November 22, 2024 12:50 am
Results: 115
LG polls before Sinhala & Tamil New Year - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the government expects to hold the Local Government election before the next Sinhala and Tamil New Year. MORE..
LG polls unlikely to be held in March - Lakshman Yapa
State Minister of Finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena says that it is unlikely the Local Government election will be held in March next year as scheduled. MORE..
Gary Anandasangaree wins Scarborough-Rouge Park for Liberals
Gary Anandasangaree has won the new riding of Scarborough-Rouge Park for the Liberal party in Canada, beating the Conservatives after the party dropped candidate Jerry Bance late in the campaign. 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..
Reforms to include 25% females to LG bodies - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that reforms will be introduced by the government to include 25 per cent females into local government authorities before the next LG election. MORE..
No reason to postpone LG polls - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that there is no reason to postpone the Local Government election which is scheduled to be held in March next year. MORE..
Investigations under domestic mechanism victory for Lanka: Tennakoon
Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) and Centre for Human Rights and Research (CHR) are extremely encouraged by the resolution on Sri Lanka presented to UNHRC, which allows a for more domesticated mechanism to investigate alleged human rights violations. 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..
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)
Vacated PC seats to be filled after MPs take oath
The appointing of new Provincial Councillors to fill the seats left vacant by more than 50 Provincial Council members including 3 Chief Ministers who contested and won at the recent parliamentary elections, is scheduled to take place after the new Parliament is sworn in. MORE..
The United National Party (UNP) today named the MPs who will enter Parliament through its National List to fill the 13 bonus seats won by the party at the recent general election. MORE..
EU lauds Sri Lanka’s genuine election
The European Union says the parliamentary elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17 were genuine, well administered and peaceful overall. 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..
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...
EU monitors say poll well-administered and genuine
The 17 August Parliamentary Elections in Sri Lanka were ―well administered and offered voters a genuine choice from among a broad range of political alternatives, although campaign rules were restrictive‖, said Cristian Preda, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) and Member of the European Parliament.
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...
Preferential votes- General Election 2015
(UPDATE) Preferential votes- General Election 2015. View Preferential votes full list here. 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..
President hails most peaceful election in Sri Lanka’s history
Hailing today’s General Election as the most peaceful in the country’s history, President Maithripala Sirisena urged the public to enjoy the results in a calm manner. MORE..
No major incidents reported during polling – Elections Chief
Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya says that no major incidents have been reported during voting at the 2015 General Election today and that he expects votes would not have to declare null at any polling station. MORE..
First postal vote result after 11 P.M.
Deputy Elections Commissioner M.M. Mohammed said the Secretariat would be able to announce the first postal vote result between 11.00 p.m. to midnight today and the final result could be issued by noon tomorrow. MORE...
Voting for general election continues, no major violence reported
Polling booths opened across the island at 7:00 am, with voting set to continue for nine hours under tight security provided by 74,000 police and paramilitary forces, officials said. MORE...
HRW asks Sri Lanka to ‘protect’ voters and ensure safe elections
Sri Lankan authorities must ensure that voters can travel safely and securely to polling booths and back during the parliamentary elections on Monday, Human Rights Watch said on Saturday after reports of campaign anomalies. MORE..
Police deploys thousands of officers on election eve
Sri Lanka deployed thousands of police Sunday (Aug 16) in stepped up security on the eve of a general election after the campaign was hit by sporadic violence that claimed four lives. MORE..
Three held with over 1,300 model ballot papers
Thalathuoya Police today arrested three suspects and seized 1,324 model ballot papers being transported in a three-wheeler from Kandahandiya to Galaha. MORE..
Elections Chief expects first result after midnight on Monday
Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya says that it is highly unlikely that the first result of the 2015 General Election will be released before midnight on August 17. MORE..
Information desk for MPs after election
An Information Desk to facilitate the arrangements for the first meeting of the first session of the eighth Parliament that will be elected on Monday will be operative in the House from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on August 23, 24 and 25 for the convenience of MPs, the Secretary General of Parliament said. 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..
