14-hour water cut in several areas in Colombo

The water supply will be interrupted for 14 hours in several areas in Colombo due to an urgent transmission leak repair work, the Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said.

Two arrested over Kesbewa Hotel owner’s murder

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a hotel owner at Kesbewa in Piliyandala.

SIS alert ignored by CID to arrest terror suspects: Witness

Although the State Intelligence Service (SIS) had provided information to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) about the locations of Zahran’s team members ’Army Mohideen’, Yusuf Anwar and Zahran’s brother Rilwan, before the attacks, the CID had failed to arrest them, SIS officer yesterday informed PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks.

Excise Officer, eight others arrested with Ice

Nine suspects including an officer of the Department of Excise had been arrested with 125 grams of Ice also known as Crystal Methamphetamine drug near the Puttalam lagoon early this morning, the Police said.

Fresh health guidelines to resuscitate COVID-19-hit tourism industry

Sri Lanka is to publish health guidelines internationally soon for tourists as a move to resuscitate the tourism industry hit by COVID-19, an official said yesterday.

We will free the country of drug menace: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured to free the country of drug menace while stating that several measures are already in place to prevent drug infiltration and distribution.

Akila tells Prof. Senarath to prove his allegations

Former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam today was responding to Director General, Department of Archeology Prof. Senarath Dissanayake that he inflicted undue influence on the former to demolish the Assembly hall of King Buwanekabahu in Kurunegala to construct a hotel and said the latter should prove it before end of elections.

Angoda Lokka allegedly killed by poisoning in India

Underworld figure Chandana Lasantha Perera alias ‘Angoda Lokka’ has reportedly been killed by poisoning in India in early July, informed sources said.

Magistrate directs CID to file action against Dharisha Bastians

Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today told CID to file action against journalist Dharisha Bastians if CID investigations revealed that she had obstructed the Police in conducting investigations into the Swiss Embassy official abduction case.

PM expects 70% voter turnout at General Election

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said, despite the COVID-19 situation, at least a 70% voter turnout could be expected at the General Election on August 5.

Party leader should be elected through secret ballot: Navin

UNP National Organizer and Nuwara Eliya District UNP candidate Navin Dissanayake said yesterday the next leader of the UNP should be elected through a secret ballot.

Cabinet approves gratuity for all pensioners

The Cabinet today approved the provision of gratuity for all pensioners including to those who retired before January 1, 2016, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said.

Thevarapperuma hospitalized following assault

UNP candidate Palitha Thevarapperuma was hospitalized after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of people at Wekandala in Mathugama, Police said.

Arrest warrants issued on interdicted Negombo Prison officers

The Negombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday issued arrest warrants on interdicted Negombo Prison Superintendent Anuruddha Sampayo and three prison officials on several Penal Code charges.

AG directs Acting IGP to launch comprehensive probe

The Attorney General has instructed the Acting IGP to launch a comprehensive investigation into the destruction of Buwaneka Hotel Building in Kurunegala, AG’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said.

Interim report proposes action against offenders

The interim report compiled by the committee appointed to probe over destruction of a building with archaeological value in Kurunegala, has proposed to take legal action against those responsible.

Final decision on PHIs’ TU action tomorrow

The final decision on the ongoing trade union action carried out by the Public Health Inspectors is to be taken tomorrow , PHIs’ Union President Upul Rohana said today.

High Court issues summons on Champika Ranawaka

The Colombo High Court today issued summons on former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka to appear in court on October 21.

CID directed to arrest interdicted Negombo Prison officers

The Attorney General has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director to obtain warrants to arrest interdicted Negombo Prison Superintendent Anuruddha Sampayo and three jailors on several Penal Code charges.

Five injured in clash at Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre

At least five Covid-19 patients receiving treatment at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre were injured after a quarrel between two factions last night, police said.

ETI and Swarnamahal depositors to be compensated from July 25

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has taken measures to pay maximum compensation of Rs. 600,000 per depositor of ETI Finance Limited (ETIFL) and Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) from July 25.

FR petition on Aranthalawa Bhikkhu massacre fixed for support

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by a Buddhist monk who sustained critical injuries following the Aranthalawa Bhikkhu massacre was today fixed for support on November 12 by Supreme Court.

STF had provided security to rogue narcotic racketeers

Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris making submissions yesterday before the Colombo Chief Magistrate Ms. Lanka Jayaratne, stated that information had been received that some members of the police STF had provided armed security to the suspected narcotic officials involved in the drug trafficking case, and to take necessary court action in that regard.

Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah had fled to India: Witness

The police have found sufficient evidence to show that the Katuwapitiya Church suicide bomber’s widow Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah had fled to India by sea in September 2019, PCoI Police Unit’s Chief Inspector Arjuna Mahinkanda informed the Commission yesterday.

Self quarantine immediately if suffering from cold, cough, fever

People who are suffering from the common cold, cough or even a fever have been urged to stay at home and go into self isolation immediately and if symptoms remain even after a day or two, should seek medical advice, the Health Ministry said yesterday.

Maithripala responsible for splitting UNP: Ravi K

Former MP and Colombo District UNP candidate Ravi Karunanayake today held former President Maithripala Sirisena responsible for splitting his party.

Sri Lanka continues community testing

Medical workers are continuing community testing across the country to detect for more possible undetected COVID-19 clusters as most of the patients detected in Sri Lanka in recent months had not shown any symptoms of the virus, the Health Ministry said yesterday.

Sajith, Patali in leadership struggle: Navin

UNP National Organizer and Nuwara Eliya District UNP candidate Navin Dissanayake said on Monday a leadership struggle had erupted between Samagi Jana Balwegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa and SJB candidate Patali Champika Ranawaka.

COVID-19 pandemic - Govt. hiding the truth from the people: Ruwan

The information released by the government on the COVID-19 situation is questionable and might lead to more health officers keeping away from prevention activities, UNP Deputy General Secretary Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday at an election rally in Gampaha.

Link between SJB and TNA manifestos: PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said today said there appeared to be a common link between the election manifestos of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).