April 19, 2024 2:40 pm
Results: 166
PM to leave for Switzerland tomorrow
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to leave Sri Lanka tomorrow for the World Economic Forum that will be held in Davos-klosters, Switzerland from January 20 to 23. MORE...
PM vows to continue development projects
UPDATE: The new government has taken every possible effort to resolve issues with respect to allegations of human rights violations, the Prime Minister says. MORE...
Port City can resume tomorrow if Chinese firm agrees to leasehold - Ravi
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that the Sri Lankan government is prepared give the go-ahead for the Colombo Port City project to resume even tomorrow, if the Chinese company agrees to begin the US$1.4 billion project on a 99-year lease. MORE.
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..
Govt will not sign CEPA with India - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe informed Parliament today that the government will not sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India but will enter into an Economic/Technical pact with the neighboring country. MORE..
No foreign naval bases on SL soil: PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Lanka will not allow other countries to set up naval bases in its territory. MORE...
Govt to publish biographical book on Sobitha Thero
The government today said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to print a book which will include the biography of Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero and the services rendered by him to the country. MORE..
Deepavali signifies a moment of light overcoming darkness: PM
Deepavali renews hope in our hearts towards the engagement of the human spirit in overcoming evil with the goodness that exist among mankind, the Prime Minister said in his Deepavali Message. MORE...
UN resolution, Udalagama & Paranagama Commission reports tabled in Parliament
The resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council as well as the Udalagma and Paranagama Commission Reports were tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe a short while ago.
Sri Lanka to allow Chinese submarines to visit, inform neighbours
Sri Lanka will allow future submarine visits by China provided they are not too frequent, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said underlining that the mistrust with India in the past could have been avoided if it had been kept in the picture about the dockings. MORE...
Prime Minister to visit Singapore today
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Singapore today (15) on a two day official tour, the Government Information Department announced. MORE...
Talks on with Tamil parties: Ranil
The Sri Lankan government has begun “informal discussions” with the Tamil National Alliance and other parties on a political solution to the ethnic conflict, according to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE...
Sri Lanka again asks NTPC to shift power plant location: Report
Sri Lanka has reportedly asked India to change the location of a stalled US$500 million power project to be built by NTPC Ltd, the India Info Line news agency reported today. This is the second time that Sri Lanka has made the request for change of location for this project. The first was in 2007. MORE...
Japan promises PM infrastructure, maritime aid
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged aid to Sri Lanka on Tuesday in a meeting with his counterpart, Ranil Wickremsinghe, and reiterated a promise to help Sri Lanka bolster its maritime security and to provide patrol ships. MORE...
Prime Minister to address the Japanese Parliament tomorrow
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasingh who is on an official visit to Japan was received by Sri Lanka Ambassador in Japan Professor Dhammika Ganganath Dissanayake at the Kansai Airport. 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..
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..
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..
Everyone agrees that we should find out the truth – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the only issue that cropped up during discussions on the UN resolution was whether Sri Lanka’s judiciary is sufficiently strong enough for a domestic mechanism and not about the country’s armed forces. 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..
India refloats plan for lanka port
With a friendlier government now at the helm in Colombo, India has revived its plan to develop a port in Sri Lanka, hoping to catch up with the Chinese, the New India Express news agency reported today. MORE...
Discussing shape of domestic mechanism, not hybrid - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that a host of steps including the passing of a new constitution should be followed in order to ensure the non- recurrence of past mistakes. MORE..
Parliament approves civil society representitives of CC
The Parliament today approved the 3 names nominated to represent the civil society in the Constitutional Council (CC). MORE..
$5.19 billion road project to begin by October
Keen on fostering ties with neighbours, India is set to engage in high-level talks with Sri Lanka by October for an ambitious $5.19 billion road project to connect both the nations through a sea-bridge and an underwater tunnel, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. MORE...
No discussions on CEPA: says PM, President
The President and the Prime Minister have yet again assured that discussions on a trade agreement entitled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was not held during PM’s visit to India earlier this week. MORE..
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi invited to Sri Lanka by PM
In a significant development that could bring Congress role into India’s neighbourhood diplomacy, party president Sonia Gandhi and her son and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi have been invited to Sri Lanka by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. MORE..
PM Wickremasinghe meets Indian President
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan a short while ago. MORE...
Looking at power sharing and devolution within a unity state: PM
“We are looking at how power sharing and devolution take place within the Constitution, with in a unity state,” Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe says. MORE...
