Child abuse:Govt. responsible-Opposition

The government is responsible for making Sri Lanka the country where the most number of child rape cases are reported, the joint opposition alliance led by the UNP said.

Fugitive monk arrested

The CID arrested a prominent monk who was wanted in connection with assisting suspects involved in a number of high profile robberies in the country.

Pakistan 226 all out

Pakistan were all out for 226 in their first innings against Sri Lanka on the first day of the third and final test at the Pallakele Stadium on Sunday. Scores: Pakistan 226 all out (Asad Shafiq 75; Thisara Perera 4-63, Rangana Herath 3-40) v Sri Lanka.

More asylum boat reaches Cocos Island

Another boat of asylum seekers, believed to be Sri Lankans has arrived at the distant Cocos Islands, chugging into the lagoon around mid-morning Sunday. The boat - understood to be carrying 28 Sri Lankan males - is the fifth to arrive since May at the Australian territory in the Indian ocean.

Lankan mission slams report on jailed maid

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia has rejected reports in Colombo claiming a Sri Lankan domestic worker has been arrested in Saudi Arabia for worshipping a statue of the Buddha.

Two drunken policemen interdicted

Two policemen attached to the Wellawa police station have been interdicted as they were found under the influence of liquor while on duty, police said. Following information, the Kurunegala SP had sent the Police Seargent and constable for a medical checkup.

Pakistan lose 4 wickets

Sri Lanka, which won the toss and opted to field first in the third test against Pakistan at the Pallakele Stadium on Sunday, has sent four Pakistan players back to the dressing room. Pakistan were 63/4 at the end of 20th over.

Dr. Geethanjana Mendis passes away

Prominent Neuro Physician, Dr. Geethanjana Mendis , who headed the Sports Ministry Medicine Unit of for several years passed away this morning. He had been suffering from a heart ailment and passed away at a private hospital in Colombo, hospital sources said.

Boy drowns in Kovil pond

A thirteen year old was found dead upon admission to the Panama hospital after the boy had fallen into a pond situated in the Okanda Kovil, Pottuvil. The Pottuvil police are conducting further investigation into the incident.

Another Lankan boat to Christmas Island

Another boatload of Sri Lankan asylum seekers, this time 31 men and one girl, have completed their long journey to Christmas Island.

Air Force assists to douse wild fire

An Air Force helicopter has been deployed to help douse the fire which has broken out in the Riverstone hill in the Loggala area this morning, the Air Force said.

Training in any part of India unacceptable: Jaya

Taking exception to the transportation of the nine Lankan Air Force personnel from Tambaram air-base to Bangalore for continuing their training there, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday urged the Centre to deport these personnel back to Sri Lanka.

Foreign players well represented in SLPL

The list of foreigners taking part in the Sri Lankan Premier League has been confirmed, with Australia and Pakistan fielding the most players.

Swiss national found dead

A 43 year-old Swiss national, who is living in the Wennappuwa area with a Sri Lankan woman had died and the reason is yet  unknown, police said.

Audio: Child abusers are like stray dogs - Minister

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Susil Premajayantha yesterday described those involved in child abuse as stray dogs. He said UPFA politicians found guilty of having committed crime, corruption or fraud would be severely dealt with.

Amungama proposes Panda Bonds with China

International Monetary Cooperation Minister Sarath Amunugama has suggested that the government invests in Panda Bonds to boost Sri Lanka’s development programme. This proposal is being positively evaluated by the government.

Palmyra plant on middle of new road

Parliamentarians on both sides of the House were amused today when it was revealed that a Palmyra seedling had sprouted up in the middle of the newly carpeted road between Palakuda Junction of Puttalam and St. Annes Church at Talavila.

Airmen not returning due to pressure: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the claims made by the Indian media that the Lankan Airmen sent to South India for training were returning to Sri Lanka due to political pressure from elements in Tamil Nadu.

Hariharan not coming; show cancelled

The ‘Hariharan Live in Concert’ scheduled for today in Colombo has been cancelled as the Indian singer will not be coming to Sri Lanka. In an email to the organizers last evening, Hariharan said

Hillary warns Russia and China

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned today (Friday) that Russia and China should expect to "pay a price" if they hold up sanctions against Syria. Clinton urged other countries present at a Friends of Syria meeting in Paris to reach out to Russia and China and demand that they end their support for the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Video:'All Lankan trainees to be sent off today'

Under attack from all political parties, including ruling UPA key ally DMK, the Centre on Friday decided to “send off” the Sri Lankan airmen from the IAF station at Tambaram where they were undergoing training. Video..

Galle DIG suspended on bribery charges

Galle DIG Hector Dharmasiri has been suspended by the IGP following charges of bribery, Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said.

Delhi may ignore-The Hindu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s demand to scrap training courses for Sri Lankan Air Force personnel is unlikely to find takers in New Delhi because Sri Lanka and India, just last week, have decided to enhance cooperation in security issues, the Hindu Newspaper reported.

Notice against Jaffna Magistrate

The Court of Appeal today issued a stay order preventing the Jaffna Magistrate from taking any further steps to deal with the Editor of the Jaffna based newspaper ‘Uthayan’ for contempt. Notice was issued on the Jaffna Magistrate to appear before the Court on July 20

Sanga returns to the top of ICC rankings

Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara made a return to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings after scoring a big century against Pakistan in the drawn Test at the SSC

Australia bound 41 arrested in Wakarai

At least 41 people including woman and children were taken into police custody while waiting to flee to Australia illegally in Mankeni, Wakarai last evening, police said

India, SL navy to get to bottom of fishermen issue

The recent arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and related incidents will figure at the bilateral International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) meeting of the navies of India and Sri Lanka to be held shortly

Water bills to go up

National Water Resources and Drainage Board Chairman Karunasena Hettiarachchi said that the water rates would be increased soon

JVP names heads nomination lists

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has announced the names of those who would head the nomination lists of its candidates contesting the forthcoming elections to the three provincial councils

Audio: Ministers are like prisoners: Hemakumara

Former Presidential Advisor Hemakumara Nanayakkara alleged that Ministers of the government are like prisoners