Mosque issue: Hakeem happy after talks with MR

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader and Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem said yesterday he had discussed the Dambulla Mosque dispute with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and that he was confident it would be resolved with justice to all

Round-the-clock security for Hirunika’s home

While claiming that investigations were underway into the complaint, by Hirunika Premachandra, the daughter of the late Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, of receiving her death threat, Police Headquarters said yesterday

No evidence of returnees abused-UK

The British government said that there was no evidence that returning migrants and refugees from the UK to Sri Lanka were abused, a latest report said

UK concerned over HR in Lanka

Sri Lanka was named as a country of concern in the UK Foreign Office Human Rights Report for 2011, which was launched by the UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague today

US wants 15 years sentence for Lankan

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking a 15-year prison sentence for a Canadian who pleaded guilty to terrorism conspiracy for his role in a plot to supply separatist rebels in Sri Lanka

Private bus accident kills one

One person was killed and eight others were injured when a private bus plying on the Aluthgama-Colombo road ran over a motorbike and crashed into a wall in Moragolla a short while ago.

Liquor shops closed during Vesak

The Government has decided to close all liquor shops, betting centers, casinos, night clubs and ban sale of liquor at super markets on May 04, 05 and 06 for Vesak

Kahawatte murder suspects remanded

The three suspects in the Kahawatte double murder were remanded till May 14, by Pelmadulla Magistrate, when they were produced in court today

'Karuna's Eelam: Tactic to divert attention'

DMK chief M. Karunanidhi has revived his pet theme — establishing a separate Eelam (homeland) for the Tamils of Sri Lanka

NSB pays premium to buy 13% of The Finance

Country’s savings giant, National Savings Bank (NSB) bought 13 percent of The Finance Company PLC (TFC) last Friday for a sum of Rs.393 million, becoming another state owned institution that has paid an unusually high price on controversial stocks

Youth drowns at Galle Face Sea

A 21 year old youth drowned at the Galle Face Sea in Colombo while bathing with a group of friends last evening, police said.

SF might need prolonged hospital stay

Doctors have recommended that former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka receive indoor hospital treatment for an indefinite period since he was suffering from a severe lung ailment.

Indian arrested over farmer’s death

An Indian from the Tamil Nadu state who had been living in the Hungama area for a long time and making his livelihood as a labouer, was taken into police custody over the death of a farmer in the area, police said.

Former NFF organizer arrested

Suriyawewa Police today arrested the former Ampara National Freedom Front organizer and six others for allegedly possessing two priceless ancient Buddha statues.

Mahipala suggest new venues for UNP rally

Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Mahipala Herath said the UNP should hold its May Day rally in Jaffna but in the Donkey Island in close proximity.

Reformists campaigning for Colombo event

A group of UNP reformists were engaged in a campaign at Hulftsdorp, Fort this morning calling the party members not to betray the party by participating in a May Day rally in Jaffna but to take part in the commemoration celebrations of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa that is to be held in Colombo on May Day.

Send a team to SL: Congress MPs

A group of Parliamentarians of the Congress Party in India urged the Indian government to send a team of officials to Sri Lanka to help the returning IDPs to get their original land, the Indian Express reported.

Govt. to export surplus rice, vegetables

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said there was a surplus of rice and vegetables in the country now and steps would be taken to export them to gross an additional income.

SL focusing on foreign empl. market

The government is to hold talks with several powerful countries including the United States in order to send local labour as there was a large number of vacancies in those countries, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Bread price increased by Rs.3

The price of a 450 g loaf of bread will be increased by Rs.3 with effect from Monday, All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association (ACBOA) Chairman N.K. Jayawardena said. He said that the decision was taken due to the increased of wheat flour price. 

Video: Promote harmony and co existence; Hakeem

Minister Rauff Hakeem while roundly condemning the incidents in Dambulla said that it is the desire of his party to promote communal harmony and coexistence among all communities living in the country.

Abduction attempt on foreigner foiled

An Abduction attempt on a Guinea national ( A country in the African continent) was foiled today by the Mount  Lavinia police. Three persons were arrested in connection with the abduction where they had demanded a ransom of 2 million rupees for the release of the abductee.

Factionalism destroying cricket says Ranatunga

Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said that factionalism is the biggest factor that is destroying cricket in Sri Lanka. The former Sri Lanka cricketer turned administrator called all parties including the countries umpires who are divided into various associations to join hands

Father remanded for incest

A man who was taken into custody for raping his daughter was remanded by the Badulla magistrate until the 10th of May. The father had allegedly raped his 18 year old daughter on the 7th and 8th of February this year and was later taken into custody by the Police. 

Fined for urinating in public

A man who was produced in court on charges of having urinated in public was today fined Rs.50 after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Increase in bread price will only cost as much as two bulath vitas -Wimal

Minister Wimal Weerawansa said though bread prices would go up by 5 or 6 rupees after the imposition of a Rs. 15 tax on a kilogramme of wheat flour, the most unfortunate family that eats bread for all three meals would have to additionally spend only a sum equivalent to the price of two quids of betel (bulath vitas).

Won’t make Kelaniya another Libya: Mervyn

While denying allegations that he was behind the attack on the house of Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Vice Chairman this morning, Minister Mervyn Silva today said he will not allow to transform Kelaniya into another Libya, his media secretary said.

Fonseka admitted to Nawaloka

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka was admitted to Nawaloka Hospital after he threatened to stage a hunger strike if the prison authorities failed to follow court orders, Mrs Anoma Fonseka said.

Mervyn goes before disciplinary panel

Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva appeared before a three member disciplinary panel headed by senior lawyer Champani Padmasekara of the SLFP at the party headquarters in Colombo a short while ago to answer allegations against him, informed sources said.

Video: Traffic at Town hall due to protest

A traffic jam reported in the Town Hall area due to a protest by a group of Muslims in front of the Davatagaha mosque against the relocation of a Mosque in Dambulla, the police said.