Due process followed – SL to Swiss

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Friday (18) told Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis that due process has been adhered to at each step, in keeping with international norms respected by both countries regarding the investigations into the Sri Lankan employee of the Swiss Mission.

CID informs court: White van suspects acted on Rajitha’s instructions

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that the two persons who were arrested by the CID for making controversial statements regarding ‘white vans’ during a press conference have confessed to the CID that they had done so due to a request by former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne.

Champika remanded until tomorrow

Former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who was arrested by the CCD in connection with a road accident in 2016, has been remanded until tomorrow (19) by the Colombo Magistrate Court.

Sajith says will only act on people’s will

New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday said he is willing to give up politics if the party members want him to do so but willing to lead the general election campaign under a broad alliance if that is also what people want him to do.

Work with unity to put party on right track: Ranil

Those who are waiting to take over the leadership of the UNP should be prepared to work in unity, Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

Champika arrested over Road accident

Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) a short while ago.

Grade five scholarship exam: Cut-off marks released

The Examinations Department today released the cut-off marks for the enrolment of students into grade six next year, based on the grade five scholarship examination held in 2019.

Rathana Thera urges govt. to expedite probe on Hisbullah

While claiming that no action had been taken on the complaint made to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) against Batticaloa Campus Chairman M.A.L.M. Hisbullah, Parliamentarian Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera today urged the government to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter.

Colombage appointed Additional Secretary to President for Foreign Relations

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage to the post of Additional Secretary to the President for Foreign Relations, Presidential Media Unit said.

G.A.Chandrasiri assumes duties as Airport & Aviation Services Chairman

Former Governor of Northern Province, retired General G.A.Chandrasiri, who was appointed as Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited Chairman, assumed duties amidst religious observances at the office in Katunayake this morning.

New military spokesman takes office

Brigadier Chandana Wickramasinghe of the Gajaba Regiment assumed office as the 17th Director of Media cum new Military Spokesman on Tuesday during a simple ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Sri Jayewardenepura.

1 killed, 3 injured when prison van crashes into tree

A prison guard was killed while two other guards and the inmate they were escorting were injured when the prison van they were travelling in crashed into a tree on the Dambulla - Habarana main road at Digampathana in Sigiriya today, police said.

USD25mn from WB to enhance SL’ public sector efficiency

The World Bank has approved a USD 25 million loan for Sri Lanka to improve the transparency and efficiency of core government and public financial management functions.

Ekneligoda case: Hearing of evidence fixed for Feb.20

The Colombo Special Trial-at-Bar today fixed February 20 to hear the evidence with regard to the case filed against nine army officials over the allegations of kidnapping and conspiring to murder journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.

Iranian, 2 Lankans arrested for illegally sailing on a dinghy

An Iranian and two Sri Lankans were arrested by the officers of Sri Lanka Navy this morning while they were illegally sailing on a dinghy in the Silawathura sea area, Navy Media Spokesman Commander Isuru Sooriyanbandara said.

India Citizenship Amendment Act: Fresh violence erupts in Delhi

A massive protest has broken out in India’s capital Delhi as anger at a citizenship law spreads across the country.

Veggies in short supply; so the rising prices

The current shortage of vegetables has resulted in the wholesale and retail prices of several varieties of commonly used vegetables increasing, economic centers said.

No support to implement MCC: Sajith

New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, who has been named as the new Leader of Opposition, yesterday said he would not support the implementation of the proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement with the USA but would only support the abolition of it.

Govt says Swiss authorities must respect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty

The government yesterday urged Swiss authorities to respect the Sri Lankan law and the sovereignty of the nation and assured that investigations into allegations of the Swiss embassy employee were ongoing without political interference.

Presidential Election Act to be amended

The Justice Ministry has initiated action yesterday to amend the Presidential Election Act to limit the number of contestants in the future.

Charges against Champika has no legal basis: Ven.Omalpe Sobitha

Chief Sangha Nayake of Dakshina Lanka Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera yesterday said that he requested the government not to wreak vengeance using political power.

Vehicle prices to increase: VIASL

The prices of vehicles such as cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and jeeps will increase between Rs.75,000 and Rs.1 million because of the imposition of the new luxury tax, Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) President Ranjan Pieris said.

Won’t privatise State institutions: Govt. tells IMP

The government informed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it would not proceed with the privatisation of state institution and assets, Prime Minister’s economic affairs adviser Ajith Nivard Cabraal said yesterday.

UNP constitution should be amended to elect new leader: MP Harsha

UNP MP Harsha De Silva yesterday proposed an amendment to his party’s constitution in order to make provisions to elect a new leader through a vote.

Four teams to protect seal in the sea off Bamba

Several teams including wildlife veterinary officers, wildlife western region officers, coast conservation department officers and several navy personnel have been assigned to protect the seal which is resting in the sea off Bambalapitiya, a senior wildlife officer said.

Boris Johnson’s speech: SL must pull out of C’wealth in protest

Sri Lanka should withdraw from the Commonwealth and from the United Nations in protest over a speech made by British Premier Boris Johnson over reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said.

Swiss Embassy: Statement on probe will tarnish SL’s image

The Swiss Embassy statement that it was not satisfied with the investigations carried out by Sri Lanka on the alleged abduction of its employee would bring disrepute to Sri Lanka, UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara told a news conference today.

Sri Lanka’s rank slips to 112 on Global Gender Gap Index

Sri Lanka’s rank on the Global Gender Gap Index-2020 has slipped to 112 from the previous 110, the latest report issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF) today said.

Can’t accept PM post without party leadership: Sajith

New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate who made his first public appearance today after the presidential election said he would not accept the prime ministerial candidature if he was not appointed as the new leader of UNP.

Water in glasses instead of plastic bottles at Presidential Secretariat

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has directed relevant authorities to provide water in glasses instead of plastic drinking water bottles at the Presidential Secretariat.