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

Final decision on Democratic National Front on Sunday

Allies of the new alliance led by the United National Party (UNP) will meet on Sunday to take a final decision with regard to the alliance, a political party who is expected to join the Democratic National Front (DNF) said yesterday.

First train on Matara-Beliatta line to commission tomorrow

The first ever train on the newly constructed Matara-Beliatta railway line would be commissioned at 10 a.m. tomorrow, the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry said yesterday. The ministry said the train would be commissioned initially from Beliatta to Matara.

Abolishing executive presidency: UPFA criticises Speaker

At yesterday's party leaders meeting, the main opposition United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is reported to have criticised Speaker Karu Jayasuriya for having openly advocated the abolition of the executive presidency.

Tripitaka declared a national heritage

The Tripitaka, the essence of Theravada Buddhism was declared a national heritage at a ceremony held at the historic Aluviharaya in Matale under the aegis of President Maithripala Sirisena today.

MR had gifted Sumanadasa a car worth Rs.8.2Mn belonging to Mihin

Mihin Lanka has paid a loan of Rs.8.2 million for a car (Nissan- N16) which was gifted to Astrologer Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the year 2007, Astrologer Abeygunawardana informed the SriLankan Airlines Commission yesterday.

Youth with Rs.1.6Mn worth of fags nabbed at BIA

A Sri Lankan youth who attempted to smuggle illicit cigarettes worth over Rs.1.6 million into the country from Dubai was arrested by the Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday.

Shantha Bandara tipped to replace Hizbullah

SLFP Youth League head Shantha Bandara is tipped to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament in place of UPFA national list MP M.L.A.M. Hizbullah who was yesterday appointed as the Governor of the Eastern Province.

Single presidential candidate from SLFP-SLPP alliance: MR

Former president and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday they would field a single presidential candidate from an alliance formed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and others.

I'm ready to go to jail for helping needy: Sajith

UNP Deputy Leader and Housing Social Empowerment Minister Sajith Premadasa said he might end up in Bogambara or some other prison for distributing houses to the needy.

Will help implement decisions reached by two leaders: China

The Chinese Government is willing to work together with the Sri Lankan Government and its people to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan said on Thursday.

Namal Kumara barred from commenting on assassination plot

The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued an order restraining Anti Corruption Movement Director (Operations) Namal Kumara from making statements to the media regarding the alleged VVIPs assassination plot.

Central Bank extends suspension of PTL

The suspension imposed on the Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) from functioning as a Primary Dealer would be extended for a period of six months with effect from Saturday, the Central Bank today said.

MR as Opp. Leader: Speaker says stance remains unchanged

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya told the party leaders meeting that he stood by his stance on recognising former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Opposition Leader in Parliament.