CID reports probe progress to court on Gota’s dual citizenship

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today reported the progress in their investigations into a complaint lodged over former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s dual citizenship to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

IRD received 7,728 dud cheques: COPA

It was revealed during a recent meeting at the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) that 7,728 cheques to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) have bounced – the dud cheques have amounted to a staggering Rs.4,097 million by March 21 this year.

Abolishing executive presidency destabilises country: Rathana Thera

Abolishing executive presidency would definitely destabilise the country, MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera said today.

SC defers FR petition until Sep. 27

The Supreme Court (SC) today deferred until September 27 the fundamental rights petition contesting the extraordinary gazette notification which brought Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) under the purview of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Tense situation at Fort Railway Station

A tense situation prevailed at the Fort Railway Station this evening after commuters started showing their agitation to the railway authorities who were engaged in a work-to-rule campaign.

Rs.6,000 monthly to families of missing persons

As envisioned in Budget 2019 proposals by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the payment of a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 6,000 to families of missing persons including family members of the armed forces and the police missing in action, the Finance Ministry said.

Will resign if Sajith not given nomination: Nalin

Development Strategies and International Trade Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said today he would resign and go back to teaching if Minister Sajith Premadasa was not given nomination to contest the presidential election.

UNICEF condemns beating of two child monks

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issuing a statement has condemned the assault on the two novice monks at a temple in Horowpathana recently.

SLPP makes cash deposit for Gota

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today made the cash deposit at the National Election Commission on behalf of its presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Heavy traffic in Battaramulla

Heavy traffic was reported in Battaramulla due to a protest organised by the All Ceylon Samurdhi Managers Union blocking the road towards parliament.

Easter Sunday attacks: PSC members visit President

The members of the Special Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the Easter Sunday attacks arrived at the Presidential Secretariat today to record a statement from President Maithripala Sirisena over the attacks, President’s Media Division said.

Signal failure at Fort Station delay all trains

A major signal failure that occurred this morning at the Colombo Fort Railway Station had caused a delay of all trains coming in and going out of the Fort Railway Station, the Railway Control Room said.

Two ruggerites get 10-year RI for sexual abuse

Two ruggerites of a leading school in Colombo were found guilty of sexually abusing a six-year-old boy of the same school five years ago and were sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment by Colombo High Court Judge Wikum Kaluarachchi yesterday.

UNP to name candidate on Wednesday

The United National Party (UNP) is to name its presidential candidate on Wednesday, September 25, sources close to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Fire breaks out at a clothing store in Wattala

A massive fire broke out at a clothing store in Wattala this morning and fire trucks were dispatched to douse the fire, police said.

UNF allies also pledge support to Sajith

Several MPs representing UNF allies have informed UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa that they will support him to form a broader alliance to contest the upcoming presidency if he is not given the green light from the party.

Sajith loyalists meet to explore alternatives

A group of UNP ministers loyal to party deputy leader Sajith Premadasa held a special meeting at the parliamentary complex yesterday and explored the possibility of participating in the presidential elections under an alternative arrangement since the party hierarchy is unlikely to nominate Mr. Premadasa, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sajith to testify before PCoI on Monday

Minister of Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Sajith Premadasa will provide a statement today to the Police Unit and testify before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) to investigate corruption of the current administration on Monday (23).

SL Ambassador to China clarifies on Lotus Tower Project

Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku today issued a clarification regarding the Lotus Tower project allegations.

Man who defrauded relatives of Easter Sunday attack suspects, arrested

A businessman from Kotikawatta, who defrauded over Rs.1.7 million from the relatives of three Easter Sunday attack suspects to get them released from the police custody, was arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) today.

Govt. providing jobs: Speaker to seek EC advice

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today told parliament that he would seek advice from the Elections Commission whether it was in violation of election laws to provide jobs in the government sector after an election is announced.

Disappointed with ‘Yahapalanayas’ :Sumanthiran

TNA MP M.A Sumanthiran today said he was disappointed with the ‘Yahapalanayas’ who oppose the move to abolish the executive presidency.

SLFP has no issues in supporting Sajith: Dilan

The UNP group of the SLFP would either back UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa if he gets the ticket to contest the presidential poll or slant against the JVP as the once great political party has become politically destitute today, SLFP rebel parliamentarian Dilan Perera said today.

Akila Dananjaya banned from bowling for one year

The International Cricket Council today announced that Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya has been banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months following an independent assessment of his action.

Restoring ties with China becomes Gota’s task: Keheliya

One of the main tasks of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential hopeful Gotabaya Rajapaksa would be restoring the relationship with China, spokesman for the SLPP presidential candidate, Keheliya Rambukwella said today.

Sri Lanka to go ahead with Pakistan tour despite terror fears

Sri Lanka’s cricket board Thursday said it will go ahead with its tour of Pakistan despite fears that players could be the targets of terror attacks during the six-match visit.

Last ditch move to scrap executive presidency thwarted

A last ditch attempt to abolish executive presidency by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was thwarted in the Cabinet today.

Court orders arrest of Customs ex-DG, ex-Asst. DG

Colombo Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayaka directed the police to arrest former Customs Director-General Jagath Premalal Wijeweera and former Customs Assistant Director-General Tharaka Seneviratne and produce them in court today.

Sajith faction says no to abolishing executive presidency

The UNP group led by Minister Sajith Premadasa has informed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that they are against any move to abolish the executive presidency before the presidential election is held.

Railway work-to-rule campaign from tonight

The Locomotive Engine Operators’ Union (LEOU) has decided to launch a work-to-rule campaign from tonight over allegations that they are not adhering to speed limits set out by the railway department.