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.  

SLC complains to FCID over attempted fraud

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today lodged a complaint with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with a fraudulent attempt to transfer US$ 5.5 million, connected to broadcasting rights of the England tour, to an offshore account.

CDS fails to appear: CID says it will inform court

The CID said today that it would inform court that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had failed appear to give statement.

CDS leaves for Mexico; request date from CID

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, who had been summoned to the CID today, had left for Mexico for official visit this morning.

Rtd. Major Amal Karunasekara granted bail

Former Military Intelligence Director and Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General (Retired) Amal Karunasekara was granted bail by Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court today. He was arrested and remanded over the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr in 2008.

Puttalam PS Chairman arrested at BIA

Puttalam Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Anjana Sandaruwan was arrested by the CID at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this morning while he was attempting to fly abroad despite a travel ban by court

Gota, six others granted bail

The Special High Court today granted bail to former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and six others over the case where they have allegedly misappropriated public funds for the construction of the D. A. Rajapaksa memorial museum at Weeraketiya

Gota arrives at Special High Court

Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Special High Court this morning over the alleged misappropriation of public funds for the construction of the D. A. Rajapaksa memorial museum at Weeraketiya.

MR off to India today

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will leave for India today (10) on a three-day-visit.

Joining a people's struggle my favoured option-Wiggy

Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran said yesterday he would most favour quitting politics and joining a people’s movement to struggle for the rights of Tamils.

PM leaves for Vietnam today

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Vietnam today to participate in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) world economic forum to be held in Hanoi.

Twin brothers promoted as Majors General together

A historic event occurred in the Sri Lanka Army on Thursday (6) as the Seneviratne brothers, who are twins and joined the Army on a same day, were promoted to the rank of Major General, again on the same day.

CDS Wijegunaratne summoned to CID today

Former Navy Commander and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne had been summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to give a statement today, CID sources said.

PM says get ready for PC elections

Prime Minister and Leader of UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he had instructed the party to get ready for the provincial council elections which will be held soon.

Plenty to take over UNP: Dy. Minister Ranjan

There are plenty of people to take over the leadership of UNP at the right time, Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake said over the weekend.

Expect rains in coming days: Met Dept.

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50mm were forecasted by the Department of Meteorology in the Northern, Uva, North-Central and Eastern provinces and in Matale District during the coming days.

Navy recovers 284.5kg Kerala Cannabis floating in sea

Some 284.5kg of Kerala Cannabis which has a street value of more than Rs. 30 million was recovered by the Navy in the seas off Iranativu island.

Gnanasara Thera back to prison hospital

Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who was admitted to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital (SJGH) following a complication in the area where a surgery was done, has been transferred back to the Welikada Prison Hospital, SJGH Director Dr. Susitha Senaratne said.

Tense situation at Aruwakkalu: Minister wants to apply the law strictly

A tense situation prevailed when Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka held a discussion this morning at Wanathawilluwa Divisional Secretariat on the Aruwakkalu Hygienic Solid Waste Disposal Project (AHSWDP) in Puttalam.

SL win 11th Asian Netball Championship

Sri Lanka beat Singapore 69 to 50 in the 11th Asian Netball Championship finals held at the OCBC Arena, Singapore a short while ago.

Don’t believe self-styled war analysts: Mahesh Senanayake

Responding allegations of retired Army officers, that they were not contended with the battle alertness of the Army at present, Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake said that no one could review the Army's strength after having gone on retirement years ago,

India to supply160 passenger coaches to SL Railway

India has agreed to supply 160 railway passenger coaches to Sri Lanka valued at around 82 million US dollar under Concessional Financing, the Indian High Commission said.

Leak reported in fuel pipeline at Muthurajawela

A leak was reported in a pipeline carrying fuel from tankers to Muthurajawela terminal, the Navy said today.

Sri Lankan drug trafficking suspect nabbed in Bangkok

A Sri Lankan man wanted for drug trafficking in his home country has been arrested in Bangkok, four years after he first fled to Thailand, Bangkok Post reported.

SL still faces violent extremism: Minister Rajapakshe

Despite efforts taken by Sri Lanka, the country still faces emerging challenges such as violent extremism, migration, refugees, inequality and climate change, Higher Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said.

Govt. to hand over 25% of RMV exams to SLTB, AA: Dy. Min.

Transport and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Ashok Abesinghe said yesterday a Cabinet paper had been submitted to hand over 25 per cent of the motor vehicle examinations to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA).

No Presidential election before schedule time – President

President Maithripala Sirisena says today there is unnecessary concern in the country regarding the Presidential election and further said that even though some made statements that there will be a presidential election early, he is not ready in any way to hold a presidential election before it is due. 

Govt. seeks millions for Gamperaliya

The government presented a supplementary estimate to seek parliamentary approval to spend rupees Rs.1 million for the Gamperaliya inauguration programme in Kurunegala.