Govt. using Brexit as excuse to sign ECTA: GL

The Government is attempting to expedite the signing of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) with India in the wake of Britain leaving the European Union, would amount to a jump from the frying pan into the fire, the joint opposition charged today.

UN urges SL to rein in military, prosecute war crimes

Witnesses must be protected under an effective transitional justice mechanism that should include international judges, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in an annual report.

Won’t change decision to replace Gota’s military security: Def. Secy.

Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said the decision taken by the Government, to replace the military security provided to former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa with the Police and the STF, would not be changed under any circumstance.

Protest brings BIA to a standstill

Flights in and out of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) came to standstill because of an ongoing protest by Immigration officers.

28 injured in bus accident at Bogasthenna

Twenty six passengers and the driver and the conductor of the SLTB bus they were travelling in were injured when the bus crashed into a wayside tree at Jagulla, Bogasthenna on the Galauda – Badulla Main Road today, Police said.

PRECIFAC quizzes MP Aluthgamage

UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into serious acts of fraud, corruption and abuse of power (PRECIFAC) this morning to give a statement in connection with the construction of a building at a land belonging to the Railway Department in Nawalapitiya during the previous government.

Still there are threats to our lives - Gota

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said yesterday that he had not been officially informed about replacing his military security with police personnel.

FCID to quiz Namal over Gowers law firm today

UPFA parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has been asked to report to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) at 9.00 a.m. today in connection with an investigation into a law firm owned by him.

Govt. to expedite signing of ETCA

The Government has decided to expedite the signing of the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) with India in the wake of the decision by Britain to exit the European Union (EU), sources from the premier's office said yesterday.

Nine Lankans held for bid to go to Australia

Nine Sri Lankans were arrested at Tiruchendur, Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu today for allegedly planning to travel to Australia in a clandestine manner, police said.

UNHR Chief to give update on progress made by SL on UNHRC resolution

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein will update the UNHRC tomorrow on the progress made by the Sri Lankan Government in implementing the resolution adopted by the Council

SCO hopes to work with SL to achieve common goals

Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an inter-governmental grouping of Asian countries, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said his country hoped to work with Sri Lanka to achieve the common goals of all stakeholders.

SF to join UNP on Thursday

Democratic Party (DP) Leader and Minister Sarath Fonseka is expected to obtain United National Party (UNP) membership on Thursday.

SriLankan suspends flights to Frankfurt, Paris

SriLankan airlines today announced that it would suspend its flights to Frankfurt and Paris in October and November, 2016 respectively.

Life expectancy of Sri Lankans increases

The life expectancy -for both males and females-had increased since 2012 compared to 2001, the Department of Census and Statistics said today.

Sajin de Vass remanded till July 5

Former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, arrested by the CID on charges of forcibly obtaining Rs.30 million from a company owner, was remanded till July 5 when he was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya today.

CID arrests Sajin de Vass Gunawardena

Former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena was arrested by the CID today on charges of forcibly obtaining Rs. 30 million from a businessman.

Protest by mine workers at Kahatagaha

Workers of a graphite mine in Kahatagaha have launched a protest inside the mine shaft over several demands including Rs.400 increase on their risk allowance which is currently Rs.16.

Heavy traffic at Galle Face

Heavy traffic was reported near Galle Face and the Lake House Roundabout due to a protest by the Ceylon Teachers Service Union and the Collective of the Western Province Undergraduates who were walking towards the Finance Ministry along the Lotus Road in Fort.

Narcotics, tobacco, alcohol to be eradicated by 2020: MS

The destruction of natural resources and all other components essential for the survival of living beings on earth by people themselves was the biggest challenge faced by the world today, President Maithripala Sirisena said.

Couldn’t figure out ‘hopper theory’: MR

Former president and Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that he couldn’t figure out the ‘hopper theory’ and that’s what triggered his defeat.

All lands not occupied by forces to be released: Defence Secretary

All the lands except the ones occupied for the purpose of security in North and East will be released while paying compensation for the lands that were acquired, Defence Secretary Karunasena Hetttiarachchi said.

Uncertain global situation could last two years: CB

The uncertain global economic situation triggered by Brexit could last for two years, and Sri Lanka could also be affected by this crisis for such a period, a report submitted by the Central Bank to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

COPE to examine Central Bank transactions

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) will summon the authorities of the Central Bank on June 29 for an examination of its transactions, it is learnt.

Yala Warden harassed for uncovering exertion of political pressure

Warden of the Yala National Park Suranga Rathnayake remains harassed and an unbearable amount of pressure is levelled on him after he revealed to the media how political pressure was exerted on him and Wildlife Conservation Department (WLCD) Director General Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, prompting the latter to resign, it is learnt.

Cop killed in motorbike-tipper collision

A 48-year-old police officer attached to the Chunnakam Police died in an accident occurred this evening on Sangupiti Bridge on the Jaffna-Mannar Main Road in Kilinochchi, Police said.

Over 30 dengue deaths, 20,000 cases to date

More than 20,000 dengue cases have been reported from all over the country for the past six months claiming 31 lives, the dengue Eradication Programme of the Health Ministry said today.

Response to Brexit: SL to turn towards Asia

Sri Lanka will turn towards Asia as uncertainty had gripped Europe with the decision by UK to leave European Union (EU), Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

Colour codes on all soft drinks gazetted

All soft drinks will have mandatory colour codes given by the Health Ministry following a gazette notification, with effect from August.

GMOA to strike if SAITM students granted provisional registration

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today threatened to go on a trade union action once the students who are said to have passed the MBBS degree from the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) are granted provisional registration.