34 Indian fishermen arrested in Lankan waters

Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard on routine patrol arrested 34 Indian fishermen and seven Indian trawlers engaged in illegal fishing in the northern seas of Sri Lanka last night, the Navy said.

Lionel Fernando resigns from HRCSL

Former Civil Servant and diplomat Lionel Fernando has resigned from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) citing personal reasons.

​No bunker under Temple Trees-Sagala

Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister Office and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayake denied reports that there was an underground palace or bunker at Temple Trees.

Young MPs on a tour to China

Nearly 17 young parliamentarians from all political parties in parliament today left for China on a familiarization tour under a programme sponsored by the Chinese Government, it is learnt.

Video: Dunesh complains against CID and Police Spokesman

Dunesh Priyashantha, alias Kondaya, who was recently released after being arrested on suspicion over the murder of Seya Sandewmi of Kotadeniyawa, lodged a complaint with the Police Commission today.

Lack of funds of RDA holds up Marine Drive extension

The third phase of the Marine Drive extension project which commenced in 1995 is at a standstill due to the lack of funds, the Road Development Authority (RDA) said today.

Saudi prince held in the largest drug bust in Lebanon

A Saudi prince and four others were detained today in Lebanon in the largest drug bust in the history of the Beirut airport, a security source said.

Almost 150 dead after S. Asia quake

A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake killed almost 150 people in Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan today, officials said.

Video: Surprising that confusions on CEPA aren’t clarified: HC Sinha

Indian High Commissioner Y.K. Sinha today expressed his surprise at the lack of efforts to clear the misinformation and misimpressions that have been disseminated on the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) that have been in the works for several years but yet remain to be signed by the two countries.

'No FEM officials to serve more than 2 years abroad'

Foreign Employment Ministry (FEM) officials attached to all embassies will not be allowed to serve for more than two years abroad, Foreign Employment Minister Thalatha Athukorala said.

We want more members in COPE- Gammanpila

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary MP Udaya Gammanpila today opposed the quota given to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) when allocating its members to the Parliament Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

Video: Wele suda’s sister re-remanded

Maligakanda Magistrate today further remanded drug kingpin Wele Suda’s sister Dilini Nilmini and her two accomplices till November 09 on charges of possessing 111 grams of heroin worth more than Rs.1.7 million

Earthquake of 7.7 magnitude strikes in northern Pakistan

A powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude has struck in northern Pakistan, causing tremors in that country, Afghanistan and India.

Nightclub owner’s killing: Eight arrested

Eight people including two guest-house owners have been arrested this morning in connection with the killing of the Anuradapura nightclub owner, Police said.

Karuna to join TULF

Former MP and Vice President of the SLFP Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman said he will resign from the SLFP and join the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) led by Anandasangaree.

Jackson to be summoned before PRECIFAC

Popular artiste Jackson Anthony is to be summoned before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) to obtain a statement on the exorbitant finances spent on the entertainment acts performed at the Hambanthota harbor opening, sources said.

Newly appointed NPC gets down to work

The newly appointed National Police Commission (NPC) had decided to investigate 120 complaints lodged against police personnel serving in various police stations around the country.

Indian coastguard arrest 29 SL fishermen

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship, Samudra Prahari apprehended two Sri Lankan trawlers - Holy Cross III and VI along with 29 Lankan nationals in Lakshadweep waters for poaching endangered marine species and sea cucumber on Saturday.

PRECIFAC summons three ex-navy commanders

Three former commanders of the Sri Lanka Navy are to be called before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Inquire and Investigate into Serious Acts of Fraud and Corruption (PRECIFAC), within the next few days, for questioning and to have their statements recorded with regard to the alleged fraud and corruption in connection with the Rakna Lanka Security Company.

MPs prefer 9mm Lugers to revolvers

Thirty five new MPs have requested semi-automatic pistols (instead of revolvers) of the type issued to ministers and senior MPs -- in a letter sent to the Parliament authorities.

New railway line from Maradana to Battaramulla

A feasibility study on establishing a 10 km railway land line from Maradana to Battaramulla via Dematagoda would be started today (26), Sri Lanka Railways said today.

PRECIFAC to board MV Avant Garde on Wednesday

A Police team attached of the PRECIFAC would board MV Avant Garde vessel at the Galle Port for investigations on Wednesday, October 28, PRECIFAC Secretary said.

Video:Temple Trees also has an underground bunker-MR

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa said today that his government had to build a safety bunker under President’s House in Fort to shield VIPs from potential LTTE air strikes.

Channa and Upuli deny charging Rs. 15m

Popular artistes Channa and Upuli Wijewardena, the owners of Channa-Upuli Dance Academy today rejected reports that they had been given over 15 million rupees for their dancing performances at the opening ceremony of phase one of the Hambantota Harbour.

Video: Many dangerous operative paragraphs in resolution-MR

Claiming that there are many dangerous operative paragraphs in theGeneva resolution on Sri Lanka, Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that all Sri Lankans should be vigilant about what some powerful forces are trying to achieve by jailing thewar heroes, sacking through an administrative process those who cannot be jailed, and breaking the back of the nation.

SL to release 86 Indian fishermen

Eighty-six Tamil Nadu fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the past two months, would be released on October 28, the Indian state government said today.

​Feasibility study on road to Talaimannar soon-India

The Indian government will soon carry out a feasibility study on establishing a road link between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, said Union Minister of State for Transport, Highways and Shipping Pon. Radhakrishnan said.

Former Moneragala PS Chairman arrested

Former Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman R.M. Ranaweera had been arrested on charges of attacking and shooting at election offices at Hulandawa and Maduruketiya in Moneragala during the previous Provincial Council election, the Police said.

Man shot dead in Aluthgama

A 38-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama this morning.

Modi has let down Sri Lankan Tamils: Narayanasamy

AICC general secretary and former Union Minister for State V. Narayanasamy has charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with indulging in doublespeak in pressing the Sri Lankan government for an international probe into the alleged war crimes and human rights violations during the civil war in 2009.