November 22, 2024 5:00 am
Results: 253
Sri Lanka could accept international actors in war crimes probe
Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said on Thursday he is willing to consider international participation in investigating possible war crimes during the 26-year Tamil insurgency. MORE...
Former CJ acquitted and released
Former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayaka has been acquitted and released from the case filed by the Bribery Commission for failure to accurately declare her assets and liabilities. MORE..
Kusal Janith Perera suspended over doping test
Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Janith Perera has been banned from cricket for a still unspecified period after failing a doping test during an earlier home series against Pakistan, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said. MORE..
NASA chief: Time to clean up all that space junk
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden warns that too little is being done to remove debris from space, an issue that has drawn plenty of attention this week after an unknown object made a fiery entry into Earth’s atmosphere. MORE...
Justice Malalgoda denies allegations
Justice Vijith Malalgoda has entirely denied allegations leveled against him by a website that he accepts dollars from the Rajapaksas in a bid to influence the judgments and decisions he makes, Ada Derana court reporter says. MORE...
Top US official on women’s issues in Sri Lanka
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues at the US State Department, Catherine Russell is on travel to Sri Lanka October 28 – 29. MORE...
Dilan admires JVP for its stance on US-sponsored resolution
State Minister Dilan Perera on Thursday (22) admired Sri Lanka’s leftist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for maintaining a clear stance on the US-sponsored resolution that was adopted at the recently concluded UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva. MORE...
Three customs officials nabbed while accepting largest ever bribe of Rs. 125m
Three customs officials were arrested a short while ago while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 125 million, the Director General of the Bribery Commission confirmed. MORE..
Mahinda arrives at Special Prez Commission
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating serious acts of fraud a short while ago. MORE..
Term of 23 LG bodies extended till Dec 31
The term of 21 Local Government bodies which was set to end tomorrow and two LG bodies to end term on October 31 have been extended till December 31, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Faiszer Musthapha said. MORE..
US trains Lanka Navy on underwater demining
The U.S. Navy has concluded a two-week training session in Trincomalee to equip and support Sri Lanka’s underwater demining efforts, the US embassy in Colombo announced today. MORE...
The Colombo High Court today (07) granted bail to Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the former President and Anusha Palpita, former Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRC). MORE...
All-party conference to discuss solutions to rights issue - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the country had achieved a great victory at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as the international community expressed high appreciation of the steps taken by the government since January. MORE..
President arrives after concluding US visit
President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in the country a short while ago after concluding his visit the United States to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. MORE..
Prime Minister to visit Japan on Sunday
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Japan on Sunday (04) on a five day official tour on the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. MORE..
Chairman of Missing Persons’ Panel rebuts Zeid
Responding to the UN Human Rights High Commissioner Prince Zeid’s call to disband the Sri Lankan Missing Persons’ Commission and assign its work to a more credible body, the chairman of the panel, Justice Maxwell Paranagama, contended that nobody else can do the job better. MORE..
New plan of action to advance human rights: President Sirisena
We intend to implement a new programme and plan of action in Sri Lanka to advance human rights, President Maithripala Sirisena said at the General Assembly of the United Nations during the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly Meeting held at the UN Headquarters. 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...
U.S. supports a credible domestic process in Sri Lanka - Kerry
The U.S. has said it will support a domestic investigation by Sri Lanka to address allegations of human rights abuses during the final phase of the country’s civil war. MORE..
UN resolution could advance justice in Sri Lanka - HRW
The United Nations Human Rights Council should adopt a resolution ensuring a robust international role in Sri Lanka’s justice mechanism for abuses during the country’s brutal civil war, Human Rights Watch said today. MORE..
Vaiko detained during protest against draft US resolution
MDMK general secretary Vaiko and representatives from 32 organisations were detained on Monday morning after they threatened to lay siege to the U.S. Consulate in Chennai following a rally condemning the draft U.S. resolution for a domestic investigation into the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. MORE..
President assures sustainable development by 2030
President Maithripala Sirisena speaking at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015 assured that the Government of Sri Lanka anticipates achieving sustainable development by 2030. 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..
Death toll in final phase was not 40,000, says Justice Paranagama
Justice Maxwell Paranagama, Chairman of the Sri Lankan Commission on missing persons and war crimes, has said that the death toll in the final phase of Eelam War IV was not 40,000, as claimed in the 2011 report of the Panel of Experts appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, but probably a little above 7,000. MORE...
UN members should back hybrid court in Sri Lanka - HRW
The call by the United Nations’ top human rights officer for a domestic-international hybrid court to address allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka should receive strong endorsement by members of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Human Rights Watch said today. MORE..
Sri Lanka promises justice after UN war crimes report
Sri Lanka promised to deliver justice after a United Nations human rights report called on Wednesday for a special court to be set up to prosecute war crimes committed during the nation’s 26-year civil conflict. MORE..
Full Report of OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka
The long-anticipated report of the United Nations investigation into allegations of human rights violations during the war in Sri Lanka was released a short while ago. Click for Full Report..
Zeid urges creation of hybrid special court in Sri Lanka
A UN report published today has identified patterns of grave violations in Sri Lanka between 2002 and 2011, strongly indicating that war crimes and crimes against humanity were most likely committed by both sides to the conflict. MORE..
UN report contains legal analysis and recommendations
UN report on Sri Lanka will focus on human rights violations from 2002 to 2011, and it will contain legal analysis and recommendations, it was reported. MORE...
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in Delhi a short while ago. MORE..
Australian prime minister ousted after party vote
Australia’s beleaguered prime minister has been ousted from his position by an internal government challenge, and the party’s former leader has been elected to replace him. MORE...
Two more Deputy Ministers appointed
Two more Deputy Ministers have been sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday. MORE..
UPDATE: Four dead after multi-vehicle crash
At least four PSD personnel including a WPC were killed and several others injured due to a multi-vehicle traffic collision involving two buses and a Land Rover Defender in Yagodamulla, Minuwangoda. MORE..
