Second US shutdown in 2018 begins

The US government has shut down for the second time this year after Congress failed to pass a key budgetary measure on time, BBC reported a short while ago.

Aloysius’s request for hospital denied

The Prisons Department has turned down a request made by Arjun Aloysius to be admitted to the Prison Hospital citing he was suffering from a back pain.

Mentally done with cricket: Malinga

Lasith Malinga, the veteran Sri Lankan pacer, on Thursday (February 8) dropped elaborate hints about his retirement plans, saying he was mentally done with international cricket.

AG against granting bail to Aloysius

The Attorney General’s Department today filed written submission at Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court against granting bail to Perpetual Treasuries Limited Owner Arjun Aloysius and its CEO Kasun Palisena.

No connection to any political party: Kumar

Cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara yesterday refused reports of him backing a certain political party and said that he has no affiliation with any political party.

Brig. Fernando acted within embassy premises: Navin

In a hard hitting letter to the two pro-LTTE British MPs, who demanded the withdrawal of Defence Attache Brigadier Priyankara Fernando’s diplomatic status, Minister Navin Dissanayake yesterday said Brigadier Fernando enjoys diplomatic immunity for actions performed within the embassy premises and that it was most disturbing and offensive to witness protesters being allowed to carry flags belonging to the LTTE in the UK where the organisatio

EU adds SL to money laundering blacklist

The European Parliament has confirmed that Sri Lanka, Tunisia and Trinidad and Tobago were on the European Commission’s blacklist of countries at risk for acts of money-laundering.

No probe against Brigadier Priyanka-Army Chief

Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake said that they would not be conducting an inquiry the actions of the Defence Attache of the Sri Lankan High Commission in UK Brigadier Priyanka Fernando after he was spotted making a throat slitting gesture towards protesters who thronged the Embassy office in the UK.

Udayanga’s claim; Police still unaware

Police Media Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said they are yet to receive a report from the investigative team sent to the UAE in the backdrop of news reports that was circulating with regards to a claim alleged to have been made by former ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga that he had been released for lack of evidence.

Election law violations: 500 including 61 candidates arrested

A total of 500 individuals including 61 candidates had been arrested in connection with election law violations and complaints since December 09, 2017, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said today.

Medical education: Minimum standards revised despite SLMC recommendations

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said today the Cabinet had amended the minimum standards for medical education despite Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne’s request to approve the minimum standards recommended by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

Ruwan praises Defence Attaché Priyankara

State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene today lauded Minister Counsellor (Defence) Brigadier Priyankara Fernando of the Sri Lankan High Commission in UK, for giving a signal to the pro LTTE Diaspora members whom he said are not genuinely interested in the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.

Udayanga says he was released

Former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, who was detained in the UAE, today said he was released by the Interpol.

No liquor on Election Day

All liquor shops in the country would be closed on Local Government Election Day, February 10, Excise Commissioner General K H A Meegasmulla said today.

Benedict XVI says he is in the autumn of his life

In a rare new letter penned by Benedict XVI, the retired pontiff said he is in the last phase of his life, and while his physical strength might be waning, he is surrounded by a “love and goodness” that he never imagined.

Four Lankan Tamil refugees held for illegally entering India

Four Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including a pregnant woman, who arrived off Dhanushkodi coast here by an illegal ferry service, were arrested today.

Ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia jailed for corruption case

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been sentenced to five years in jail in a corruption case by a court in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, Al Jazeera reported.

Legal action against officials failing to report for election duty

The Elections Commission said today legal action would be taken against State officials who failed to report for election duty which has assigned by the EC.

Ex Additional Secy of Presidential Secretariat released on bail

Former Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat D.S. Gunaratna, who was remanded in connection with misappropriating state funds amounting to Rs. 17.9 million in 2010, was released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today.

Auditor General shows mismatch in loans and assets

Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe said according to the latest financial declarations, the country’s foreign and domestic loan account stood at Rs. 8.9 trillion by the end of 2016, but the audited domestic assets stood at only Rs.1.1 trillion.

Female genital mutilation not acceptable: UN

Female genital mutilation was not acceptable in the 21st century, said Jayathma Wickramanayake, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, speaking at an international forum in Gambia on strategies to combat the practice.

Train derails on Kelani Valley Railway line

The train service on the Kelani Valley Railway line came to standstill after a train bound to Colombo Fort from Kosgama derailed near the Maharagama Railway station, the railway control room said.

Attempt to alienate Udawattakele land

Officials of the Forest Conservation Department are perturbed by the decision of a senior forest conservator to alienate a 90 perch block of land of the Udawattakele forest reserve to a leading hotel in Kandy.

Over 65,000 Police, STF for election duties

A total of 65,758 Police and STF Personnel would be deployed for the Local Government Election duties to be held on Saturday, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said yesterday.

Final rites of Ven. Prof. Wimalarathana Thera today

The final rites of Venerable Professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera will be take place at the Sri Jayewardenepura University grounds this evening with full State honours.

Don’t lose what you achieved in 2015-PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who wound up the UNP campaign for the local government election in Maradana last evening urged the people not to lose what they achieved in January 2015. He also told the UNPers to get ready to form a government in 2020.

Win at LG Polls a stepping stone: JVP

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday even though they would not be able to restore the economy that has collapsed just by winning the Local Government elections, they were using it as a stepping stone to gaining power in 2020.

Will transform country into a paradise: MR

Former President and MP Mahinda Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the Local Government election campaign of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), yesterday claimed that they had a plan to transform the country into a paradise if the SLPP wins the February 10 local government elections.

Anyone found drunk or disorderly at polling booths to be arrested

Legal action would be taken against anyone caught under the influence of liquor when casting their vote at the upcoming Local Government election. This will also be applicable to persons who behave badly and engage in violent activities at polling centres, Police Media Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Malinga named IPL champions Mumbai Indians’ bowling mentor

Lasith Malinga will be part of Mahela Jayawardene’s coaching staff for Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians. Malinga was named Mumbai Indians bowling mentor on Wednesday.