Four arrested with 3,084 kg of beedi leaves in Thlaimannar

Four people were arrested by the Navy with over 3084 kg of beedi leaves during two separate raids carried out in Thlaimannar.

Dimuth to face SLC inquiry

Sri Lanka Cricket said today that it would conduct an inquiry gainst Sri Lanka test captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who was arrested over the drunk driving accident, in order to take necessary action.

Fraud in milch cow imports - Namal Karunaratne

All Ceylon Agrarian Congress accused the government of providing funds amounting to Rs.1,310 million to a private company to import milch cows.

915 more Lankans get dual citizenships

A total of 915 Sri Lankans had been awarded dual citizenships by the Internal and Home Affairs Ministry yesterday.

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg calls for internet regulations

The internet needs new rules to prevent the spread of hate speech, protect privacy and data and prevent election interference, Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said.

Ex governor P.B. Dissanayake no more

Former Central Province Governor P.B. Dissanayake passed away at the age of 76 at the Kurunegala Hospital yesterday evening.

Oman targets 30 per cent stake in Sri Lankan oil refinery

The Omani government is planning to invest in an oil refinery in Sri Lanka, the oil minister Mohammed Al Rumhy said on Saturday, according to the Oman News Agency (ONA).

Cricketer Dimuth Karunaratne arrested for drunk driving

Sri Lanka Test Cricket captain Dimuth Karunaratne was arrested this morning on charges of driving under the influence of liquor after his car met with an accident at Kinsey Road in Borella.

High Posts committee approved appointments of 14 career diplomats

The Parliamentary High Posts Committee has approved the appointments of fourteen career diplomats nominated by President Maithripala Sirisena as Heads of Sri Lanka Missions overseas.

Govt. to appoint more non-Cabinet and state ministers

The government is expected to make changes to the Cabinet by appointing a few more non- Cabinet and state ministers.

Restore parliamentary privileges I lost while in jail: SF

Parliament yesterday approved a motion to refer the question of privilege raised by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka to the committee on Ethics and Privileges under the Standing Order 118.

Oil Refinery in Hambantota: Malik to leave for Oman

Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrema said yesterday he would be leaving for Oman on May 4th together with Petroleum Resources Development Minister Kabir Hashim, for discussions with regard to the Hambantota Oil Refinery.

Wimal blames Batagoda for power crisis

Power and Energy Ministry Secretary Dr. Suren Batagoda is the culprit behind the power crisis, UPFA MP Wimal Weerawansa told Parliament yesterday.

Lord Naseby lauds Marapana’s statement at UNHCR

Lord Naseby said the UN for its part will have to submit proposals of how to get persons like Adele Balasingham and other senior LTTE officers settled in UK, Canada, USA or elsewhere to fully co-operate if a Truth and Reconciliation mechanism is to happen.

Committee on Public Finance presents report in House

The Committee on Public Finance yesterday presented a report to parliament which contains their opinion in regard to the budget and the government’s financial policy.

Govt. responsible for power cuts: Mahindananda

UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said yesterday the power cut was an organised act and said the government should take the responsibility for it.

Mannar Basin - Oil and gas exploration to begin next year: Hashim

Oil and gas exploration in the Mannar basin will begin next year and the agreement will be signed with a prospective investor on a production sharing basis, Petroleum Resources Development Minister Kabir Hashim told parliament yesterday.

Power crisis only for ten days: Ravi

While assuring the people that there will be no power cuts during the National New Year period, Power, Energy and Business Development Minister Ravi Karunanayaka said today that a project is being planned to add 600 MWs to the national grid.

Expenditure head of Highways Ministry passed with 84 in favour, 1 against

The expenditure head of the Ministry of Highways, Road Development & Petroleum Resources was passed with a majority of 83 votes at the committee stage in parliament a short while ago.

Mrs. Srima Dissanayake no more

Mrs. Srima Dissanayake, the wife of late Minister Gamini Dissanayake, passed away at the age of 77 at a private hospital in Colombo, this evening.

Individuals deported from Dubai: Top police team to monitor probe

A seven-member committee comprising of senior police personnel and headed by Senior DIG of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Ravi Seneviratne, has been appointed by IGP Pujith Jayasundara today. The aim being, to monitor investigations being carried out against the individuals who had been deported from Dubai to Sri Lanka, police said.

Defeated expenditure heads - Will be re-presented with amendments: Kiriella

The defeat of the expenditure heads of the Megapolis and Internal Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils ministries yesterday became a talking point in parliament today.

Navy recovers 1456 Kg of beedi leaves floating in the sea

A stock of beedi leaves found floating in the sea were recovered today by crew members of a SL Navy fast attack craft and a coastal patrol vessel during a patrol carried out in the seas of Mannar South.

Veteran Singer Anjaleen Gunathilaka passes away

Veteran Singer Anjaleen Gunathilaka passed away a short while ago at the age of 79, President Keerthi Pasquel of the Sri Lanka Singers Association (SLASA) announced.

Defeat of expenditure heads: Ashu resigns

Assistant Government Whip Professor Ashu Marasighe informed parliament today that he resigned from his post following the defeat of the two expenditure heads in parliament yesterday.

Discussion with UNHRC chief - Cordial and professional: NP Governor

It is deeply regrettable and unfortunate that some portions of my remarks at Monday’s news briefing, especially in the English media, had lost its original meaning and intention either due to the translation or for reasons unknown, Northern Province Governor Dr. Suren Raghavan told the media.

Deal for new SL oil refinery will take at least a year to finalize-investor

An agreement to build a proposed $3.85 billion oil refinery in Sri Lanka will take at least a year to be finalised as its main investor, India’s Accord Group, says it is yet to recruit partners and conduct an assessment of the plan’s viability.

24-hour water cut in Colombo and suburbs

The water supply to several areas in the Colombo suburbs would be interrupted for 24 hours starting from 9.00 a.m tomorrow (30) till 9.00 a.m Sunday (31). This is due to a power interruption by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced today.

Recall Azeez, arrest Mano Tittawela: SB

UPFA MP S.B. Dissanayake addressing a press conference called on the President to immediately recall Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Geneva A.L.A. Azeez and to arrest Mano Tittawela for directing him to put the signature on the UNHRC resolution without the knowledge of the President, the Foreign Ministry and the Parliament.

’Sahasara’ project to be introduced in WP: Ashok Abeysinghe

The ’Sahasara’ project is to be introduced in the Western Province together with the Megapolis Ministry to provide an effective transport system, Transport and Civil Aviation State Minister Ashok Abeysinghe said yesterday.