Three new Cabinet Ministers sworn in
Three new Cabinet Ministers were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena short while ago, the Presidential Media Division said. MORE..
DMK opposes US move to bring in revised resolution
DMK today opposed any move by the US to bring in a revised resolution in a UN rights body on a probe into alleged rights violations in Sri Lanka, as reported in the media, and said India should not support it. MORE..
US decision on Sri Lanka sparks protests in Chennai
As a mark of protest against the U.S. supporting Sri Lanka in war crime probe, a group of members from Ilaiya Thalaimurai Koottamaippu in India, has attempted to stage a protest outside the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. MORE...
EU ready to partner with Sri Lanka to face challenges
The European Union (EU) today stressed that it truly remains committed to supporting a healthy democracy and looks forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan government to address some of the “challenges” it faces. MORE..
Atapattu resigns as Sri Lanka cricket coach
Marvan Atapattu has resigned as head coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team while his resignation has been accepted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). MORE..
Navy enhances ties with Australian Navy
Two Sri Lankan navy ships engaged in a joint naval exercise with a visiting Australian naval ship in the seas off Colombo, the Defence Ministry said. MORE...
Chennai US Consulate refuses to meet Vaiko on Lanka
Former Indian MP and MDMK general secretary Vaiko charged that the US Consulate in Chennai had “disrespected” Tamils by not allowing him to meet the Consul General and present a memorandum on the stand the country had taken on international investigations into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. MORE...
Tharindu Kaushal reported with suspected illegal bowling action
Sri Lanka off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal has been reported with a suspected illegal bowling action during the third Test against India, which concluded at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Tuesday. MORE..
Australian Naval Ship in the island
Australian Naval Ship HMAS ‘Melbourne’ arrived in Colombo on a goodwill visit, the Ministry of Defence announced today. Sri Lanka Navy accorded the visiting ship and its crew a traditional naval welcome. MORE...
Former govt spent $6.5m to influence US
The former Sri Lankan government allegedly paid around US$6.5 million to a private equity fund manager over a five-month period in 2014 for consulting services which included influencing the U.S. government, according to documents obtained by Foreign Policy Magazine. MORE..
10 injured after bus brakes fail
Ten people have been injured after the brakes of the bus they were travelling in allegedly failed causing the vehicle to veer off the road and topple in the Ambawaka area on the Hali Ela-Welimada road in Badulla. MORE..
Karunanidhi condemns US support to Sri Lankan domestic probe
DMK chief Karunanidhi today condemned the US government’s reported proposal for support to a domestic probe by Sri Lanka into alleged war crimes rather than going in for an international investigation. 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..
Samarasinghe admits failure to implement 2009 resolution
President Maithripala Sirisena took the initiative to revive Sri Lanka’s connections with countries that had distanced itself from the island nation and he managed to win the trust of the world’s most powerful countries within a short span, says Mahinda Samarasinghe. MORE..
Petitions against Rajapaksa, Mahendran and Cabraal withdrawn
The petitions filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Governor of the Central Bank Arjuna Mahendran and former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal have been withdrawn.
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..
US backs Sri Lanka’s domestic probe
The United States said Wednesday that it wants to sponsor a resolution at next month’s U.N. human rights session that is supportive of Sri Lanka’s government, which wants to conduct its own investigation into alleged war crimes. MORE..
Nobody expects miracles from Sri Lanka – US
The Sri Lankan Government on Tuesday outlined the measures being taken to address concerns regarding alleged human rights violations including through independent domestic mechanisms, during a high-level discussion with a visiting US delegation. MORE..
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...
Biswal’s visit hastens swearing-in of three key Ministers
The visit of Nisha Biswal, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia on Tuesday to discuss the UN Human Rights Commissioner’s report on war crimes in Sri Lanka, has hastened the swearing-in of Mangala Samaraweera as Foreign Minister; Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Justice Minister; and D.M.Swaminathan as Resettlement Minister. MORE...
Petition seeks re-appointment of Yapa and Susil
A petition has been filed at the Colombo District Court requesting to revoke the previous enjoining order issued to prevent Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Susil Premajayantha from acting and discharging duties as the General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA. MORE...
South Africa to hold discussions on Sri Lanka with Japan
South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is to hold discussions with Japanese diplomat and United Nations Administrator Yasushi Akashi on peace-building efforts, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka. MORE...
US-SL to lift bilateral ties to new height
The United States has assured its fullest support to Sri Lanka’s economic development and reconciliation while emphasizing that Washington wishes to take bilateral relations with the island nation to a new height. MORE..
Australia will continue to support Sri Lanka - Bishop
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop today congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on his re-election, following the “peaceful and orderly” parliamentary elections on 17 August 2015. MORE..
South Korea shells North after rocket attack
South Korea on Thursday fired dozens of shells into North Korea after detecting a rocket fired across the heavily militarised border from the North, Seoul’s defence ministry said. MORE..
Sri Lanka seeks to emulate Singapore as war legacy fades - Harsha
Sri Lanka is moving past its history of ethnic strife and seeking to emulate Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai as one of the region’s premier trading and financial hubs, Harsha De Silva told Bloomberg. MORE...
US commends commitment to democracy
The United States has commended Sri Lanka’s commitment to democracy and rule of law as displayed by the peaceful parliamentary 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...
UPDATE: President sacks 13 SLFP CC members
President Maithripala Sirisena has sacked 13 members from the SLFP Central Committee. The President in his capacity as the Chairman of the SLFP has sent a letter to the Elections Commissioner informing him of the removal and a list of the new 25 members of the Central Committee, a source from the Presidential Secretariat said. MORE...
Woman caught with cocaine worth Rs 85m at BIA
A foreign lady has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake with 12 packets containing over 5.5kg of cocaine, valued at Rs 85 million, concealed inside story books. 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..
