Govt. politicians openly violating the law: UNP

United National Party (UNP) Vice President Lakshman Kiriella, who referred to the controversial transfer of Moneragala District DIG M.R. Latheef said yesterday government politicians were openly violating the law and pointed out that the repeal of the 17th Amendment had resulted in the police service losing its independence.

Lankans don't like juniors playing IPL: Jayasuriya

Former Sri Lanka captain and present chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya feels that it will be better if junior Sri Lankan players are kept away from IPL although it remains an "individual decision".

Halal separation not practical: JHU

While commending the statement made by the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) to separate Halal and non Halal certificated goods, the Jathika Hela Urumaya today said such a separation would not work in practice.

Five drowned in Mahaweli river

Five youths between the ages of 25 and 30 are reported to have drowned in the Mahaweli River, at Nawalapitiya a short while ago, police said.

No compromise on more powers for SL Tamils-Singh

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday reportedly stressed that there would be no compromise on Colombo’s promise to implement the 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution which provides more powers to Tamil areas in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces.

Murali, Lasith campaign against boat journey

The Australian Government has turned to a pair of Sri Lankan cricket stars in attempt to stop the flow of asylum seeker boats from the country.

MR writes to the Pope

Recalling the encouraging words of guidance and counsel given to him, President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a letter to Pope Benedict XVI said he was ‘surprised and saddened’ to learn of the resignation.

Samarasinghe to lead delegation

Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe will lead the Sri Lankan delegation to Geneva, the government said

Arjuna says ICC ‘toothless’

World Cup-winning former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga came down heavily on the International Cricket Council (ICC), calling the sport's world governing body ‘toothless’

Stay Order refused on new tobacco packaging law

The Appeal Court today refused to issue a stay order sought by the Ceylon Tobacco Company to quash the Gazette notification for pictorial warnings on cigarette packets.

EPC member injured after alleged attack by politico's son

UPFA member of Eastern Provincial Council Priyantha Pathirana was hospitalized last night due to an alleged assault by Susantha Galappaththi - son of Chairman of EPC Ariyawathi Galappaththi, police said

Acid attack on NCP ayurvedic commissioner

Ayurvedic Commissioner of North Central Province Dr. Kumara Alwis was hospitalised following an acid attack in Anuradhapura, in the early hours today, police sources said

Sex assault on campus: suspected SL asylum seekers detained

Police will question a group of up to 80 asylum seekers believed to be from Sri Lanka being temporarily housed at Macquarie University following the alleged indecent assault of a young student as she slept in her student accommodation in Sydney's north

Gota rubbishes Channel 4 photos

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday rejecting the photographs displayed by Channel 4 television station of UK which is alleged to be of Prabhakaran’s youngest son Balachandran,

Pork to be on menu of Parliament canteen in future

Despite objections from Muslim MPs, the Speaker decided yesterday that pork may be offered, to MPs, in the Parliament canteen, revoking a previous ban on it, informed sources said

US is bullying SL: US congressman

The United States should not bully a small country like Sri Lanka, considering the difficulties it has had to face during a 30 year conflict, a member of the US House of Representatives who is visiting Sri Lanka, said yesterday

Karu says protest not against him

UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya’s media secretary Prabath Weeraratne said that the protest was not against Mr. Jayasuriya’s visit but was carried out after protestors received information that a Sri Lankan government ‘minister’ was visiting the state

Video: India bomb blasts 12 dead, 52 hurt

At least 12 people were killed and 52 injured when three bombs shook the southern Indian city of Hyderabad late on Thursday, police said ???

Peaceful coexistence more important than Halal-ACJU

The All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama (ACJU) told the media today that peaceful co-existence in the country was more important than the ‘Halal’ certificate, and it would agree to recommendations made by the parliament subcommittee appointed to look into the issue.

Video: Establishing of Police Commission would be referred to a PSC: Govt.

The Government responding to the controversy surrounding the transfer of DIG M.R. Latheef said today the establishment of an Independent Police Commission as recommended by the LLRC would be referred to a Parliament Select Committee.

Karu Jayasuriya on pilgrimage returns after protests in TN

UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya on a pilgrimage to the temple town of Thirukkadaiyur in  Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu had to return today after activists of various political parties, including pro-Eelam outfits, staged a demonstration in that town.

No outright sale of land to foreigners

Cabinet has decided to prohibit the outright transfer of property to foreigners, taking into consideration the increasing demand for foreign investment with the expansion of developmental activities by the Government.

Nine hour water cut in Colombo

A 9-hour water cut would be imposed in several areas in Colombo from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. tomorrow due to an interruption in the supply of electricity to the Kotte Pump House, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board said

Lankan Tamils must get equality: Pranab Mukherjee

Sri Lanka must make efforts to provide its Tamil minority "a life of peace, dignity and equality", President Pranab Mukherjee said Thursday.

CB expects IMF to raise economy growth forecast

The Sri Lankan central bank expects the International Monetary Fund to raise its growth projection for the island nation, a top official said on Thursday.

No Lankan players in Tamil Nadu: Jaya

Amid protests over the alleged brutal killing of slain LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran’s son, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Thursday called off the 20th Asian Athletics Championships scheduled to be held Chennai  in July, saying Sri Lankan players have no place in the State.

28 asylum seekers arrested

Twenty eight Sri Lankans from North and East and three helpers from the South had been taken to the custody today at the Mirissa harbour when attempting to sail to Australia on a multiday fishing trawler

Video:UN reiterates importance of addressing accountability in SL

The United Nations yesterday reiterated the ‘importance of addressing accountability in Sri Lanka through a genuine and comprehensive national process and achieving national reconciliation.’ ???

Woman molested by Lankan in Dubai

A 30-year-old Sri Lankan male worker, allegedly molested a woman when he went to repair the wardrobe of her roommate, the Dubai Criminal Court heard.

Netherland national found dead in Dehiwela

A 76-year-old Netherland national was found dead in a house he was staying on rent in Dehiwela yesterday, police said. The victim was identified as Eilheam Rowehost who arrived in Sri Lanka on February 13 as a tourist.