Modi confident Sri Lanka will achieve genuine reconciliation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will achieve genuine reconciliation and development with the wisdom and will of the leadership and the support of the people.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in Delhi a short while ago. MORE..
Modi must press for international probe: Ramadoss
Indian MP and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stress on his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe for an international judicial probe into the alleged war crimes in the island nation during the final stages of the civil war. MORE...
PM begins three-day visit to India
On the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe left for an official visit to India from September 14 to 16. MORE...
Sri Lanka to release 16 Indian fishermen ahead of PM’s visit
Sri Lanka today said it will release 16 Indian fishermen, arrested recently for allegedly poaching in its waters, in a “goodwill gesture” ahead of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India, his first foreign trip after winning last month’s polls. MORE...
President Sirisena reveals secrets behind January polls
President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday (6) revealed that he was alerted by his security not to attend the last election rally held in Maradana prior the presidential polls in January. MORE...
UNP celebrates 69th anniversary today
The 69th anniversary of the United National Party (UNP) is currently being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe at the party headquarters in Sirikotha. MORE...
Committee to decide on heads for public institutions - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today stated that a “common committee” will be appointed by himself and the Prime Minister to ensure that the most suitable individuals are selected for the top posts in government institutions. MORE..
(UPDATED) The swearing in ceremony of the new Cabinet of the National Government commenced at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. MORE..
Don’t act like monkeys, says PM
The decision on the opposition leader post sparked uproar in parliament when Colombo district MP Wimal Weerawansa this morning (3) questioned the government on the validity of the new appointment. MORE...
New Parliament convenes tomorrow
The first sitting of the Eighth Parliament will be held tomorrow (1) from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
Biswal meets President Sirisena
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (25) evening. She was accompanied by the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski. MORE...
Nisha Biswal arrives in Sri Lanka
The United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (25). MORE...
Three Cabinet Ministers take oath
Three Cabinet Ministers took oath before the President a short while ago. Mangala Samaraweera took oath as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Minister of Justice and D. M. Swaminathan as Minister of Rehabilitation. MORE...
New Ministers likely to take oath tomorrow
The swearing-in ceremony of the new Ministers will likely be held tomorrow (25), a source said. The oath ceremony will be held before President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe at the President Secretariat Office. MORE...
No legal basis for international investigation within Sri Lanka; it has to be domestic - PM
There is no legal basis for international investigation within Sri Lanka; it has to be domestic, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said in an interview to the Hindu. The reason some of the people have been calling for international investigation is the loss of confidence in the judiciary, he added. MORE...
Nisha Biswal to arrive here next week
The United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal is due to arrive in Sri Lanka next week, the Government sources said. MORE....
Chinese premier congratulates new PM
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sent a congratulatory message to Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was sworn in as prime minister of Sri Lanka, the Xinhua news agency reproted.
UN chief urges Ranil to seize opportunity
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election and commended his message of good governance and national unity. 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..
India should take efforts to solve Lankan Tamils problem: CPI
The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday said that the Centre should take efforts to find a solution to the problems of Tamil population in Sri Lanka, considering the changed political equation in that country. MORE..
Singapore leaders congratulate Ranil
Leaders of Singapore on Friday (Aug 21) sent congratulatory letters to Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has been re-elected for another term. MORE..
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe on being sworn-in as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister. MORE..
Sri Lankan refugees guarded in reaction to Sri Lankan poll results
The Sri Lankan Tamils at the Mandapam camp reacted to the election of United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister with cautious optimism. MORE..
DMK hopes for permanent solution to Tamils’ issues
DMK President M Karunanidhi today congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe for his victory in the Sri Lanka parliamentary elections and hoped the Tamil National Alliance win in North and East provinces would give rise to a situation for a permanent solution to travails of Tamils. MORE..
Ranil to hold discussions to establish a national plan
Discussions will be held with the party leaders and the President to reach an agreement on current matters and future party leadership matters in a bid to create a national plan, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said. MORE...
PM Modi congratulates Ranil Wickremesinghe on poll win
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up Ranil Wickremesinghe to congratulate him on his party’s victory in Sri Lankan parliamentary polls, and expressed confidence that the relations between the two countries will get better under his leadership. 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..
Public is ready, but are politicians? - Nalaka Thero
The people are prepared to represent the country and cast their votes, but the problem is whether the politicians are ready, says Venerable Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero. MORE..
EXCLUSIVE: UNP leadership not my personal property - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that accusations of dividing the country and imposing taxes on water are last-ditch efforts by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to sling mud at the UNP and assured that the people will not be deceived by them. MORE...