Pak-SL bond serves as beacon for South Asian countries: Envoy
The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain says that the brotherly and time tested relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, having depth, breadth and diversity, serves as a beacon for other countries of South Asia. MORE..
Signatures already given naming Mahinda as next PM - Susil
Reacting to President Maithripala Sirisena’s letter to his predecessor, the General Secretary of the UPFA Susil Premajayantha says that the leaders of the party, including him, have already given their signatures for appointing Mahinda Rajapaksa as the next Prime Minister. 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...
Indian-American Atul Keshap sworn in as US Envoy to Sri Lanka
Indian-American Atul Keshap has been sworn in as the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, becoming the second Indian-origin diplomat to be posted to the region after Richard Rahul Verma. MORE...
Prageeth Eknaligoda case: police arrest two suspects
The police on Monday (10) announced that they have apprehended two suspects in connection with the mysterious disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. 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...
US citizens in Sri Lanka cautioned ahead of polls
The United States has issued a security message to its citizens living or traveling in Sri Lanka, in view of the forthcoming parliamentary polls in the island. 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..
Atul Keshap confirmed as US Ambassador to Sri Lanka
Indian-American Atul Keshap has been confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, becoming the second Indian-origin diplomat to be posted to the region after Richard Rahul Verma. MORE..
Former LTTE members seek self-rule for Tamils
The Crusaders for Democracy, a group of former members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on Tuesday urged the Sri Lankan government to “honour its commitments” made in the past at the international level on the Tamil question. MORE...
Australian Federal Police accused of supporting CID
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been providing equipment and assistance to Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has been accused of kidnapping and torture, Australian media reported. MORE...
Conspirators were behind anti Muslim attacks: MR
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has blamed unnamed conspirators for carrying out anti-Muslim attacks during his tenure as he tries to woo estranged minority communities in his comeback bid in next month’s parliamentary elections. MORE...
PS chairman arrested over ‘distorted’ flag at UPFA rally
The Chairman of the Yatunuwara Pradeshiya Sabha and UPFA Kandy District candidate, Thusitha Kumara Welagedara, has been arrested on charges of hoisting a distorted national flag at a recent election rally. MORE..
Body found in luggage near Bastian Mawatha
The police on Wednesday (29) found remains of a woman inside a luggage at the Fort bus station near the Bastian Mawatha, the Police Spokesperson said. MORE...
Police identify suspects in Ukkuwa’s murder case
The police have identified the suspects who were behind the murder of notorious underworld kingpin Jayaweera Patabendige Indika Nilusha alias Pallikudawe Ukkuwa, a police source said today (28). MORE...
Australia may return Sri Lankan asylum seekers
Sri Lankan asylum-seekers intercepted at sea could be handed back to their home countries if a Labor government assessed they were not owed refugee protection, Leader of the Australian Labor Party Bill Shorten has said. MORE...
Pallikudawe Ukkuwa killed, two others injured
Notorious underworld kingpin Jayaweera Patabendige Indika Nilusha alias Ukkuwa has been killed by an unidentified group of people in Tangalle, this morning (26), the police said. MORE...
Lankan asylum seekers killed in Australian road crash
The two men who died in a crash in Darwin on Wednesday night were Tamil asylum seekers from Sri Lanka who came to Australia for a better life, their friends have said. MORE..
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..
Over 40 injured after buses collide at Kosgama
(Update) Over 40 passengers were injured following a head-on collision involving a private bus and a SLTB bus at Kosgama police area on the Colombo-Avissawella main road this morning, the police spokesman said. MORE..
Students among 29 injured after bus topples
At least 29 passengers including several school children were wounded after a bus toppled in the Dulpitiya area on the Hemmathagama-Dikpitiya road this morning. MORE..
Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated tomorrow
Muslims in Sri Lanka will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr tomorrow (July 18) as the new moon has been sighted today, marking the conclusion of the month of Ramadan, the Colombo Grand Mosque said. 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..
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..
Kusal heroics help Sri Lanka level series
Kusal Perera scored the fastest fifty for Sri Lanka as the host team beat Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI) of five match series on Wednesday at Pallekeke. MORE..
Customs seize 116,000 duty-unpaid cigarettes
Over 116,000 illegally imported cigarettes have been seized by the Revenue Task Force (RTF) of the Sri Lanka Customs, this morning (15). MORE...
Justice Abrew withdraws SC petition
Justice Sarath de Abrew on Tuesday (14) withdrew the petition that he filed at the Supreme Court to hold the police investigations in connection with a complaint lodged by a domestic worker over an alleged assault incident. MORE...
Navy Chief Jayantha Perera promoted to the rank of Admiral
President Maithripala Sirisena has promoted the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera to the rank of Admiral with effect from Thursday (July 09). MORE..
Army officer involved in fatal road accident suspended
Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army has suspended, with immediate effect and without pay, the service of the Army officer involved in the fatal road accident at Gurubabila in the Weligama area, which claimed the lives of three persons. MORE..
Wigneswaran wants Sirisena to undertake meaningful reforms
The US and the international community can play a large role in supporting the Sri Lanka’s economic development and accountability and reconciliation processes, as the country tries to move beyond its corrupt and troubled past, says Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran. 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..
New Sri Lankan envoys appointed
The Sri Lankan Government has appointed four new ambassadors and one High Commissioner to countries including Australia, Canada and South Korea. 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..
Runaway Sri Lankan maids worry Saudi Labor Ministry
Saudi Arabia’s Labor Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani has asked the Sri Lankan government to stop maids running away from their Saudi sponsors soon after their arrival in the Kingdom. MORE..
Gold, liquor bottles smuggled from SL seized at airport
Indian Customs officials at the Madurai airport seized 604 grams of raw gold chains (unfinished 24 karat gold chains) and 35 bottles of foreign liquor from 11 persons, all Indian citizens, who arrived from Sri Lanka. MORE..
