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.

​Samantha Power in SL

US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon for a three-day official visit.

India-Pakistan may play in SL or Bangladesh?

 The possibility of a bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan in either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh cannot be ruled out.

AG and BC asked to take legal action against Sarath Kumara

The PRECIFAC has requested the Bribery Commission (BC) and the Attorney General’s Department (AG) to take legal action against former Deputy Minister of Fisheries Sarath Kumara Gunaratne and two others with regard to misusing of Fisheries Corporation funds, an official of the commission said.

Indian fishermen in SL custody: Jayalalithaa writes to Modi

A day after 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy for crossing the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL), chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his immediate intervention.

SL woman arrested with Rs.28mn worth foreign currency

A 50-year-old Sri Lankan woman was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle out foreign currency notes worth Rs. 28 million this morning.

Vehicular movement at Gas Paha junction restricted

Vehicular movement at the Gas Paha junction in Dam Street police area has been restricted after a septic tank caved in this morning, police said.