President Mahinda Rajapaksa has dissolved Parliament and the gazette notification to this effect has been sent to the government printer, Presidential spokesman Lucien Rajakarunanayake told Daily Mirror Online.

The Sri Lankan government today reiterated that it will not adhere to a set of regulation put forward by the European Union (EU) in order to safeguard the GSP plus facility but at the same time will engage in bilateral relations with Brussels.

The international Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been approached by the family of General Sarath Fonseka to find out where he is being held and establish contact with him, ICRC spokesperson Sarasi Wijeratna told Daily Mirror online.

The Human Rights Commission (HRC), in a 50-page report, claimed that police torture of those in custody had not changed despite pressure and a large number of Supreme Court rulings on the violation of fundamental rights.

Several opposition sponsored protests are to take place at key towns around the country tomorrow against the arrest of General Sarath Fonseka. UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya said that the opposition will also brief the international community regarding the arrest.

General Sarath Fonseka was arrested under the Military Act 57 (1) where even a retired army officer can be taken into custody if he had divulged military secrets or acted against the government while serving in the army, the government said today...VIDEO

Namal Rajapaksa, son of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, handed over his application papers to the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) a short while ago to contest the upcoming general elections from the Hambantota district...VIDEO

Concerns were raised by the international community today over the arrest of General Sarath Fonseka with the United States fearing it would worsen divisions as the island recovers from war and the UN appealing to both sides to show restraint.

General Sarath Fonseka who was arrested late this evening will be Court Martialled for the military crimes he has committed, Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hullugala told state television a short while ago.

Former army Chief and opposition Presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka and his media secretary Senaka de Silva were arrested by the military police a short while ago, opposition Member of Parliament Mano Ganeshan told Daily Mirror online.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a three-day state visit to Russia met the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow this evening. Meanwhile Russia and Sri Lanka also signed a $300 million loan agreement.

A British court has jailed two arms dealers from west London who traded military weapons to countries including Sri Lanka without a UK license. Both men were jailed for for trading bombs and ammunition to the Sri Lankan Army in 2005 and 2006.