Tamils won’t benefit from discussions about past - CFD
The Crusaders for Democracy (CFD), the new political group formed by ex-Tamil Tigers, says that despite the scars and lingering legacy of the three-decade-long conflict, the war was a closed chapter in the country’s history that should not be brought up again. 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..
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..
1532 election violence incidents as of today: CaFFE
The Campaign for Free & Fair Election (CaFFE) says that a total of 1532 incidents of election-related violence have been reported as of today (13). MORE...
Ranil hails most peaceful election in a long time
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said the 2015 parliamentary poll has been the most peaceful, free and fair election in a long time and that the younger people have not witnessed such an election during their lifetime. MORE..
Second chance for those who missed postal voting
Those who missed postal voting could vote on August 11, says the Elections Department. MORE...
Gym instructor arrested over Bloemendhal shooting
Police today arrested a suspect in connection with last week’s tragic shooting incident at Bloemendhal Road in Colombo, which claimed the life of two persons and wounded a dozen more. 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..
President asks voters to elect only suitable people to Parliament
All voters of the country have a great responsibility to elect only suitable persons to the Parliament in forthcoming General Election, says President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Economy has flourished every time UNP was in power - Karu
Minister Karu Jayasuriya says that the decision of the voters at the coming parliamentary election will determine the destiny of the country and future of the people, and therefore urged voters to act prudently and identify the need of the hour. MORE..
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..
Vasan plans stir for release of fishermen from Sri Lankan jail
India’s Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) will stage State-wide agitation if the 14 Rameswaram fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan navy on a charge of poaching on June 2 were not released at the end of their judicial remand on August 13, party president G.K. Vasan has said. MORE..
Here is the TNA’s election manifesto
“We, the Tamil People of Sri Lanka are a distinct People in terms of relevant International Conventions and Covenants. We as a People want to continue to live in our country in peaceful co-existence with others. MORE...
Deshapriya directs MPs to handover state owned vehicles
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has ordered the former Parliamentarians to handover all state owned vehicles with immediate effect. MORE...
Postal voting for parliamentary elections tomorrow
Police officers and teachers of state schools will be allowed to cast their postal ballot on August 3, the Election Department said. MORE...
UNP condemns ‘cowardly attack’ on supporters
The United National Party (UNP) today condemned the attack on a group of people engaged in Minister Ravi Karunanayake’s election campaign at Bloemendhal Road, Colombo. MORE..
Shots fired at Ravi’s supporters; 1 dead and 11 injured
(UPDATE) One person has been confirmed dead while at least 13 supporters of UNP Colombo District candidate Ravi Karunanayake have been hospitalised with injuries following a shooting incident at Bloemendhal Road, Colombo. MORE..
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...
TNA reiterates self determination, North-East re-merger
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a coalition of four parties in Sri Lanka, on Saturday reiterated its adherence to the right to self determination for Tamils and the re-merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces under federal structure. MORE..
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..
Chinese company rejects reports of funding Sri Lankan politicians
The China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC) on Thursday rejected reports that it had offered financial assistance to any politician during Sri Lanka’s January presidential elections. MORE...
2015 General Election: 566,823 eligible for postal voting
A total of 566,823 voters are eligible to cast postal votes at the forthcoming General Election. Additional Elections Commissioner M.M. Mohamed stated that 628,925 persons had applied for postal voting and that 62,102 applications were rejected. 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..
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..
EU election observers commence their activities
“It is a great pleasure to be here in Sri Lenka and lead the European Union Election Observation Mission to this country,” Cristian Preda, a Romanian member of the European Parliament said today (21). MORE...
Over 200 election violations reported: PAFFREL
Over 200 cases of election violations have been reported from several parts of Sri Lanka and over 60 people have been arrested in such violations, local election observers said. MORE...
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..
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..
EU observers confirmed for General Election
Following an invitation from the Sri Lanka authorities, the European Union has today started the deployment of an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka to observe the Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 17 August 2015. MORE...
Postal voting applications: deadline falls at midnight
The time period allocated for accepting applications from individuals eligible to cast postal votes at the parliamentary election, is scheduled to end at midnight today (14). MORE..
Filing of nominations concludes today
Accepting of nominations for the General Election will be concluded today (06) at 12. 00 p.m. the Elections Department said. MORE...
