Poll monitors likely from C’wealth and EU

The Election Commission (EC) is expected to give the green light for election observers from the Commonwealth and European Union to oversee the presidential elections.

Submit ’notice of intention’ to field candidates: EC

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Mahinda Desapriya requested the political parties in writing to send him ’notice of intention’ to field candidates at the presidential elections before the call for nominations, a party representative said yesterday.

China’s growing presence in Indian ocean a source of concern for India-Ranil

For India, China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean is a source of concern, said Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during his address at the Indian Ocean Conference in Male, Maldives on Tuesday.

Will bring Mahendran the same way KP was brought: Gammanpila

A government of theirs would bring Arjuna Mahendran to Sri Lanka in the same manner Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP) was brought in, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader MP Udaya Gammanpila said today.

Returning Officer to decide on the date: EC

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, in a response to Prof. S.R.H. Hoole, said it was the job of the District Returning Officer (RO) to decide on the date in keeping with the Supreme Court ruling.

Elpitiya PS - Hoole disputes date of election

EC member S.R.H. Hoole said the date for the election to the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha has been taken without a meeting of the Commission and therefore he saw lack of neutrality in the move.

It’s unhealthy to release huge amounts of dollars: Bandula

The government’s decision to release a huge amount of dollars to artificially stabilise the rupee value will result in grave financial repercussions, the Opposition MP Bandula Gunawardena said today.

Elpitiya PS polls on Oct.11

An extraordinary gazette notice was issued today to hold the elections to the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha on October 11, 2019. It was issued by the Returning Officer of the Galle District.

Persons larger than Mahendran will stand in witness box: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said persons larger than Arjuna Mahendran will stand in the bond scam witness box in the coming days with the legal documents to bring back the prime suspect of the Central Bank bond scam had been completed.

97 warnings on Zahran sent to IGP, Def. Sec

The State Intelligence Service (SIS) sent 97 warning notices to the Defence Secretary and the Police Chief during a period of three years on possible attacks from the terrorist group headed by Zahran Hashim, Presidents Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena told the Supreme Court today.

Reports of entering into politics fake: Sanga

Cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara today rejected reports of him entering into politics. “Please ignore pictures circulating on Sri Lankan social media about my entry into politics. It’s fake news,” Sangakkara tweeted.

Two bodies found floating in Ma Oya

Two bodies were found floating in the Ma Oya at Alawwa in Warakapola this afternoon, police said.

Illegal migration: OSB says zero chance of getting to Australia

An officer of Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB) said today there were zero chances of illegal migration to Australia and added that not a single illegal migrant from Sri Lanka was able to reach Australia since 2013.

Veteran journalist Merryl Perera passed away

Former Editor of the Divaina newspaper and a former member of the Editors Guild of Sri Lanka (TEGOSL) Merryl Perera passed away at the age of 73 today.

Sri Lanka seeks int’l expertise in preventing violent extremism

Sri Lanka has sought expertise in preventing violent extremism (PVE) from the Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund (GCERF) in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said today.

34-year-old killed, another injured at Mt. Lavinia

A 34-year-old man was stabbed to death and another injured during a clash at Sylvester Road in Ratmalana, Mount Lavinia, the police said.

Ready to work with all for an effective mechanism to counter ISIS terrorism-PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday said that his country is ready to work with all stakeholders to establish an effective mechanism for a regional corporation that would work to counter ISIS-based terrorism.

Sajith’s faction disregards call by PM

Despite the request made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for the cessation of agitation seeking presidential candidacy to Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa, the faction loyal to him has decided to proceed with their public rally scheduled for September 5 in Kurunegala, Daily Mirror learns.

Will move court if elections postponed: SLPP

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said yesterday it would move court against any effort by the government to postpone elections to the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) in the Galle District.

Sri Lankan becomes Asst. AG in US state

A Sri Lankan female has been appointed as an Assistant Attorney General in a state in the USA.

Still having hopes of a joint alliance: Dayasiri

SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said his party still had hopes of successfully concluding discussions with the SLPP thereby culminating in the formation of an alliance led by both parties, despite SLPP reneging on conditions agreed upon by the two sides.

Elpitiya PS poll on Oct. 11

The Elections Commission has reportedly taken a decision to hold the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election on October 11, 2019.

SL to bolster bilateral ties with Odisha

Sri Lanka and the State of Odisha in India have sought to further enhance connectivity between them, capitalising on the centuries-old strong historical linkages, a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

SLFP to contest with electoral agreement

In the event ongoing SLFP-SLPP talks collapse and there is no possibility of forming an alliance, the SLFP will consider means of contesting the presidential poll with an electoral agreement with like-minded progressive forces and other left-oriented parties, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said.

If assumed presidency, Sajith should have a free hand: Ajith

UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa should have a free hand in working for the nation if elected as president, Non-Cabinet Minister Ajith P. Perera told a press conference today.

New railway line from Katunayake to Veyangoda soon: Minister

While promoting tourism in the country, the Transport Ministry together with the Railway Department is exploring the possibilities of building a new railway line from Katunayake Airport to Veyangoda soon, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranathunga said.

PC polls cannot be held under old system: SC informs President

The Supreme Court had informed President Maithripala Sirisena that the provincial council (PC) elections cannot be held under the previous PC electoral system according to the Interpretation Ordinance, Secretary to the President said today.

SL-Maldives to redouble counter-terrorism efforts

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih have agreed to redouble efforts to protect people from the threat of terrorism in the region, a joint press statement from the leaders said today.

AG sends Mahendran extradition docs to Foreign Ministry

The Attorney General (AG) has forwarded necessary legal documents with regard to the extradition of former Central Bank (CBSL) Governor Arjuna Mahendran to the Defence and Foreign Ministries in expectation that an official request is sent to the Singaporean Government over the extradition.

Severe dearth of drugs in the country: GMOA

There was a shortage of 319 essential and 324 other drugs in the Central Medical Stores, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) alleged today.