Derana 360 program with Ranil today
Watch 360 program tonight (11) at 10.30 p.m. featuring Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Derana TV and Ada Derana 24x7 on Dialog TV. MORE...
UNP vows to combat violence against women
Under a new government, the United National Party (UNP) will appoint two commissions to combat violence against women, the Prime Minister said. MORE...
Economy has flourished every time UNP was in power - Karu
Minister Karu Jayasuriya says that the decision of the voters at the coming parliamentary election will determine the destiny of the country and future of the people, and therefore urged voters to act prudently and identify the need of the hour. MORE..
Good governance has become underworld governance - Susil
The UPFA today charged that with the escalating crime wave in the country and the increasing election-related violence being unleashed by UNP candidates, good governance has turned into “underworld governance”. MORE..
Rajapaksa wants govt to probe Lasantha, Eknaligoda cases
Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has vowed to win an outright majority in parliamentary elections due on 17 August. MORE..
CID pursuing top military officers - Nalaka Thero
Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero says that presently the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is chasing after high-ranking military officers who helped save the country and that the Defence Secretary is aware of it. MORE..
Ranil vows to probe CB bond issue
The Government says that another select committee will be appointed to probe the controversial Central Bank bond issue when the new Parliament convenes. MORE...
Rs. 50 billion fraud in Kandy- Colombo expressway project, says Dilan
The Prime Minister has siphoned off over Rs. 50 billion though a new cabinet paper put forward by him with respect to the Kandy- Colombo expressway project, former Minister Dilan Perera charged. MORE...
Swaminathan conveys condolences over death of Abdul Kalam
The Special Envoy of the President, Minister D.M. Swaminathan paid his last respects to the late former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the State Funeral which was held in Rameshwaran on Thursday, the foreign ministry said. MORE..
Chamath Palihapitiya helped Sri Lanka get Google’s Internet balloons
The entire island country of Sri Lanka could soon get free Internet beamed down from Google Loon balloons, and it might not have happened without one of the co-owners of the Golden State Warriors. MORE..
Ranil wants all to live as kings and no ‘royal family’
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that he wants to make every citizen of the country live like kings and not just establish a ‘royal family’. MORE..
The United National Front for Good Governance, a coalition led by the UNP, today released its election manifesto titled “A New Country in 60 Months: Five Point Plan,” underlining the policy of the party for the next five years. Click to Read...
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..
I was against giving nominations to MR, says the President
I was of the view that nominations should not be given to the former President to contest under the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket at the forthcoming General Election, President Maithripala Sirisena said today (14). MORE...
Ranil wants Maithri to stay away from election?
President and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) chairperson Maithripala Sirisena, who has received flak recently from certain sections for reportedly clearing the nomination of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the parliamentary elections, is going to stay away from the polls, the Hindu Newspaper reported. MORE...
Ranil promises devolution of power to provinces
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has promised power devolution to the island’s provinces as part of the reconciliation process with the minority Tamils ahead of the August 17 parliamentary election, the PTI reproted. 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..
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...
No decision to withdraw army camps from north, east, says PM
(VIDEO) The Sri Lankan Government has not made any decision to withdraw military camps from war-torn north and east provinces of the country, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament today. 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..
Opposition Leader slams UNP’s “dual policy”
Sri Lanka’s Opposition today said that they will seek to debate the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament, in the third week of July. MORE..
PM orders halt to forceful evictions, land acquisitions in Colombo
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to immediately stop land acquisition activities “in the guise of development” in the Colombo District and to stop forceful evictions and acquisitions. MORE..
We will survive no-confidence vote - Ravi
Sri Lanka’s finance minister has defended the pace of the country’s economic recovery, as a bruising vote of no confidence in the government looms. MORE...
No-confidence motion against PM a ‘senseless act’ - Wijedasa
Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa says that the President intends to dissolve Parliament after the constitutional amendment bill to change the electoral system is submitted. 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..
No-confidence Motion against PM handed over to Speaker
The motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been handed over to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa last night, UPFA Parliamentarian Bandula Gunawardena said. MORE..
Over 100 MPs signed no-confidence motion against PM - Wimal
National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa says that the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be submitted today. MORE..
Unfair to question CB governor’s citizenship – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that it is unfair to question the citizenship of Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran. MORE..
Only people can take me away from PM post: Ranil
“Only the people can take me away from the Prime Ministerial post,” Prime Minster Ranil Wickramasinghe has said. MORE...