Navy arrests 78 Australia-bound boatpeople
A group of 78 Sri Lankan nationals attempting to illegally sail to Australia by boat were intercepted by Navy personnel in the sea area around 65 nautical miles off Kirinda in the wee hours today, the navy spokesman said. MORE..
Network cuts Miss USA over Trump remark
A Univision network is dropping the Miss USA pageant and the company says it will cut all business ties with Donald Trump in a spiraling controversy over comments the Republican presidential candidate made recently about Mexican immigrants. MORE..
US report highlights Sri Lankan human rights problems in 2014
There were reports that the Sri Lankan government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings in 2014, the U.S. State Department said in an annual report on Thursday. MORE..
Indie labels line up to support Apple Music
Several independent music label groups, including those representing Adele, Arcade Fire and Radiohead, say they can now support Apple Music after Apple reversed a decision not to pay royalties during the 90-day free trial period and adjusted other terms. MORE..
Army soldier sentenced to death over Mirusuvil massacre
A Sri Lanka Army soldier who was found guilty for the killing of 8 civilians in Mirusuvil, Jaffna nearly 15 years ago has been sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court today. MORE..
US wants to build lasting peace and fellowship in Sri Lanka
The United States wants to build a lasting peace and fellowship among Sri Lanka’s various religious and ethnic groups, President Barack Obama’s ambassadorial nominee for Sri Lanka told lawmakers today. MORE...
LTTE financial network operated throughout 2014: US report
Despite its military defeat at the hands of the Sri Lankan government in 2009, the LTTE’s international network of sympathizers and financial support persists, the United States says. MORE..
US commends fight against corruption in Lanka
The US called on Sri Lanka to “continue on its path of ensuring accountability and reconciliation” in a statement delivered to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. In an opening statement delivered on Monday, the US said “we commend the people of Sri Lanka for restoring democratic institutions and combatting corruption”. MORE...
Zeid wants credible mechanisms in place before September session
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will remain very engaged in discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities on the need for transparent and inclusive processes to develop credible mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation. MORE...
Migrants say Australia paid smugglers to turn back
Indonesia’s foreign minister on Saturday demanded answers from Canberra over claims that Australian officials paid thousands of dollars to turn a boat back to Indonesia after Prime Minister Tony Abbott refused to deny the allegations. MORE..
Women for Justice blame Sobitha Thero
A woman’s group says that Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, chief incumbent of the Kotte Naga Vihara, should be held accountable for the current predicament which has befallen the country. MORE..
Australia denies officials paid people smugglers
The Australian government has denied claims that customs officials paid thousands of dollars to people smugglers to take asylum seekers back to Indonesia. MORE..
Mubarak recalled for Tests against Pakistan
After being sidelined for close to eight years, Jehan Mubarak, the allrounder, was recalled to Sri Lanka’s Test team when the 16-man squad for the three-match series against Pakistan was announced on Wednesday (June 10). MORE..
Ranil wants to create UK-type ‘Serious Frauds’ division
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that the government is currently in the process of “cleaning up” the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and that they intend to establish a ‘Serious Frauds and Financial Crimes Division’ for this purpose. MORE..
No-confidence motion filed against Prime Minister
The motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was handed over to the Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake today, MP Manusha Nanayakkara told Ada Derana. MORE..
Missing Sri Lankan teenager found safe
A Sri Lankan teenager has been found safe after she went missing from a bus stop on Thursday night in Brisbane, Australia. MORE..
Lankans held over attempt to smuggle gold inside mouth
Indian Customs officials at the Trivandrum International Airport on Tuesday foiled a bid by two Sri Lankan nationals to smuggle gold by concealing it inside their mouth. MORE..
President Sirisena has moved country away from divisive politics - US
President Maithripala Sirisena has moved the country away from divisive politics and crony capitalism toward a new path of reconciliation and inclusive development, the United States said today. MORE...
Sri Lankan refugee found guilty of stabbing neighbour
A man who fatally stabbed a fellow Sri Lankan refugee has been found guilty of murder by an Adelaide jury, which earlier heard the crime was committed after the victim called his killer a “lady boy”. MORE..
Vienna airport security staff smuggled Lankan migrants to US, UK
Austrian police have arrested several security employees at Vienna airport over their alleged role in smuggling illegal immigrants to Britain and the US, officials confirmed on Tuesday. MORE..
Colombo-Matara bus gutted in fire
A private bus en route to Matara from Colombo has been completely gutted after fire broke out in the front of the vehicle. MORE..
Sri Lanka condemns suicide attack on Saudi mosque
Sri Lanka has condemned Friday’s suicide attack on a mosque in Saudi Arabia that left at least 21 people dead and more than 100 injured. MORE..
Ex-teacher sentenced to 20 years RI for molesting student
A former teacher found guilty of molesting a student in 2006 has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Anuradhapura High Court. MORE..
Private bus strike in several Southern cities
A group of private bus operators have launched a strike in protest of authorities allegedly allowing buses to operate on the Southern Expressway without valid permits. MORE..
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector outperforms broader economy: report
A steep rise in visitor numbers to Sri Lanka is driving growth in the country’s tourism industry, though a slowdown in the Chinese economy and problems in Russia could take the edge off the surge of arrivals later in the year. MORE..
Government nominates former cricketer Skandakumar as top envoy to Australia
Sri Lanka has nominated a new chief envoy to Australia – a former cricket administrator, businessman and member of country’s Tamil minority. MORE...
Sri Lankan arrested after undercover sting in Florida
A 22-year-old Sri Lankan man is facing up to 15 years in prison if found guilty on charges of attempted lewd and lascivious battery and traveling to meet a minor for a sexual encounter in Florida, US. MORE..
Govt urges Saudi to raise minimum wage of housemaids
Sri Lanka has requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to increase the minimum wage of SR900 set for its domestic workers because of the rising cost of living in the island. MORE..
Muslim Council writes to JVP over resettlement comments
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka today wrote to the JVP to raise its concern over comments made on the resettlement of Muslim IDPs. MORE...
