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.

Attack on villagers: IGP instructs disciplinary action on policemen

IGP Pujith Jayasundara had instructed the North Central Province Senior DIG to take disciplinary action against the police officers who reported to have assaulted villagers including several women at a temple in Eppawala.

Dr. Lester James Peries’ funeral under state patronage: PMD

President Maithripala Sirisena has given instructions to conduct the funeral of late Dr. Lester James Peries with full state patronage, Presidential Media Unit said.

Fmr. S'gamuwa PC member conducts cash dansala

A former member of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Indunil Santha Gunasekara had a cash dansala on the occasion of Vesak yesterday in front of his home in Lollegoda, Mawanella.

Father of SL Cinema Lester passes away

Internationally acclaimed film producer and director Dr. Lester James Peries passed away a short while ago.

US Secretary of State reiterates significance of Vesak

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo extended greetings for Buddhist all over the world in view of Vesak.

Second fish cannery soon: Amaraweera

Investors had expressed interest to start the second canned fish factory in Hambantota, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Rotten durian causes Melbourne university evacuation

A library in Melbourne was evacuated after a rotting piece of fruit sparked fears of a gas leak.

Special traffic plan within Colombo until May 2

A special traffic plan is in effect within the Colombo City limits from today until May 02, to ease the traffic congestion due to the Vesak Zones, Police Media Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

432 minor offenders released on Vesak Day

Four hundred and thirty two inmates, convicted for minor offences were released yesterday in view of the Vesak Poya Day, Prisons Commissioner Nishan Dhanasinghe said.

Ranil promises more reforms in the UNP

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today assured further reforms to the United National Party (UNP) as recommended by the Ruwan Wijewardene Committee.

Lunch packet price up by Rs. 10 from tomorrow: COA

The price of a lunch packet and a hopper will be increased by Rs. 10 and by Rs.2 respectively with effect from tomorrow, Canteen Owners’ Association (COA) said today.

Sooka sends alleged STF perpetrators list to UN

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) headed by Yasmin Sooka has prepared a list of names of 56 Sri Lankan Special Task Force (STF) personnel whom it said should be barred from serving in UN peacekeeping missions.

Landslide warning in Ratnapura

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) today issued a warning of possible landslides in the Ratnapura and surrounding areas due to heavy rainfall that exceeded 75 mm in the Ratnapura District.

President hints new cabinet by May 01

President Maithripala Sirisena said a new cabinet would likely be appointed before May 01.

Underworld figure Osman's wife arrested

The wife of underworld figure Osman Gunasekara was arrested with live 9 mm ammunitions at her residence in Gampaha yesterday.

Four suspects nabbed over Athurugiriya and Talangama shootings

Four suspects including two former soldiers were arrested by the Mirihana Special Crimes Operation Unit yesterday night in connection with several recent shooting incidents in Athurugiriya and Talangama areas.

Four LTTE supporters sentenced to jail in Tamil Nadu

A court in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu on Saturday sentenced four supporters of the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to varied jail terms for procuring weapons and trying to smuggle them to Sri Lanka.

Tuition teacher arrested over floating vehicle in canal

The tuition teacher, who surrendered to the police over the incident where a vehicle was found floating in the Viyana Canal at Mahiyanganaya, was arrested today. The SUV vehicle was found floating in the Viyana Canal on Thursday.

Five spill gates of Udawalawa Reservoir opened

Five spill gates of the Udawalawa Reservoir were opened today because of the heavy showers experienced in catchment areas, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.It requested the people living in the downstream to be vigilant of rising water levels.

Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone: Exhibition of Sacred Relics from Nepal, India

Sacred artifacts from Nepal and Bhutan are to be exhibited at the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone, which has been organized by the Gangaramaya Vihara in Hunupitiya and the Prime Minister’s office.

Court rejects Wele Suda's wife's request

Senior State Counsel Thusith Mudalige yesterday objected to the State releasing jewellery of sentimental value to notorious drug dealer Wele Suda’s wife, who the Attorney General had indicted on 57 charges for laundering money to the tune of Rs.190 million in 2006.

Three-month grace period given to British doc. to renew licence

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the British doctor who was performing heart surgeries at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) yesterday decided to allow him a three-month grace period to obtain the practising licence from the General Medical Council (GMC) in the United Kingdom.

OMP to begin public meetings from May 12

Beginning from May 12, 2018, the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) will meet the public including family members of the disappeared in Mannar, Chairman Saliya Peiris PC said yesterday.

Customs seizes Tramadol tablets, footwear worth Rs. 12.8 mn

A stock of 200, 000 Tramadol tablets that had restrictions placed on its import by the government and 12, 500 pairs of footwear worth Rs. 12.8 million were seized by the Customs Preventive Gate Office, Customs Media Spokesman and Deputy Director Sunil Jayaratne revealed yesterday.

STF seize chemicals about to be mixed with tea

A large stock of chemicals was seized, while being taken to be mixed with tea at a secret location near a tea factory at Rangala, and a suspect arrested by STF personnel from the Ambakotte Camp in Digana.