Probe coal scams from 2009 to 2016: Champika

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Champika Ranawaka yesterday urged President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint a Presidential Commission with extraordinary powers to investigate the alleged coal scams that took place from 2009 to 2016.

Ranjan gives a Kaala punch

Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake had commented on the Indian film Kaalaa where he had criticized Indian director Pa. Ranjit and his movie Kaalaa which features Superstar Rajinikanth.

MR-Keshap meeting: US Embassy non-committal

In response to the news report published on a Tamil daily newspaper in Jaffna regarding a content of a meeting held between former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and outgoing US Ambassador Atul Keshap, the US Embassy today remained non-committal.

One killed, 25 injured in head-on collision

A 60-year-old man was killed and 25 others injured after two private buses collided head-on at Kapuwarala, Allawwa on the Kurunegala-Colombo Main Road this evening, police said.

Rumble in the Jungle: Rider dies; race suspended

A 33-year-old Nepal off-road cyclist died after he fell into the Mahaweli River this evening, while participating at the Off-Road Bicycle Race Rumble in the Jungle, organised by SriLankan Airlines

Tusker Deega Danthu-I, shot by trap gun; Wildlife

Deega Danthu I, one of the elephants with the longest tusks roaming the Kala Wewa National Park, was found with gunshot injuries on Monday, Galkiriyagama Wildlife Warden D. Ranasinghe said.

Maldives ex-president, CJ sentenced to 18 months in jail

A Maldives court on Wednesday sentenced former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of obstructing justice, Maldives Independent reported.

Kegalle Asst Co-op Commissioner comes under acid attack

The Kegalle District Assistant Co-operative Commissioner has been admitted to hospital after an acid attack aimed at him today, according to Kegalle Police.

No such name list: Rajitha

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on the Central Bank bond scam had not mentioned anywhere in its report names of politicians, journalists, officials or any other person, who had allegedly received financial gratuities from Arjuna Mahendran, Cabinet Spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne said today.

US MCC to invest in transport, land sectors in SL

The US Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) expects to invest in projects proposed by the Sri Lankan Government in the transport and land sectors, the US Embassy today said.

Three accomplices of Makandure Madush arrested

Three main accomplices of underworld figure Samarasinghe Arachchige Madush Lakshitha alias ‘Makandure Madush’ were arrested by the Kandy Police at a hotel in Kadugannawa today, Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Rtd. Major General Karunasekara re-remanded

Former Military Intelligence Director and Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General (Retired) Amal Karunasekara was re-remanded till June 26 by Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrema today.

Shooting at Kiriwehera: suspect identified

Asela Lakshman Bandara, former Chief Kapu Mahathaya of the Mahasen Devalaya of the Kataragama Kirivehera Temple was identified as the suspect involved in the shooting in which Kiriwehera Chief Incumbent Ven. Kobawaka Damminda Thera and another monk were injured, the Police said today.

Dullas claims Govt. planning to ban social media

MP Dullas Alahapperuma said social media websites had become a threat to the Government and that it was planning to introduce laws to ban social media websites.

78-year-old man found killed at house

The body of a 78-year-old man was found with hands tied behind his back inside a house at Uragasmanhandiya today, Police said.They said the victim may have been killed by a group of robbers.

US won't allow Gota become President: Keshap to MR

United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap has reportedly shattered the political ambition of former defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to become the next President of Sri Lanka.

I funded my own election campaign: Ajith Perera

State Minister Ajith P Perera yesterday said he had used his own funds and funds borrowed from his family members for the election campaign and had not accepted any funds from Perpetual Treasuries Chief Arjun Aloysius or from anyone else.

Attempts by wildlife officials, dy. min. to save cow elephant fail

An exhaustive attempt by Wildlife officers assisted by Wildlife Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma to save a female elephant who had been injured by a trap gun in Horowpothana, failed as the animal succumbed to the injuries it had sustained at the hands of poachers.

Cabinet endorses reparation bill

As part of implementing the resolutions by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Cabinet endorsed a Bill to be enacted by Parliament for the payment of reparation in respect of war-affected and missing persons.

Will not bother what Dayasiri says - CaFFE

While saying that it was useless to make comments on MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s statement that the list of 118 was first mentioned by the CaFFE, Keerthi Tennakoon, Executive Director of Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) said they would not bother what Dayasiri says.

Kiriwehera Chief Incumbent shot last night

Kiriwehera Temple Chief Incumbent Venerable Kobawaka Damminda Thera and another monk were injured when they were shot by unidentified gunmen this evening, police said.

I didn't refuse to give statement to CID: Dayasiri

UPFA MP Dayasiri Jayasekara today rejected allegations that he failed to report to the CID when first asked to do so.

I will leave the country, If Gota becomes Prez.: Mervyn

Former Minister Mervyn Silva said yesterday he would leave the country if former defense secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa becomes the President in 2020.

Presidency -- Easier for UNP if Gota contests: Harin

It will be easier for the UNP if former defense secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa contested the 2020 presidential election, UNP Propaganda Unit Chief and Minister, Harin Fernando said today.

Country's postal services at a standstill

Postal services countrywide came to a standstill today, following the indefinite strike launched on Monday by postal workers, the United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) said.

President should re-think Masthan’s appointment: Vadivel

President Maithripala Sirisena must re-consider the appointment of K. Kader Masthan as the Deputy Minister of Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Northern Development and Hindu Affairs, UNP MP and Lanka Jathika Estate Workers' Union General Secretary Vadivel Suresh said today.

Euro 4 standard fuel from July: CPC

Euro 4 emissions standard Diesel and Petrol will replace the existing Super Diesel and Petrol stocks in the market commencing July, Petroleum Resources Development Ministry Secretary Upali Marasinghe said today.

Lasantha Murder: Former Crime OIC, Ex-DIG re-remanded

Former Mount Lavinia Crimes OIC Tissa Sugathapala and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara were today remanded till June 19 by Mount Lavina Chief Magistrate Mohamed Mihail.

How to reduce taxes: JO accepts PM’s challenge

The joint opposition (JO) today accepted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's challenge to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to explain how he would reduce taxes by 20 per cent if he comes to power.

TV presenter arrested over assault

TV presenter Mahesh Nisshanka has been arrested by the Kadawatha Police in connection with an alleged assault in which an individual was stabbed.