Johnny Depp’s dogs face death in Australia
Johnny Depp’s pet dogs Pistol and Boo have been ordered by Australia to “bugger off” back to Hollywood or face being put down after he flew the terriers into the country illegally -- as thousands signed a petition to save them. MORE..
Sri Lankan-origin teen sues school over ‘racist bullies’
A boy, 17, is taking Australian education authorities to court, claiming he has been robbed of his future by his school’s failure to deal with the racist classroom bullies who tormented him. MORE..
Sri Lankan refugee accused of stabbing fellow refugee
A Sri Lankan refugee accused of murder allegedly stabbed another refugee through the stomach with such force the blade damaged the victim’s spine, an Adelaide court has heard. MORE..
Deforestation in Madhu reserve – environmental group
Environmental organisations claim that an illegal resettlement programme is also currently underway within the Madhu reserve in Mannar. MORE..
Environment Ministry to probe Wilpattu issue
The Presidential Secretariat has instructed the Secretary of the Environment Ministry to inquire into the alleged forest clearing and constructions in Wilpattu, the Government Information Department said. MORE..
Sri Lanka sets September date for war crimes probe
Sri Lanka’s new government yesterday said an investigation into allegations of war crimes would begin by September, amid international pressure to account for atrocities committed during the island’s decades-long separatist conflict. MORE...
Pakistan to expend FTA with Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan on Wednesday said that Free Trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka would be further expended to promote bilateral trade between both the countries. MORE..
Cop arrested for molesting girl on board bus
A 35-year-old Police Constable (PC) has been arrested on charges of molesting a young girl aboard a moving bus in the Ellawala area in Matale. 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..
FUTA condemns attack on former president
Condemning the Friday’s attack on Dr Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri and Dr Kumudu Kusum Kumara, the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations today said that the incident is a grim reminder of the political culture that people thought they had defeated on January 08. MORE..
To restore democracy, the US will always stand with SL- Kerry
In order to restore democracy, the American people will stand with Sri Lanka, thus, the US will establish an annual partnership dialogue with the island nation, US Secretary of State John Kerry said.
Mob attacks SLTB bus near Karuwalagaswewa
An unidentified group has attacked a Colombo bound Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) passenger bus near the Karuwalagaswewa junction, the Police Spokesperson said. MORE...
Child dead, 13 injured after truck hits tree
A child was killed and another 13 persons wounded after a small truck, carrying a group of pilgrims, veered off the road and collided with a tree in Konwewa, Thambuttegama. MORE..
Kerry’s Sri Lanka visit to ‘show US support’
Top US diplomat John Kerry left early Friday on a landmark trip to Sri Lanka, the first such visit in a decade to the Indian Ocean island as it returns to the diplomatic fold. MORE..
US welcomes passage of 19th Amendment
The United States had welcomed the passage of Sri Lanka’s landmark 19th Constitutional Amendment Bill (19A), which was adopted Tuesday with an overwhelming majority in Parliament. MORE..
Kerry hopes to reset US relations with Sri Lanka
A senior U.S. State Department official said Wednesday that Secretary of State John Kerry was traveling to Sri Lanka to show that the U.S. “applauds the vision” of that country’s new government. MORE...
Lankan woman forced into hiding for questioning extremists
Sharmila Seyyid, a Sri Lankan Muslim woman journalist and human rights activist from Sri Lanka, received so much backlash from a comment in a BBC appearance that she left her home country. She did not receive a warm welcome in India, which forced her into hiding. Now outlets are pressuring both countries to protect Seyyid. MORE...
I never interfered to secure the release of an impounded container: Senasinghe
Deputy Justice Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe on Tuesday (28) dismisses allegations that he interfered to customs affairs in a bid to secure the release of an impounded container of copper rods, thus, he would instigate legal action against a print media institution that published an article to sling mud at him. MORE...
Death toll in Nepal may touch 10,000 - PM Koirala
The death toll in Nepal’s devastating earthquake may go up to 10,000, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Tuesday told the envoys of India, China and the US. MORE..
US Secretary of State Kerry to arrive on Saturday
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Sri Lanka on Saturday to meet with its new president, Maithripala Sirisena, the State Department said, following years of strained relations between Washington and the country’s previous government. MORE...
Sri Lankan woman arrested smuggling gold into India
Indian customs officials have arrested a Sri Lankan woman who smuggled gold weighing nearly one kilogram into the country by concealing it under her garments. MORE..
Sri Lanka ranks 132 on global happiness index
Sri Lanka has climbed 5 places in a global ranking of the happiest nations, coming in at the 132nd spot out of 158 countries on the index that took into account GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of happiness. MORE..
Rathgama PS chairman’s murder: Another suspect surrenders
Another suspect wanted in connection with the murder of Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Manoj Pushpakumara Mendis was arrested after he surrendered to police. MORE..
Chinese contractors reject Lotus Tower ‘spying’ allegation
Chinese contractor of the Lotus Tower in Sri Lanka on Tuesday denied allegations that the tower was to be used as an electronic surveillance facility against India and added that such “baseless rumours” only insulted the Sri Lankan government. MORE...
Minorities feel hard done by electoral reform
A proposed move to reform Sri Lanka’s electoral system has not found favour with the country’s minority Tamil and Muslim political parties, who say the current proportional representation system is best suited for their interests. MORE...
Sri Lankan couple, daughters land near Rameswaram
A Sri Lankan Tamil couple with their three teenage daughters landed clandestinely at Arichalmunai, off Dhanushkodi in the early hours of Friday, The Hindu reports. MORE..
SLTB-private bus race leaves 24 hospitalised
Around 24 persons were admitted to the Putalam Base Hospital following a collision involving two passenger transport buses in the Mampuriya area on the Puttalam-Kalpitiya road this morning. MORE..
At least 37 passengers have been wounded and hospitalised after a bus toppled in the 2nd Mile Post area on the Passara-Madolsima road this afternoon. MORE..
Sri Lankan maid arrested for beating infant
A Sri Lankan housemaid was arrested for beating her Kuwaiti sponsor’s infant due to which the child sustained bruises throughout his body, says Al-Seyassah. MORE..
Bishop meets Sri Lankan Tamils in Chennai
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who is on a visit to India, has held talks with Sri Lankan Tamils living there and termed the meeting as “constructive”. MORE..
Sri Lankan maid pleads not guilty to arson charge
A Sri Lankan housemaid accused of setting her Bahraini employer’s home on fire before fleeing has appeared in court for the first time to plead not guilty. MORE..
Future of Asia Cup in doubt as ACC faces shutdown: report
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could soon be dissolved or merged with the International Cricket Council (ICC), putting a question mark over the future of Asia Cup. MORE..
US diplomat discusses human rights and accountability with Sri Lanka
A senior American diplomat has held discussion with Sri Lankan government officials on human rights and strengthening democracy, transparency, and accountability during his recent visit to the island nation. MORE..
Hillary Clinton announces 2016 Presidential bid
Ending two years of speculation and coy denials, Hillary Rodham Clinton announced on Sunday that she would seek the presidency for a second time, immediately establishing herself as the likely 2016 Democratic nominee. MORE...
Extraordinary positive change has occurred in Sri Lanka - Kerry
The United States says that this Sinhala and Tamil New Year has been marked by the extraordinary positive change that has occurred in Sri Lanka over the past several months represents a renewed opportunity for the people of Sri Lanka. MORE..
Police catch more suspects in Rathgama PS chairman murder
The police on Wednesday (9) apprehended to more suspects in connection with the murder of Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Manoj Pushpakumara Mendis. MORE...
54 Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen
The Government of Sri Lanka today said that at present 54 Sri Lankans have been evacuated from Yemen. MORE..
Speaker apprises Susil to nominate Opposition Leader
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has apprised the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Susil Premajayantha to have discussions with the party members and decide on who should be appointed as the Opposition Leader. MORE...
Sri Lankan drowns in Australia
A Sri Lankan man, holidaying in Coffs Harbour from Sydney, died at Sapphire Beach after he was pulled unconscious from the water. MORE..
Pakistan awaits President Sirisena’s visit
The ambiance is set for the arrival of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in Pakistan tomorrow (April 06). MORE..
Man held with Wallapatta chips worth Rs 9.6 million
A Sri Lankan national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to leave the country with Wallpatta chips, worth around Rs 9.6 million in the market, concealed in his baggage. MORE..
26/11-like attack by ISI agents based in Sri Lanka thwarted - report
A 26/11-like attack was in the making, but this time, from the east coast. That is how National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General Sharad Kumar sums up the agency’s exhaustive nearly two-year investigation into what it says was a massive terror plot against India by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). MORE..
Eight Sri Lankan safely evacuated from Yemen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today announced that three Sri Lankans have already Yemen and that another five are currently on their way to Djibouti via sea. MORE..
China to help evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen
China has agreed to assist in evacuating Sri Lankan nationals stranded in Yemen following a request made by the Government of Sri Lanka, Acting Chinese Ambassador Ren Faqiang said. MORE..
Four held with gold, foreign currency worth over Rs 5.4m
Four persons including 2 women have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) when they attempted to leave the country with gold and foreign currency estimated to be worth over Rs 5.4 million. MORE..
Govt to evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen
The Government today said that it is making arrangements to evacuate all Sri Lankans in Yemen, considering the prevailing volatile situation in the Arab nation. MORE..
Clash between uni students, police regrettable: PMO
The Prime Minister’s Office says the clash between protesting university students and police personnel was “regrettable” and that protesters refusing to allow their representatives to hand over the memorandum had resulted in yesterday’s unfortunate incident. MORE..
Police tear gas protesting university students
(UPDATE) The Galle Road has been closed from Kollupitiya Junction to Galle Face Roundabout due to the protest launched by university students, polcie spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said. MORE..
Rathgama PS chairman’s murder: Main suspect surrenders, remanded till April 6
The main suspect in the murder of the Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman has been remanded till April 06 after he surrendered to the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court today. MORE..
Sarana Gunawardena released on bail
The Attanagalla Magistrate on Monday (30) granted bail to ex-Minister Sarana Gunawardena who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on charges of criminal breach of trust. MORE...
Two Sri Lankans arrested at Cochin airport
Officials of the Indian Customs Air Intelligence Unit at the Cochin International airport on Sunday seized about 400 grams of gold, 11 cell phones and SD cards valued at Rs.3 million from two passengers who landed here from Colombo. The metal, in the form of eight gold bars, were concealed in their rectum. MORE...
Sri Lanka starts process to regain EU’s GSP Plus
Strengthened by previous positive vibes from the European Union, the Government of Sri Lanka has started the process to regain the generalised system of preferences plus (GSP Plus) status, according to an official statement. MORE...
3 Sri Lankans held for human smuggling
The Tamil Nadu ‘Q’ branch police have arrested three Sri Lankan Tamils for illegally migrating the refugees from the special camps to Australia. MORE..
Obama taps Indian Americans to control Asian region
With the naming of Atul Keshap to be appointed as the new US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Americans would be serving as US envoys in three of eight SAARC nations. MORE..
Obama nominates Atul Keshap to be new Ambassador to SL
US President Barack Obama has nominated Atul Keshap to be appointed the new Ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives. Keshap is current the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the Department of State. MORE...
Australia crush sorry India to advance to another World Cup Final
India’s defence of their ICC Cricket World Cup title came to a disappointing end at the hands of Australia on a spin-friendly wicket at Sydney as the hosts cruised to a 96 run win to advance to their 7th World Cup final. MORE...
Sirisena Govt. has inherited a ‘financial mess’ - US
The US government said on Tuesday that it was exploring the possibility of increasing its assistance to the Sri Lankan government to help it tackle issues like governance, accountability, commerce and “much more”. MORE...
