IGP ordered to send DIG Nalaka Silva on Compulsory leave

The National Police Commission (NPC) today ordered IGP Pujith Jayasundera to send DIG Nalaka Silva on compulsory leave with immediate effect following a directive from Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

JO wants Police Commission members to resign

The Joint Opposition (JO) today urged the Commissioners of the National Police Commission (NPC) to resign if they could not properly investigate the alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Wholesale price of sugar 1kg up by Rs.15

The wholesale price of 1kg of sugar was increased by Rs. 15, while the retail price was increased by Rs.20-30 with effect from today, Sri Lanka Sugar Importers Association (SLSIA) Deputy President Hemaka Fernando said.

Pakistan HC orders release of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday suspended sentences of former premier Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar in the Avenfield corruption reference and ordered their release, Geo News reported.  

Malaysia arrests ex-PM Razak over USD 628mn scandal

Malaysia's anti-graft agency said it arrested former Prime Minister Najib Razak today over the multimillion-dollar looting of a state investment fund and that he will face further charges in court, the Economic Times reported.

Cabinet approves declaration of Thripitakaya as national heritage

The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday gave approval to declare Thripitakaya, which includes Buddhist teachings, as a national heritage.  

LKR hits record low of 167.41

The Sri Lankan rupee today recorded the highest deprecation of Rs. 167.41selling price for US dollar.

Minister recommends DIG Nalaka Silva to be sent on compulsory leave

Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara recommended the National Police Commission (NPC) to send DIG Nalaka Silva on compulsory leave to facilitate an independent inquiry.

Bus fare increased again by 4%

The Cabinet has approved a 4 per cent fare increase to bus tickets with effect from midnight tomorrow, the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry said.

Rs.1.7mn robbed from a finance company in Jaffna

A man wearing a full face helmet had robbed Rs.1.7 million worth cash from a finance company at Chavakachcheri in Jaffna this morning.

Thailand says FTA with Sri Lanka to be finalised by 2020

Negotiation on a Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be concluded by 2020, the Thailand Nation reported today quoting a high-ranking Thai official.Auramon Supthaweethum, Director-General at the Thailand’s Department of Trade Negotiations said Thailand will host the second Thai-Sri Lanka FTA negotiations from Wednesday until Friday.

SL stops import of Iranian oil ahead of sanctions

Sri Lanka has stopped crude imports from Iran and is actively switching to other crude grades, Petroleum Resources Development Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has told reporters in Fujairah, UAE.

Special High Court to hear Gamini Senarath’s case daily from Oct. 29

The Special High Court today fixed the trial of former President’s Chief of Staff Gamini Sedara Senarath and three others to be heard daily from October 29.

CDS back in the country

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, who left for Mexico last week, for an official visit, had arrived in the country this morning.

Alleged assassination attempt: Speaker summons IGP

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya informed Parliament yesterday that he summoned IGP Pujith Jayasundara to his office on Monday and discussed the alleged plot to assassinate the President and former defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, for more than one hour.

Govt. will not hand over Palaly airport to India: Nimal Siripala

The government had not taken any decision to hand over the Palaly domestic airport to India or any other country and said it would be developed in partnership with the Tourism Development Fund and Civil Aviation Authority, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said yesterday.

We request that the IGP be removed - State Minister Sriyani

State Minister Sriyani Abeywickrame said yesterday TID's DIG Nalaka Silva should be interdicted and arrested immediately over the alleged plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Ready to provide security to Gota if he requests: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government would provide police security to former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa if he requested.

Uproar in House over assassination plot

Parliament erupted in heated arguments today over the alleged plot revealed by anti-corruption movement leader Namal Kumara to kill President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Price of gas up by Rs.195, milk powder down by Rs. 25

The Cost of Living Committee, which met this evening, has recommended to increase a 12.5 kg cylinder of gas by Rs.195.

Depreciation of rupee has increased debt amount by Rs.1,000 bn: JO

The drastic depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US Dollar has increased the country’s national debt amount by Rs.1,000 billion since 2015, the Joint Opposition (JO) said today.

Lankan arrested in Milan was a former diplomat: MFA

A Sri Lankan, who was a former diplomat on contract from 2012-2015, has been arrested in Milan but he has no valid Diplomatic Passport in his possession any more, as claimed by reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Tuesday.

Price of gas increased by Rs.190

The Cabinet had today endorsed a gas price hike of Rs.190 for a 12.5 kg cylinder of gas.

Sanga gives key advice to Pakistan players ahead of India clash

Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara has given some key advice to Pakistan’s rising stars Babar Azam and Usman Khan Shinwari as Men in Green prepare for the highly anticipated clash against India, the Pakistan media reported.

Shocking and disappointing: Mathews

After the tournament-ending loss to Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2018, Angelo Mathews rued the errors of the batsmen, putting the blame on the unit for the defeat.  

Bribery Commission summons GMOA

Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Treasurer Dr Nath Wijesuriya has been summoned to the Bribery Commission this morning to record a statement over an investigation launched into an alleged foreign funds received by the GMOA.

Sri Lankan rupee hits record low of 166.64

The Sri Lankan rupee today recorded the highest deprecation of Rs.166.64 selling price for US dollar. According to the foreign exchange rates issued by the Central Bank, the selling price of US dollar is Rs.166.64 while the buying price is shown as Rs. 163.10.

India to develop Palaly airport

State-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) will prepare a detailed project report for development of Palaly airport in Sri Lanka, the PTI reported.

Sri Lanka to release 173 Indian boats

The Sri Lankan government has ordered the release of all the 173 Indian trawlers confiscated by its navy since 2015 after arresting fishermen on the charge of illegal fishing in their waters.

Two cops killed in accident in Galgamuwa

Two police officers aged 29 and 31were killed when their motorcycle collided head on with a cab in Galgamuwa on the Anuradhapura- Padeniya Main Road last night, Police said.