MCC poses no danger despite claims by opposition: Ravi

Although the opposition is painting a negative picture of the MCC agreement, the MCC will not cause any harm to the country, UNP Assistant Leader Minister Ravi Karunanayake said yesterday.

MCC not beneficial to SL: Wijeyadasa

MP Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe yesterday claimed that Sri Lanka would not benefit from the Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC) pact and that not even a cent would be received by the Treasury.

Bond Scam; Report places most of the blame on CB

A senior Finance Ministry source said yesterday the Central Bank did not release the report on the forensic audit on the Central Bank bond scam because the report puts the blame for the bond scam on the doorstep of the Central Bank.

Won’t get down from SLPP stage: Wasantha

Foreign Affairs State Minister Wasantha Senanayake, who got onto the stage of SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Polonnaruwa, said he won’t get down from the SLPP stage this time.

Services of 3 police officers suspended

The services of three police officers attached to the Hemmathagama Police Station have been suspended for failing to carry out proper investigations into the incident where a 26-year-old mentally disabled girl was sexually abused by a 23-year-old person yesterday at Devanagala, police said.

Sajith seeks support of SL expatriates

New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa today sought the support of Sri Lankan expiates for his candidature.

Former SLPP PS member arrested for threatening monk released on bail

Former chairman of the SLPP Dimbulagala Pradeshiya Sabha, Jagath Samarawickrama, who was arrested yesterday for allegedly threatening Sooriyadeva Sri Rajamahaviharaya chief monk with death, was released on bail today, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Sajith challenges MR

New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa in a letter to Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said today he condemned in the strongest possible terms Mr. Rajapaksa’s desperate attempt to drag the Venerable Mahanayake Theras of the Three Nikayas into his fear-mongering election campaign.

Can he do as president, what he couldn’t do as minister: Gota

Taking a swipe at his opponent Sajith Premadasa, SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa said yesterday it was ridiculous for someone who as a powerful minister had failed to deliver on his promises to deliver them when he becomes president.

Wasanatha joins Gota

State Minister Wasanatha Senanayake extended his support to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa today.

Australia discusses ideas to increase commercial flights at Mattala

Australian High Commissioner David Holly today said he discussed ideas with the management of the Mattala Airport to increase commercial flights to boost tourism.

Leading presidential candidates on one platform

A session hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka titled ‘What Lies Ahead with the Leading Presidential Candidates’, was held yesterday at the Galle Face Hotel.

Contempt of court case against Gnanasara Thera fixed for Feb 17

The Court of Appeal today fixed for support on February 17 to issue a summons for a formal charge in respect of the alleged contempt of court case against Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera as well as SSP Anuruddha Bandara Hakmana and HQI Senadhipathi K. D. De Silva of Mullaitivu.

Air quality deterioration returns to normal: NBRO

The deterioration in the air quality experienced in Colombo had returned to normal by yesterday. However, it is expected to deteriorate again by next Wednesday (13).

Five candidates spent Rs.1,257mn: CMEV

A total of Rs.1, 257 million has been spent from October 14 till November 4 by five candidates contesting for the presidential election on their election campaign, the Centre For Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) said.

Jail term cut for Lankan who made threats on a plane with a fake bomb

A Sri Lankan man who was in a drug-induced psychosis when he threatened to set off a bomb on a plane he boarded at Melbourne Airport has had his sentenced reduced.

Man shot dead in Padukka

A 39-year-old man was shot dead by an unidentified gunman on a motorbike at Galagedara, Padukka last night, police said.

Two gas shipments arrive tomorrow and Monday

The Litro Gas Lanka Company yesterday said they had received 3,600 metric tons of gas shipments yesterday and another two shipments are due on Saturday and Monday to meet the gas shortage.

Eran’s complaint baseless: SLPP

The SLPP yesterday rejected the complaint made by State Minister Eran Wickramaratne based on a tweet that SLPP was planning a bomb attack in the coming week.

SLPP stresses stern action against perpetrators

The SLPP yesterday wished the victims of the Ginigathena shooting a speedy recovery and said the perpetrators of the incident should be brought to book after conducting a proper investigation.

Extortionist slandering my image: Hakeem

Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Rauff Hakeem yesterday alleged that an ’extortionist’ was slandering his image through a certain media.

Education procedures under yahapalana a challenge to Gota: Akila

While condemning the education policies in Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election manifesto, Education Minister and United National Party General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam today said, the measures the Yahapalana Government had taken to improve education had become a challenge to Mr. Rajapaksa.

No politics with UNP even if Sajith wins: Wasantha

While saying he could not further tolerate the hostility shown to him by the UNP, Foreign Affairs State Minister Wasantha Senanayake said that he had no intention of continuing politics with the UNP and its existing members even if Sajith Premadasa wins the presidential election.

Speaker urged to take action against MPs misbehaviour

Heated arguments erupted in the House today when the government and the JVP MPs raised concerns that no action has been taken against the MPs who were involved in violent behaviour in parliament during the constitutional crisis last year.

Southern Expressway extended up to Mattala, H'tota

The Southern Expressway stretch from Barawakumbuka to Mattala (E01) and Hambantota (E-06) was declared open today, Southern Expressway Deputy Director R.A.D Kahatapitiya said. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said the event was inaugurated by the Transport Ministry Secretary.

EC gives permission to open the extension of Southern Expressway

The Election Commission has given the go-ahead for the inauguration of two stretches of the southern expressway and another stretch of the Colombo outer circular road today, an official said.

Namal criticises TNA

Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa today criticised the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) for failing to fulfill the aspirations of the Sri Lankan Tamil community in the north, warning that the weak northern economy would lead to a social unrest in the area.

Julampitiye Amare sentenced to death

G. G.Amarasiri alias ‘Julampitiye Amare’ was sentenced to death by Tangalle High Court today after he was found guilty of killing two and injuring another in 2012.

Will appoint a new PM: Sajith

New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa said once voted into office he would appoint a new prime minister who he felt could command a majority in parliament.

Death sentence for Ratmalana triple murder convict

Colombo High Court Judge Vickum Kaluarachchi imposed death sentence on a murder suspect - Madura Manaranga De Silva - for killing his wife, 26 year old Sachethana Sandamali, a teacher of Prince of Wales College Moratuwa and her two children, three years old Prabash Banuka and one month old infant son Krishantha Sandaruwan at Ratmalana on December 17th, 2012 by strangling and thereafter setting fire to their bodies.