Rathgama PS chairman shot dead in Hikkaduwa
The Chairman of the Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha, Manoj Pushpakumara Mendis, has been shot dead at a hotel in Hikkaduwa last night, police said. MORE..
Sarana Gunawardena further remanded
Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, who was arrested on charges of financial fraud and criminal breach of trust, has been further remanded until March 30 by the Attanagalla Magistrate’s Court. 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..
Sri Lankan girl refused asylum because she has Down syndrome, says family
A Sri Lankan family who want to work in a Christian crisis centre in remote Australia say their daughter was refused a temporary visa because she has Down syndrome. MORE..
Sri Lanka plans to lift ‘terrorist’ ban on Tamil groups
Sri Lanka’s new government has announced plans to remove 16 groups and hundreds of Tamils from a list of “foreign terrorists” as part of reconciliation with its largest ethnic minority. MORE...
Man sentenced to death for possession of heroin
A man found guilty for the possession of 8 grams and 9 milligrams of heroin was sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court today. 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...
The man who helped blow up the Bamiyan Buddhas
Mirza Hussain was 26 when Taliban commanders ordered him to plant explosives on the famous Buddha statues in his home province, Bamiyan. MORE...
US welcomes release of Balendra Jeyakumari
The U.S. has welcomed the release by Sri Lanka’s new government of a rights activist arrested a year ago for demanding information about people who went missing during the country’s decades-long civil war. MORE..
Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Sri Lanka
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sri Lanka early this morning for a historic visit during which he is expected to hold talks with the country’s top leadership. MORE..
All 77 stranded contractual workers return from Sri Lanka: Swaraj
All 77 Indian workers left stranded in Sri Lanka following a labour dispute there have since returned to the country, Indian External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha today. MORE..
The Attanagalla Magistrate on Thursday (12) remanded ex-Minister Sarana Gunawardena until 23 March. Gunawardena was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today morning. MORE...
India, Sri Lanka to release fishermen ahead of Modi’s visit
President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the release of 86 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody as a goodwill gesture ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island. 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..
US to help Sri Lanka heal ethnic tensions
The US will help Sri Lanka’s new government to restore democracy and heal “fragile ethnic tensions”, a senior American official said on Tuesday. MORE..
Deal with TATAs on housing project is unacceptable - Ravi
Sri Lankan Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has said that the government is reviewing the USD 430 million TATA Housing Project because the deal entered into with the earlier Mahinda Rajapaksa government is unacceptable. MORE..
Sri Lanka qualify for World Cup quarter finals
Bangladesh will play its quarter-final at the MCG on 19 March while Sri Lanka will play its quarter-final at the SCG on 18 March, against opponents to be determined by the respective finishing positions in the pool stage. MORE...
Kithuruwan, Kaushal get call-up
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday (9) announced that it will send Kithuruwan Vithanage and P.H.T Kaushal to stand in for injured Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath. MORE...
Australia beats Sri Lanka by 64 runs
Australia dismissed Sri Lanka for 312 to clinch a 64 run victory in a Pool A match in Sydney on Sunday. MORE...
Sri Lanka needs 377 to win against Australia
Electing to bat, Australia made 376 for 9 against Sri Lanka in a pool A ODI cricket match of the ICC World Cup here today. MORE...
India takes up fishermen issue after Lanka threat
A day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Indian fishermen may be shot if they “intruded” into his country’s waters, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday raised the matter with the Sri Lankan government and emphasised that it was a humanitarian” and “livelihood” issue for the fishermen. MORE...
India, Sri Lanka mull resuming ferry services
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday discussed with her Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera the possibility of resuming ferry services between the two countries, The Hindu reported. MORE..
Harrison Ford injured in plane crash
US actor Harrison Ford has been injured in a small plane crash in Los Angeles. MORE...
Sushma says India, Sri Lanka destinies intertwined
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is here on a two-day official visit ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival next week, said India and Sri Lanka were bound by ties of history, geography and culture, and their destinies were intertwined. MORE..
DMK urges Modi to ensure ‘harsh comments’ are not made
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan on Saturday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi must discuss the fishermen issue with Sri Lanka and ensure that such harsh comments are not made from the other side in near future. MORE..
Sushma Swaraj arrives in Sri Lanka
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in the island today on a two-day official visit, in preparation for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit later this month. MORE..
Two cops suspended after suspect’s suicide
A Sergeant and Constable attached to Dummalasuriya Police have been suspended following the alleged suicide of a suspect inside a jail cell at the police station. MORE...
UN rights chief urges Sri Lanka not to repeat ‘failures of the past’
The United Nations’ top human rights official today urged the Sri Lankan Government to consult “deeply” with the people, particularly victims of the war, in order to design mechanisms that will work and not repeat the failures of the past. MORE..
Govt. seeks foreign help in corruption probe
The government said that it has sought assistance from India, the US and Britain to help investigate financial fraud allegations against the former government. MORE...
Bus strike on Kandy-Colombo route
Inter-provincial private buses operating on the Kandy-Colombo route have resorted to a strike action, since this morning, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gemunu Wijerathne said. MORE...
Indian FM to visit Sri Lanka this week
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will arrive in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit on March 6 to pave way for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nation in mid March, the foreign ministry officials said Sunday. MORE...
Bus strike on Tangalle-Colombo route
Private buses operating on the Tangalle-Colombo route have resorted to a strike action since this morning, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gemunu Wijerathne said. MORE...
Maithripala to visit Pakistan on March 31
The President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena will undertake his maiden visit to Pakistan on 31st of March and ink nine bilateral agreements including one pertaining to civil nuclear cooperation with the host country. 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...
Modi’s Sri Lanka visit to push soft power & project India’s Buddhist links
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to visit Sri Lanka’s ancient capital Anuradhapura during his trip to the island nation next month, a move aimed at pushing India’s soft power and projecting the country’s Buddhist links in the region. MORE..
