SL could host Ind-Pak cricket series

Sri Lanka has emerged as the likely venue for the much-awaited Indo-Pak bilateral cricket series and an official announcement may be made on November 27.

Murdered SL maid: Blood money or punishment?

The Kuwaiti government might pay ‘blood money’ on behalf of Sri Lankan housemaid Jayawathi Ilangasinghe (50) who was murdered recently in Kuwait or the maximum punishment will be imposed on those convicted, Foreign Employment Minister Thalatha Athukorala speculated yesterday.

Budget has broken PM’s election pledge: Gammanpila

The government’s decision to increase prices of vehicles through the budget-2016 has blatantly violated Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s election promise to provide one vehicle for each middle class family, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila charged today.

Dhanuna's passport released

The Colombo High Court today released the passport of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka’s ex son –in –law Dhanuna Thilakaratne, who was earlier acquitted from charges of earning profits from arms procurement deals of the Army.

Real inclusiveness should come from the people: Power

The fear that granting certain liberties would come at the expense of security is a concern that is reasonable and understandable and one that not only prevails in Sri Lanka but also in the US, Permanent Representative of the US to the UN, Ambassador Samantha Power said today.

Train services temporarily disrupted

Train services had been disrupted for a short time on the main Colombo line due to a tense situation that occurred at the Ragama Railway station this evening, the railway control room said.

No foreign naval bases will be allowed in SL: PM

While claiming that the government would ensure that all Sri Lankan ports are open for commercial shipping, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that no naval bases within Sri Lanka would be allocated to other countries.

Joint Oppn MPs to meet President tomorrow

The MPs of the Joint Opposition would meet President Maithripala Sirisena tomorrow morning to express their opinions on the 2016-Budget proposals, SLFP MP Kumara Welgama today said.

Derailment on coastal line

A train traveling from Matara to Colombo had derailed between Beruwala and Maggona this evening, the Railway Control Room said

World leaders could follow President Sirisena: Power

Visiting US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power today called on President Maithripala Sirisena and said rest of the world leaders could follow the precedent set by President Sirisena to give up power.

Seya's killing: Accused plead guilty

Kondaya's brother Saman Jayalath today pleaded guilty to the charge of killing of 5-year-old Seya Sadewmi of Kotadeniyawa after the indictment was read to him by Deputy Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena in the Negombo High Court.

Govt. urged to take over Sea Marshals Service

Sea Marshal Officers' Association today urged the Defence Ministry to take over the sea marshals’ service from Avant Garde Maritime Service (Pvt) Limited (AGMSL) and allow the sea marshals to carry out their duties independently and professionally.

No hike of emission certificates for tuk-tuks, motorcycles

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament a while ago that the proposed enhanced fee of Rs. 5,000 to issue the emission certificates for vehicles in the budget would not be applicable for three-wheelers and motorbikes.

Samantha Power trying to introduce federalism: Gammanpila

The objective of the visit of US permanent representative to the UN, Samantha Power to Sri Lanka is to promote federalism, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary MP Udaya Gammanpila claimed today.

Video: FCID records statement from GL

The Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) is recording a statement from former External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris in connection with an incident that had occurred in the External Affairs Ministry during his tenure. 

Missing novice monks found

The four novice monks who had lost their way while inside the Maduru Oya Forest were found this morning by the Police and the Army during a search operation launched by them.

Gas prices down from today

The Litro Gas Company Executive Chairman Mr Shalila Munasinghe said that as per the provisions made in the Budget – 2016 presented by the Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake  Gas  prices  have been reduced with effect from today.

Austrian man drowns off Hungama

A 51 year old Austrian had drowned in the sea off Hungama last night while bathing with two other Austrians, Police said.

Electricity, telephone charges may increase

The Inland Revenue Department has indicated a likely increase in charges for electricity, telephone calls and hotel services, among others, with the increase in VAT proposed in Budget 2016.

Four young Samaneras missing in jungle trip

A joint search operation was in progress by the police, army and the Special Task Force this evening when after four Samanera monks aged 11 to 13 years from a temple in Aralaganwila did not return after trekking into the jungle.

Liquor prices up with Budget

The prices of liquor both Arrack and beer had been increased with immediate effect as proposed in the 2016 budget that was announced on Friday.

President thanks India for funding several projects

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena today extended his thanks to India for funding various welfare projects in the country.

SL calls on remaining banned entities to renounce violence, separatism

Explaining the move to lift the ban on several earlier proscribed organisations and individuals, the foreign ministry today urged the remaining banned entities to make public commitments condemning violence and renouncing separatism in order for de-proscription of those entities.

At least 90 dead in landslide in Myanmar

At least 90 people have died in a huge landslide in a remote jade mining area of northern Myanmar, officials said today, as search teams continued to find bodies in one of the deadliest disasters to strike the country's shadowy jade industry.

Vehicle prices up from Monday

The unit rate for vehicles through the budget proposal and the new valuation system that introduced recently would increase the prices of vehicles by Rs. 200,000 up to Rs. 2.5 million, the Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) said today.

Soldier stabbed inside ward; mistaken identity

In a case of mistaken identity, a soldier who was undergoing treatment at Beliatta Hospital due to fever had been stabbed by unknown gang in the hospital ward last night.

Lankan nabbed with Rs.11mn foreign currency

A Sri Lankan employed at a duty free shop at the BIA had been arrested with foreign currency worth Rs.11 million at the arrival entrance gate at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning, Customs Spokesman Leslie Gamini said.

Three arrested with explosives

Three persons were arrested with illegal high range explosives in two separate incidents in Hungama and Ella yesterday, police said.

​Questions over attack on Maldives man in SL

Despite the arrest of a three-wheel driver in connection to the attack on a Maldivian man in Colombo last week, new information has raised question marks over the attacker.

​Govt lifts ban on several banned LTTE outfits

By a gazette extraordinary issued on Friday, the Sri Lankan government lifted the ban on several outfits and individuals previously thought to have been working for the LTTE.