Governor rules out purchase of expensive chairs

The purchase of chairs invoiced at Rs. 644,000 each for the use of the new Western Provincial Council Chamber had been completely stopped by the Western Province Governor Hema Kumara Nanayakkara basing on allegations that there had been an irregularity in the process of procurement of these chairs.

Cabinet nod for Counter Terrorism Bill to replace PTA

The Cabinet endorsed yesterday the Counter-Terrorism Bill to be enacted by Parliament repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act applied during the wartime in dealing with the activities of the LTTE.

IGP asks CID to investigate alleged fraud at SLC

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has decided to hand over the investigation of the alleged US $5.5 million attempted fraud at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Bribery Commission is full of corruption: Maithri Gunaratne

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption which was established to inquire into corruption was full of corruption, United National Freedom Front Secretary Maithri Gunaratne charged.

Remand order on Johnston: K'gala HC legally wrong - Romesh de Silva PC

Filing a revision application in the Court of Appeal, President's Counsel Romesh de Silva today said the order given by the Kurunegala High Court Judge remanding former Minister Johnston Fernando pending the conclusion of the trial was legally wrong.

SL needs broad HR impact assessments: UN Expert

Sri Lanka should implement a robust legal framework to conduct comprehensive human rights impact assessments prior to carrying out large scale infrastructure projects such as the Sampur power plant and the Hambantota port, a visiting UN Expert today said.

Poor economic management causes fuel price increase: Bandula

The Government had to increase the prices of fuel due to its poor economic management, MP Bandula Gunawardana said today.

Record and send audio or video clips to stop bribery and corruption: Ajith Rohana

Traffic Police DIG Ajith Rohana requested the public not to hesitate to record and send audio or video clips taken from mobile phones on incidents involving activities of traffic police officers who seek bribe or other favours.

‘Bald’ Army Commander looks like Idi Amin: SF

The ‘rift’ between Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and Army Commander Mahesh Senanayaka escalated again with the Field Marshal drawing similarities between the Army Commander and Idi Amin because of their choice of ‘bald’ hairstyle.

Man injured in police shooting in Kurunegala

A drug smuggler was injured after the police shot at a vehicle which fled defying police orders in Kurunegala this evening, Police said.  

SriLankan to rectify cashew nut issue

SriLankan Airlines said today its management has taken steps to rectify the issue where President Maithripala Sirisena was treated to some cashews which were not fit for human consumption.

UN raises concerns over VAT increase

Visiting UN Expert Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky today expressed concerns over the Sri Lankan Government’s decision taken in May 2016 to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 11 per cent to 15 per cent.

Cabinet proposal to ban animal sacrifices

A Cabinet memorandum was presented to enact legislation banning animal sacrifices at the places of Hindu religious worship.

54 pilgrims killed in bus accident in India

At least 54 people died and several others were injured as a passenger bus fell from a narrow road into a gorge in Hyderabad, India, the Times of India reported.

88 SL migrants arrested seas off Negombo

Eighty Eight Sri Lankan including a woman who attempted to migrate overseas illegally, had been arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy today in the seas off Negombo, Navy Spokesman Dinesh Bandara said.

Johnston, two others further remanded

Former Minister Johnston Fernando, his private secretary Sakeer Mohamed and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando were further remanded till tomorrow by Kurunegala High Court Judge Menaka Wijesundara today in connection with alleged misappropriation of state funds in 2013.

29 Udagammaana houses damaged by strong winds

A total of 29 houses in the Nawagammana Housing Scheme at the Digamhalmillawa, Kahatagasdigiliya, had been damaged following strong winds last evening, the Kahatagasdigiliya Assistant Divisional Secretary Janaki C Gunatileke said.

SL asylum seekers 'forcibly' deported from Australia

At least a dozen Sri Lankan asylum seekers have been forcibly deported back to Sri Lanka, having been put on a specially chartered jet that left Perth on Tuesday, the Guardian Australia reported.

President expresses anger over ‘SriLankan’ cashew nuts

President Maithripala Sirisena has complained that, during a recent trip with Sri Lankan Airlines, he was treated to some cashews which were not fit for human consumption.  

LIOC also revised their fuel prices

Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) also revised petrol and diesel prices with effect from yesterday midnight, LIOC Shed Owners Association said.

Ruwan condemns those instilling fear about national security

State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday condemned the false and baseless statements made by some elements with ulterior political motives with regard to the national security.

I know the reason for delaying Gin-Nilwala projects: MS

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said he knew the reason why the Gin-Nilwala development projects were suppressed and sidelined during the past regime and even the present government.

Fuel prices increased: Finance Ministry

The Retail Prices of Fuel have been revised with effect from midnight today based on the Fuel pricing formula, the Finance Ministry said.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: MR refuses to comment

Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday refused to comment on the recommendation made by the Tamil Nadu cabinet to release all the seven convicts in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Man and two sons run over by train in Polonnaruwa

A 40-year-old man and his two children were killed after being hit by a train in the Bowatte area near the Welikanda Railway Station in Polonnaruwa last night, police said.

UNP to file legal action against MPs Shehan and Wimal

UNP MP Mujibur Rahaman today said he will file legal action against Joint Opposition MPs Shehan Semasinghe and Wimal Weerawansa for making false allegation that contaminated milk packets have been distributed by him during the opposition protest on September 5, 2018.

Re-scrutinized O/L results to be released tonight

The re-scrutinized results of the GCE Ordinary Level Examination-2017 would be released tonight, the Examinations Department announced.

Plans to resume death penalty in SL disturbing: UN

Sri Lanka’s announced plans to resume the use of death penalty are disturbing, as are recurrent incidents of racist and inter-communal violence, the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said today.

Milk packets distribution vehicle belongs to Lottery Board: JO

The vehicle used to distribute the milk packets containing poisonous substance for the protesters of the Janabalaya Kolombata held on last Wednesday, belonged to the Lottery Board which comes under the Finance Ministry, Joint Opposition (JO) charged today.

Special counter for VAT refund to tourists at BIA

A special counter will be opened at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake tomorrow for re-payment of 15% VAT to the foreign tourists on their departure, for the goods purchased by them during their stay in Sri Lanka, the Finance Ministry said.