Two students drown in Kelani River

Two nineteen-year-old students drowned while bathing in the Kelani River at Ranwala in Kirindiwela yesterday evening, Police said.

China, Sri Lanka’s historical ally in many fronts; Defence Sec.

Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said historical relationship between China and Sri Lanka had been growing on the mutual trust built on pillars of political, economic, cultural, educational and most importantly in defence over the years.

SL-India hold talks on defence matters

India and Sri Lanka defence officials held talks to deepen the defence ties between the two nations, Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

Cat carrying heroin found in Magazine Prison

A cat that had a heroin packet tied around its neck, was discovered by the prison officers at the Colombo Magazine Prison premises today.

Kuwait bans flights to 31 ’high risk’ countries including to SL due to Covid-19

Kuwait has banned commercial flights to 31 ‘high risk’ countries including to Sri Lanka due to the spread of the Covid-19, foreign news agencies said quoting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Saturday (1).

Protesting port workers barred from obstructing roads

A court order was issued today preventing the protesting employees of the Colombo Port from obstructing the Bloemendhal Port access road and adjacent roads.

Special overnight security for ballot boxes

Ballot papers will be kept at counting centres overnight under tight security after voting ends on election day until the counting of votes begins the next day.

Alleged harassment case : Narahenpita Police launches investigation

An investigation has been launched by the Narahenpita Police after a woman carrying an infant posing as a beggar had allegedly tried to harass another female.

Aug. 5 polls the most expensive in SL history

The upcoming August 5 General Elections will be the most expensive poll held in Sri Lankan history as the Elections Commission struggles to keep the cost at Rs.10 billion, a senior official told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Eid-ul-Adha - Facilities for Muslims to engage in religious observance: Prez

In his Hajj Message, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the Government has provided all necessary facilities to the Muslim community to engage in their religious observances.

UNP has no deal with Govt. to arrest Sajith: Akila

There is no deal between the government and the United National Party (UNP) to arrest Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariywasam said yesterday.

19A has violated people’s rights: PM

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution has violated the fundamental rights of the people, SLPP Leader and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Shani Abeysekara remanded until August 7

Former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara, who was arrested and questioned for fabricating evidence in connection with a weapon case, has been remanded until August 7th by the Gampaha Magistrate Court.

Ravi threatens to file defamation case against Madduma Bandara

United National Party (UNP) Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanayake said he would file legal action against Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara for making false allegation against him.

Health guidelines submitted to Parliament

The Health Ministry today submitted a set of health guidelines to Parliament Secretary General Dhammika Dassanayake with the intention of conducting parliamentary sessions in a safe environment.

AG files indictments against Rajitha over ‘White Van’ press conference

The Attorney General today filed indictments against former Minister Rajitha Senaratne and Mohamed Rumi in the Colombo High Court over the ‘White Van’ press conference case, AG’s Coordinating Officer and State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said.

Liquor sales banned during Poya and polls

Countrywide liquor sales will be banned for three days on Monday, August 3rd for the Nikini Full Moon Poya Day, and on Wednesday, August 5th and Thursday, August 6th for the General Elections, by order of the Excise Department.

NPP urges Govt. to reveal stance on MCC, SOFA before polls

The National Peoples Power (NPP) today urged the government to reveal its stance on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement, the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the Trincomalee oil tanks, the Colombo Port’s Eastern Terminal and the Mattala Airport before the general election.

Premalal Jayasekara, two others sentenced to death

Former Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekara and two others were sentenced to death by Ratnapura High Court today in connection with a shooting incident in Kahawatte while setting up a stage for a political rally.

Removal from UNP: Ranjan files lawsuit challenging decision

Former Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake today filed a lawsuit in the Colombo District Court challenging the UNP Working Committee’s decision to expel him from UNP.

UNP suspends membership of 37 LG members

The UNP suspended the party membership of 37 Pradeshiya Sabha members and commenced disciplinary inquiries against them today.

58 more Covid-19 patients recover

A total of 58 more Covid-19 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital increasing total recovered cases to 2,391, the Health Ministry said today.

Sri Lankan Restaurant opens in St.Pölten, Austria

A Sri Lankan restaurant ‘Mandas’ , which serves authentic Sri Lanka food including rice and curry, hoppers and Kottu, was declared opened in the City Centre of St Pölten in Austria, an official said.

CA issues interim order staying HC trial proceedings

The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order staying High Court trial proceedings pertaining to the Avant Garde Bribery case filed against Avant Garde Chairman Nissanka Yapa Senadhipathi and Rtd. Major General Palitha Fernando.

Pillayan assured Ministerial post

Former LTTE fighter and leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP), Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan has been assured a Ministerial post if he wins the Parliamentary election.

Strict guidelines on use of children for reality shows

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has decided to introduce strict guidelines on the use of children for television reality shows, commercials, and voicing of TV commercials.

Some units questioned suspects without a planned investigation: Ex. SIS Director

After receiving the list of 94 suspects who had contacts with Islamic State (IS) organisation via the State Intelligence Service (SIS), some investigation units had sent Police messages to identify those individuals and inquired directly on their contact with ISIS, former SIS Director SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena yesterday informed PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks.

Tea promoting officer in hot water!

Allegations are levelled against the Sri Lanka Tea Board for getting the Tea Promotion Consultant’s contract period extended to the Global Tea Promotion campaign continuously.

Fmr CID Director Shani arrested

Former Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) SSP Shani Abeysekara has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division this morning, Police Spokesman Jaliya Senaratne said.

SIS informed police to probe suspicious extremist activities: former Director

The National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) had received political backing from politician Ameer Ali in 2017 and the State Intelligence Service (SIS) had informed Kattankudy police to impartially investigate the particular matter, former SIS Director SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena yesterday informed PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks.