Cabinet to focus on TNA leader’s house allocation

The Public Administration Ministry is planning to submit a note to the Cabinet seeking clarification on action regarding the allocation of a government house by the former government for the lifetime use of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan, an official said yesterday.

Appointment cancelled on a Presidential directive

An appointment that has been given against the decision taken by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa not to appoint persons charged with allegations of corruption has been canceled.

Three x-ray machines left unused for five years at Apeksha Hospital

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi has found that three imported x-ray machines placed at the Apeksha Hospital at Maharagama had not been even opened for the past five years, hospital sources said.

Navy strengthens surveillance to nab illegal migrants

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) said today that it has strengthened its surveillance operations to nab illegal migrants with the support of the Sri Lanka Air force (SLA) and the Australia’s Operations Sovereign Borders (AOSB).

Govt. will not blindly sign MCC: State Finance Minister

The government will not sign the MCC agreement as it is but will see the possibility of signing it if the four member expert committee recommends amendments to ensure the agreement does not pose any threat to the national security and the economy, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.

Training opportunities available to SL security personnel: Iran

The Defence Ministry said that Iran had apprised Sri Lanka about training opportunities that could be offered to Sri Lankan Police and Armed Forces personnel in Iran.

Moragahakanda dam leakage; don’t panic, say engineers

Referring to the leakage, which had occurred in the main dam of the Moragahakanda reservoir, Project Engineer P.B. Wijerathna asked the general public not to panic over the situation.

Gayantha named Chief Opposition Whip

The UNF parliamentary group today decided to name former Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunatilleke as the new Chief Opposition Whip while MPs Ajith P. Perera, Ranjith Aluvihare and J. C. Alawathuwala were named as his deputies.

Dinesh nominated as Leader of the House, Johnston Chief Govt. Whip

The government parliamentary group which met today has nominated Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardane as the Leader of the House.

UGC Chairman Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga

The Vice-Chancellor of the Sri Jayewardenepura University, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga has been appointed as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Decision to lease Colombo land should be withdrawn: JVP

While criticizing the government move to lease a plot of three-acre land in Colombo to Singapore’s Perennial Real Estate for US$ 43 million, JVP MP Vijitha Herath said yesterday the decision should be withdrawn as it was against its mandate.

Taiwan’s top military official, 7 others die in Helicopter crash

The helicopter was carrying military personnel to an event in northeastern Taiwan when it went down on a wooded mountainside.

Modi greets SL leaders

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended New Year greeting to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, a statement said.

AASL look at resuming int’l flights via MRIA

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) was looking at resuming international flights through the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), AASL Chairman Major General (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri said.

Shavendra Silva assumes duties as acting CDS

Army Commander Shavendra Silva assumed duties as Acting Chief of Defence Staff a short while ago.

Man shot dead in Ragama

A man was shot dead by an unidentified gunman at Kandaliyadda Paluwa in Ragama last night, police said.

Grace period extended by a fortnight for diplomats

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the grace period granted for High Commissioners and Ambassadors – who were politically-appointed during the last regime – has been extended by two weeks.

New Police Media Director appointed

SP Jaliya Senaratne yesterday assumed duties as the new Police Media Director, the police media division said.

One Chairman to manage a cluster of institutions

Instead of appointing separate chairmen for related state institutions, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to place them under the purview of a single Head for better coordination of work and cost reduction, an official said yesterday.

President to visit China this month

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will pay an official visit to China this month, his second overseas visit since assuming office in November, a government source told Daily Mirror yesterday.

UNP hints at Sajith spearheading party

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe might step down from party leadership to be succeeded by former deputy leader Sajith Premadasa, MP Ajith P. Perera said.

Blaring music banned in buses from Jan 15

Transport Minister Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday requested all bus drivers to stop irritating music and videos from being played in passenger buses from January 15.

(Rtd.) Maj.Gen. Sumedha Perera the new CDS?

Retired Major General Sumedha Perera tipped to be appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) soon, after amending the CDS Act, informed sources said.

Serious fuel price hike in May: Vajira Abeywardena

In addition to severe difficulties which are being faced by the public, they may have to face a serious fuel price hike around the month of May, former UNP Minister Vajira Abeywardena said.

Prices of veggie, fish soar

The supply disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions has resulted in the wholesale and retail prices of several varieties of commonly used vegetables increasing, economic centres said.

UNF Parliamentary group to meet tomorrow

UNF Parliamentary group will meet at 3.00 pm at Parliamentary complex tomorrow.

Lawyers seek to remove Rajitha’s travel ban

Attorneys representing MP Rajitha Senaratne today informed Daily Mirror that they will seek to remove the travel ban imposed on the former minister.

Two thirds majority to seal presidential poll victory deal: SLPP

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today said its new year resolution and ambition is to win the general election with a two thirds majority to fully capitalize on the presidential election victory.

Leakage in Moragahakanda dam

A leakage has reportedly occurred in the main dam of the Moragahakanda reservoir, which began to appear at a point on upper part of the dam with water level of the reservoir reaching maximum capacity.

Army Chief urges troops kept ready to face any threat

Army Commander Shavendra Silva today urged the troops to be ready to face any internal or external threats.