Galle stadium will not be removed: Akila Viraj

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, who also represents Sri Lanka as the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, today rejected the claims that the Galle International Cricket Stadium would be removed and said only the unauthorized pavilion inside it would be demolished.

Vijayakala quizzed over statement on LTTE

Police Organized Crimes Division has recorded a statement from former state minister Vijayakala Maheswaran this evening over a speech made by her calling for the resurgence of the LTTE.

Mannar can be developed as Dubai City: Champika

Although there’s no sufficient water, Mannar District can be developed as Dubai City, if it’s natural resources are properly managed, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Champika Ranawaka said today.

Failure to declare SL paid trips: British MP suspended

Members of UK Parliament have voted to suspend Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Ian Paisley for 30 sitting days following his failure to declare two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government in 2013, the BBC reported a short while ago.

Navy nabs gold worth Rs. 40 mn

Two suspects were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy this afternoon with 5.7 kilograms of gold biscuits worth about Rs.40 million in a fishing boat off the seas of Kalpitiya, Navy Media Spokesman Commander Dinesh Bandara said.

Report of probe on Vijayakala before UNP WC tomorrow: Akila

The report of the four member committee appointed to look into the statement made by Former State Minister Vijayakala Maheswaran who called for the resurgence of LTTE is to be presented to UNP Working Committee tomorrow, Party General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said today.

‘Gac fruit’ now in Sri Lanka

The Department of Agriculture introduced ‘Gac fruit,’ scientifically identified as ‘Momordica cochinchinensis’ to Sri Lanka, that can be successfully cultivated during both dry and wet weather seasons.

Court issues summons on President, PM for the fourth time

The Colombo High Court today for the fourth time issued summons on the President and the Prime Minister to appear in court for the trial against former General Secretary of UNP Tissa Attanayake.   The court also postponed the trial against Mr Attanayake for October 9.

Shop catches fire in Pettah

A fire broke out in a storeroom located on the third floor of a building at Maliban Street in Pettah a short while ago, the Police said.

China to gift frigate to Sri Lankan Navy

China will continue to provide various training courses for tri-forces of Sri Lanka and make preparations to hand over a gift frigate to Sri Lanka Navy, a top Chinese military official said on Monday.

Hundreds missing after dam collapses in Laos

Hundreds of people are missing and an unknown number dead after the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy dam collapsed in Laos, the BBC reported a short while ago quoting state media.

Japan heatwave declared natural disaster as death toll mounts

Japan's weather agency has declared a heatwave sweeping the country a natural disaster, with at least 65 deaths recorded in the past week.

Wildlife circuit bungalows to be closed for elephant survey

The Wildlife Conservation Department today said all circuit bungalows of the department would be closed for three-days in September for tourists due to a survey of wild elephants.

Canadian PM remembers victims of ‘Black July’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he joined with the Tamil-Canadians and members of the Tamil community around the world to mourn families and friends lost during Black July in 1983, in Sri Lanka.

Woman nabbed with heroin at Mt. Lavinia court premises

A 26-year-old woman from Ratmalana had been arrested within the Mount Lavinia Magistrate Court premises with 22 packets of heroin, this morning, the Police said.

Actor Indika Ginige passes away

Popular actor and singer Indika Ginige passed away at the age of 37 at his residence this morning due to a sudden illness.

Drug dealer ‘Lasa’s accomplice arrested with heroin worth Rs. 2.4mn

An accomplice, of drug dealer Keselwatte Lasantha alias ‘Lasa’, was arrested by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) with 201.1 grams of heroin worth Rs. 2.4 million at Bandaranayakapura in Welikada last night.

Govt. to insert federal constitution to 20A: Gammanpila

The government was trying to incorporate constitutional changes on Federal lines as an amendment to the 20th Amendment during the committee stage of the debate, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader MP Udaya Gammanpila charged yesterday.

Gunathilaka ‘innocent’ of rape charges: Police

Sri Lankan batsman Danushka Gunathilaka, who has been suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has been declared ‘innocent’ of any allegations of rape.

Don’t shed tears after attacking us and destroying media freedom'

President Maithripala Sirisena today said he made a humble appeal from the friends of the media not to shed tears after attacking, weakening and destroying the government by way of destroying the enabled democracy and media freedom in the country.

SL Navy assist to transfer injured Russain sailor ashore for treatment

Sri Lanka navy assisted to transfer a severely injured Russian crew member on board 'MV Boston', a Bulk Carrier belonging to Marshall Island, ashore for treatment on Sunday.

Govt. doesn’t want to change Constitution: Namal

Joint Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa today said the government was not interested in changing the Constitution and that was why the 20th Amendment had been presented in Parliament as a private member’s bill.

British MPs visit to SL during former regime: GL

In response to investigations against British MPs including Ian Paisley by the House of Commons over his visit to Sri Lanka during the former rule, then External Affairs Minister Prof.G.L. Peiris said today that the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had to invite such MPs to see for themselves the actual ground situation in the country.

Two George Keyt paintings worth Rs. 12mn missing

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today sought public assistance to locate two paintings of legendary artist George Keyt said to be worth more than Rs. 12 million.

SLFP Walapane organiser sentenced to 12-yr imprisonment

SLFP Walapane organiser and former Chairman of the Walapane Pradeshiya Sabha Jagath Samarahewa was sentenced to 12-year imprisonment by the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate Court today after he was found guilty of misusing state vehicles in 2004.

No-faith motion against Uva CM dismissed

A no-confidence motion which was brought by Independent member Janaka Tissakuttiarachchi against Uva Province Chief Minister Chamara Sampath, was dismissed today by the Council’s Chairman A.H. Buddhadasa.

Car catches fire on R.A.de Mel Mw

A car was gutted in fire outside the Queens’ Cafe on the R.A.de Mel Mawatha in Kollupitiya a short while ago causing heavy traffic.

GMOA to launch strike on August 3

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said today it would resort to an islandwide trade union action on August 3 over ten demands.

Sri Lanka thrash SA to sweep series 2-0

Sri Lanka completed a 2-0 Test sweep of South Africa on Monday to record their first series win over the Proteas since 2006 after an emphatic 199-run victory in the second Test.

President releases water to the Kalu Ganga reservoir

President Maithripala Sirisena inaugurated the filling of water to the Kalu Ganga - Moragahakanda reservoir this morning.