Three suspects produced in court over St Anthony’s Church blast

The CID yesterday produced three suspects allegedly involved in the Easter Sunday bombing at the St. Anthony’s Church Kochchikade in Colombo and the blast of a van the following day in the same vicinity.

Will urge President to arrest Rishad: SB

Former minister and joint opposition stalwart, S.B.Dissanayaka continued his verbal battle with Commerce and Industries Minister Rishad Bathiudeen yesterday saying the government had ample evidence to arrest Minister Bathiudeeen.

Use ’tab’ funds to buy security systems for schools

Former Education Minister and MP Bandula Gunawardane today urged the government to utilize the funds allocated to purchase tab computers to purchase modern security equipment so as to ensure the security for school children.

One of the masterminds arrested in Saudi Arabia: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said one of the masterminds who orchestrated the Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka was arrested in Saudi Arabia a couple of days ago.

SIU probe finds Police had erred

The investigation being carried out by the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) against Wellampitiya Police Officers, had been able to reveal certain facts during the probe, police said.

There is a hidden hand operating to destabilise the country: Hakeem

There is a hidden hand which wants to destabilise this country and destroy its economy, City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education Minister Rauff Hakeem said at a media briefing today.

Steps will be taken to open universities next week: Hakeem

Higher Education Minister Rauff Hakeem said yesterday steps would be taken to reopen universities by next week after assuring their safety.

Muslim community is being harassed after terror attack: ACJU

While vehemently condemning the Easter terror attack, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) today said that it is unfortunate that the Muslim community is being harassed and targeted because of the action of a few individuals.

10 Jeeps to SL Police from China govt.

10 Jeeps officially handed over to the Police Department by the Chinese Government last evening (08th) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President Media Division said.

Close associate of Zahran arrested

Mohamed Aliyar, a close associate of National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) leader Mohamed Zahran, was arrested by the Kattankudy Police this afternoon.

Banning video footage of weapons: UPFA scoffs at govt. media restriction

The Opposition today raised concerns over the government’s decision to instruct media institutions not to show video footage of weapons found during search operations.

Media instructed not to publicise seized swords, kris-knives

Government Information Director General Nalaka Kaluwewa today instructed media institutions to refrain from publicising photos or videos of swords and kris-knives which are being seized during the special operations carrying out by security forces.

Catholic schools to reopen on Tuesday

Colombo Catholic Archdiocese has made arrangements to reopen all private catholic schools on Tuesday, May 14, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith said today.

Masses to be held on this Sunday

Church masses would resume from next Sunday depending on the country’s situation, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malclom Ranjith, said today.

Bangladesh ‘monitoring’ Sri Lanka before July tour

Bangladeshi cricket officials said on Wednesday that they were monitoring security in Sri Lanka in the wake of last month’s terror attacks ahead of a planned tour slated for July, the News International reported.

Fifth round of SLFP-SLPP talks on May 30

The fifth round of discussions between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) would be held on May 30, SLFP General-Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said.

Ryan Van Rooyan released from the case

Actor Ryan Van Rooyan, who was in remand custody on charges of possessing cannabis, was released from the case after being imposed a fine of Rs.4,000.

Only seven intel officers in remand: Sagala

According to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), seven out of 20 intelligence officers have been remanded but not thousands as rumoured, Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayake said yesterday.

Send your children to school without fear-Akila urges parents

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam urged parents to send their children to school without any fear because the Police, armed forces, the STF, school vigilant committees and school management have assured their safety.

Many of the view CTA shouldn’t be rushed: Mayantha

Experts at the Attorney General’s Department, relevant ministry secretaries and those at the Legal Draftsman’s Department were all of the view that the Counter Terrorism Act (CTA) should not be rushed, MP Mayantha Dissanayake told Parliament yesterday.

Police to obtain detention orders on Pelwatte Sugar factory COO

The police are hoping to obtain detention orders from the courts on Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Pelwatte Sugar factory Asminath Surakman Deen and two other employees who were arrested with VIP security uniforms and several other equipment on Tuesday (7), a senior police officer told Daily Mirror.

Victory day celebrations on a low-key: Army Commander

The victory day on May 18 will be celebrated low-key by the security forces and adequate security would be provided for Vesak, Army Commander General Mahesh Senanayake said.

SIU probes to ascertain Wellampitiya police erred

Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Police launched a probe to determine whether that the nine individuals who were workers of the copper factory at Wellampitiya were released on bail due to an error of Wellampitiya Police officers, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

School attendance returning to normal: Ministry

The number of students attending school is gradually returning to normal levels compared to previous days, the Education Ministry said yesterday.

Prez nodded off repeated SC alert on recent terror attack: SF

President Maithripala Sirisena had been informed of the recent terrorist attack at the Security Council (SC) for more than 15 times but he had nodded off the repeated warnings, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said today.

President raises SL’s foreign refugee issue with envoys

President Maithripala Sirisena has raised the foreign refugee issue in Sri Lanka and difficulties in looking after them under present circumstances, with the foreign envoys.

Rumour mongers who sabotage school activities

Legal action would be taken against persons or groups who are involved in spreading alleged rumours and fake news with the aim of sabotaging the school activities and fulfil their narrow political and personal agendas, the Education Ministry today said.

Don’t try to create a ‘Bogeyman’ out of CTA: PM

While stating there was no need to create a bogeyman (Goni Billa) out of the Counter-Terrorism Act, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that the need of the hour was to keep aside narrow political divisions and come together to strengthen the existing legal framework and face the terrorism threat.

Appoint select committee to discuss CTA: MR

Leader of Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa today called for the appointment of a select committee to discuss on the proposed Counter-Terrorism Act (CTA) so that a proper discussion could be held on the legislation.

Swords, knives recovered in Maligawatte

A haul of swords and kris knives were recovered at a public well, adjacent to R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Maligawatte today.