not betrayed the country or the people, the finger is being pointed at him. MORE..
Cops put the brakes on UPFA candidate’s vehicle parade
The vehicle parade of a certain UPFA Colombo District candidate and his supporters, engaged in election campaigning, was dispersed following the intervention of the police. MORE..
UPFA election campaign to begin from Anuradhapura
The inaugural election rally of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is scheduled to be held at the Salgadu Stadium in Anuradhapura today, under the theme “Let’s give life to the country and a new beginning”. MORE..
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..
Dr Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Eric Prasanna Weerawardena of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party have decided to resign from their respective Deputy Ministerial portfolios. MORE..
UPFA leaders set to meet Elections Chief today
Leaders of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have decided to meet with the Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya today. MORE..
Enjoining order issued against convening SLFP’s CC
The Colombo District Court on Wednesday (15) issued an enjoining order against convening of the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), without a prior permission from the President. MORE...
Special UPFA meeting; Mahinda arrives at SLFP HQ
(Update) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the SLFP Headquarters a short while ago for a special meeting of the UPFA Election Operation Committee meeting. All leaders of the major constituent parties of the UPFA along with President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to be present at the meeting. MORE...
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...
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..
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..
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..
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..
Provincial Councillor arrested for threatening man with gun
UPFA Western Provincial Council member Thushara Perera has been arrested for allegedly threatening a three-wheeler driver with a firearm, police said. MORE..
Mahinda will contest from Kurunegala District - TB
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will contest the upcoming General Election from the Kurunegala District, says former Minister T.B. Ekananayake. MORE..
UPFA decides to give nomination to Mahinda Rajapaksa
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has decided to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest at the upcoming General Election on August 17 under the UPFA ticket. MORE..
Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources
President Maithripala Sirisena has refused to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA ticket, political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
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..
SLFP will suffer absolute defeat if Mahinda contests - SB
Minister of Rural Economic Affairs S.B. Dissanayake says that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) would suffer an absolute defeat if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa contests the upcoming General Election. MORE..
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until June 24 by the Colombo Magistrate’s. 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..
Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest in parliamentary polls - report
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had informed his close aides that he will contest in the parliamentary elections which are expected to be held in the country in July, a senior opposition member said on Monday. MORE..
Several Ministers to resign today
Several ministers of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) are set to resign from their respective portfolios today. MORE..
UPFA to ask President to extend the term of LG bodies
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is to make an appeal in its bid to request the President to further extend the term of the Local Government (LG) bodies. MORE...
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena has been summoned to appear at the Criminal Investigations Department on Monday (May 11). MORE..
Will bring no-confidence motion against Ranil - Wimal
Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says that a motion of no confidence will be brought against Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. MORE..
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...
Methsiri loses Galle mayorship again
The Court of Appeals today annulled the Galle High Court’s decision to invalidate the gazette notification issued to remove Methsiri de Silva as Mayor of Galle Municipal Council. 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..
Court grants bail for 10 UPFA MPs
Colombo Chief Magistrate today granted personal bail of Rs. 1 million each for 27 including 10 UPFA MPs for contempt of court charges. The 27 are charged with participating in a protest in front of the Bribery Commission on April 23 despite a court order preventing such protests. MORE...
High expectations from Maithri-Mahinda meeting on May 06
SLFP Media spokesman and State Minister Dilan Perera says that the scheduled meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Wednesday (May 06), will be “a slap in the face” to those wishing to see the party split. MORE..
Even the best constitution can be wrongly implemented - GL
Former External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris says that the passage of the 19th amendment is not the “massive constitutional revolution” believed by certain sections of the public. 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..
UPFA politicians summoned on contempt charges
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today issued notice on 27 persons including 10 UPFA Parliamentarians to appear before the court on May 8 on contempt of court charges, after they violated a court order and staged a protest opposite the bribery commission. MORE..
No-confidence motion to be filed against Ravi Karunanayake
A no confidence motion to be brought against Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Parliamentarian Bandula Gunawardena said.
SC ruling on 19A: Parliamentary debate on 21,22 April
All parties agreed to debate on Supreme Court approved sections of the 19th Amendment in Parliament on 21 and 22 April, General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), Minister Susil Premajayantha said. MORE...
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..
57 MPs visit Mahinda Rajapaksa
Around fifty-seven Members of Parliament today visited former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Carlton House in Tangalle. MORE..
Rohitha Abeygunawardena sacked from SLFP central committee
Former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena has also been removed from the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). 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..
Deputy Minister Tissa Karaliyadda resigns
UPFA Parliamentarian Tissa Karaliyadda has decided to resign from his deputy ministerial portfolio. He stated that steps were taken to inform the Parliament regarding the decision. MORE..
The Colombo Fort Magistrate on Tuesday (31) granted bail to MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena on a case filed by the Bribery Commission over failure to declare his assets. 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..
No disaccord with Rajapaksa representing UPFA – Susil
UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha says that if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to take a decision regarding active politics for the victory of the UPFA, then there is no disaccord with him representing the party. MORE..
Bribery Commission files action against Sajin
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today filed action against MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena under section 9 of the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law No. 1 on 1975. MORE..
Anura Yapa questioned by police over CPC losses
UPFA MP Anura Priyadharshana Yapa is being questioned by the Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in connection with the Rs 35 million in losses incurred by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), during his tenure as Minister of Petroleum Industries. MORE..
President Sirisena appointed UPFA Chairman
President Maithripala Sirisena has been appointed as the Chairman of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), a party source said on Sunday (15). MORE...
‘If this is good governance, then god bless Sri Lanka’
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that politicians have now started to say things which should be said by the IGP or Attorney General and that politicians are the ones announcing who will be remanded, who will be arrested and within how many days. MORE..
Sarana Gunawardena arrested by CID
Former Deputy Ministers Sarana Gunawardena has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today on charges of criminal breach of trust, police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
MR’s message read at rally in Kandy
A message from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was read at the public rally currently being held in Kandy. MORE..
Tissa files petition against expulsion from UNP
Former Health Minister Tissa Attanayake today filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the cancellation of his party membership by the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
Public opinion can’t be changed with threats – Rajapaksa
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that public opinion cannot be changed with threats and intimidation and that it is wrong to prohibit SLFP members from attending rallies organized by other political parties. MORE..
Duminda Silva indicted on Bharatha Lakshman killing
Attorney General today indicted UPFA Parliamentarian Duminda Silva and 12 others in connection with the killing of former MP and Presidential Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra. MORE..
SLFP politicos barred from attending other party rallies
The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has decided to prohibit people’s representatives of the party from participating in public rallies organized by other political parties, without approval from the party. MORE..
Another call to re-call Mahinda
A group of opposition members are expected to meet former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and urge him to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections in the island country, an opposition member has told the Xinhua news agency. MORE...
Police mistakenly took away my vehicle - Raththaran
UPFA Southern Provincial Council member Krishantha Pushpakumara, popularly known as “Raththaran,” says that police have seized an SUV belonging to him, mistaking it for one of the vehicles missing from the Presidential Secretariat. MORE...
Arjuna dismayed by delay in punishment
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Arjuna Ranatunga today expressed dismay at the delay in punishing of corrupt officials charged with misconduct under the previous regime. 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..
Ahamed Nazeer sworn in as Eastern Province CM
SLMC Deputy Leader and Provincial Councilor, Ahamed Nazeer Zainulabdeen, took oaths as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province before the Governor Austin Fernando this evening. MORE..
Mahindananda’s passport to be impounded
The Bribery Commission has instructed immigration authorities to impound the passport of former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage for a period of 3 months, pending an investigation into a complaint against him. MORE..