South African delegation meets Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora in UK
A South African delegation has met with Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora organisations with a view to bringing a sense of normalcy to the North-East part of the island and exchange views on how they could contribute towards the peace and reconciliation process. MORE..
Ministers who quit also follow wrong astrologers – Harin
Uva Province Chief Minister Harin Fernando says that the recent resignation of four SLFP Ministers was a “planned game” and that he expects more will follow suit. MORE..
PM’s remark is a major blow to the independence of the judiciary: Silva
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe’s recent remark, concerning the order of the Supreme Court on the former Defence Secretary’s fundamental rights petition, is a major blow to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, Opposition Leader and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Nimal Siripala de Silva said today (17). MORE...
Gota’s FR: Ranil points to ‘defect’ in court order
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that a “defect” may exist with regard to the recent Supreme Court order, preventing the arrest of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, because such a stay order requires a minimum of three judges. 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..
PM ensures the independence of FCID
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Monday (11) said that the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), which came to effect in February through an extraordinary gazette notification, is only a functional division of the Police Department, which was established in response to the emerging trend of serious financial frauds. MORE...
Sri Lankan-origin candidate elected to UK Parliament
Ranil Jayawardena, Conservative Party candidate of Sri Lankan origin who was running for election in North East Hampshire, has been elected to the UK Parliament.
SC decides expulsion of Attanayake from parliamentary seat is invalid
The Supreme Court in a historic judgment on Tuesday (5) ruled that expulsion of former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake, from parliamentary seat is invalid as due process was not followed. MORE...
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..
Indian Origin Tamils aiming to double representation in Parliament
The Indian Origin Tamils (IOT), who are 4.16 per cent of the Sri Lankan population of 20.3 million, are aiming to double their representation in a reformed Sri Lankan parliament. 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..
Here’s a look at changes made to 19A
Sri Lanka’s parliament overwhelmingly passed reforms on Tuesday (April 28) reducing some of the president’s powers, in a move that did not go as far as President Maithripala Sirisena had promised but is nevertheless seen as a victory for the leader and his government. MORE..
Sirisena pitches for early Parliamentary elections
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has apparently decided to order early Parliamentary elections in the hope that it will yield a Legislature which will enable him to fulfill his poll promises, informed sources said. This is after he found the current Parliament to be a hard nut to crack. MORE...
Cabinet approves draft bills on Right to Information and National Audit
The draft bills on ‘Right to Information’ and ‘National Audit’ have been approved by the cabinet of ministers, Cabinet Spokesman Rajith Senaratne said. MORE..
SC ruling on 19A: Parliamentary debate on 21,22 April
All parties agreed to debate on Supreme Court approved sections of the 19th Amendment in Parliament on 21 and 22 April, General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), Minister Susil Premajayantha said. MORE...
Sri Lanka neither pro-India nor pro-China: Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has said Sri Lanka is neither pro-India nor pro-China. MORE...
PM offers worship at Guruvayur Temple
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, who left for India this morning, offered worship at the famous Lord Krishna Temple in Guruvayoor amid heavy security. MORE..
Ranil merely joked about shooting Indian fishermen - CBK
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe was joking when he made the comment about shooting Indian fishermen, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga said in an interview with DNA. MORE...
Mahinda Rajapaksa prepares for political comeback - report
Former president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa is planning to stand in parliamentary polls to launch an attempt to return to power, aides have said. MORE..
No room for any family to control country again – President
President Maithripala Sirisena says that with the proposed amendments to the Constitution, the government will not leave room in the future for any single family to control the country ever again. MORE..
Maha Nayake Thero was an erudite and scholarly monk - PM
The passing away of Aggamaha Panditha Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Maha Nayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter is the most saddening news to us Sri Lankans, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated in a condolence message. MORE...
19A modifications to avoid referendum
Following the Sri Lankan Supreme Court’s ruling on the 19th Constitutional Amendment (19A) on Thursday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that appropriate changes will be made in the draft to avoid going for a referendum. Click to read what clauses will be removed...
Power must be distributed – President
President Maithripala Sirisena says that he plans to announce details of a domestic probe into allegations of human rights violation during Sri Lanka’s long civil war by the end of June, just as the country heads into early general elections. MORE..
SC determines 19th Amendment consistent with Constitution
The Supreme Court has determined that the 19th Amendment is consistent with the constitution and that, however, certain sections require a referendum, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa informed Parliament today. MORE..
