TNA wants a DS who can converse in Tamil

The confidence the people in North placed on the government had begun to crumble, TNA Parliamentarians and Provincial Council members said at a media conference today (25).

Two ex-navy commanders at PRECIFIC tomorrow

Former Navy Commanders Admirals Jayanath Colombage and Jayantha Perera have been summoned by PRECIFIC for the purpose of recording their statements over allegations of fraud and corruption at the Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd.

Nothing for the govt. servants in the budget: Lal Kantha

The budget presented by the government was the first budget that had provided nothing for the government servants, whereas at least something was granted for them in every budget presented since 2005, former Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP) Provincial Councillor K.D. Lal Kantha said.

Geetha demands action on Saudi maid

UPFA Galle District MP Geetha Kumarasinghe urged the government to take immediate steps to save the Sri Lankan maid in Saudi Arabia who is to be stoned to death on charge of adultery.

Rejected MPs not appointed to Parliament to help Rajapaksas return: Minister

State Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Palitha Range Bandara said those who were rejected by the people at the last general election had been taken back to parliament by the President and entrusted with ministerial portfolios not with the intention of bringing the Rajapaksas back to power.

President wants to re-impose tax on beer

President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed finance minister Ravi Karunanayaka to increase the tax on imported beer (5% alcohol content) which was reduced by Rs.30 in the budget proposal, Presidential Media Division (PMD) said

Three Directors for Special Presidential Projects

President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed three Directors for Special Presidential Projects in the Uva, North-Western and Central Provinces while another Special Presidential Project Officer has been appointed for the Polonnaruwa District, the Presidential Media Unit said.

Ravi pooh-poohs no-confidence motion

People who were personally benefitted by the public money were now trying to bring a no- confidence motion against him as they were no longer able to misappropriate the people’s money, Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake said in Colombo today

Soldier, two teenagers drown in Maiyawa Tank

A soldier and two teenagers were drowned today while bathing in the Maiyawa Tank which is situated within the Kuruluwewa Sanctuary in Anawilundawa. Their bodies were later recovered by the Chilaw police.

Strike after engine driver changes two engines

A strike by engine drivers launched for few hours this morning was called off on an assurance that disciplinary action will be taken against an engine driver who had changed two railway engines without permission, Railway Station Masters' Union said.

VAT won’t apply to water, electricity or telephone bills

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said the newly amended Value Added Tax (VAT) system would not be applicable to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunication.

Pro-LTTE posters in Jaffna Uni premises

Posters have been put up within the Jaffna University premises requesting everyone to celebrate LTTE’s ‘Mahaviru’ day that falls on November 27, University students claimed.

Opposition cries foul

As part of their efforts to engage with the Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Colombo, the joint opposition met the Russian Ambassador yesterday and briefed him about what it called ‘the lack of democratic space for dissent and the use of government machinery to suppress political opponents, a former minister said.

58-year-old woman arrested with heroin

A 58 - year old woman was arrested today near Sirisara Housing Complex in Borella for allegedly possessing 127 grams of heroin, Police said.

Two young men allegedly planning a crime arrested

Two young men aged 21 and 22 travelling by vehicles bearing forged number plates were arrested near a culvert at Modara yesterday.

Actress Rithu Akarsha released on bail

Teledrama actress Rithu Akarsha, who was arrested by the Thalangama Police for allegedly driving her vehicle in a reckless manner and crashing onto a barrier at a check point on the entrance road to Parliament and damaging it, was released on bail when she was produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

​Prof. Wijesuriya to succeed Sobitha Thera as NMJS's convener

Professor Sarath Wijesuriya had been appointed as the convener of the National Movement for a Just Society following a unanimous decision of the executive committee of the movement, said Sisira Jayamaha its general secretary.

Falling tree kills motorcyclist

A 37-year-old motorcyclist was killed and at least two three wheelers were badly damaged when a roadside tree fell on them on Baseline road in Borella this evening due to heavy rains, Police said.

Concessionary vehicle permits suspended immediately

Finance Ministry announced that vehicle permits under the concessionary terms will be suspended immediately, effectively from November 21, 2015, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement today.

Joint Opp. plans no-faith motion against Ravi

The joint opposition said that it would introduce a no-confidence motion against Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake for misleading the president, parliament and the people by manipulating figures to show that 6% of GNP had been allocated for education.

No order on Kodikara's motion to court

Colombo Chief Magistrate today made no order on a motion filed by Western Province Provincial Councillor Upali Kodikara for an explanation as to why he failed to be present before the CID after a court order was given.

BBS to prepare report on religious freedom in US

While condemning the International Religious Freedom Report for 2014 issued by the US Department of State, the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thera today said that the BBS would prepare a report on religious freedom in the US and hand it over to the US Embassy in Colombo soon.

Turkey shoots down jet near Syrian border

Turkish warplanes have reportedly shot down a Russian military aircraft on the border with Syria.

Protest by SAITM students: Heavy traffic in Town Hall

Heavy traffic was reported in the Town Hall area as a result of a protest held outside the Health Ministry by medical students of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) demanding that they be allowed to practice at national hospitals.

Ban on sale of Basil’s former election office

Gampaha Chief Magistrate Tikiri K. Jayathilake today banned the sale, the transfer or the alienation of a land and building used by former minister Basil Rajapaksa as an election office at Oruthota, Gampaha.

Reconciliation will bridge Tamil-Sinhalese gap: CBK

Bridging the gulf that divides Tamil and Sinhalese population in Sri Lanka is essential for the wellbeing of the country, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has told The Hindu on Monday.

Probe Senadhipathi’s claims: Rajitha, Patali and Arjuna

Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga had requested IGP N.K. Illangakoon to probe the allegations made by Avant Garde Chairman Major (Retd) Nissanka Senadhipathi that the two ministers had solicited bribes.

Railway strike called off

The railway strike launched by the locomotive engine drivers against an alleged assault on an engine driver was called off this morning, the Railway Trade Unions Alliance (RTUA) said.

Case booked against SL navy

The Marine Police of the Coastal Security Group (CSG) have registered a case against the Sri Lankan navy for allegedly attacking fishermen from Rameswaram on November 21, when they were fishing on the high seas, north off Rameswaram fishing jetty.

Several office trains cancelled due to strike

More than 20 office trains had been cancelled this morning after locomotive engine drivers launched a strike against the assault on an engine driver yesterday at the Ragama Railway station, Railway Deputy Transport Director Vajira Saman Polwattage said.