Any alliance must be led by the SLFP: Party organizers

A group of SLFP organisers said yesterday that they would only support an alliance headed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and its leadership.

Possibility of holding PC polls under old system: Ajith Perera

Non-cabinet Minister Ajith P. Perera yesterday said he would speak to Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Vajira Abeywardana to see the possibility of presenting a motion in Parliament to hold PC polls under the old system as soon as possible.

Chief booze distributor of Ella’s unlicensed tourist pubs netted

The main man behind the entire distribution network of beer and soft alcoholic beverages to over 100 unlicensed pubs, restaurants and hotels of the country’s ‘most happening’ tourist destination, Ella was identified when the Colombo Excise flying squad seized a lorry full of booze over the weekend.

Presidential polls: Rohitha challenges Akila to resign if UPFA candidate wins

UPFA MP Rohitha Abeygunawardana yesterday challenged UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam to resign from parliament if the UPFA candidate wins the presidential election.

Jigsaw-like constitutions can’t redress concerns of Tamil people: SLPP

Constitutional amendments or constitutions which resemble jigsaw puzzles cannot provide redress to the grievances and aspirations of the Tamil People, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said yesterday.

Singapore FTA: SL given visas to 242,000 foreign workers: Lakshman Yapa

MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said yesterday Sri Lanka has already given visas to some 242,000 foreign employees and the experts report on Singapore FTA has said this number could increase through the FTA.

Cabinet nod for transport hub in Battaramulla

The Megapolis and Western Development Ministry has obtained Cabinet approval to construct a multi-modal transport hub in Battaramulla, with rail and highway links, Minister Champika Ranawaka told Daily Mirror today.

We're also preparing for PC polls - Harin

United National Party (UNP) spokesman and Propaganda Unit Head Harin Fernando said today provincial council elections would be held after April this year and that his party was also gearing up for it.

New Carbon Tax neither effective nor productive: Expert

The Carbon Tax that had been imposed by the Government was neither effective nor productive because of the fact that it had not been imposed after taking into account how much carbon is emitted but the year of manufacture and the engine number of the vehicle, Consultant Automobile Engineer Jagath Jayasinghe said.

Indian poachers resort to violence when detected: Navy

The Sri Lanka Navy said they had observed that Indian poachers who illegally enter our territorial waters attempt to escape by resorting to acts of violence causing damage to naval craft.

Govt repays loan of USD one billion: Harsha

Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Minister Harsha de Silva said today the government had settled the one billion US dollars borrowed by the previous regime in January, 2014 by way of international sovereign bonds.

Japanese defence ship arrives at H’tota Port

Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force ship ‘Ikazuchi’ arrived at the port of Hambantota today on a goodwill visit, Sri Lanka Navy said.

China's Moon mission sees first seeds sprout

Seeds taken up to the Moon by China's Chang'e-4 mission have sprouted, the BBC reported today quoting the China National Space Administration.

Port City land reclamation completed, construction to commence shortly

Land reclamation of the Financial City, previously known as the Port City, has been completed, the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Province Development said. While land reclamation has been completed, construction of the city is scheduled to begin soon.

President leaves for Philippines

President Maithripala Sirisena left for Philippines on a five-day state visit today. A delegation of 13 members would be accompanying the President during his visit in Manila.

Two arrested with banned imported dried fish from India

Two suspects were arrested by the Kalpitiya Police last evening with 630 kilogrammes of banned dried fish imported from India by boat, police said.  

Bugs at MC; Ceylon Theatres says...

Ceylon Theatres today said that it shut down the Superior cinema hall of the Majestic Cineplex (MC) pending an investigation into complaints by patrons of bugs being found in several seats inside.

Ravi gets Cabinet approval for immediate power purchases

Power and Energy Minister Ravi Karunanayake secured Cabinet approval today to open tenders for immediate power purchases. 

Research firm faults embassies over misleading travel advisories

A Sri Lanka-based German research institution said that misleading travel advisories by some foreign missions including the German Embassy caused a colossal loss to the Sri Lankan tourism industry.

Weather: Heavy rains expected

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) forecast heavy rains exceeding 100mm in some areas in the coming days.

SLPP opposes proposed new Constitution

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said today it was unreservedly opposed to the proposed move to bring a new Constitution as it would create more problems rather than solving the existing ones.

Cabinet nod to make Tripitaka a World Heritage

A proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena to declare the Tripitaka as a World Heritage was approved by the Cabinet today.

Bugs at MC: Superior hall shutdown, says CMC

The superior cinema hall of the Majestic Cineplex (MC) has been closed down after bugs were found in several seats inside the theatre, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Chief Medical Officer  Dr.  Ruwan Wijayamuni told the Daily Mirror today.  

IMF meeting with SL delegation postponed

The meeting scheduled for today between International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde and Sri Lankan delegation has been postponed due to a snowstorm in Washington.

New Kelani Bridge closed tomorrow

The A1 Road from the entrance to the new Kelani Bridge to the Kelanitissa Roundabout, will be closed tomorrow from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. due to construction work on the new Kelani Bridge that is being built, the police said.

Forcible opening at Anula Vidyalaya Sunday school: Parents protest

A protest was carried out by a group of parents of the Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda this morning against the newly appointed Western Province Governor, who had allegedly forcibly opened the private Sunday school situated at the Vidyalaya premises yesterday.

IGP arrives at GA’s Dept.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara has arrived at the Government Analyst's Department to give a voice sample with regard to the investigation into the alleged VIP assassination plot.

Britisher drowns during surfing

A 36-year-old British national drowned while surfing at the Madiha beach in Matara on Sunday.

Certain parties attempting to postpone PC polls: Prez

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday suggested that certain parties were trying to postpone the provincial council elections by crowing over the Presidential Election instead.

PC polls a Gordian Knot: EC

The Elections Commission ruled out yesterday the possibility to conduct the Provincial Council Elections before April this year, even if the existing legal barriers were cleared forthwith.