Call to make FTA beneficial for both Pakistan, Sri Lanka: HC

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Noordeen Mohamed Shaheid has said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan have signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but some certain issues need to be resolved.

AITP wants No-Faith Motion against Malik

The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) yesterday called for a No Confidence Motion to be moved against Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama in Parliament saying that the procedure he followed in signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore was flawed.

Brave father rescues wife, kids from fiery building

A major fire broke out in a building at Yatinuwara Veediya in Kandy this morning, the fire brigade said.

Govt. should be pushed for a poll this year: President

The President yesterday told a United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentary group meeting that this government should be forced continuously within and outside parliament to hold an election this year.  

Don't discriminate students of local and int'l schools: Akila

There will be no discrimination when students want to sit for examinations to pursue education under the free education system provided by the Ministry of Education.  

Shantha Bandara appointed as MP from today

SLFP Youth League Head Shantha Bandara has been appointed as a Member of Parliament under Article 99A of the Constitution from today, filling the vacancy created by UPFA MP M. L. A. M. Hizbullah who resigned from Parliament after being appointed as the Eastern Province Governor.

Only MR can decide on presidential candidate: GL

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) reiterated today that it was only opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa who could decide on the next presidential candidate and that he could not be deprived of such a right by anyone.

Man shot dead by two gunmen in Mulleriyawa

A 22-year-old man was killed when two unidentified two gunmen opened fire at him at  Angoda junction in Mulleriyawa this evening.

No final decision on gas, milk powder price hikes: Ministry

The Industry and Commerce Ministry said today that it had not taken a final decision on the increase of prices of gas and milk powder.

Illicit fags incur annual loss of Rs.18Bn as revenue to govt. – Study

The illicit cigarette trade in Sri Lanka has incurred a staggering loss of Rs.18 billion to the government as tax revenue every year, the latest results of an academic research was revealed today.

Committee appointed on restructuring SriLankan

A committee headed by Sate Minister Eran Wickramaratna was appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena today to look into the restructuring of SriLankan Airlines.  

Cabinet approves to incorporate ‘law’ as subject to curriculum

A Cabinet paper presented by Justice Minister Thalatha Atukorala seeking approval to include ‘law’ as a subject to the school curriculum, had been approved today.  

Three more governors appointed

Three new governors were appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena today for Sabaragamuwa, Northern and Uva provinces.

Tense situation at ITN premises

A tense situation was reported at the state-owned Independent Television Network (ITN) premises this morning during a protest carried out by its employees against the management.

Saudi woman blocks Bangkok deportation move

A young Saudi woman Rahaf al-Qunun, has said she has fled her family in fear for her life, and barricaded herself in her hotel room at Bangkok Airport, the BBC reported a short while ago.

Petition calling for Prez’s mental status dismissed with Rs. 100,000 as cost

A writ Petition filed calling for a medical report on President's mental status was dismissed by Court of Appeal today stating that the CA has no authority to hear the case.

CMC councillor arrested over CPC shooting

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Colombo Municipal Councillor Kulathissa Deeganage was arrested yesterday by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) in connection with the unruly behavior at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) premises in Dematagoda on October 28.

Traffic congestion at Ward Place

Traffic congestion was reported at Ward Place, Colombo as a result of a protest carried out by a group of Rajarata university students outside the University Grant Commission today, Police said.

PM instructs Cabinet to abide with circular by Prez

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had asked Cabinet Ministers to abide with the circular that was issued by President Maithripala Sirisena with regard to the appointment of heads of government and semi-government institutions, sources from Prime Minister’s office said yesterday.

UNP led alliance to be broadened

The proposed UNP-led political alliance, the ‘Democratic National Front’ is to accommodate civil society organisations that primarily stood for the political change in 2015, it is learnt.

CMC to collect a sewerage disposal service charge

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has decided to impose a sewerage disposal service charge from commercial and industrial companies within the city.

First train on Matara-Beliatta line commissioned

The first train operated from Beliatta to Matara this morning on the newly constructed Matara – Beliatta line with the participation of Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranathunga.

Cabinet reshuffle soon: Mannaperuma

There could be a Cabinet reshuffle soon after the Attorney General voice his opinion with regard to the number of members in the Cabinet in response to an inquiry made by the UNP leadership, Deputy Minister Ajith Mannaperuma said today.

Janaka Ranawaka appointed President’s private secretary

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council member Janaka Ranawaka has been appointed as the President’s private secretary, sources said.

Won’t allow the country to be divided through Constitution: MR

Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that they would not allow anyone to divide the country, which was rescued from the LTTE, through a Constitution.

I will mediate to make Tripitaka a World Heritage: Presz

President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday that he has made the Tripitaka as a national heritage and he will work towards declaring it as a World Heritage.

Transfer of 72 OICs suspended

The transfer of seventy two police OICs has been suspended until further notice by the National Police Commission (NPC), Police said.

Three fishermen arrested with heroin

Three fishermen were arrested with 73.6 grammes of heroin in Beruwala last evening, Police said.

No purification over SL woman’s visit to Sabarimala

Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Rajeevararu has said that there was no need for purification rituals as there was no confirmation of the Sri Lankan woman’s entry to the temple.

Month-long debate for 2019 Budget

Parliament has set aside a month-long debate for the 2019 Budget, House Leader Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday. He said the party leaders who met yesterday had decided on February 5 for presenting the