CID arrests SLC Chief Financial Officer

Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) Chief Financial Officer Wimal Nandika Dissanayake was arrested by the CID today in connection with an alleged financial fraud of USD 187,084, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.

UN charges against Amunupura may rebound on Army: GL

The UN's request to repatriate Kalana Amunupura, the Commander of the Sri Lankan contingent in the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali will have serious repercussions on the entire army, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said today

Arrested Indian, a victim of SL's political insecurity: Brother

The family of the Indian arrested in Sri Lanka in connection with the alleged plot to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena, says he should be released immediately as he is a victim of the political insecurity in Sri Lanka.  

Displaying LTTE flags in UK: SL wants stern action

The Sri Lankan Government had highlighted the British Government the importance of implementing its Terrorism Laws and taking stern action against the four individuals who were arrested for displaying the LTTE flags.  

SL needs further safeguards against rights violations: HRW

Sri Lanka’s draft counterterrorism law significantly improves upon the current, abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) but needs further safeguards against rights violations, Human Rights Watch said. It said in a statement Parliament should amend the bill to fully comply with international human rights standards and resist pressure to roll back its reforms.

SL rupee hits 173 against US Dollar

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

Welgama’s remarks detrimental to JO: Gammanpila

The recent remarks made by UPFA MP Kumara Welgama on his objection to Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were baseless and detrimental to smooth functioning of the Joint Opposition, the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader MP Udaya Gammanpila said today.

England cricket fans advised on alcohol on Poya Day matches

Ahead of the 5th ODI between Sri Lanka and England in Colombo on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, the reserve day which falls on the Vap Full Moon Poya Day, the British High Commission in Colombo has issued a travel advise to supporters of the English team, who are in Sri Lanka on the use of alcohol.  

SL family get residency in New Zealand after eight-year battle

A year after they pleaded to avoid deportation to Sri Lanka, a Sri Lankan family living in Queenstown, New Zealand, have been granted residency and are giving back to the community that supported them, New Zealand media reported.

A 44-year-old man shot dead in Urubokka

A 44-year-old employee of the Pasgoda Divisional Secretariat was shot dead by unidentified gunmen arrived on a motorcycle at Hulankanda in Urubokka this morning, Police said.

Herath to retire after first Test against England

Veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath will call it quits from the longest format of the game after the first Test against England at Galle.

Fmr. TID DIG Nalaka appears before CID

Former Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) DIG Nalaka de Silva appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for the third time a short while ago over the inquiry into the alleged assassination plot on President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Elections should be held on time: Germany

German Ambassador Jörn Rohde said yesterday the elections should be held in any democracy when they are due, and not be delayed.

Govt should go on in one direction: Wasantha

Government should go one direction without going on two directions, State Minister Wasantha Senanayake said over the week end.

Four ministers with RAW links will be exposed: Amaraweera

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera claimed that four Cabinet Ministers, having links with RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), had leaked information related to President Maithripala Sirisena’s remarks purportedly critical of India and China to Indian journalists.

3,560 arrested in countrywide raid

A total of 3,560 people were arrested for various offences and another 6,020 had been charged with traffic violations during a four-hour special countrywide raid carried out by the Police this morning.

Army rejects UN charges against Lt. Col. Amunupure; but says comply written request

The Sri Lanka Army said yesterday that it would prove that Commander of its 200-strong contingent assigned to the UN peacekeeping force in Mali Lt. Col. Kalana Amunupure, was not guilty of any Human Rights abuses in the last stages of the war.

Inmates launch protest at Agunukolapelessa Prison

A group of inmates of the Agunukolapelessa Prison launched a protest on top of a tower in the prison, this morning urging to withdraw the Police Special Task Force (STF) from the prison.

Trains on up-country line delayed due to derailment

The train services on the upcountry railway line had come to a standstill after a Colombo bound service train with boom trailer derailed at Radella this morning, the Railway Control Room said.

Sri Lankan projects delayed, PM Modi tells Ranil

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday discussed the progress of a number of pending development projects, with the former expressing “concern” over delays, said a press release issued by the Sri Lankan PM’s office.

UN asks SL to repatriate commander in Mali

The United Nations asked the Sri Lankan government to immediately repatriate the commander of the Sri Lankan U.N. peacekeeping force in Mali following a review of his human rights background.

Ranil meets Modi

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday held talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi on a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India assisted development projects in the island nation.

Govt. turns down gas price hike request

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce yesterday rejected the requests made by gas companies to add their transport costs to the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) to come up with the new price of domestic gas cylinders district-wise.

UNP wants Anton Deshapriya investigated

Making counter allegations against investor Anton Deshapriya, who had recently accused a state minister of soliciting a bribe, the United National Party (UNP) yesterday called for a thorough investigation on the investor.

Dissolving Director Boards - Decision not unusual: Harin

The decision to dissolve the Boards of Directors of the Board of Investments (BOI), the Bank of Ceylon and the People’s Bank was planned some time back in keeping with the requirement to change them every two and a half years, UNP Spokesman and Minister, Harin Fernando said yesterday.

Police probe whether terror accused set up by brother of Aussie Sportsman

The brother of a prominent Australian sportsperson may have been involved in setting up a 25-year-old Sri Lankan student over an alleged Sydney terror plot.

Attempts to replace Medical Ordinance - GMOA to take TU action

The GMOA yesterday threatened to resort to trade union action if Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne attempted to scrap the present Medical Ordinance and replace it with a new law.

Stray cats take over President’s House

The Presidential Secretariat has reportedly informed the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to take immediate steps to remove the stray cats which had invaded the President’s House.   

Dissolving director boards - Only subject minister can do so: Kiriella

In the wake of President Maithripala Sirisena dissolving the director boards of the two State banks, Public Enterprise Development Minister Lakshman Kiriella said it was the subject minister who had the authority to do so.

At least 50 dead in train accident in India

In a tragic accident, at least 50 people were killed and several others were injured when a train ran over them while they were celebrating Dussehra. The accident happened near Joda Phatak area of Amritsar, India.