Impossible to believe Kamer was ‘radicalised’: Goolbai

Former Principal of Asian International School (AIS), Goolbai Gunasekara yesterday said that it was impossible to accept that the 25-year-old Kamer Nizamdeen who was arrested in Australia for alleged ‘terrorism’ charges, was ‘radicalised’.

Contempt of court case against Ranjan fixed

The Supreme Court today fixed the contempt of court case against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for December 11, 12 and 13.

Govt. to endorse necessary force

The Cabinet decided yesterday to endorse the use of 'necessary force' by the police in case public order is disturbed and public properties damaged during the protest rally today, it is learnt.

Jana Balaya will go ahead despite venues being cancelled: JO

The joint opposition organised anti-government protest march, ‘Jana Balaya Kolambata’ will be held today as scheduled despite the Colombo Municipal Council cancelling the bookings made for different venues, JO leaders yesterday assured.

Over 5, 000 policemen ready to face ‘Janabalaya’ today

Over 5,000 policemen from various units armed with all riot controlling mechanisms will remain standby to face the anti-government protest organised by the joint opposition ‘Janabalaya Kolambata’ today in Colombo.

Govt. to control fees charged by private hospitals

The National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) is expected to issue a gazette notice specifying the maximum fee that could be charged from patients by private hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics and private medical practitioners and specialists.

SL envoy didn't boycott Maldives bridge opening: MFA

The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Maldives did not boycott the opening ceremony of the China-Maldives friendship bridge in Maldives but turned back as his vehicle was not allowed to proceed to the venue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said yesterday.

JO protest is a sacrifice for Namal’s court cases: Mangala

Tomorrow's protest is a sacrifice being offered by the Joint Opposition (JO) to get MP Namal Rajapaksa freed from court cases against him, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

Motion to appoint select committee to draft laws to prevent hatred

A motion filed by a group of MPs to appoint a select committee to study and report on its recommendations with regard to ensuring communal and religious harmony in the country was passed in Parliament today.

JO protest: Moves to ram into places containing special court cases: Minister

Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara said today that information has been received on possible ramming by the protesters into the places where important documents in connection with the special court cases have been preserved, during the tomorrow's Joint Opposition protest.

JO trying to use people as scapegoats: UNP

The joint opposition is planning to sacrifice the lives of innocent people to satisfy its political agenda, the United National Party (UNP) said today.

Chatura spent Rs.2.1mn for his wedding at Temple trees

Referring to MP Chathura Senaratne’s wedding reception held at the hall adjoining Temple Trees, Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Management and Law and Order, Nalin Bandara said the MP had paid Rs.2,180,000 (Two million one hundred eighty thousand) to reserve the hall.

Dayan assumes duties as Ambassador to Russia

Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, who was appointed as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, has assumed duties on Monday, the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday said.

JO protest: Courts reject requests for restraining orders

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today rejected a request made by the Cinnamon Gardens Police for a restraining order on the joint opposition rally from entering the roads adjacent to the President’s official residence in Colombo.

Tense situation in Parliament

Parliament sessions ended abruptly today after the joint opposition stormed the Well of the House claiming that the government was trying sabotage tomorrow's 'Jana Balaya Kolambata' protest rally.

UNP challenges JO to topple Govt.

While saying that the Government was neither scared nor interested in the JO protest scheduled to be held tomorrow, Law & Order Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara challenged JO members to topple the Government.

'Lankan arrested in Sydney: Min.Musthapha baffled by false media accusations'

Minister Faiszer Musthapha had been perplexed following the false media allegations of connection to a youth who was arrested in Sydney over a document that the Australian Police allege contained plans for terrorist attacks, Deputy Minister H. M. M. Harees said today.  

Fire at Bloemendhal dump

A fire broke out at the Bloemendhal garbage dump in Colombo a short while ago, the Colombo Fire Brigade said.They said the fire had reported at around 1.00 this afternoon and several fire trucks of the CMC had been deployed.

No-confidence against WPC Chairman

A motion of no-confidence against the Chairman of the Western Provincial Council, signed by a group of UNP Councilors, was handed over to the house secretary today.

One killed, one injured while de-mining

A 25-year-old worker was killed and another was injured after an antipersonnel mine exploded while demining activities at Thekkawatte along the Mallavi Road in Mankulam yesterday.

I have read President’s mind - Vasu

Vociferous stalwart of the Joint Opposition Vasudeva Nanayakkara in an interview with the Daily Mirror said that President Maitripala Sirisena’s mind is favouring a possible agreement with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Proposal to set up Police and Crimes University before Cabinet soon: PM

A paper is to be submitted to the Cabinet soon to set up a Police and Crimes University, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Commission on SriLankan: 'Cancellation of airbus leases caused heavy losses'

SriLankan Airlines suffered a loss of Rs. 14.3 billion (USD 90.5 million) due to the cancellation of three Airbus A350-900 leases and it amounted to half of the losses in the financial year 2016-2017, it was revealed at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on irregularities at SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering and Mihin Lanka yesterday.  

It's so hot; the Sun directly overhead SL

The Sun is directly over Sri Lanka spreading its heat across the country, the Meteorology Department said yesterday.

If govt. sabotages JO protest, entire public sector will strike: Lakshman Yapa

While stating that the 16-member SLFP group will fully back the JO protest, former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said if the government tries to sabotage the JO protest, the whole public sector will go on strike.

Vipula appointed SriLankan interim CEO

SriLankan Airlines today announced the appointment of Vipula Gunatilleka as the interim Group CEO.

Janabalaya Kolambata will be peaceful: Namal

The 'Janabalaya Kolambata', protest march organized by the Joint Opposition (JO) scheduled to be held on Wednesday (5) in Colombo, would be carried out in a peaceful way, MP Namal Rajapaksa said today.

Reuters reporters jailed for seven years in Myanmar

A Myanmar court has sentenced two Reuters journalists to seven years in prison for breaking the Official Secrets Act while investigating a massacre of Rohingya Muslims.

JO protest: No need to close schools - Akila

There won’t be any need to close schools tomorrow on account of the JO protest march, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said.

Parliamentary sessions as usual on Sept. 5, 6: Speaker

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said today there was no move to cancel the parliamentary sessions scheduled for September 5 and 6.