Ousted PM Razak banned from leaving Malaysia

Ousted Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak was banned from leaving Malaysia on Saturday, suggesting the new government under Mahathir Mohamad will move swiftly to investigate Mr Najib’s links to the country’s largest-ever corruption scandal, Financial Times reported.

Fuel price hike to affect prices of essentials: NFF

The prices of essential goods would also increase to the decision by the government to increase fuel prices, the National Freedom Front (NFF) warned.

Fire at a clothing warehouse in Ratmalana

A fire broke out at a clothing warehouse at Borupana, Ratmalana this morning, the Fire Brigade said. The cause of the fire has not been identified, they said.

Checking revenue licence via SMS: Police dismiss FB claims

Dismissing a claim spread through a Facebook post, Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said yesterday that vehicle registration details obtained via SMS cannot be accepted when the drivers are not in possession of revenue licences or the driving licence.

Cabinet must decide on any bus fare hike: NTC

The decision to increase the bus fare has to be taken by the Cabinet, National Transport Commission (NTC) said yesterday.

Won’t worship or apologise to politicians: SF

Minister and Field Marshal, Sarath Fonseka yesterday said he would never worship or apologise to any politician.

Better Wifi facilities at BIA in three months: Minister

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said yesterday steps would be taken to provide Wifi facilities at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) within three months.

Difficult to manage without a deputy: Speaker

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday it was difficult for him to manage without a deputy speaker.

Rupee depreciation led to fuel hike: Ravi

Several causes including the depreciation of rupee to satisfy the IMF had resulted in the increase of fuel prices, former minister Ravi Karunanayake said today.

SL welcomes Korea Summit, looks forward to S’pore Summit

While welcoming the Inter-Korea Summit held in April, the Sri Lankan Government today said it looks forward to the Summit between the two leaders of the US and North Korea which is scheduled to be held in June in Singapore.  

Wrong for Govt. to increase fuel prices: Bimal

JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake said yesterday it was unreasonable for the government to increase fuel prices by citing the fuel price increase in the world market and the depreciation of the rupee, while hiding the excessive taxes imposed on fuel.

Temporary terminal at BIA to ease congestion: Minister

A temporary terminal would be built at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake within six months as a solution to the increasing congestion at the airport, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said today.

Cabinet paper submitted to absorb SAITM students to KDU

A Cabinet proposal was submitted today seeking approval to absorb 980 medical students of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) to the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), after evaluating their basic qualifications, Higher Education Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said.

CCD removes 21 illegal structures along Mirissa beach

Twenty one unauthorized structures along the Mirissa beach including Water Creatures Beach Guest Restaurant & Surf Bar where a group of Dutch tourists were assaulted were demolished today by the Coast Conservation Department (CCD).

Journalist Saman Gamage released on bail

Divaina Newspaper Journalist Saman Gamage, who was arrested by the CID, was released on previous bail conditions by the Gampaha Magistrate D. A. Ruwan Pathirana a short while ago.

Shantha Bandara new STC Chairman

Former UPFA MP Shantha Bandara was appointed as the new Chairman of the State Timber Corporation (STC) by President Maithripala Sirisena today.

Bus fare to increase by 10%: LPBOA

Bus fares for private busses are expected to be increased by a minimum of 10 percent with effect from next week, the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne said today.

Police Narcotics Bureau seizes 1 kg of heroin in Horana

Officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) today seized 1. 767 kg of heroin from a residence of a suspect, who was arrested on May 4.

CID arrests Divaina journalist Saman Gamage

Divaina Newspaper journalist Saman Gamage was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last night.

GMOA to launch 24-hour strike on May 17

The GMOA today said it would launch a countrywide 24-hour work stoppage on May 17 as a protest against the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with Singapore, proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India and several other issues.

Heroin smuggler sentenced to death

Colombo High Court today handed down a death sentence to a Pakistan national, who attempted to smuggle heroin weighing more than eight kilograms in 2010.

Fowzie appointed Reconciliation State Minister

UPFA MP A.H.M.Fowzie was sworn in as the National Unity and Reconciliation State Minister before President Maithripala Sirisena this morning.

Thel Kumara shot dead in Trincomalee

Hendavitharanage Selin Kumara alias Thel Kumara had been shot dead in Trincomalee this morning by a group of gunmen, police said. They said the 45-year-old victim was killed by three unidentified gunmen arrived in a car.

Mahnedran's hide and seek game is short lived: Rajitha

Cabinet spokesman and Minister. Rajitha Senaratne yesterday said Arjuna Mahendran would be arrested by the Interpol from wherever he was hiding and handed over to the Sri Lankan Police no sooner than later.

UNP to appoint CEO to oversee 'Sirikotha'

The United National Party (UNP) is set to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to look after the affairs of its headquarters, Sirikotha, party sources said yesterday.

I had to pull out pistol to get things done: Range Bandara

Irrigation, Water Management and Disaster Management State Minister Palitha Range Bandara said yesterday that the Anamaduwa Technical College was built using the Rs.38 million allocated for the purpose by the State, after he drew his pistol.

LIOC fuel prices increased

While welcoming the Government's decision to allow fuel prices to change in line with international prices, the Lanka IOC company increased fuel prices today.

Fuel price hike a result of unsuccessful governance: JO

While claiming that the Yahapalana Government is a failure, the joint opposition today said the increase of fuel prices and other basic services were results of unsuccessful practices carried out by the government.

Trump, Kim Jong Un to meet in Singapore

US President Donald Trump will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on June 12, the US President announced Thursday on Twitter.  

Three-wheeler fare to go up tonight

The fare for the first kilometre in a three-wheeler would be increased by Rs.10 by midnight today,  All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Union President Lalith Dharmasekera announced.