Russian drowns in Trincomalee

A 39-year-old Russian man has died after drowning while bathing in the seas off Sagarapura, Trincomalee.

​Bhikku Bill a timely need-Asgiriya Mahanayake Thera

While stressing that it is a timely need to have the Bhikku Kathikawath Bill, Asgiriya Chapter Mahanayake Ven. Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thera said there was a misconception in the society about the bill due to some of its contents.

Probe on some incidents must to clear name of security forces: President

A probe on a few incidents has become essential in order to prevent the world from naming the Sri Lankan security forces as an unlawful force, President Maithripala Sirisena said today.

Ministry will not intervene in admitting students: Akila

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam today requested all government school Principals not to send parents to him or to his secretary with requests for letters to admit their children to school.

CCD summons ASP Liyanage

Businessman and Sri Lanka Labour Party Leader A.S.P. Liyanage said today he was summoned by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) to record a statement in connection with the probe into complaint that gold had been hidden in his swimming pool.

New buildings in Kotte should confirm to that Era: CM

The construction of new buildings, which do not clearly depict the identity of the country or the village should not be encouraged, because constructing them according to foreign plans will not portray our values and can sometimes become health hazards, Western Province Chief Minister Isura Devapriya said.

Arrest warrant on Gnanasara Thera

The Homagama Magistrate today issued an arrest warrant on Bodu Bala Sena Secretary General, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara on charges of contempt of court and the disruption of court proceedings.

CCD to probe kidney racket

Police Chief N. K. Illangakoon has instructed the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) to investigate the alleged kidney transplant racket at some private hospitals.

SL should fulfill rights council call for justice- HRW

The Sri Lankan government should fulfill its commitments to the United Nations Human Rights Council by ensuring that foreign judges and prosecutors play a significant role in the mandated accountability mechanism for wartime abuses, Human Rights Watch said today.

One of the six doctors is a member: GMOA

One of the six doctors suspected of being involved in the kidney transplant scandal is a member of the GMOA, Assistant Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said yesterday.

Shiranthi won’t appear before PRECIFAC today

Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa who was summoned to appear before the PRECIFAC will not make an appearance today, officials said.Mrs. Rajapakse’s legal representative had informed the Commission’s officials of her decision.

Indian fishermen to boycott Katchatheevu pilgrimage

Tamil Nadu fishermen have decided to boycott Katchatheevu pilgrimage for the annual festival at St Antony’s Church and not lend their boats, the Hindu reported today.

Lalith Kotelawala at PRECIFAC

Businessman and former Ceylinco Chairman Lalith Kotelawala arrived at the PRECIFAC a short while ago to give a statement.He was summoned to record a statement over the alleged financial irregularities

Dollar will hit 160- Bandula

In an interview with the Daily Mirror the Joint Opposition’s Economic Affairs Spokesman, MP Bandula Gunawardane said that people would be compelled to endure economic hardships in the form of rising price and the lack of employment opportunities in the new year. He said it would not bode well for the country, because of budgetary provisions.

No agreement with India in February- Malik

Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama yesterday refuted the charges made by the Opposition that a framework agreement on the proposed India and Lanka Technological and Economic Participation Agreement is to be signed in February this year.

President calls North to stop consuming alcohol

In his continuing campaign for abstinence, President Maithripala Sirisena called upon the residents of the Northern Province to stop consuming alcohol.

Arjuna faults FCID for summoning Mathews

Former world cup winning Sri Lanka cricket captain and Minister of Ports and Shipping, Arjuna Ranatunga said the summoning of Sri Lanka Cricket captain Angelo Mathews to the FCID was regrettable.

Tourism Authority to probe Mirissa resorts

An investigation had been launched by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) on the reports that some resorts located in the Mirissa Bay had refused to serve food or provide accommodation to locals because of their 'unruly behaviour'.

ETCA will help kidney racket: NFF

The Multi-million international kidney transplant racket, which is allegedly conducted by Indians, will spread more and more in Sri Lanka after the signing of the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India next month, the National Freedom Front (NFF) said today.

Open Uni. closed until further notice

The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) will be closed until further, Vice-Chancellor Professor S.A. Ariadurai said today.

Fake currency flowing into India from Sri Lanka

The Mumbai police crime branch is trying to find the root of counterfeit currency circulating in Mumbai which said to be coming in from India-Bangladesh border, India-Nepal border and from Sri Lanka.

Traffic Dept. contemplating centre lane for buses

The Police Traffic Department is looking at plans to allocate the centre lane only for buses in Battaramulla, in a bid to reduce the extreme traffic congestion in the area.

Health Min. asks Police to probe kidney racket

The Health Ministry requested the Police Department launch an investigation into the alleged kidney racket.

US snowstorm: Mammoth blizzard shuts New York

A massive snowstorm has brought much of the eastern US to a standstill, affecting some 85 million people.

Five member committee to investigate kidney racket

A five-member committee has been appointed to look into the alleged kidney transplant racket in Sri Lanka, the Health Ministry said.

NCPA wants lengthier paternal leave

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) was contemplating on urging the Government to enact or amend laws to grant lengthier paternal leaves, NCPA Chairperson Dr. Natasha Balendra said yesterday.

SLMC’s Thowfeek nominated to Hafeez seat

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC)’s Sharif Thowfeek was nominated to fill the seat that fell vacant after the resignation of MP Abdul Hafeez from his parliamentary seat last week, the Election Commission said today.

SL Tamil youth arrested for bid to kill Indian police officer

A 19-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil youth has been arrested here on the charge of attempting to murder a special sub-inspector of police attached to the city police.

Kidney racket: Indian police to work with SL

Indian police said yesterday working with Sri Lankan investigating team was necessary for them to carry out investigations into the recently busted kidney racket since the conspiracy and execution of the racket took place in India and Sri Lanka, The Hindu Newspaper reported.

Transplants are authorized by Ministry: PHA

The Private Hospitals Association (PHA) said yesterday that all organ transplant surgeries are authorized by the Ministry of Health prior to surgery and that all member hospitals abide by this procedure.