Wiggy demands written agreement to address Tamils’ issues

Former Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council C.V. Wigneswaran who now spearheads the party called ’Tamil Makkal Koottani’ (TMK) said today his support to any main presidential candidate would be conditional to written consent by either of them to address demands put forward by him on behalf of Tamil people.

PAFFREL wants ceiling on election spending

PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said today laws should be brought in to specify the maximum amount of money that can be spent for elections by a candidate contesting an election.

People in the north should be mindful when using their mandate: PM

People in the North should not give their mandate to those who completely neglected the area even though they ruled the country for five years after the war, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

EC steps up counter-terrorism, extremism prevention support to SL

The European Commission, through its Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, has allocated 8.5 million euros to support Sri Lankan efforts to prevent violent extremism, build community resilience, and promote peace and tolerance.

Gota can tackle national security issues: Malwatte prelate

Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera said Gotabaya Rajapaksa has the potential and experience to tackle the prevailing national security issues in the country.

Probe launched over alleged links with CCD officers and Kanjipaanai Imran

An investigation had been launched in connection with a complaint lodged by Ven. Magalkande Sudatta Thera alleging that several police officers were maintaining links with notorious underworld figure Mohammed Najeem Mohammed Imran alias Kanjipaanai Imran, who is currently being detained at the CCD, police said.

Sri Lanka voted world’s best island

In a survey carried out by the ’Travel and Leisure’ Website, Sri Lanka has emerged as the world’s best island to travel in 2019. According to ’Travel and Leisure’, this was the first time Sri Lanka made it to the list and straight to the top with a high score of 92.12.

Crucial meeting between Ranil and Sajith

Amidst the brewing political crisis over presidential candidacy, the UNP leaders including Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister Sajith Premadasa had an urgent meeting yesterday to discuss the way out, the Daily Mirror learns.

SL woman raped, beaten by husband granted refugee status in New Zealand

A survivor of domestic violence whose husband repeatedly strangled her in front of their young son has been granted refugee status, the Stuff reported.

Soldier on duty at Army HQ shoots himself

A 27-year-old soldier who was on duty at the Army Headquarters in Colombo died after he allegedly shot himself early this morning.

Amarapura and Ramanna Nikayas to be merged

Adding a new chapter to the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, an agreement to merge together the Sri Lanka Amarapura and Ramanna Nikayas would be signed on Friday at 02.30 pm at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo.

Cabinet approves VoA for 1st quarter 2020

The Cabinet is reported to have approved a request by the government yesterday to present a vote on account (VoA) to allocate state expenditure during the first quarter of next year because it will be unrealistic to present a fully-fledged budget in the wake of a presidential election.

We won’t get into a military alliance with anyone - PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said Sri Lanka’s focus is not to get into a military alliance with anyone but to go for economic, cultural and political cooperation with every country. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe made this remark at the graduation of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training institute at BMICH yesterday.

Weekly Cabinet meetings now at 8.30 a.m.

President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have rescheduled the weekly Cabinet meetings for 8.30 a.m. from next Tuesday onwards since the attendance had been low when it was convened at 7.30 a.m.

Those flying kites near airports warned

Flying kites within a radius of five kilometres from any international airport were illegal and a punishable offence and people were requested to refrain from such acts, Airport Manager H.S. Hettiarachchi said.

Prez Candidate - I am willing if nominated: SF

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said yesterday he was willing to be the presidential candidate if his name was proposed by the United National Party (UNP) led alliance.

Seeking SC ruling on PC polls - MS’ application: Hearing on Aug.23

President Maithripala Sirisena’s application seeking a Supreme Court (SC) ruling on the possibility of holding elections to the provincial councils in the absence of the delimitation report, is to be taken up for hearing on August 23 at 10 a.m.

PSC wants more time: Still waiting for Prez

Parliamentary Select Committee probing the Easter Sunday bomb attacks had given dates to President Maithripala Sirisena to come and testify before the committee and he could decide on the date he wishes to come, Parliamentary Select Committee Member Sarath Fonseka said today.

GMOA threatens countrywide work stoppage

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today warned it would launch a countrywide work stoppage against the failure to legalise the minimum standards of medical education.

UN Expert on freedom of religion or belief to visit SL

The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, will carry out an official visit to Sri Lanka from August 15 to 26, the UN Office in Sri Lanka said today.

Fuel price hike from midnight today

The prices of fuel would be increased with effect from midnight today, the Finance Ministry said.

Water levels of Kelani Ganga, Kalu Ganga and Gin Ganga rising

The water levels, in the Kelani Ganga, Kalu Ganga and Gin Ganga, are rising as a result of heavy rains in the catchment areas, the Disaster Management Centre said (DMC) today.

Ranks bestowed an insult to security forces: SF

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said yesterday the ranks bestowed on two senior military officers such as the rank of Admiral of the Fleet awarded to former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda was an insult to the security forces.

Nine S14 Chinese power-sets for hill country

One of nine Chinese-made S14 power-sets which were specially designed to operate in the hill country arrived from China last morning, the Transport Ministry said today.

Catholic Bishops urge govt. to ensure impartial probe

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka (CBCSL) today once again urged the government and all political leaders to ensure an independent and impartial inquiry into the Easter Sunday attack as a matter of utmost urgency.

Fuel price revision by this evening

The price formula committee is scheduled to meet this evening for the monthly fuel price revision, the Finance Ministry said.

SLPP named Gota to tackle security situation: SF

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said Gotabaya Rajapaksa was selected as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate as its leaders clearly understood the current security situation in the country.

Sajith gives hope to the poor: Ranil

UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa was a hard worker who toured the country giving hope to the poor, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

CMC introduces guideline for mushrooming food deliverers

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has introduced a set of guidelines to be followed by all the food deliverers, who are on the rise in the city.

No one can stop Gota becoming the next president: Gammanpila

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila said no one could stop Gotabaya Rajapaksa becoming the next president.