Easter Sunday attacks - Suspect arrested with Rs.8 Mn in his possession

A suspect identified as Buhari Mohammed Rafik was arrested by the Slave Island Police yesterday in connection with the Easter Sunday bomb attacks, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said today.

GSLF requests govt. to ban Wahabi teaching

Global Sri Lankan Forum (GSLF), an organisation of Sri Lankans domiciled in different parts of the world, requested the government to ban Wahabi teaching, among other activities in responding to the present security crisis confronting the country.

Easter Sunday terror attack: Rs. 47 mn paid as compensation so far

The government has so far paid compensation amounting to Rs. 47 million for 103 victims of the Easter Sunday terror attack, Secretary to the Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement & Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development and Youth Affairs - V. Sivagnanasothy told the Daily Mirror.

Hartal against Hizbullah in Trinco

Several hartals were staged in Trincomalee and its suburbs today demanding the removal of Eastern Province Governor M. L. A. M. Hizbullah.

Govt. probing how Hisbullah’ son obtained shares

State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday an investigation had been launched to find out how Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hisbullah’s son had managed to obtain shares worth Rs.500 million in the controversial Batticaloa Campus.

Dappula de Livera sworn in as Attorney General

Acting Attorney General Dappula de Livera was sworn in as the new Attorney General (AG) before President Maithripala Sirisena today.

Zoysa, Gunawardene charged for breaching ECB Anti-Corruption Code

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), has charged Nuwan Zoysa and Avishka Gunawardene for breaching the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for participants in the T10 League.

Revised security arrangements at BIA

Arrangements have been made to facilitate the entrance of vehicles to the respective gates for drop off and pick up of passengers and to minimise the distance that passengers have to walk with their baggage, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) said today.

US woman convicted of keeping Lankan woman as 'slave’

A New Jersey woman was convicted Thursday on charges of forcing a Sri Lankan woman to work without pay for nine years, causing her to overstay her visa and marrying her in an attempt to keep her in the country.

Oman agrees to invest 30% in Mirijjawila Oil Refinery Project

The Omani government has given its consent to invest 30% in the proposed US$ 3.85 billion (Rs. 687 billion) Mirijjawila Oil Refinery Project (MORP) in Hambantota to a high powered ministerial delegation from Sri Lanka led by Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickreme.

Ester Sunday carnage could have been averted: Bishop

The Easter Sunday carnage would have been averted if party politics were overcome and if the communication breakdown between the Executive, Defence Establishments and government officials did not occur, Sri Lanka Catholic Bishops Conference said yesterday.

Moulavi arrested with CDs containing extremist sermons

A Moulavi has been arrested with several CDs containing extremist sermons during a raid by the STF at a house at Nawala in Rajagiriya.

Shangri-la suicide bombers had rented out six houses

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court that the two suicide bombers, who blew themselves up at the Shangri-la Hotel in Colombo, had rented out at least six houses in various parts of the country and used them time to time.

Three suspects produced in court over St Anthony’s Church blast

The CID yesterday produced three suspects allegedly involved in the Easter Sunday bombing at the St. Anthony’s Church Kochchikade in Colombo and the blast of a van the following day in the same vicinity.

Will urge President to arrest Rishad: SB

Former minister and joint opposition stalwart, S.B.Dissanayaka continued his verbal battle with Commerce and Industries Minister Rishad Bathiudeen yesterday saying the government had ample evidence to arrest Minister Bathiudeeen.

Use ’tab’ funds to buy security systems for schools

Former Education Minister and MP Bandula Gunawardane today urged the government to utilize the funds allocated to purchase tab computers to purchase modern security equipment so as to ensure the security for school children.

One of the masterminds arrested in Saudi Arabia: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said one of the masterminds who orchestrated the Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka was arrested in Saudi Arabia a couple of days ago.

SIU probe finds Police had erred

The investigation being carried out by the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) against Wellampitiya Police Officers, had been able to reveal certain facts during the probe, police said.

There is a hidden hand operating to destabilise the country: Hakeem

There is a hidden hand which wants to destabilise this country and destroy its economy, City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education Minister Rauff Hakeem said at a media briefing today.

Steps will be taken to open universities next week: Hakeem

Higher Education Minister Rauff Hakeem said yesterday steps would be taken to reopen universities by next week after assuring their safety.

Muslim community is being harassed after terror attack: ACJU

While vehemently condemning the Easter terror attack, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) today said that it is unfortunate that the Muslim community is being harassed and targeted because of the action of a few individuals.

10 Jeeps to SL Police from China govt.

10 Jeeps officially handed over to the Police Department by the Chinese Government last evening (08th) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President Media Division said.

Close associate of Zahran arrested

Mohamed Aliyar, a close associate of National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) leader Mohamed Zahran, was arrested by the Kattankudy Police this afternoon.

Banning video footage of weapons: UPFA scoffs at govt. media restriction

The Opposition today raised concerns over the government’s decision to instruct media institutions not to show video footage of weapons found during search operations.

Media instructed not to publicise seized swords, kris-knives

Government Information Director General Nalaka Kaluwewa today instructed media institutions to refrain from publicising photos or videos of swords and kris-knives which are being seized during the special operations carrying out by security forces.

Catholic schools to reopen on Tuesday

Colombo Catholic Archdiocese has made arrangements to reopen all private catholic schools on Tuesday, May 14, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith said today.

Masses to be held on this Sunday

Church masses would resume from next Sunday depending on the country’s situation, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malclom Ranjith, said today.

Bangladesh ‘monitoring’ Sri Lanka before July tour

Bangladeshi cricket officials said on Wednesday that they were monitoring security in Sri Lanka in the wake of last month’s terror attacks ahead of a planned tour slated for July, the News International reported.

Fifth round of SLFP-SLPP talks on May 30

The fifth round of discussions between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) would be held on May 30, SLFP General-Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said.

Ryan Van Rooyan released from the case

Actor Ryan Van Rooyan, who was in remand custody on charges of possessing cannabis, was released from the case after being imposed a fine of Rs.4,000.