LG bodies: Govt. needs Rs.135 mn monthly to upkeep 8689 members

According to local government ministry sources, Rs.135 million needs to be set aside monthly to pay the salaries of 8689 members elected to the local government bodies.

16 SLFPers, who quit the Govt. to sit in Opposition

Fresh seating arrangements will be in place in Parliament tomorrow to accommodate the 16 Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MPs who opted to sit in the Opposition after relinquishing their portfolios, Parliament Secretary General Dammika Dasanayake said yesterday.

Criminalising Hate Speech: Govt's minority allies seek written assurance

Political parties representing the minority communities in the ruling coalition are seeking a written assurance from the government to conduct the provincial council elections without further delay, far-reaching constitutional amendments and the criminalisation of hate speech, a minister said yesterday.

Won't allow PM to bring Samurdhi Bank under CB

Former social empowerment minister S.B Dissanayake today said he would never allow Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to vest the Samurdhi Bank under the Central Bank's control.

UNP will form its own Govt. in 2020: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said the United National Party (UNP) would form its own government in 2020.

Kandy violence: Three more arrested

Three more suspects were arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) in connection with the recent violence in Kandy.

CB will oversee Samurdhi Bank: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said the Samurdhi Bank would be soon brought under the control of the Central Bank.

Building of Buddhist temples in North, East-- NFF condemns TNA

The National Freedom Front (NFF) today condemned the Tamil National Alliance’s (TNA) alleged attempt to halt the construction of Buddhist temples in the Northern and Eastern regions.

One drowns, five rescued while sea bathing

A retired administrative officer was drowned and five others including two doctors were rescued while bathing in the sea off the Ambalangoda Rest House this afternoon.

131 SL detainees: FAM in touch with Malaysian authorities

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FAM) in a statement said the Sri Lanka High Commission in Malaysia is working closely with the relevant Malaysian authorities over the detention of 131 Lankans taken into custody when the Malaysian police intercepted a tanker believed to be bound for Australia and New Zealand.

All should strive to dispel myth of inferiority attributed to women: SL in Geneva

Sri Lanka has emphasized at a recent UN event held in Geneva that it is incumbent on all stakeholders to strive to create a culture of respect for equality and non-discrimination and to work towards dispelling the myth of inferiority attributed to women over centuries.

Fielding President Sirisena as common candidate in 2015 was a mistake: SF

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said today that fielding incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena as the common candidate in 2015 was a mistake.

Stern action against bribery and corruption: President

President Maithripala Sirisena assured stern action would be taken to control and to eradicate bribery and corruption prevailing in the government sector and other fields.

Leading gangster Dileepa killed in a shootout with STF

A leading underworld gangster Dilip Rohana Rodrigo alias Dileepa was killed in a shootout with the Special Task Force (STF) personnel at Mailapitiya in Kandy yesterday.

Malaysia foils smuggling of 131 Lankan immigrants

Malaysian police have intercepted a tanker with 131 Sri Lankans believed bound for Australia and New Zealand, smashing a large human smuggling ring that has been operating for a year.

SL asks IOM to setup health review program for resident visa applicants

The UN Migration Agency, International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Health Ministry on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a health assessment program for foreign nationals applying for Sri Lankan residence visas.

Oil resources: SL to sign deals with French, US firms for seismic study

Sri Lanka will sign agreements with French oil and gas major Total and a subsidiary of US firm Schlumberger for a seismic study off its east coast to evaluate any prospective oil resources, a top official has told Reuters on Friday.

Private sector holidays not in gazette notifications: Vajira

The fact that no indication has been given about the public and bank holiday for the private sector on May 7 in lieu of May 1 (May Day) was not a discrepancy but a result of the government’s method of issuing gazette notifications, Home Affair Minister Vajira Abeywardena said.

Anuruddha Polgampola appointed as new STC Chairman

Anuruddha Polgampola has been appointed as the new Chairman of State Timber Corporation, President’s Media Division (PMD) said today.

Importing vehicles with euro four standard by July 1- Customs not informed

The Sri Lanka Customs said they had not been informed by the government about importing vehicles compatible with the Euro four standards from July 1, Customs Department officials said.

Won't let anyone influence me when doing my duty: SF

Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said no political authority would be able to pressure or influence him on how to conduct his duties as the minister in charge of protecting our wildlife.

Development projects will bear fruit in a few years: PM

People will reap the benefits of development in a few years time, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Dr. Lester’s missing award found from private bus

The Lifetime Achievement Award presented to late Dr. Lester James Peries from India, which was reported missing from his residence few days ago, has been found on an overhead rack of a Kollupitiya-Kaduwela private bus, Police said.  

SF takes swipe at President

Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development Minister, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said yesterday that former president Chandrika Kumaratunga told him recently with tears in her eyes that she was unable to get an appointment to meet President Maithripala Sirisena for three months and could not contact him over the phone for two months.

Debate on Judicature (Amendment) Bill on May 9

The debate on the Judicature (Amendment) Bill will be taken up in Parliament on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Government Whip Ajith Perera said yesterday.

Illegal structures along Mirissa beach: Prez orders immediate removal

President Maithripala Sirisena today ordered the Coast Conservation Department (CCD) to remove 18 unauthorized structures along the Mirissa beach.

BIA employee nabbed with 7kgs of gold

An employee attached to an airport duty free shop at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, was arrested a short while ago with 7kgs of gold worth over Rs 40 million, Customs said.

Met Dept warns of atmospheric disturbance over SL

An atmospheric disturbance that has developed over Sri Lanka is set to bring heavy rains exceeding 100mm in the coming days, the Department of Meteorology said today.

‘Golden Peacock Award went missing 25 years ago’

Amidst widespread claims and media reports that the Golden Peacock Award of Dr. Lester James Peries had been stolen from his residence a few days ago, a senior member of his film team said the award that went missing was a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Dr. Peries from India.

SP, 17 ASPs transferred

One SP and 17 ASPs had been transferred with immediate effect by the National Police Commission (NPC), under the recommendation of IGP Pujith Jayasundara.