NZ set monumental target of 372 for SL

Martin Guptill's fourth ODI ton, half-centuries from Williamson and Taylor and a 13-ball 47 from Jimmy Neesham has helped New Zealand post a massive score as Sri Lanka struggled in good batting conditions.

First baby of 2019 born in Rome, a Sri Lankan

A Sri Lankan couple living in Rome had the honour of being the parents of the first baby born in the New Year.

Annual Budget for 2019 on March 5

The Cabinet decided yesterday to present the annual budget for 2019 on March 5, it is learnt.  

Govt. decides to raise US$1600 mn issuing Development Bonds

The government has decided to raise US$1600 million by issuing Sri Lanka Development Bonds through State banks for debt servicing, Daily Mirror learns.

State Banks under Lakshman Kiriella

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday agreed to place the State Banks under the purview of Public Enterprise Development Minister Lakshman Kiriella, Daily Mirror learns.

GMOA warns of TU action over Rajitha’s tactics

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) would resort to trade union action against the misconduct of Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne as the Health Minister, GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said yesterday.

Draft Constitution to be presented before Feb 4: TNA

The draft Constitution, which was to be presented in Parliament on December 7, 2018, would be presented before February 4 2019, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Spokesman MP M.A. Sumanthiran said. 

BC records statement from Range regarding bribes

The Bribery Commission yesterday recorded a statement from UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara who had complained that certain individuals had offered him bribes to support the administration which was appointed on October 26, last year.

Not even a peon in my ministry like fmr. Dy. Min: SF

While claiming that not even a peon in his ministry acts like former Wildlife Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said that the former deputy minister might have been shot dead by a wildlife officer, if the Prime Minister did not take the wise decision to remove him from the ministry. 

New Constitution impossible in current P'ment: Anura

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake claimed yesterday that extremist groups in the North and South were attempting to create a story that a new Constitution would be brought in soon knowing full well that this could not happen due to the composition of parliament at present.

Govt. to take precautions to strengthen the rupee: PM

The Government will come up with a programme to strengthen the devalued rupee and to cover the losses incurred to the economy during the 52-day political crisis last year, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Tuesday.  

Importing of vehicles for 2019 delayed: VIASL Chairman

Importing of vehicles which were designed for the year 2019 would be delayed due to the delay in presenting the budget and further depreciating of Sri Lankan Rupee, the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) Chairman Ranjan Peiris said.

I will be appointed a cabinet Minister: Range Bandara

UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara today said he will be appointed as a cabinet Minister shortly.

Akila hits out at Bandula

Condemning the statement made by MP Bandula Gunawardena that it was not proper to couple the GCE A/L examination results of national and international schools, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the MP was attempting to destroy free education in the country.

Bandula stands his ground

Responding to criticisms over his remarks with regard to GCE A/L results, MP Bandula Gunawardana today stood his ground and said laws should be changed if A/L results of government and international schools were to be analysed together.

CID says Namal Kumara is an army deserter

CID today informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court that according to their investigations the Director (Operations) of the Anti-Corruption Movement, Namal Kumara has been found to be an Army deserter in 2010 and had joined the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Army by submitting forged educational certificates.

Suspect arrested with heroin worth Rs. 18 mn

A 38-year-old suspect was arrested with 1. 51 kg of heroin valued at Rs. 18 million in Wellawatte today, police said.

Danish firm to construct Mannar Wind Farm

Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems has secured an order to build Sri Lanka’s first large-scale wind farm, the Mannar Wind Farm, Renewables Now reported.

Police probes setting a dog on fire on 31st

The Negombo Police launched an investigation into the incident where a caged dog was set on fire in a house at Copra Junction in Negombo.

Now is the time to stand up: Malinga

"There's no time to rebuild - the World Cup is this year," Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga said at Bay Oval in New Zealand on Wednesday.

Mahela disappointed with Bandula’s comment

Former cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene has expressed disappointment over the comments made by MP Bandula Gunawardane that GCE A/L examination results of national and international schools should not be coupled, saying education is knowledge whether it’s free or paid.

Possession of toxic drugs in 2018: Over 95,000 arrested

A total of 95,797 suspects have been arrested by the police during raids carried in 2018 on possession with toxic drugs such as heroin, cocaine, hashish, cannabis and methamphetamine (ice), Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said yesterday.

EC to set up mechanism to handle polls-related disputes

Ahead of this year's elections, the Election Commission is to work out a mechanism for ‘Election Dispute Resolution’ (EDR) at electioneering time, an official said yesterday.

GCE A/L results - Don't couple national and int’l schools: Bandula

UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardana yesterday criticized the government for publishing the GCE A/L examination results of national and international school students together.

2019: Schools begin first term today

The government and government-approved private schools will begin their first for 2019 today, the Education Department announced yesterday

67 senior army officers get new Year bonanza with promotions

Sixty seven army officers including Brigadier M.A.A.D. Sirinaga have been promoted to the rank of Major General while 66 senior army officers were promoted to the rank of Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel.

UNP submits financial reports annually: Harsha

Responding to a statement made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa that his party is the first to submit a financial report to the Commissioner of Elections, UNP Treasurer Dr. Harsha De Silva said his party has been submitting financial reports almost annually to the polls chief.

Some ex-SLFP ministers to urge MS to let them join UNF

A group of former SLFP ministers are expected to meet party leader and President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday to discuss their future in politics, one of them said today.

Protest by ITN employees: 13 interdicted

Thirteen employees of the State-owned Independent Television Network (ITN) were interdicted on Monday accusing them of have carried out a protest campaign against the management, some employees claimed today.

SLPP's financial statement to be submitted to EC: Basil

The annual financial statement of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will be handed over to the Election Commission - this has never been done by any political party in Sri Lanka, SLPP National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa said today.