Risks of a failed peace appearing only now – Ranil
Winning a war or revolution, only to lose the subsequent peace, is one of the grim political truths of our time, says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. MORE..
New gov’t satisfied with progress achieved
The new Sri Lankan government said on Tuesday that it is happy with the progress achieved so far since it came to power following the Jan. 8 presidential elections. MORE...
Bhutan PM to visit SL on April 09
The Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay will visit Sri Lanka on Thursday (09) on a three-day visit, the Government Information Department said. MORE...
Sri Lanka’s borrowing soars ahead of parliamentary poll
Sri Lanka’s government borrowing has risen sharply since January, central bank data showed on Monday, due to populist policies adopted by the new government as it seeks to consolidate its grip on power at a parliamentary election. MORE...
10 arrested over attempt to burn Sirisena’s effigy
Indian police took into custody 10 persons belonging to the Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi in Kumbakonam on Friday who attempted to burn an effigy of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Sri Lankan fishermen welcome Ranil’s ‘shooting’ remarks
Fishermen of the Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province say they welcome Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe’s remarks that Indian fishermen may be shot if they intruded into Sri Lankan waters. MORE..
One thousand acres for Jaffna resettlement
An extent of 1,000 acres is to be released for the resettlement of the people in the Jaffna District by April and the Security Forces are exploring possibilities of releasing more land for resettlement in the district, the President Media Unit said on Monday (30). MORE...
Political settlement with Tamils must for stability: PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said a “political settlement” with the minority Tamil community is a prerequisite for a “stable and secure” country. MORE...
Special agent to monitor NP projects
A special agent will be appointed in order to supervise the activities and monitor the progress of projects in the Northern Province, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said on Sunday (29). MORE...
Won’t do anything that requires referendum – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe today expressed confidence that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be passed in Parliament with sufficient backing, despite objections voiced by certain parties including the JHU - a key partner of the government – and calls for a referendum. MORE..
Govt to establish National Unity office under CBK
The government is planning to establish an office of National Unity headed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to promote national unity in the country. MORE..
Rehearsal for a new political culture - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe says that the time has come to introduce a new political culture to the country and do away with the existing “expired” political system and culture. MORE..
19th Amendment tabled in Parliament
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which could see the amending of executive powers and restoration of independent commissions, was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe a short while ago. MORE..
19 member Sri Lankan team to attend Chennai fishermen talks
A 19-member Sri Lankan team, comprising 10 leaders of fishermen and nine officials, will be participating in the talks between the fishermen’s associations of Sri Lanka and India to be held in Chennai on March 24 and 25, officials said on Saturday. MORE..
Government grants approval to construct breakwater of Colombo Port City
Sri Lanka’s cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a breakwater for a Chinese funded port city project which had been suspended by the government earlier this month. MORE...
Select Committee to probe corrupt deals at the Stock Exchange
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Wednesday (18) informed the Parliament that a Select Committee will be appointed to probe corrupt deals said to have taken place at the Colombo Stock Exchange since 2010. MORE...
Concern in Indian Parliament over PM’s remarks
Members in Parliament today voiced concern over remarks of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe that his country’s navy has the right to shoot any “intruder”, prompting the government to express willingness for a debate on the issue. MORE...
China urges Sri Lanka to protect interests of investors
China on Tuesday urged Sri Lanka to protect the interests of Chinese investors and promote bilateral economic ties following the suspension of a China-funded port project in Colombo. MORE...
Livelihood programme for ex-LTTE cadres
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinhge has emphasized the necessity of introducing a livelihood programme to ensure permanent source of income for ex LTTE cadres. MORE...
Sri Lanka-China tensions rise over suspended port project
The Sri Lankan government’s decision to review, and in effect suspend, the $US1.4 billion, Chinese-backed Colombo Port City (CPC) project has strained relations between Beijing and Colombo. MORE...
We are going after Rajapaksa’s stolen assets: Mangala
The Sri Lankan government has asked India to help with its investigation against the former regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa for alleged corruption, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera told The Hindu. MORE..
Rajapaksa says RAW rallied opposition to his presidency
Claiming that the Research and Analysis Wing conspired with “Western agencies” CIA and MI-6 to rally the opposition led by President Maithripala Sirisena against his presidency, Sri Lanka’s former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he does not, however, believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the government was responsible. MORE..
Tamils in Canada urge Modi to pressure Sri Lanka
Welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo, a leading Tamil group in Canada - home to the largest Tamil diaspora outside Sri Lanka - has urged him to put pressure on new President Maithiripala Sirisena to resolve the dragging ethnic issue. MORE..
