Pujith, Hemasiri released on bail

Former IGP Pujith Jayasundera and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando were ordered to be released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

Fmr Rakna Lanka Chairman remanded

Former Chairman of Rakna Lanka Security Company Victor Samaraweera, who was arrested over the Avant-garde case, was remanded until July 19 by Galle Chief Magistrate.

Drought batters 17 districts

Disaster Management Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara said yesterday the prevalent drought condition had affected a half million people in 17 districts.

98 junk containers imported from UK

Some 98 containers laden with used mattresses that have been smuggled into this country illegally from the United Kingdom were taken into custody yesterday (8) by the Customs

One hour power cut in several areas

A one-hour power cut may be experienced in several areas in the country as CEYPETCO has suspended fuel supply to thermal power plants, Power and Energy Ministry’s Information Director Sulakshana Jayawardena said.

Declare climate emergency: Champika

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka requested the Cabinet on Sunday to declare a climate emergency as monsoon rain failed this year thus triggering a possible scarcity of water for drinking, agriculture and power generation.

CID to probe prelate’s sweeping remark

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) will probe the remark made by Pepiliyana Sri Sunethradevi Pirivena Chief Incumbent Ven. Medagoda Abayathissa Thera that some 20 people had allegedly been executed under Sharia law in Sri Lanka, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

I assured there would be no extra cost: Edu Minister

Former Acting Commissioner General of Education Publications, I.M.K.B. Ilangasinghe had told and assured Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam that there will be no extra cost adding on by inserting the Minister’s coloured photo and the signature into school textbooks from 2018, Minister Kariyawasam told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Corruption of the Current Administration today.

Fmr Rakna Lanka Chairman Victor Samaraweera arrested

Former Chairman of Rakna Lanka Security Company Victor Samaraweera had been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Do not panic over social media reports in South: MOD

The Ministry of Defence urged the general public of the Southern Province not to panic over the bomb threat rumour.

Iraj’s FB fan page suspended: Says he suspects Govt.

Popular music artist Iraj Weeraratne’s Facebook fan page which was followed by over 1.1 million followers had been suspended last Friday and the singer raised concern whether his anti-government sentiments may have led to the suspension of the page.

Ex-UNP Councillor Royce Fernando remanded over assault

Former Western Provincial Councillor (UNP) Royce Vijitha Fernando, who was arrested over the alleged assault of an individual, was remanded till July 17 by the Negombo Magistrate today.

Fmr. Army Int. officer remanded over assault of Upali Tennakoon

Former Army Intelligence Officer Lalith Rajapaksa who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over the assault of former Chief Editor of Rivira and Divayina newspaper Upali Tennakoon, was remanded till July 21 Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

Chinese vessel taken over by SL navy arrives in Colombo

A vessel taken over from the China, to increase the operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy, arrived at the Colombo port this morning.

Fmr. President’s Chief of Staff, ex-STC Chairman served indictments

The permanent High Court today served indictments on President’s former chief of staff I.H.K. Mahanama and State Timber Corporation (STC) former chairman P. Dissanayaka for accepting a bribe.

Laos national arrested with 2.6kg of methamphetamine

A Laos national was arrested with 2.623kgs of methamphetamine also known as Ice by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this morning, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

Cabinet approval sought to regulate Islamic education

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday sought Cabinet approval to enact new legislation for the regulation of Islamic education in Sri Lanka, Daily Mirror learns.

One staying at the official residence, the other in a hotel

The newly appointed ambassador for Sri Lanka in the Netherlands was forced to stay at a hotel in that country since his official residence had not been made available to him, diplomatic sources revealed.

PM’s Office clashes with CCC over SOFA statement

The Prime Minister’s Office yesterday hit out at Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, even saying ‘politicization of this reputable business conglomerate under your recent assumption of leadership is to be much regretted’.

I will take to the streets against those who oppose: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he will take to the streets together with landless people against those who are trying to sabotage the government’s programme of giving ownership of land to the poor.

Debt burden on each Srilankan is Rs 530,000 - Fmr AG

Former Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe said that the debt burden on every citizen in the country amounts to Rs. 530,000.

Fmr UNP Councillor Royce Fernando arrested over assault

Former Western Provincial Councillor (UNP) Royce Vijitha Fernando had been arrested today over an alleged assault of an individual in Katana, the police said.

769 drunk drivers arrested in two days

Following the implementation of special operation to arrest drunk drivers, the Police have arrested a total of 796 drunk drivers within two days.

Jaffna Catholic Lawyers urge President to drop death penalty stance

The Jaffna Diocesan Catholic Lawyers Association (JDCLA) in a memorandum solicited to the President drop his decision to re-implement death penalty, instead of effecting a series of strong and long term policies, aimed at addressing serious crimes including drug trafficking.

Saudi Arabia increases Sri Lanka’s Hajj quota

The Saudi government has increased the Hajj quota for Sri Lankan pilgrims by adding 500 visas to the existing number, bringing the total to 4,000 from this year, Azmi Thassim, the island’s ambassador in Riyadh, told Arab News on Saturday.

BCCI files complaint after anti-India banners fly during Ind-SL clas

The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday filed a written complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the aircraft that flew over the Headingley cricket ground during India’s ICC World Cup 2019 match with Sri Lanka at Leeds.

First Model Village built with Indian assistance inaugurated

The first Model Village built with Indian assistance under the Model Villages Program of the Ministry of Housing and Construction & Cultural Affairs was inaugurated at Ranidugama in Gampaha yesterday and the completed houses were handed over to the beneficiaries.

Will not allow to sign any agreement harmful to SL-Prez

President Maithripala Sirisena today said that he will not allow to sign any foreign agreement which is a challenge to the country’s independence and sovereignty with any world power during his tenure.

Some ministers in powwow with Prez. - PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have told the Cabinet Ministers that some of the ministers were in powwow with President Maithripala Sirisena.

PCoI on Govt. frauds - Northsea Ltd. imported low-quality threads for fishing nets

A government-owned fishing net manufacturer, the Northsea Limited, methodically has imported low-quality material from India, it was revealed at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) to investigate corruption in the current administration.