Discussions with MR successful to some extent: JVP

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake today met with Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa over the 20th Amendment to the Constitution (20A), advising they had held ‘somewhat’ successful discussions although no agreement was reached in regards supporting the 20A. A group of JVP MPs comprising of MP Dissanayake, Vijitha Herath and Sunil Handunnetti met with Mr. Rajapaksa to discuss the 20A at the latter’s office in Colombo.

AG to indict Ex-Navy Com. Karannagoda, other suspects on murder

Senior State Counsel, Janaka Bandara, today stated that the Attorney General has decided to file indictments against all suspects, including former Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, over the magisterial inquiry conducted into the alleged abduction and disappearances of eleven youth in 2008.

Hot weather warning to eleven districts

A heat weather advisory had been issued by the Department of Meteorology today for Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces and Puttalam districts tomorrow.

Ban lifted on ’Angampora’: Wellessa heroes honoured

The Cabinet decided today to lift the ban imposed by the British rulers in 1818 on the indigenous marshal art called ‘Angampora’.

Lotus Road closed due to IUSF protest

The Lotus Road outside the Finance Ministry in Colombo was closed due to the protest march organised by the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), police said.

Heavy traffic in Town Hall due to IUSF protest

Heavy traffic was reported in and around Town Hall due to a protest march carried out by the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF).

Court orders CID to file summary of evidence

Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake today directed the CID to file a summary of evidence on the next hearing as to ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence against former DIG Nalaka de Silva over the alleged assassination plot of VIPs. Ps.

Kilinochchi Co-op Insurance branch manager hacked to death

A 33-year-old branch manager of the Co-Operative Insurance was hacked to death at Udayanagar, Kilinochchi yesterday.

President to make representations in Geneva

President Maithripala Sirisena today said that he would be sending three of his representatives to the ongoing UNHRC sessions in Geneva where the issue concerning Sri Lanka would be taken up on March 22 and 23, to impress upon the council to allow Sri Lanka to handle its own problems.

SLC to host LPL in September

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will host the Lanka Premier League (LPL) this year in the month of September. This was revealed yesterday by the new President of SLC Shammi Silva.

LG polls result in Wennappuwa: EC member confirms mistake

The Election Commission has initiated an inquiry into the last Local Government Election results of two wards in Wennapuwa where a discrepancy is said to had taken place with almost certain changes in seat allocation.

I am happy with the budget: Duminda

SLFP MP Duminda Dissanyake said the 2019 Budget presented by the Finance Minister had something positive for the people and that in his personal opinion it was a satisfactory budget. et.

I won’t complain: Sampanthan

The government has done some work for the people in the North. However, there are many other things which it must do, TNA Leader R. Sampanthan said.

Budget will land us in more debt

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday the budget was an extension of the liberalised economic policies and that this would plunge the country into a deeper debt trap.

Concessions to security forces

Media Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said he was happy that the Finance Minister had focused on the needs of the security forces. ’’Concessions have been given while focusing on debt servicing.

No plans to stabilise economy

UPFA MP Susil Premajayantha said it was clear that the government did not have a clear vision. ’’To have a vision the government should have a plan outlining what it intends doing to stabilise the economy. We don’t see anything positive in this budget,’’ he said.

Carbon tax was not removed, I am disappointed

Minister Ajith P Perera said he was disappointed that the carbon tax was not removed.

Govt. using 2019 Budget to hide its real agenda: Mahinda

Commenting on the 2019 Budget presented in Parliament today, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said the government was trying to hide its real agenda through the budget.

Pak claims on Indian submarine in Pakistan waters false: India

The Indian Navy today dismissed as “false propaganda” Pakistan’s claim that it had thwarted an attempt by an Indian submarine to enter the country’s territorial waters.

Bolivian nabbed with 5 kgs of cocaine at BIA

A Bolivian national was arrested with five kilograms of heroin valued at Rs.75 million at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle it into the country this evening. .

Budget aims at a liberal outward-oriented economy

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera today presented the 2019 Budget aimed at ‘growth powered by private enterprise’ and is determined ‘to pursue a liberal outward-oriented economy.’

Engine operators cancel their indefinite strike

The Locomotive Engine Operators Union (LEOU) had decided to cancel the scheduled indefinite strike with the assurance given by the General Manager Railways (GMR), Transport Minister, Deputy Minister and the Ministry Secretary.

Home sweet home, says FM

The “Home Sweet Home” loan scheme for newly married couples would be introduced with a repayment period of 25 years and 6 % interest rate, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said in his budget speech a while ago.

Pakistan Navy thwarts attempt by Indian submarine to enter Pakistani waters

The Pakistan Navy (PN) on Tuesday said it had thwarted an attempt by an Indian submarine to enter Pakistani waters.

Norway to provide 60mn krone for mine action in SL

The Norwegian Government would provide Norwegian krone (NOK) 60 million over a period of three years for mine action in Sri Lanka, the Royal Norwegian Embassy said on Tuesday.

Parliament roundabout closed due to protest

The road stretch towards to Parliament from the Polduwa roundabout has been closed due to a protest by Grama Niladharis, police said.

Two nabbed with heroin inside bread at A’ pura prison

A 68-year-old woman and her 49-year-old daughter-in-law have been arrested at the Anuradhapura Prison when they attempted to smuggle in heroin to the prison, concealing them inside a loaf of bread, the police said.

Trump plans to end India’s preferential trade treatment

US President Donald Trump has said on Monday that he intends to end India’s preferential trade treatment under a program that allows $5.6 billion worth of Indian exports to enter the US duty free, NDTV reported.

Alleged threats by SP Governor: Principal doesn’t want complaint probed

The Principal of Southlands Girls’ School in Galle has informed the police not to investigate the complaint she lodged against Southern Province Governor Keerthi Thennakoon, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said yesterday.

Al Muraikhi meets outgoing Sri Lankan envoy Liyanage

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Qatar, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, met with the Sri Lankan Ambassador on Qatar A.S.P Liyanage, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.