3 Bn. Income from booze and cigarette hike

The Ministry of Finance and Planning said today that the estimated revenue from the increase of tax on alcohol and cigarettes would be close to 3 Billion rupees.The Ministry announced today that the price of all brands of cigarettes will be increased

Join hands to observe earth day:MR

President Mahinda Rajapaksa requested all citizens of the country to join hands with him to observe earth hour 2012 by switching off non essential lights this evening from 8.30 to 9.30 PM the Government Information department said

GTF to take action against Hague

The Global Tamil Forum widely seen as a front organisation representing the defeated LTTE is taking legal action against William Hague over the Foreign Office's failure to confront a senior Sri Lankan diplomat accused of complicity in crimes against humanity, The Guardian reports

Businessman's son abducted

A gang which abducted the 22-year-old son of a millionaire in Vakarai is demanding Rs. 30 million to free him, police said.

Premier hospitalized

Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne was admitted to the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital last evening, and he is now receiving treatment at the Preliminary Care Unit (PCU) of the hospital.

Remanded for assaulting PSD

Five policemen attached to the Rangala Police were remanded till the 2nd of April for assaulting 11 officers of the Presidential Security Division. The assaulted officers included a Captain for  the Army.

SL victim of western media: MR

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today that Sri Lankla has become a victim of the western media stating that there is a clear distinction between what is portrayed in the media and the truth.

I’m ready: Mervyn

Minister Mervyn Silva said that he is ready to face any inquiry held against him as he has done no wrong. “I’m ready to face any inquiry against me because i know I haven’t done anything wrong. What I said was that I trust that the President would not take any decision that would cause injustice. That is true,

Govt. makes official stand on UNHRC

Making an official statement of the Government, with regard to the UNHRC resolution  Minister of External Affairs Prof.G.L.Peiris said that said Sri Lanka would not allow any foreign intervention at any time. Speaking in Parliament today, he said Sri Lanka’s stand on the issue was consistent

No salvaging of wrecks

The Ministry of Fisheries together with the National Aquatic Research and Development Agency are to strictly implement the law against any form of salvaging of ship wrecks. Deputy Minister of Fisheries Susantha Punchinilame said that the strict implementation will serve two purposes. “Salvaging of

Indian delegation to visit SL

In less than a month after India voted for a UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka, an all-party parliamentary delegation is likely to visit Colombo

SLFP to take disciplinary action against Mervyn

The central committee of the SLFP yesterday unanimously decided to take disciplinary action against Minister Mervyn Silva over a statement that the minister had made asserting that no one could touch him while President Mahinda Rajapaksa was in power

Scandalous video clip rocks Kotte MC

The Kotte Municipal Council is in the midst of a scandal with Deputy Mayor Madura Vithanage suing Mayor Janaka Ranawaka for Rs. 20 million as damages for allegedly showing a “doctored’ video clip of the Deputy Mayor in a compromising position

500 Kms of railway to be added

Acting cabinet spokesman Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said today that the government would add 500 kilometers of new railway lines to the existing lines in the next five years, for the first time in railway history

US double standards - Minister

The government today accused the US of double standards when dealing with human rights stating that it maintains one policy for Israel and another for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka beat England by 75 runs

Sri Lanka beat England by 75 runs on the fourth day of the first test on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series

Bahu ready to debate with Bandula

New Left Front Leader and Member of the Dehiwala Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne had accepted the challenge posed by Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardene for a public debate on the statement which the Minister earlier made that a family of three could survive by spending a maximum amount of Rs 7500 per month.

SL calls for joint sea patrolling with India

Sri Lanka has called for joint patrolling between the navies of Sri Lanka and India to prevent clashes between fishermen of both countries, a Sri Lankan minister said today.

Malaysia explains abstention

While claiming that Malaysia’s abstention at the vote on the UNHRC resolution On Sri Lanka was not a double standard, the Malaysia Government says it is unfair to impose an obligation on Sri Lanka to report in just three months.

SL needs to change - Dayan

Sri Lanka could learn from Myanmar which has radically changed bringing democratic reforms in the country says Sri Lanka Ambassador to France, Dr.Dayan Jathilleka.

‘X Files’ suspect warned

A Colombo Court today severely warned a disabled Sri Lankan Army Captain not to make any statements to newspapers in respect of the popular X-files actress Gillian Anderson

Three killed by lightening strike

Three people – a child and two women – were killed when a lightening struck a house they were in, this evening in Amithirigala, Avissawella, area hospital sources said

Bandula ready for public debate

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardene said today said he was ready for a public debate to prove that a family of three could survive with a monthly income of Rs.7500

25 students arrested in Kandy

Two students of the Institute of Higher Technology in Bogambara, Kandy were hospitalised after a clash between two student parties, Police said

No one has to tell us what to do-MR

While claiming that the government is committed to walk an extra mile to establish permanent peace through reconciliation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that no one has to tell Sri Lanka what to do.

Udeshika: island first

Udeshika Hettiarachchi of Visakha Vidyalaya became 1st in the GCE O/L –exam 2011 while Anusha Perera of Science College, Matale was ranked second, Education Ministry said. PICTURES

Avoid another resolution, urge Elders

A group of world leaders formed by Nelson Mandela has urged Sri Lanka to try and avoid another showdown in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by adhering to the recent resolution adopted by the body.

Lawyers at Colombo court boycott

Lawyers at the Colombo chief Magistrate Court are refraining from court proceedings and currently holding a protest demanding the arrest of suspects who attacked a lawyer at Nugegoda Magistrate court last week.

Action against Shiral, Maithree and Lal

UNP working committee today, decided to hold a disciplinary inquiry on Western Provincial Council Member Shiral Laktilleke, Member of the Southern Provincial Council Maithree Gunaratne and Lal Perera on the attack on the party head quarters Siri Kotha last year

Media using me to increase sales-Mervyn

Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva today said that if the media wants to use his name to increase their sales by spreading rumours about him,