Curry leaf ban: ‘citrus greening’ bacteria report in 2013 to blame: NPQS

The European Union (EU) has banned curry leaves from Sri Lanka based on a report published in a scientific journal about a ‘citrus greening’ bacterium which allegedly infected plants that came out in 2013, a senior official of the Department of Agriculture said.

Will take tough decision if Cabinet post not given: Range Bandara

Puttalam District Parliamentarian Palitha Range Bandara warned that he would be forced to take a tough decision if he was not given a Cabinet portfolio by next month. He pointed out that he was the catalyst behind the rise of the United National Party following the recent Constitutional impasse.

Constitution-making process to resume

The government has decided to resume the Constitution-making process which had been at a standstill for a while as a result of the recent political crisis and prorogation of parliament.

Resolution of political crisis shows resilience of democratic institutions: C’wealth Chief

The way in which the political crisis in Sri Lanka was resolved is a testament to the strength and resilience of Sri Lanka's democratic institutions, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said.

Yan Oya sluice gates to open tomorrow

Sluice gates of the Yan Oya reservoir will be opened tomorrow morning due to the heavy shower experienced in the area, the Irrigation Department said. 

General election not necessary

Referring to a statement made by UNP National Organiser Navin Dissanayake that the party was gearing itself for a general election in April 2019, UNP MP S.M. Marikkar said today such an election was not necessary.

A/L results before Dec.30: Examinations Dept.

The Examinations Department rejected the rumours in some media that the GCE A/L examination results had been released today and said the results would be released before December 30.

'Only Middle East Countries' passports -- Issuance to end on Dec.31

In view of Sri Lanka introducing the e-passport service to its citizens, the issuance of passports valid 'Only For Middle East Countries' would no longer be issued from December 31 this year, the Immigration and Emigration Department said today.  

49-year-old man found dead near Kandy clock tower

The body of a 49-year-old man was found in the subway near the Kandy clock tower this morning, police said.

WPC member S. Kuhawardhan released on bail

Western Provincial Councillor S. Kuhawardhan, who was arrested by the CID yesterday for allegedly defrauding on cheques amounting to Rs.70 million, was released on bail by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court today.

Muslims should reconstruct damaged Buddha statues: Marikkar

Muslims should reconstruct the Buddha statues which were vandalized in Mawanella recently to prove their sincerity and innocence, parliamentarian S. M. Marikkar said today.

Police Sergeant hacked to death in Ja-Ela

A police sergeant attached to the Narahenpita Police Hospital, was hacked to death at his house at Niwandama South in Ja-Ela last night.

Grandpass shooting: Bloemendhal Sanka’s mistress arrested

The police today arrested a 45-year-old woman, believed to be the mistress of notorious underworld gangster Sanka Shirantha, alias Bloemendhal Sanka, the main suspect wanted for yesterday’s Grandpass shooting.

‘Bena’ arrested with heroin

A 32-year-old Pradeep Pushpakuma alias ‘Bena’, an accomplice of underworld figure Ratmalana Manju, has been arrested with 10.7 grammes of heroin during a raid at Weda Mawatha in Maharagama last night.

Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Malta ban curry leaves from SL

The Sri Lankan Consulate in Catania, Sicily in Italy had informed Sri Lankan passengers not to bring curry leaves from Sri Lanka to Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Malta because the EU had prohibited curry leaves under the EUROPHYT notification  

Kabir Hashim condemns attacks

Minister Kabir Hashim yesterday condemned the recent acts of violence at religious places of worship in Mawanella.

TNA fighting for post to get new Constitution passed: SLPP

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is fighting hard for the opposition leader's post so that they could get the new Constitution passed in Parliament, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said yesterday.

WP Councillor arrested over alleged financial fraud

Western Provincial Councillor S. Kuhawardhan was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today for allegedly defrauding cheques amounting to Rs. 70 million, CID sources said.

Kudawella shooting: Police question more than 40 people

The Police have recorded statements from more than 40 people in connection with Tuesday's shooting at the Kudawella Fisheries Harbour where four people were killed and eight injured.

If Cabinet increased to 45 -- Prez must seek AG's advice: SLPP

In case the UNP forms a national government with the SLMC so as to increase the number of Cabinet ministers to 45, then the President will have to seek the Attorney General’s opinion to consider what action to take next, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said today.

Train strike suspended temporarily: Railway TUs

The Railway Trade Union Alliance (RTUA) Co-Convener Lal Ariyaratne said they had decided to temporarily suspend the scheduled two-day strike action following an assurance given by the Transport Minister. 

Suspect arrested for damaging Buddha statue

Mawanella Police today arrested a man at Hingula, Mawanella for allegedly damaging a Buddha statue, police said.

CC meets on Jan.8 to fill SC vacancy

The Constitutional Council will meet on January 8 to consider another nominee by President Maithripala Sirisena as a Supreme Court judge.

Sri Lankan rupee depreciates further

The Sri Lankan rupee depreciated further against the US Dollar today, hitting a record low of 183.17. The exchange rates of the Central Bank indicated the selling price of the rupee as 183.17, the indicative price as 181.47 and the buying price as 179.20.

Antonov flight at MRIA delays takeoff as engine catches fire

An Antonov An-12 flight (CVK 7042) which arrived at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) from Bangkok last night, had delayed its takeoff due to a fault in the engine.

UK expresses concern at disruptive behaviour of Lankan MPs

UK Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field has informed the UK Parliament last week that they expressed concern over the behaviour of some Sri Lankan MPs disrupting parliamentary proceedings.  

Shooting in Grandpass kills one, three hospitalised

A 32-year-old man was killed and three others were hospitalised when a gunman opened fire at them in Grandpass this morning.  

New Zealand all out for 178 against Sri Lanka

Suranga Lakmal took a career best five for 54 as Sri Lanka dismissed New Zealand for 178 in their first innings of the series-deciding second Test in Christchurch on Wednesday.

National Safety Day to remember 2004 tsunami victims

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) is organizing an event today to remember the victims of the tsunami catastrophe that took place 14 years ago - on December 26, 2004.

Launch rapid damage control programme to flood victims: Prez

President Maithripala Sirisena today instructed relevant authorities to launch a rapid damage control and compensation programme to flood affected people who were returning from safety locations in the North while continuing the relief programme.