Traffic jam due to protest near UGC
Severe traffic congestion has been reported near Ward Place in Colombo and nearby roads due to a protest in front of the University Grants Commission (UGC). MORE..
No faith in domestic probe - Bishop of Mannar
The Bishop of Mannar, Dr Rayappu Joseph, today said that a domestic investigation into allegations of human right violations cannot be trusted and that is the reason the Tamil people placed their faith in an international probe by the UN. MORE..
Sri Lanka to discuss domestic probe with UN
Sri Lanka’s government will next month look to win United Nations backing for a domestic probe into allegations of human rights violations during the final stage of the war, an official said today. MORE..
India can’t dump radioactive waste in Sri Lanka: Champika
The Indo-Lanka civil nuclear agreement would not permit India to dump its radioactive waste in Sri Lankan territory, Minister of Power and Energy Champika Ranawaka said. 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...
Mangala to visit Geneva, meet Zeid
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Mangala Samaweera will travel to Geneva to attend the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to be held on March 2nd, 2015. MORE..
India reduces entry fee to National Museum for Lankans
The entry fee to the National Museum in New Delhi for Sri Lankan nationals has been reduced from INR 300 (LKR 640) to INR 10 (LKR 21) - at par with the fee paid by Indian nationals, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said. MORE..
Sri Lankan murder suspect eligible for protection visa in Australia
A Sri Lankan man who came to Australia by boat has been found to be eligible for a protection visa, although he is suspected of murder in his home country. MORE...
US welcomes Indo-Sri Lanka nuclear pact
The United States has welcomed the signing of civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and Sri Lanka, saying it is consistent with IAEA safeguards and other international standards and practices. MORE...
U.N. rights chief backs delay for Sri Lanka war crimes report
Sri Lanka’s bid to postpone publication of a UnitedNations report into alleged war crimes has won the backing of U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Monday. MORE...
Muslims want panel to probe “hate campaign and violence”
Faiszer Musthapha, MP of the Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Azath Sally, Member of the Central Provincial Council, has asked President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint a commission to inquire into the “hate campaign and violence” against Muslims in the last four years and take appropriate measures to ensure that all Sri Lankans are protected. MORE..
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..
Mangala meets U.N. chief, urges war crimes report delay
Sri Lanka’s foreign minister met with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday, and U.N. diplomatic sources said he pressed his government’s desire to delay the release of a U.N. report on alleged war crimes during his country’s civil war. MORE..
Kindelpitiya hands over info on ‘white van’ abductions to CID
Democratic Party (DP) Western Provincial Council member Susil Kindelpitiya today handed over information to the CID regarding 13 alleged disappearances and ‘white van’ abductions which had taken place during the previous government. MORE..
Sri Lankan sisters charged over housing benefit scam
Two Sri Lankan sisters who raked in £183,000 in a six-year housing benefit scam could face jail in Ilford north-eastern Greater London, England. MORE..
Sri Lanka says seeking delay in UN war-crimes report
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Wednesday his country was seeking a delay of several months in the release of a U.N. report on alleged war crimes during his country’s civil war until the government had time to establish a mechanism to deal with the issue. MORE...
State Minister Faizer Mustapha resigns
Parliamentarian Faizer Mustapha has tendered his resignation as State Minister of Aviation, this morning. Mustapha told Ada Derana, however, he will continue to support the President Maithripala Sirisena though he resigned from the ministerial portfolio. MORE...
Injured Prasad to miss World Cup
Sri Lanka were dealt a blow on Saturday (February 7) as Dhammika Prasad was ruled out of the 2015 World Cup due to an injury. MORE..
US security adviser Rice pledges help for Sri Lanka ‘transition’
The United States pledged on Friday to assist Sri Lanka’s new government in creating a more open and democratic society. 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..
State Minister Faizer Mustapha resigns?
Parliamentarian Faizer Mustapha has tendered his resignation as State Minister of Aviation and has flown overseas, this afternoon, a source close to the Government said.
Mohan Peiris says his removal as CJ was ‘unlawful’
Mohan Peiris says that he has not retired, resigned or vacated the office of Chief Justice and that, however, due to exertions by external forces he has been displaced from office through an “unconstitutional process.” MORE..
Canada welcomes reinstatement of Sri Lankan Chief Justice
The Canadian Government today welcomed the reinstatement of Shirani Bandaranayake as Chief Justice of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court while also expressing hope that President Maithripala Sirisena fulfills the mandate given to him by the people to foster a transparent, responsive and pluralistic government. MORE..
K. Sripavan sworn in as Chief Justice
Justice K. Sripavan today took oaths as the 44th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka before President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Three-wheeler, school van fares slashed
Minister of Internal Transport, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, says that three-wheeler fares will be reduced by 10 percent while school van charges will be reduced by 5 percent with effect from February 01. MORE..
31 injured after buses collide in Ketandola
At least 31 passengers were wounded and hospitalised following a collision involving two busses in the Ketandola area on the Elpitiya-Pitigala main road. MORE..
Asylum seeker returns not our job: Australian govt.
The Australian government insists it’s up to Papua New Guinea to return Indonesian and Sri Lankan asylum seekers to their home countries, but is happy to help in the process. MORE...
Shirani assumes duties as CJ; will retire tomorrow
The Government has removed all obstacles for Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayaka to hold her position as the 43rd Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Bar Association President Upul Jayasuriya said. She has assumed duites and will retire from her post tomorrow, Jayasuriya added. MORE...
157 asylum seekers legally detained at sea, Aussie High Court rules
A group of 157 Sri Lankan asylum seekers were legally detained at sea by Australian authorities last year, the High Court finds. MORE...
Bus fares to be reduced from Feb 1 – Minister
Bus fares will be reduced by 8-10% from February 1, the Minister of Internal Transport Ranjith Maddumabandara announced a short while ago. Maddumabandara added that the minimum fare has been reduced from Rs. 9 to Rs. 8. MORE...