Allegations against Judiciary: Sugandika given two weeks to submit evidence

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today said that it had given two weeks to Attorney-at-Law Sugandhika Fernando to produce the evidence to prove her allegations against the Judiciary.

We didn’t invite the 16 SLFPers for JO’s May Day rally: MR

The joint opposition has not invited the 16 SLFP ministers, who quit the government, to join its May Day rally in Galle, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.

Speeding: Attorney Sugandhika advised and released

Attorney-at-Law Sugandhika Fernando, who made a controversial statement in connection with the Sri Lankan judiciary, was reprimanded by the Colombo Traffic Court today for speed driving on the Expressway, after she pleaded guilty to the charges.

WhatsApp CEO quits over privacy disagreements with Facebook

The chief executive and co-founder of WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned messaging app, is leaving the company over disagreements about privacy and encryption.

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

Former Mount Lavinia Crime OIC Thissa Sugathapala and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara who were arrested by the CID over allegations of concealing evidence with regard to the investigation into the murder of former Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, were further remanded till May 14 by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court today.  

Lotus Road closed due to protest

The Lotus Road between Ceramic Junction to NSA Roundabout has been temporarily closed due to a protest march.

State Ministers, Deputy Ministers to be sworn in tomorrow

The reshuffle of State Ministers and Deputy Ministers would take place tomorrow at 10.30 a.m at the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s Media Division said.

18 Ministers sworn in at Cabinet reshuffle

Eighteen Cabinet Ministers were sworn in by President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat this morning.

Wijeyadasa gets Higher Education and Cultural Affairs Ministry

Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was appointed as the Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs by the President at the cabinet reshuffle happening at the Presidential Secretariat.

SF Wildlife Minister, Daya Social Welfare

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka was appointed as the Minister of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development. Minister Daya Gamage was appointed as the Minister of Social Welfare and Primary Industries.

Sagala appointed Youth Affairs Minister, Mano gets same portfolio

MP Sagala Ratnayake was appointed as the Minister of Project Management, Youth Affairs and Southern Development while the leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Mano Ganesan was appointed as the Minister of National Co-existence, Reconciliation and Official Languages.

Faiszer gets Sports apart from PCs, Vijith gets Fisheries

UPFA MP Faiszer Musthapha was appointed as the Minister of Sports, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government by the President. Meanwhile, MP D.M. Swaminathan was appointed as the Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement, Northern Development and Hindu Religious Affairs.

Ranjith continues as Law and Order Minister, Thalatha gets Prison Reforms as well

Ranjith Maddumabandara was appointed as the Minister of Law and Order as well as the Minister of Public Administration and Management. Thalatha Athukorala was appointed as the  Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms.

Harrison Social Empowerment Minister, Hashim Highways

UNP MPs P. Harrison was appointed as the Minister of Social Empowerment while Kabir Hashim was appointed as the Minister of Highways and Road Development by President Sirisena at the Cabinet reshuffle.

Kiriella, Nawinna get same portfolio, Amunugama Minister of Science

Lakshman Kiriella has been appointed as the Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy Development by the President while Sarath Amunugama was appointed as the Minister of Science, Technology and Research, Skills Development and Vocational Training, and Hill Country Heritage.

Duminda Irrigation Minister, Amaraweera Minister of Agriculture

SLFP Secretary Duminda Dissanayake was appointed as the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management and Disaster Management by President Maithripala Sirisena a short while ago.  

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe at Cabinet reshuffle

Former Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe arrived at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago ahead of the Cabinet reshuffle.

Appointing Appeal Court Judges -- High Court judges to complain to President

The High Court Judges Association which convened a Extra Annual General Meeting on Saturday has decided to inform President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe about injustice caused to career judges when appointing Appeal Court judges.

Radical subject changes in today’s Cabinet reshuffle

A radical change in the subject areas of ministries is in the offing in the cabinet reshuffle scheduled for today, according to government sources, It is reported that the Department of Archeological, Tower Hall Foundation, Public Performance Board, Center for National Performance Arts, Janakala Center, National Arts Board of Ape Gama, Central Cultural Fund which is relevant to Cultural subject, that were under the Ministry of Education will now

Minority parties also want say in new govt. agreement

The minority parties have requested from the government to include them too in the agreement to be signed for the consensus government between the two main parties for the next 18 months, government sources said.

SLTDA to register Mirissa hoteliers this week

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) today said that it would launch a mobile registration campaign to register hoteliers in Mirissa this week.

32 injured as bus fell into a precipice at Galagedara

At least 32 passengers had sustained injuries following a private bus which was plying from Kandy to Kurunegala skidded off the road and fell into a precipice at Galagedara this evening, the Police said.

Depreciation of rupee affects private bus industry: Gemunu

The Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) today demanded at least a 10 percent of bus fare hike following the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollars.

Serbian Deputy PM Dacic to visit Sri Lanka

First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia, Ivica Dacic would visit India, Nepal and Sri Lanka from May 2 to 8, the B92 News station reported on Monday.  

SL condemns Kabul terror attacks

The Sri Lankan Government today condemned the terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan which targeted civilians and journalists.Issuing a statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all victims.We wish all those injured in this senseless violence a speedy recovery,”

Won’t let canteen, hotel owners to raise food prices: CAA

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said it would not permit canteen and hotel owners to increase prices of food items in the wake of the recent increase in the price of gas.

CCD halts removal of unauthorised structures in Mirissa

The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has decided to suspend the removal of illegal constructions on the Mirissa and Weligama coastal belt until further notice, Director General B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi said today.

Twin explosions kill over 20 in Kabul

At least 21 people, including six journalists, have been killed and dozens wounded after two explosions hit Kabul, Al Jazeera reported a short while ago quoting Afghan health officials. The blasts went off during rush hour on Monday morning in the Shash Darak area of the Afghan capital.

Dr. Lester James Peries’ funeral on Wednesday

The funeral of late Dr. Lester James Peries would be held at the Independence Square on Wednesday (2) at 4 pm with full state patronage. A discussion was held today with the participation of Additional Secretary to the President Rohana

Fire at Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court record room

A fire has broken out in the record room of the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court this morning, Police said.