Special traffic plan in Rajagiriya tomorrow
A special traffic plan will be implemented tomorrow (13) in and around Rajagiriya 7.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. while nominations for the forthcoming General Election are accepted, the Department of Police said. 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..
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..
I will quit politics if Mahinda gets a vote more than me – Sujeewa
Former Deputy Minister of Justice Sujeewa Senasinghe today vowed to leave politics forever, if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa obtains even a single vote more than him at the forthcoming General Election. 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..
Court summons Prasanna Ranatunga
The Chief Minister of the Western Province Prasanna Ranatunga has been summoned to appear before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on July 14, in connection with a case filed against him, police said. MORE..
Ex-LTTE cadres to contest as independent group
Former cadres of LTTE have decided to contest the Sri Lankan parliament elections as an independent group after the main Tamil party TNA refused to field them in the August 17 polls. MORE..
Chilaw Mayor Fernando extends support to UNP
The Chilaw Mayor, Hilary Prasanna Fernando, on Thursday (09) said that he will extend his support to the United National Party at the forthcoming General Election. MORE...
Election deposits made by 85 independent groups, 2 parties
A total of 85 independent groups and 2 political parties have made their deposits for the General Election as of last evening. MORE..
Postal voting on August 5-6, Teachers could vote on Aug 3
Postal voting for the upcoming General Election to be held on August 17 will take place on August 5-6, Assistant Elections Commissioner told Ada Derana. He added that Teachers could cast their postal votes on August 3. MORE..
If UPFA nomination foils; Mahinda prepared to contest through ‘budding flower’
In case former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is unable to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA due to a breakdown in the Mahinda-Maithri collaboration, Rajapaksa is scheduled to contest under the Our Sri Lanka Freedom Front (Ape Sri Lanka Nidahas Peramuna) with the symbol of a budding flower. MORE...
Gayantha says UNP confident in election win
As the United National Party (UNP) is about to contest separately at the General Election, it does not matter to whom the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) grant nominations to, Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka asserted. MORE...
Acceptance of nominations for election from tomorrow
The Elections Department says that nominations for the 2015 General Election will be accepted from July 06 to 15. The Department is making preparations to hold the General Elections on August 17. MORE...
SLMC still undecided on contesting with UNP
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) says that it has still not taken a final decision regarding contesting the forthcoming election with the United National Party (UNP). MORE..
Former LTTE militants to contest polls as ‘Crusaders For Democracy’
Former militants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and their supporters have decided to form a political party named “Crusaders for Democracy” and seek tickets from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to contest the August 17 Sri Lankan parliamentary elections. MORE..
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..
School term and holiday dates revised
The Ministry of Education today announced that the dates of the school term holiday have been amended due to the General Election and the revision of the timetable of the 2015 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination. MORE..
I invite the former President to contest for the prime ministerial post at the forth coming general election in next August, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said. MORE...
Sri Lanka to invite foreign observers for parliamentary polls
Sri Lanka will invite foreign observers for the parliamentary elections due to take place on August 17, election monitors said on Saturday. MORE..
The Department of Examinations today announced that the dates for the 2015 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination have been revised due to the General Election being held on August 17. Click to View Timetable..
Dates announced for submitting postal voting applications
The Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya says that applications for postal voting at the upcoming General Election will be received from July 03 to 14, 2015.
Election likely to affect A/L exam dates
With the announcing of the General Election to be held on August 17, it has been reported that certain changes are likely to be made to the timetable of the 2015 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, which was scheduled to be held in the same month. MORE..
2015 General Election to be held on August 17
The Government Printer says that the General Election for a new Parliament is to be held on August 17, 2015. MORE..
Parliament dissolved - sources
The Parliament of Sri Lanka has been dissolved with effect from midnight today (June 26) by President Maithripala Sirisena, Government sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
Elections Commissioner ready to retire, but has to wait
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, who has reached the age of retirement, says that he will continue to function in his post until the Elections Commission is established in line with the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. MORE..
Enjoining order issued against GMOA election
The Mount Lavinia District Court today issued an enjoining order restraining holding the election of the Government Medical Officers’ Association, which was slated to take place on Saturday (June 27). 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..
