Akkaraipattu Dy. Mayor arrested

Akkaraipattu Deputy Mayor Abdul Gafoor Azmi was today arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID).

Govt. urged not to present new Constitution without Maha Sangha’s blessings

Buddha Sasana Karya Sadaka Mandalaya urged the Government not to present in Parliament a Constitution without the blessings of the Maha Sangha and to appoint a Constitutional Making Committee comprising of Maha Sanga, if a new Constitution was required.

Duterte drug war 'an example to the whole world': SL Prez

After his government vowed last year to “replicate the success” of the Philippines’ drug war, Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena again heaped praises on President Rodrigo Duterte’s top crusade, saying it is an example to the whole world.

Special high court to hear Gota’s case daily from Jan. 22

The Special High Court today decided to hear the case against former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa over the alleged misappropriation of public funds for the construction of the D. A. Rajapaksa memorial museum at Weeraketiya continuously from January 22.

Gota arrives at Special High Court

Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Special High Court this morning to appear over the alleged misappropriation of public funds for the construction of the D. A. Rajapaksa memorial museum at Weeraketiya.

TNA to get ‘formal say’ in N-E development

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed to introduce a mechanism to ensure a ‘formal say’ for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in the execution of development activities in predominantly Tamil areas in the North and the East, an MP said yesterday.

UK government survives confidence vote as May calls for Brexit compromise

Theresa May has called on Britain's political parties to "put self-interest aside" and work together on a compromise Brexit deal, hours after her government survived a no-confidence vote Wednesday night.

Man nabbed with heroin worth Rs. 60 mn

A 53-year-old suspect was arrested with 5.024 kg of heroin valued at more than Rs.60 million in Kothalawala last night by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB).

Rajitha threatens legal action against GMOA

Health and Indigenous Medicine Minister  Dr.  Rajitha Senaratne said he would take strict legal and administrative action against Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) as they had even involved President Maithripala Sirisena in their malicious, vituperative and acrimonious campaign against him.

Driver’s Demerit Points System will effect at the year-end: DMT

Driver Improvement Points which was known as Driver’s Demerit Points System would be added to the driver's licence by the end of this year,  Motor  Traffic Department (DMT) said.

Udayanga's money trail: FCID requests M.L.A reports from 15 countries

An investigation had commenced into sixteen bank accounts operated locally amounting to more that USD 1.7 mn as well as nearly fifty bank accounts belonging to the family members of former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, the FCID informed Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage when the Magidterial inquiry was summoned yesterday (16).  

Many are ministers today because of late Sobhitha Thera: Sajith

Many have forgotten that they managed to receive ministerial portfolios because of the late Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, Housing and Construction Minister Sajith Premadasa said.  

TNA pact aimed at regaining political clout: Yapa

The Tamil National Alliance’s pact with the government is an attempt to regain its lost political authority in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said today.

Philippines, SL sign five deals including military exchange

President Maithripala Sirisena today held bilateral talks with the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace in Manila.

Spread of ‘fall armyworm’; Not an act of sabotage: Harrison

Agriculture Minister P. Harrison said today the spreading of ‘fall armyworm’ (Sena Dalambuwa) among food crops was not an act of sabotage.

Duterte welcomes President in Malacañang

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday welcomed in Malacañang Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who is in the country for a five-day state visit.

Probe into attack in Angunakolapelessa ‘Super Prison’

A three-member committee was appointed today to launch a special inquiry into the alleged attack on Angunakolapelessa Prison inmates on November 22 last year, the Prison Reforms and Justice Ministry said.

Veteran drama director Vinod Senadheera passes away

A veteran drama director of Colombo International School Vinod Senadheera, passed away this afternoon at the age of 45 from a heart attack, his friend Jith Peiris said.

India seizes gold worth Rs.68mn smuggled from SL, Dubai

India has arrested four people for allegedly trying to smuggle gold valued approx. Rs.68 million (Indian Rupees) into the country from Dubai and Sri Lanka, NDTV reported.

N/E development only in consultation with us: TNA

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said it was only in consultation with the party that the Cabinet could take a decision on the development of the post-war areas in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

SI and two PCs injured in assault

Three police officers including a Sub Inspector (SI) were injured when a group of sand miners assaulted them and tried to run them over with a tractor at Keppely in Jaffna.  

IMF team to visit SL in Feb

While claiming that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remains ready to support Sri Lanka, its Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that an IMF team is scheduled to visit Colombo in mid-February to resume program discussions.

Bank of China offers Sri Lanka US$300m loan

Sri Lanka is considering an offer from Bank of China for a loan of US$300 million, which could be raised to US$1 billion, to help it meet repayments during coming months, two sources in Colombo with knowledge of the offer told Reuters on Tuesday.

I too am ready to contest Presidency: Chamal

Hambantota District UPFA MP Chamal Rajapaksa speaking to the media yesterday said that he too is ready for the forthcoming Presidential Election.

Some UPFA ministers yet to hand over official residences

Some of the UPFA ministers who left the government last year are yet to hand over their official residences, government sources said yesterday.

British lawmakers crush Theresa May's Brexit deal

British lawmakers have soundly rejected Theresa May's Brexit deal, in the biggest defeat for any UK government in the modern parliamentary era.

Any alliance must be led by the SLFP: Party organizers

A group of SLFP organisers said yesterday that they would only support an alliance headed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and its leadership.

Possibility of holding PC polls under old system: Ajith Perera

Non-cabinet Minister Ajith P. Perera yesterday said he would speak to Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Vajira Abeywardana to see the possibility of presenting a motion in Parliament to hold PC polls under the old system as soon as possible.

Chief booze distributor of Ella’s unlicensed tourist pubs netted

The main man behind the entire distribution network of beer and soft alcoholic beverages to over 100 unlicensed pubs, restaurants and hotels of the country’s ‘most happening’ tourist destination, Ella was identified when the Colombo Excise flying squad seized a lorry full of booze over the weekend.

Presidential polls: Rohitha challenges Akila to resign if UPFA candidate wins

UPFA MP Rohitha Abeygunawardana yesterday challenged UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam to resign from parliament if the UPFA candidate wins the presidential election.