Power disruptions a possibility due to windy conditions: CEB

Power disruptions were reported from several areas in the country yesterday due to the prevailing showery weather and windy conditions, Power and Energy Ministry Media Spokesman and Development Director, Sulakshana Jayawardena said.

PM says will make official statement on death penalty soon

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed junior MPs of his party that he would soon come up with an official statement on the implementation of the death sentence on behalf of the government and the United National Party (UNP).

Court orders BoC to submit bank records on Batti campus

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered the Bank of Ceylon (BoC) Senior Manager to submit the bank records to the FCID with regard to an organisation in Saudi Arabia which had transferred USD 100 million to the controversial Batticaloa Campus.

Court of Appeal sets aside Jaffna HC order prohibiting animal sacrifices

The Court of Appeal yesterday set aside the judgment of the Jaffna High Court which prohibited the animal sacrifice ritual in the Northern Province for the last three years.

Shafi’s wife, Young Journalists Association complain to JSC

The wife of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen and the Young Journalists Association (YJA) filed two separate complaints with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) alleging bias and misconduct of Kurunegala Magistrate, Sampath Hewawasam.

Landslide warnings issued for 7 districts

The National Building Research Organisation ( NBRO) today issued landslide warnings for Rathnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts.

Navy rescues 9 sailors aboard barge swept away by gale

The Navy rescued nine sailors on board a barge which was swept away by gale-force winds that were experienced in the outer harbour of the Galle Port and had started to head towards the seas off Sama Viharaya in Rumassala this evening.

NFC once again blocked from film distribution

The Civil Appellate Court of Colombo today issued an interim injunction preventing the National Film Corporation (NFC) from handling the distribution of films until the final determination of the case.

NPC wants CID withdrawn and SIU to probe

The National Police Commission (NPC) has called for a report from the Acting IGP over the possibility of removing the CID from investigating Dr. Mohammed Shafi’s case and hand it over to the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

Return to nearest harbour: Navy advises fishermen

Fishermen in the south, south-western and western seas of Sri Lanka are advised to return to the nearest harbour due to the prevailing adverse weather, Navy Spokesman Isuru Sooriyabandara said.

Heavy shower claims girl in Agarapathana

One girl was killed and another went missing after they were caught in floods in the Agarapathana police area this afternoon, police said.

'Easter Sunday attack child victims still traumatised’

At least some 770 children and adults who have been mentally disturbed as a result of the Easter Sunday bomb blasts in churches are being counselled by the Life Healing Centre that has been set up by the Catholic archdiocese of Colombo, it was revealed on Wednesday.

A/L, grade five examination tuition classes banned from July 30, 31

The conducting of tuition classes targeting the 2019 G.C.E Advanced Level Examination and the Grade Five Scholarship Examination would be prohibited after July 30 and 31 midnight respectively, the Department of Examinations said.

Kalu Ganga reaching spill level at Ratnapura: DMC

The water level of the Kalu Ganga is reaching the spill level at Ratnapura due to the heavy rains experienced in the catchment areas, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

CID arrests NPC Secretary

Former additional Secretary of Defence and National Police Commission Secretary D.M. Saman Dissanayake was arrested by the CID today over the Avant Garde armoury case.

Bail order on Pujith and Hemasiri illegal: AG files revision application

Filing a revision application in the High Court against the bail order given by the Chief Magistrate in the magisterial enquiry conducted against the former IGP and Defence Secretary, the Attorney General has stated that the Magistrate’s order was illegal and erroneous according to law.

No intention to build a military base in SL: US

The United States has no intention to build a military base or establish a permanent military presence in Sri Lanka, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alaina B. Teplitz said yesterday.

World Bank assures continuous assistance to Sri Lanka

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Region, Hartwig Schafer said that the World Bank will increase assistance to Sri Lanka under three of its new operations.

Showery and windy conditions to continue: Met Dep.

Prevailing showery and windy conditions are expected to continue over South-western part and in Central hilly areas of the island and over the North-western, Western, South-western and Southern sea areas till Saturday (20), the Meteorology Department said today.

Two spill gates of Laxapana reservoir opened

Two spill gates of the Laxapana reservoir have been opened following the incessant showers experienced for the last week, the Disaster Management Centre said today.

Gota’s appeal against HC Trial-at-Bar deferred to September 9

The five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court today deferred to September 9, the appeal petition filed by former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa challenging the Trial-at-Bar order dated January 11, 2019, in the D. A. Rajapaksa Museum case.

EU reiterates its strong opposition to death penalty

The European Union (EU) today reiterated the strong and unequivocal opposition of the EU and its Member States to capital punishment.

Rumassala selfie tragedy: One body found

Body of one of the two youths, who had gone missing after they fell to the sea while they were attempting to take a selfie at Rumassala, Unawatuna on Tuesday (16), was found this morning, the police said.

Postal strike continues as talks fail

Following the failure of discussions with Minister Abdul Haleem last evening, the Joint Postal Trade Union (JPTU) has decided to continue its strike indefinitely.

Health Minister has not influenced me on SLMC activities: Chairman

Referring to the GMOA’s remarks that Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne makes influence on functioning of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) and social media dissemination regarding claims about the SLMC, its Chairman Prof. Harendra de Silva said the Minister had not influenced him on any matter in relation to the proper functioning of the activities of the SLMC.

Independent investigation into April 21 attacks a must: Auxiliary Bishop

What is important is to carry out a proper investigation on the Easter Sunday attacks by an independent committee and to reveal who was really responsible for the carnage, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo J. A. Anthony Jayakody said yesterday.

Wheat flour companies will be brought down to their knees: Buddhika

Wheat flour companies would be brought down to their knees just as we did to milk powder companies, if they try to increase wheat flour prices arbitrarily, Industry and Commerce acting minister Buddhika Pathirana said yesterday.

PSC to finalise report on April 21 attack in August

The Parliamentary Select Committee probing the Easter Sunday attacks is to finalise its reports by August 25 this year, a member of it said yesterday.

Met Dept. forecasts squall

The Department of Meteorology yesterday warned of rough seas and heavy showers exceeding 100mm in the island during the coming days.

Buddhasasana Minister deplores Ranjan’s statement

The remarks made by State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake in regards to a group of Buddhist monks were vehemently deplored by Minister of Buddhasasana Gamini Jayawickrama Perera at a media briefing held in Polonnaruwa on Tuesday.