UNP to contest General Election alone
The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has decided that the party will contest the upcoming General Election alone and to give party leader PM Ranil Wickremesinghe powers to make appointments to the nominations board. MORE..
Special facilities for the disabled voters
The Government has taken steps to introduce a system which will ensure that all differently abled citizens can cast their vote at elections, Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said. 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..
Gammanpila files complaint against President, PM
Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya WPC member Udaya Gammanpila today lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission against President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE..
SLC election in January 2016 - Sports Minister
The elections for the Sri Lanka Cricket Board will be held prior to January 2016, says Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake. MORE..
General Election before LG polls; LG bodies to come under special commissioner
Local Government bodies will come under the supervision of a special commissioner after their automatic dissolution on May 15, President Maithripala Sirisena said. He added that he intends to hold the General Election prior to the Local Government Polls. MORE..
Cameron claims absolute majority in UK Parliament
Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party swept Friday to an unexpectedly strong election victory, making big gains at the expense of rivals in a vote that reshapes the political landscape. 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..
Dual citizens cannot contest Parliamentary Polls – govt
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ajith P. Perera says that according to provisions included in the 19th amendment to the constitution, Sri Lankan nationals who possess dual citizenships are not permitted to contest in the General Election. MORE..
19A to be presented on April 20; Parliament dissolved after
President Maithripala Sirisena says that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be presented to Parliament on the 20th of April and that Parliament will be dissolved once the 19th Amendment is passed. MORE..
I am always available if SLC needs me – Jayasuriya
Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya, who resigned as Sri Lanka’s chief cricket selector, said he was bowing out to give the new SLC management an opportunity to appoint a new selection panel but did not rule out a comeback. MORE..
Sanath Jayasuriya resigns as Sri Lanka’s chief selector
Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee, Sanath Jayasuriya says that he has resigned from his post. MORE..
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..
Ex-Elections Chief Chandrananda de Silva passes away
Former Commissioner of Elections and diplomat Chandrananda de Silva has passed away this morning at the age of 78. MORE..
UNP decides to go for General Election after April 23
The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has decided to go for a General Election after April 23, as promised to the public during the Presidential polls campaign, the Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka said. MORE..
General election to be held after new electoral reforms
The Cabinet has decided to hold the next General Election only after constitutional changes take place for new electoral reforms, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. MORE...
VIDEO: No intention of staying as Opposition Leader for long – Nimal
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva says that it is not important who will be appointed as the Prime Minister and that what is important is that a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) government is formed. MORE..
SC issues stay order on Pudukuduirippu, Maritimepattu polls
The Supreme Court today issued a stay order preventing the holding of elections for Maritimepattu and Pudukuduirippu Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Mullaittivu District until March 27. MORE..
Fonseka files petition to get back lost seat
Democratic Party (DP) leader General Sarath Fonseka on Wednesday (25) filed a petition at the Court of Appeal seeking an order to reclaim his lost Parliamentary seat and revoke the appointment of Parliamentarian Jayantha Ketagoda. MORE...
Ten high-ranking army officers reinstated
Ten high-ranking army officers including a Major General, who were sent on compulsory leave following the 2010 Presidential Election, have been reinstated, a spokesman said. MORE..
Gazette notice on Pudukuduirippu and Maritimepattu polls today
The Government will issue a gazette notification with respect to the polls for Maritimepattu and Pudukuduirippu Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Mullaittivu District, today. MORE...
Transfer of 10,000 police officers postponed to May
The transfer of nearly 10,000 police officers scheduled for February 01 has been postponed to May 01. Police Headquarters, in a communiqué, said that the transfer orders will come into effect from May 01, 2015. MORE..
Jayasinghe Bandara, who received the 5th highest number of preference votes for the UPFA from the Polonnaruwa District at the 2010 General Election, was sworn in as a Parliamentarian filling the Parliamentary seat vacated by President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
Former President denies military coup attempt allegations
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has denied allegations leveled at him that he had attempted to stage a military coup in the early hours of the 9 January to remain in power even after the Presidential elections. MORE...