Next election only after electoral reforms: UPFA

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) today emphasised that the general election would be held under the new electoral system despite the time it would take to have them approved under the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

Court Order banning protest outside BC

The Colombo Chief Magistrate today issued an order banning the protest which was to be held outside the Bribery Commission tomorrow, police said.

Opposition wants 19A redrafted

Opposition leader Nimal Siripala de Silva said today the proposed 19th Amendment must be redrafted to keeping with the Supreme Court determination, re-gazetted and the Supreme Court approval obtained before presenting it in Parliament.

Video: Basil Rajapaksa arrested

Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former Secretary of the Ministry Nihal Jayatilake and former Divineguma Fund Director General R.R.K. Ranawaka were arrested a short while ago.

Duminda declares his assets to BC

Colombo District Parliamentarian Duminda Silva today handed over a report declaring his assets and liabilities to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Dehiwala Zoo looking for surrogate mother for lion cubs

The National Zoological Garden said it was looking out for a female dog with puppies of two or three days old to feed three lion cubs that were born this morning.

We have had no dealings with Wele Suda: Artistes

A group of artistes today urged the Police to reveal the details of any allegations if there were any made by Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda against artistes instead of leaving room for speculation and an excuse for gossip mongers to defame them.

Special statement by President tomorrow

President Maithripala Sirisena will make a special statement on the 100-day programme over the electronic media tomorrow at 9.00 p.m., the presidential media unit said.

Video: Portfolios pointless if 19A not passed: Dy. Minister

It is pointless for ministers to hold on to their portfolios after April 28 if the 19th Amendment is not enacted by then, a deputy minister said today.

Counter complaint against complaint on MR

Some lawyers have said they would complain to the Bribery Commission today against the complaint lodged against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on bribery charges, Mr. Rajapaksa’s Spokesman Rohan Weliwita said.

​FCID grills Basil

Former minister Basil Rajapaksa has arrived to the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to give a statement regarding the misappropriation of state funds and a financial transaction taken place at the Divi Neguma Department, Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said.

​Lalith Weeratunga at FCID

Former President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, is being questioned by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) regarding a financial transaction at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), Police spokesman ASP Ruwan GHunasekara said.

Two arrested for murder at St. Peter’s College

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a female employee at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya.

MR as PM in Sirisena Govt will boost SL : Gotabaya

Sri Lanka’s once powerful Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, wants President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to join hands to give the island nation a “functioning government” and lift it from the abyss of political confusion and economic stagnation.

New Chairman for Rakna Lanka Ltd

A new Board of Directors and chairpersons were appointed to Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd, Lanka Logistics & Technologies Ltd and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission today.

President should be firm: JVP

President Maithripala should act firmly in order to get the 19th Amendment to the Constitution passed, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said today.

TN fishermen demand uninterrupted fishing rights in SL waters

Over 100 fishermen from Tamil Nadu will meet Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj next Monday to give a petition demanding uninterrupted fishing rights in the Sri Lankan waters.

Police to give Basil reasonable time to report to FCID

Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said the police would give former Minister Basil Rajapaksa a reasonable time to report to the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) based on acourt order against him.

MR not a god- Champika

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was not a god and there was no need to protest against the Bribery Commission decision to summon him, Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) General Secretary and Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said today.

Will move no-faith motion on Ravi: Bandula

UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardane told media today that they would bring a No Confidence Motion against Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayke over alleged financial irregularities.

Veteran journalist Kariyakarawana passes away

Veteran journalist D.F. Kariyakarawana, who was a former editor of Dinamina, Silumina and Janatha Newspapers, passed away this morning at the age of 94.

Video: Basil returns

Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa who left for the US soon after the presidential elections arrived in the country a short while ago, sources said.

Manilal claims Rs. 2bn as damages from Rodrigo

Manilal Fernando, the former chairman of the Football Federation has filed a law suit before Colombo District Court against the incumbent Federation Chairman Ranjith Rodrigo claiming two billion rupees as damages regarding an alleged defamatory statement.

BIA arrivals Lounge closed; Passengers allowed

Outsiders would not be allowed to enter Arrivals Lounge at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake for five hours due to a large crowd gathered at the airport to welcome MP Basil Rajapaksa, reporter said.

19A on April 27

The presentation of 19th Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament had been postponed until April 27 followed by a vote on April 28, sources said.

BC to visit and record MR’s statement: minister

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe today assured Parliament that Bribery Commission officials would visit former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to record his statement.

Tension in Parliament; adjourned for 15mnts

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa adjourned Parliament for fifteen minutes following a tense situation with opposition MPs walked down to the well of the house.

113 MPs signed Petition against Bribery DG

A Petition signed by 113 Parliamentarians will be submitted to the Speaker seeking a probe on Director General of the Bribery Commission Dilrukshi Wickramasinghe, SLFP MP Bandula Gunawardena said.

Speaker says BC should inform him

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has informed Parliament today that the Bribery Commission should inform him beforehand if it wants to investigate or record a statement from any Parliamentarian.

Heavy traffic near Parliament

Heavy traffic reported from the Parliament road due to a protest against summoning former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Bribery Commission.