JO launches Sathyagraha at Lotus Roundabout

The Joint Opposition (JO) has launched a Sathyagraha with the participation of Buddhist monks, Members of Parliament and people at the Lotus Roundabout in Colombo this evening. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also joined the Sathyagraha.

Sri Lanka declared Rubella-free by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared Sri Lanka as a Rubella-free-country, the Health Ministry said.

'Janabalaya protest' will go on till dawn: MR

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who joined the Janabalaya Kolambata protest, said that it was a huge success and would go on till dawn.

I have no connection with Mahendran :PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today rejected claims that he met with former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran in Singapore.

JO protest- Up to the people to react to any violence: Akila

It was the general public who should react if any violence broke out as the Joint Opposition protest progressed, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said at a news briefing early today.

Legal action against those who cause public inconvenience: Nalin Bandara

Deputy Minister of Law and Order Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said strict action would be taken against those who cause the public any hindrance and damage to public property and institutions during the Joint Opposition protest today.

UNP celebrates 72nd anniversary tomorrow

The 72nd anniversary of the United National Party (UNP) is set be celebrated tomorrow at Sirikotha.

OMP interim report handed over to President

The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) handed over an interim report containing interim recommendations to President Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Parliament today. In a tweet, OMP Chairman Saliya Pieris said the interim report contains recommendations for interim relief as well as securing truth and justice.

Public should not be hindered by the protest

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said they have given freedom to protesters to come to Colombo and that they have only instructed that the public should not be hindered by the protest.

20A draft Bill presented in Parliament

Draft Bill of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was presented in Parliament today by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP Vijitha Herath.

People making way to Colombo despite hindrances: Namal

Joint Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa said participants from all around Sri Lanka continued to make their way toward Colombo to join the Jana Balaya Kolombata protest despite hindrances.

President suggests death penalty to those misuse public funds, properties

Death penalty should be handed down to those who misused public funds and properties, President Maithripala Sirisena said today.

US citizens cautioned to avoid large crowds in Colombo today

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka cautioned American citizens to avoid large crowds in Colombo today. “Political rally planned in Colombo today. American citizens encouraged to exercise caution and avoid large crowds,” it tweeted.

Hali-Ela bus attack not related to JO rally: Police

A private bus had been attacked this morning at Bogahamalitta, in Hali-Ela, when the bus was about to leave for Badulla from Hali-Ela, the Police said.

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.