Thewarapperuma brandishes knife in House

The conduct of some parliamentarians stooped down to such low levels today that, for the first time in history, there were allegations that some UNP MPs smuggled in sharp knives into the Chamber of the House for any untoward action.

Govt. ready to defeat NCM if UNF-led alliance adheres to protocols: SB

If the UNF-led political alliance follows proper Parliamentary procedures and Standing Orders when bringing in a no-confidence motion (NCM) against the government and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government is ready to face it and defeat it, Chief Whip and Highways Minister S.B. Dissanayake said today

Bad day for democracy in Sri Lanka: Germany

Commenting on the tense situation prevailed inside Parliament today, German Ambassador Jörn Rohde said that today was a bad day for democracy in Sri Lanka.

Hope SL can maintain stability: China

The Chinese Government has said it hoped that Sri Lanka can maintain stability and find ways to end the current political impasse.

President, Speaker, UNF, JVP leaders hold special meeting

A special meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, United National Front (UNF) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leaders is currently underway at the Presidential Secretariat, sources said.

Ready to hold polls in a legal manner: RW

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today said they are ready to hold both Presidential and General Elections in a democratic and legal manner after having talks with all political parties. 

Petrol, diesel down by Rs.5

The prices of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) petrol (92 and 95) and Diesel (Auto and Super) were reduced by Rs.5 per litre with effect from midnight today, Minister Gamini Lokuge said today.

Several roads blocked due to UNP rally

Several roads in Colombo are congested due to the United National Party rally which is to begin in few minutes at Lipton Circus against the unconstitutional moves by the government.

UNF party leaders to meet President

United National Front (UNF) party leaders have decided to meet President Maithripala Sirisena at 5.00 pm today, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said in a news briefing held at the Parliamentary complex this afternoon  

Parliament to meet tomorrow

At the party leaders meeting held at the parliamentary complex today, it was decided that Parliament would meet tomorrow at 1.30 pm, Speaker’s media unit said.

Unnecessary conflict created between Legislature and Executive: Karu

An unnecessary conflict had been created between the Legislature and the Executive, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a letter to President Maithripala Sirisena today.

MR-RW to meet shortly

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to meet UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in the Parliament House shortly to discuss the crisis.

Parliament adjourned till Nov. 21

Parliament was adjourned till November 21. 

Rupee hits record low of 178

The Sri Lankan Rupee depreciated further against the US Dollar today.

Security tightened around Parliamentary complex, Ministry offices

Special Task Force personnel had been deployed around the Parliamentary complex as well as 32 Ministries in Colombo as a precautionary measure, the Police said.

Parliament session concluded

Parliament session was concluded after clashes between MPs following the tense situation.

Mahinda, Ranil leave chamber

Prime Minster Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and several MPs have left the Parliament chamber as the tense situation continues to prevail.

Speaker leaves seat after objects thrown at him

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya left his seat after a wastepaper basket, black folder and copy of the Constitution were thrown at him Parliament.

Several MPs injured

Several MPs including UPFA Parliamentarian Dilum Amunugama were injured during the tense situation in Parliament a while ago. 

MR urges Opposition MPs to join and go for elections

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa requested all 225 Parliamentarians to join hands with the Government and to go for a General Election.

Tense situation in Parliament

A tense situation prevailed in Parliament after UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella requested a Parliament vote by name for the speech delivered by Prime Minster Mahinda Rajapaksa.    

Parliament sessions begin

Parliament sessions began a short while ago after Parliament was adjourned yesterday due to the tense situation prevailed in Parliament following the no-faith motion was taken up against the Government and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

MR still Prime Minister: Govt.

The government said that newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would continue in the post because yesterday’s No-Confidence Motion (NCM) had been brought unconstitutionally.

UPFA rejects NCM

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) said yesterday it would not abide the Speaker’s ruling as the vote of No Confidence was taken up through an unlawful procedure.

President rejects NCM brought against PM, Govt.

In a letter to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday rejected the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) brought against his nominee for Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government.  

West should not meddle with internal matters: Prelate

The Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathna Thera said on Tuesday that Western countries should not infringe on Sri Lanka’s internal matters.

MR to make statement in parliament tomorrow

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would make a statement in parliament tomorrow, the government said today.

UNP to occupy government benches in Parliament: Sujeewa

UNP claimed that it will occupy the benches meant for the government when Parliament meets tomorrow.

UNP to stage protest tomorrow

UNP is to stage a protest at Lipton Circus tomorrow against the unconstitutional moves by the government, urging it to re-establish democracy in the country, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said.

Accept the SC ruling:EC Chairman

With the submissions made before the court, all would have to accept the decision of the Supreme Court, the Chairman of the National Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya said in Matara today during an awareness programme.