Spain reports first known European case of Zika-infected pregnant woman

Spain reported Thursday that a pregnant woman who had returned from Colombia had been diagnosed with the Zika virus, in the first such known European case.

Passenger missing after mysterious mid-air explosion

A passenger on the flight forced to land at Somalia's Mogadishu airport after a large hole appeared in the fuselage has been confirmed missing by the airline

CID probes FB threats against President

The CID has launched an investigation into the recent publication of death threats and defamatory remarks against President Maithripala Sirisena via social media websites including Facebook by several people including women, Police said today.

Xi Jinping willing to work with Sirisena

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he is willing to work with Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena to further promote the strategic partnership between the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported.

Sicille Kotelawala arrested at BIA

Former Ceylinco Chairman Lalith Kothelawala’s wife Sicille Kotelawala was arrested by the Immigration and Emigration Department officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport this afternoon on her arrival from Dubai.

Fmr Embilipitiya ASP moved to Prison Hospital

Former Embilipitiya ASP D.W.C. Dharmaratne who was in remand in connection with the death of a young man at Embilipitiya has been transferred to the Kuruwita Prison Hospital. The ASP was remanded until February 17 by the Embilipitiya Magistrate.  

Where is genuine freedom? FSP

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today questioned whether there was genuine freedom in the country as pledged by the ‘Good Governance’ and said the freedom had become a privilege limited to the accomplices of the Government.

Shiranthi brings Yoshitha’s meals

Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa today visited her son Yoshitha at the Welikada Prison with his meals after he declined the meals provided by the Prison.  

Black flag campaign in Vavuniya

A group of Tamils in Vavuniya held a black flag campaign this morning saying the Tamils in the Northern Province were unable to celebrate the 68th Independence Day in freedom. The protest was launched by the Collective of the Families of Disappeared Persons and the citizens committee in the Vavuniya district.

Celebrations end with National Anthem sung in Tamil

Sri Lanka’s 68th Independence Day celebrations were concluded a short while ago with the singing of the Tamil translation of the National Anthem.  

Body found in Lunawa Lagoon

The body of a 42-year-old businessman was recovered from the Lunawa Lagoon in Moratuwa this morning, police said.

Recent arrests: What do you think?

Yahapalanaya government came to power with the slogan to arrest those involved in corruption, thuggery and murder and there was a public outcry when no one seemed to be arrested or charged for a considerable period. Now that a series of arrests were done in the name of Yahapalanaya what does the citizen have to say?

Will safeguard country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said today he will safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity when dealing with the UNHRC resolution which has demanded accountability and reconciliation after the ethnic civil war.

Tax evasion charges levelled at finance companies renting cars

Several leading licenced finance companies are using creative accounting to avoid paying Value-Added Taxes (VAT) and Nation Building Taxes (NTB) on car rentals and leases, the country’s Finance Minister was informed yesterday.

‘President should be questioned, if outsiders appointed’

The legal expert and respected civil servant Prof. Nihal Jayawickrama said yesterday that according to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the Constitutional Council should question the President if outsiders are appointed bypassing the most senior officers to top posts.

Many close relatives of ministers are at SAITM: SAITM Chairman

The Chairman of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) in Malabe Dr. Neville Fernando yesterday said not only Minister Senaratne’s daughter-in-law, but also the daughters and daughters-in-law of other ministers in the current government are also studying at the SAITM.

SLMA wants organ transplant guidelines and procedures strengthened

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) urged the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders to strengthen current guidelines and procedures for organ transplant programmes including the implementation of the National Organ Donor Programme for Deceased Donor Organ Transplants.

FR filed seeking immediate LG polls

A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed by the representatives of the 18 Local Government bodies in the Matara and the Galle Districts in Supreme Court today seeking the Supreme Court to order that the Local Election to be held immediately.

Joint Opposition seeks to meet UNHRC Chief

Will support President’s vision for SL: Indian President

Extending greetings to Sri Lankan Government and its people on Independence Day Anniversary, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday assured that, as a close friend and neighbor, India would support President Maithripala Sirisena’s vision for Sri Lanka.

BBS demand release of Gnansara Thera

Members of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) and other Buddhist organisations held a demonstration outside the Buddhist Affairs Ministry this evening obstructing the traffic demanding the release of BBS General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who is in remand custody.

Name the mystery investor: Bandula

The Joint Opposition today requested President Maithripala Sirisena to direct the PRECIFAC to look into the details of foreign investors including the ‘mystery’ Belgian investor, who had invested billions of USDs in Sri Lankan banks without declaring sources of his/her income.    

Arrest warrant on Southern Province CM

An arrest warrant was issued on Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal De Silva because he was not present in Court when a case against him was taken up for hearing at the Galle Magistrate’s Court today.

Those who oppose FCID have skeletons in their cupboards

Those who call for the abolition of the Financial Crimes Division (FCID) and most of those who have visited former President’s son Yoshitha in prison are ones who should be behind bars, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said today.

Queen Elizabeth greets SL on Independence Day

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has extended her best wishes to the people of Sri Lanka who are celebrating the Independence Day tomorrow.

I will reassert national independence: MR

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he would not deviate from the path of reasserting national independence, ensuring the territorial integrity, restarting the stalled process of economic development and re-establishing national self respect  even if he and his entire family was imprisoned.

FCID redundant, says Lakshman Yapa

The procedures of the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) were not clear, the State Finance Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said today.  

SF joins UNF

The Democratic Party (DP) led by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka on Wednesday joined the United National Front (UNF) after signing an MoU with the UNP- the leading party of the alliance.

Plane with hole in side makes emergency landing in Somalia

A commercial airliner made an emergency landing at Mogadishu's international airport late Tuesday after passengers heard a loud bang and a fire broke out on board, leaving a gaping hole in the fuselage, officials and witnesses said.

Traffic at Town Hall

Heavy traffic has been reported in Town Hall, Colombo 7 due to a protest launched by the Student Unity of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL).