Wild elephant attacks tourist

A foreign tourist, who attempted to photograph a wild elephant which frequented the Habarana Devala Kade on the Polonnaruwa- Habarana main road this morning, was attacked by the animal.

Govt. to clarify difference between CEPA & ILETP

The government will clarify in Parliament as to how the proposed Indo-Lanka Economic and Technological Partnership (ILETP) differ from the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) once its finalized, Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama told Parliament today.  

SL condemns N. Korea’s missile launch

The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) today condemned the Long Range Missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Sunday. “The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka condemns the launch of a long range missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on February 7,” the Foreign Ministry today said.  

Resist govt. decision to implement the UNHRC resolution: MR

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today called upon Sri Lankans to unite and resist the government’s decision to implement the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka.

Heavy traffic in Town Hall

Heavy traffic congestion was reported in Town Hall, Colombo due to a protest launched by the United Professionals Movement (UPM) and the Organization of Engineering Associations (OEA).

Discussion to amend Bhikku Kathikawath Bill

The Chief Adikarana Sangha Nayake of Colombo Nava Korale Ven. Diviyagaha Yasassi Thera said today several proposals were put forward to amend the Bhikku Kathikawath Bill at a meeting held at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC) this morning with the participation of the Mahanayake theras including Ven. Pahamune Sumangala Thera, Ven. Akuretiye Nanda Thera, Ven. Thrikunamale Ananda Thera and representatives of the Buddhist Affairs Ministry.

Navy arrests twelve Indian fishermen

Twelve Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lanka Navy along with two fishing trawlers while poaching in Sri Lankan waters North-West of Thalaimannar last night.

Investigate, not promote, ex-Army Chief: HRW

The Sri Lankan government’s appointment to parliament of the former army chief whose forces were implicated in widespread abuses contradicts pledges to investigate alleged war crimes, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement.

SL to purchase India’s combat aircraft?

Sri Lanka is said to be interested in India’s Light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the multi-role light fighter that is in development with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian media reported.

Yoshitha further remanded

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha and four others including Nishantha Ranatunga, Rohan Weliwita were remanded until February 25 by the Kaduwela Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala over the alleged financial irregularities at the CSN.  

Sicille Kothelawala remanded over F&G case

Former Ceylinco Chairman Lalith Kothelawala's wife Sicille Kotelawala was remanded till February 25 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate over the F&G case.

Jayantha Jayasuriya sworn in as new AG

Senior Solicitor General Jayantha Jayasuriya was sworn in as the 29th Attorney General of Sri Lanka before President Maithripala Sirisena a short while ago.

Three flights diverted to Mattala

Three Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) bound flights-two SriLankan, one Fly Dubai- were diverted to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) this morning due to heavy mist in the Katunayake area.

Sicille Kotelawala admitted to prison hospital

Sicille Kotelawala, who was in remand custody, but had been receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital, was brought to the Welikada Prison on Wednesday and admitted to the prison hospital after doctors recommended that she was in a fit state to receive treatment for her ailment there.

Geetha et al given time by Appeal Court

The Court of Appeal today granted actress turned Parliamentarian Geetha Kumarasinghe and three others time till March 5 to file objections in Writ Application challenging her appointment and/or election as the Member of Parliament.

SLFP will not break up: Amaraweera

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had taken steps to avoid the splitting up of the party and to make the party victorious in the forthcoming elections, Minister of Fisheries Mahinda Amaraweera said today.

Jayantha Jayasuriya recommended for post of AG

The Constitutional Council today recommended Senior Solicitor General Jayantha Jayasuriya for the post of Attorney General (AG).  

No need for any int’l investigation: JHU

The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) said today there was no need for an international investigation into alleged war crimes during the last stages of the armed conflict because the current government had re-established democracy

UNHR Chief malicious, unfair: GL

The Statement made by the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein at a media briefing held in the last day of his four-day Sri Lanka visit, on the judicial process into alleged war crimes committed by Sri Lankan tri-forces was malicious and unfair, Joint Opposition’s expert spokesman G.L. Peiris said today.

Gnanasara Thera re-remanded till Feb.16

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera was today further remanded till February 16 by the Homagama Magistrate Ranga Dissanayaka for allegedly threatening Sandhya Eknaligoda, the wife of missing journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.

I was threatened with death: Speaker

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said that an anonymous caller had threatened him with death unless he recognised the joint opposition MPs as a separate group within Parliament.

Ex-LTTEers refuse rehabilitation

Fourteen ex-LTTE cadres, arrested on charges of criminal activities and later granted bail refused to undergo a period of rehabilitation when the case was taken up by the Colombo Additional Magistrate Aruni Artigala today.

Pillaiyan further remanded

Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillaiyan, who was arrested in connection with the murder of former Parliamentarian Joseph Pararajasingham, was further remanded till February 24 by Batticaloa Magistrate Ganesha Rajah.

Theravadi Kathikavath Bill requires 2/3rd majority & referendum - SC

The Supreme Court has determined that the Theravada Bhikkhu Kathikawath Bill was inconsistent with the Constitution and therefore it should be passed in Parliament with a two-thirds majority in addition to approval by people at a referendum for it be enacted a law.

Body of 15 year old boy found in Ratnapura

The dead body of a 15 year old boy was found in a room used to collect tea leaves in Ratnapura this morning, Police said.

'Sinha-Le' campaign not work of MR- Aluvihare

Leader of the Opposition of the Matale Municipal Council, Daljin Aluvihare, said rumours that the sticker “ Sinha-Le” pasted on trishaws and many other vehicles was an act instigated by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, would tarnish the image of the former president.

Two deported Lankans arrested

Two Sri Lankans deported from Australia were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by the Crime Investigation Division (CID) this morning, Police said.

Three persons shot dead in Wellampitiya

Three persons were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Wellampitiya area last night, Police said.

Australian tourist drowns in Hikka

An Australian tourist drowned while bathing in Hikkaduwa last evening, police said.The tourist, 72-year-old Denis Bener, died upon admission to the Karapitiya Hospital. 

We will continue our struggle: Dulles

Joint Opposition MP Dulles Alahapperuma said today that they would continue their struggle inside and outside parliament until the identity of the joint opposition was recognised, for the sake of the peoples’ rights.