SLFP ready to support Sajith, if he accepts Premiership: Dayasiri

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) was ready to support if Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was willing to accept the Premiership and form a government, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said today.

MR evacuated to Trincomalee Naval Base: Defence Secy.

Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said that former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was evacuated to the Trincomalee Naval Base for security reasons following the tense situation outside the Temple Trees.

Fuel distribution to resume after 2.00 pm today: CPSTL

Fuel distribution will commence today after 2.00 pm soon after receiving the confirmation from the security authorities, a Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) official said.

Prez urges all to reject moves to push people towards racial disharmony

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has urged all Sri Lankans to reject the subversive attempts to push people towards racial and religious disharmony.

Stern action against those involved in violent acts: Def. Sec.

Stern actions would be taken against all those involved in violent acts such as vandalism and arson after May 9 irrespective of party politics, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said today.

Sajith willing to be PM if President resigns

Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa is willing to take over the premiership if President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns from his post, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said today.

NPP ready to form interim Govt. if other parties support them: Anura

The National People’s Power was ready to take the responsibility of resolving the current political instability and anarchy in the country by forming an interim government for a period of six months if the other parties were willing to support them, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissnayake said.

2021 (2022) O/L exam will go ahead as scheduled

Condemning the rumours spreading on social media, the Examinations Department today said that there is no change in the dates for the scheduled 2021 (2022) GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination.

India denies reports on sending Indian troops to SL

India today ‘categorically’ denied speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka.

US concerned on military deployment in Sri Lanka

While calling for a full investigation into the attacks on peaceful protestors in Colombo, the US State Department has expressed its concern over the deployment of the military in Sri Lanka.

Attack on ’Mainagogama’, ‘GotaGoGama’ protesters: CID quiz MR’s security head, Kollupitiya OIC

Director in charge of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security Unit and the OIC of the Kollupitiya Police had been summoned to the CID to record statements in connection with attacks on unarmed ‘MinaGoGama’ and ‘GotaGoGama’ protesters on Monday.

EU condemns ‘vicious’ attack on peaceful protestors

The European Union (EU) condemns the recent vicious attack against peaceful protestors in Colombo, which triggered further violence after a month of peaceful demonstrations had shown, despite some isolated incidents, that Sri Lankans are able to exercise peacefully their right to freedom of expression.

Special party leaders’ meeting today

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane has decided to convene a special party leades’ meeting virtually at 3.00 pm today, Speaker’s office said.

’We always stand for peace’ - Priests

The two Christian priests who were injured after being attacked by goons at Minagogama, near Temple Trees, have been discharged from the CNH last evening with no major injuries sustained.

Joint chambers urge Prez to appoint interim Prime Minister, Cabinet and then resign

Joint Chambers along with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka yesterday called upon President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to take immediate steps to appoint a competent person as the interim Prime Minister and a small Cabinet of Ministers in consultation with the Prime Minister acceptable to all leading political parties represented in parliament.

If riots continue, medicine shortage could increase: GMOA

If the current violent situation continues, it would lead to an increase in the number of patient admissions to hospitals that would worsen the medicines and drugs shortage which is already evident, the Government Medical Officer’s Association (GMOA) said.

IMF says technical talks will continue as planned until new govt. is formed

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today said it would continue technical level discussions with Sri Lanka to be prepared for policy discussions when a new government is formed.

No politicians or their families fled to India: Indian HC

The Indian High Commission in Colombo today denied several reports circulating in social media that certain political persons and their families have fled to India. .

Four injured in Negombo clash: Residents claimed some group attempted to initiate communal clash

A gang of mobs who broke into the Mahahunupitiya area in Negombo this evening attacked a group of residents of the area with sharp weapons and set fire to several vehicles, Police said.

Army Chief refutes Duminda Nagamuwa’s allegations

Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva denied a statement made by Duminda Nagamuwa of the Frontline Socialist Party saying that the Armed Forces are poised to shoot at the general public to provoke them.

No trains until further notice: GMR

Train services have been suspended until further notice, the Railways General Manager (GMR) announced today.

No countrywide blackout from CEB strike

The countrywide strike launched by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) United Trade Union Alliance on Monday (9) night will continue until tomorrow evening, Trade Union Alliance Convener, Ranjan Jayalal said.

Curfew extended until Thursday 7.00am

Islandwide curfew currently in place will continue untill Thursday 12th 7.00 a.m.

Monday’s riots: Eight die, 88 vehicles and over 100 houses gutted

Police said violence throughout the island on Monday has resulted in eight deaths and number of arson attacks on houses and properties.

Defence Ministry gives shooting orders to tri-forces

The Ministry of Defense said that the tri forces have been ordered to shoot all those who plunder public property or cause personal harm.

Prez appeals people to stop violence against citizens

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appealed and urged people to remain calm and stop violence and acts of revenge against citizens, irrespective of political affiliations.

Bachelet urges restraint, and pathway to dialogue in SL

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday called on the authorities in Sri Lanka to prevent further violence, and urged restraint and meaningful dialogue to address the grievances of the population amid the severe economic crisis in the country.

Immigration officers to abstain from duty if no action by govt to restore normalcy

The staff members of the department of Immigration and Emigration are to abstain from duty if no action by govt. to restore law and order.

SJB to take over Govt. if President quits

Samagi Jana Balawegyaya (SJB) Parliamentarians today decided that it would take over the government, provided President Gotabaya Rajapaksa steps down from his post.

WP Senior DIG Thennakoon assaulted

A group has attacked Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon this afternoon in Colombo. L