IOT aiming to double representation in reformed Parliament

The Indian Origin Tamils (IOT), who are 4.16 per cent of the Sri Lankan population of 20.3 million, are aiming to double their representation in a reformed Sri Lankan parliament, Indian Express said today.

Video: People are with us: UNP

The United National Party (UNP) today said its May Day rally was one of the most successful rallies ever in the history and that it had proved the majority of people were with the UNP.

One killed, over 20 injured in accident

A woman was killed and 22 others seriously injured when a tipper truck collided with a bus at Sandunpura in the Mahiyangana- Polonnaruwa main road last evening (3).

MS-MR meeting on Wednesday at Speaker’s house

The planned meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to be taken place at the Speaker’s residence on Wednesday or Thursday, informed sources said yesterday.

19A still inoperative,will take a few more days-Minister

Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said yesterday it would take a few days for the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to come into force though it was initially set to be operative from April 30 onwards.

Probes into deaths of livestock in four districts

Over 200 deaths of cattle and buffaloes have been reported during the last five months in four districts including Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa and Ratnapura, the Department of Animal Product and Health (DAPH) said today.

CAA directs private hospitals to issue detailed bills

The Consumer Affairs Authority has directed that all private hospitals should issue a comprehensive bill mentioning the price, details of medicinal drugs and equipment used for patients, a CAA official said today.

Iranian falls to his death while photographing

One of the two  Iranians who was  attempting  to have some scenic  places photographed  in Giragala  island  in Mirissa,  Weligama  drowned  when he slipped from the rock and fell to the sea beneath, police said.

Bishop Rayappu Joseph at ICU

Bishop of Mannar Rev. Rayappu Joseph, who was on his way to Colombo to meet the visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry had fallen ill and was hospitalised on Saturday evening. 

Kerry meets TNA leaders

Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry held talks with the Tamil National Alliance leaders today, officials said.

Gun totting soldier at MS meeting arrested

The soldier who had allegedly had a weapon to the President’s meeting last month had been remanded till May 12, the Police said.

Four killed in two accidents

Four persons were killed and two were injured during two separate road accidents in Piliyandala and Pussallawa last night, the Police said.

Prince William and Kate Middleton welcome baby girl

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has given birth to a girl, just two hours after she was admitted to hospital for the delivery of her second royal baby.

Audio: This is time of opportunity in SL: Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry today made a pledge to the Foreign Minister and his delegation, of US's interest to work with Sri Lanka and to help in any way possible to shape the future of the Sri Lankans.

Another SLAF cargo leaves for Nepal

Another Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) C130 cargo flight departed to Kathmandu carrying 13, 000 kilos of drinking water, dry ration and medical items for earth quake victims in Nepal this morning, Sri Lanka Air Force said.

Vasan deplores SL stand on fishermen

Deploring Sri Lanka for threatening to open fire and arrest the Indian fishermen crossing the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) for fishing, Tamil Manila Congress (TMC) president G.K. Vasan has said ‘threats and advises’ would not help to find a lasting solution to the vexatious issue.

​Kerry in Sri Lanka

US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago. It is the first time in a decade that a US secretary of state has visited Sri Lanka.The 35-member delegation was welcomed by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera at the air port.

Give another chance to the people-Anura Kumara

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake today urged President Maithripala Sirisena to dissolve parliament soon and give another chance for the people to elect suitable parliamentarians, while requesting the president not to listen to those who opposed him earlier including present Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala.

Dewasiri assaulted

A complaint had been lodged by Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri claiming that he was attacked by a group of participants at a May Day rally organized by several left political parties in Kirulapone.

More relief through a stable Govt: Ranil

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today urged that a stable Parliament be formed so that the people could be provided with long-term relief.

No foreign interference in future: President

President Maithripala Sirisena today pledged he would never leave room for the international community, any other country or group to raise issues regarding Sri Lanka’s fundamental rights, human rights, democracy or give them any excuse to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

MS gives date to meet MR: Reginald

SLFP MP Reginald Cooray said President Maithripala Sirisena had given a date to meet former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to resolve differences between them.

​Video: May Day rallies underway in Colombo

May Day rallies organised by almost all the political parties in the country are currently underway at various places in Colombo with the participation of a large number of party supporters.

India rejects US report on religious freedom

India on Thursday strongly reacted to a report by a US Congress-established panel claiming that minorities in the country have been subjected to “violent attacks” and “forced conversions” after the Modi government assumed power in 2014, saying it does not take cognizance of such reports.

​Death sentence for killing Lankan mistress

A Sri Lankan in Bahrain, who murdered his mistress while his wife was abroad on holiday, has been sentenced to death.

​Religious freedom: US commends Sirisena’s govt

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today commended the President Maithripala Sirisena led government for taking steps to improve religious unity and religious freedom.

Five jailed in The Hague for supporting LTTE

Five Dutch nationals of Sri Lankan origin have been jailed for between 19 months and six years three months for raising money for the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), Dutch News reported yesterday.

Video: Somawansa launches fast

Former JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe who left the party recently launched a fast at the Independence Square in Colombo this morning urging the President to probe into the alleged coup on the presidential election night.

SriLankan join hands with American Airlines

SriLankan Airlines has entered into a landmark code-sharing agreement with American Airlines, a founder member of the global airline alliance, a press release from SriLankan Airline said.

Ex-Ministry Secy wants barrier removed to return to SL

A former ministry secretary who had been named as a suspect in the controversial Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal case, has requested Court to lift the travel restrictions imposed on him so that he could return to the country.