India to help Trincomalee become regional energy hub
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that the Indian government will extend visa on arrival facility to Sri Lankan nationals from 14 April this year. 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..
Supreme Court issues notice to PM
The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) issued a notice to Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe with respect to a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by former Health Minister and former General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Tissa Attanayake. MORE...
Government releases Tamil activists, but conspiring to arrest war heroes: NFF
Leader of New Left Front Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne said that former President’s brother and ex-Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa should be arrested if enough evidence exists in the floating armoury case. MORE...
Karunanidhi condemns Ranil Wickramasinghe’s remarks
Slamming Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe for his remarks that Indian fishermen may be shot if they intruded into Lankan waters, DMK on Monday said it “amounted to a slap” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s face ahead of his tour to the island nation. MORE...
China asks Sri Lanka to protect interests of investors
China has urged Sri Lanka to respect bilateral agreements and business contracts, and protect the interests of its investors following the suspension of a multi- billion-U.S. dollar project, the Chinese Embassy said on Saturday. 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..
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..
Modi free to visit any part of Sri Lanka - Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Friday that the Government of Sri Lanka and its people are eagerly looking forward to Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island-nation next week. MORE..
Colombo Port City project suspended
The cabinet has decided to suspend the Colombo Port City project temporarily, Cabinet Spokesman Rajith Senaratne said. 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...
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...
Public opinion survey is underway on 100-day programme: PM
The Government has launched a special survey to find out the opinion of the general public and to analyze the progress of the 100 days programme, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said in a statement today (1). MORE...
Malaysia eyes infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka
Malaysia has proposed to implement several infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka under a government-to-government understanding which, among others, include the Colombo City Monorail by Scomi International, oil pipeline, highways, and housing development. MORE..
Another call to re-call Mahinda
A group of opposition members are expected to meet former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and urge him to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections in the island country, an opposition member has told the Xinhua news agency. MORE...
James Packer deal had ‘nothing in it’ for Sri Lanka - Ranil
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has defended his government’s decision to withdraw licence approval and millions of dollars in tax breaks for James Packer’s now-scrapped $450 million Colombo Crown casino project, saying there was “nothing in it” for the country. MORE...
Sri Lanka says China port city broke rules
Sri Lanka’s prime minister said on Wednesday a $1.5 billion luxury real estate deal with China was signed without cabinet approval and without following procedures, and launched a new investigation to uncover any corruption. MORE...
I want entire Parliament to be a Govt – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe today said that he does not want to form a United National Party (UNP) government at the next General Election and that he desires for the entire Parliament to be a government. MORE..
Goverment to set up an Anti-Corruption Secretariat
The government today decided to set up a special Secretariat to investigate into large corruption and malpractices of the previous government, the official Government news portal said in a statement. MORE...
China official says Colombo Port City project going ahead
The China-funded port city project in Colombo was going ahead, a top Chinese official from the company executing it said Wednesday, days after the new Sri Lankan government claimed the deal was still being assessed. MORE..
Can’t call it “genocide” – Rajitha
Terming the resolution adopted in the Northern Provincial Council an “extremist position,” Health Minister and Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne says President Maithripala Sirisena had promised to initiate an internationally approved, domestic inquiry process. MORE..
Sri Lanka to strengthen ‘special friendship’ with China
Describing the bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka as a ‘special friendship,’ Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his desire to closely engage with the Chinese Government. MORE..
China welcomes decision to go ahead with Port City Project
China today welcomed new Sri Lankan government’s decision to go ahead with the controversial USD 1.5 billion Colombo Port City project funded by it, calling the country an important partner in implementing its mega Maritime Silk Road project in South Asia. MORE..
Tissa Attanayake gets relief from court
The Fort Magistrate’s Court today allowed Tissa Attanayake MP to attend Parliament sessions on 5, 6, and 7, February. MORE...
China, Sri Lanka traditionally friendly neighbours: Xi
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to his Sri Lanka counterpart Maithripala Sirisena to mark the 67th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. MORE..
Former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Tissa Attanayake has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), this afternoon, Police Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana said. MORE...
Parliament adjourned amid uproar over PM’s statement
The parliament adjourned its session for 20 minutes following uproar over a statement made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe pertaining to the impeachment of former Chief justice Shirani Bandaranaike. MORE..
Mini Budget before Parliament tomorrow
The mini budget will be presented by the Finance Minister in Parliament tomorrow (29) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is also due to make a brief statement on this. MORE...