Maldives state of emergency declared by government

The Maldives government has declared a state of emergency for 15 days amid a political crisis in the island nation.

Move to skip bond report debate on sub judice: SLPP

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said today there was a plan by the government to sidestep the parliamentary debate on the bond commission report by saying the matter was sub judice.

Officers ready to bring down ex-diplomat Udayanga: Sagala

Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said today that the relevant officers were ready to bring down Sri Lanka’s former envoy to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga from Dubai where he was detained while in transit to the United States.

Buying ballot papers and NICs -- Two men arrested

Two men who had bought ballot papers and national identity cards from voters were arrested at Kankanamgoda in Beruwala, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Hollywood actress, UNFPA envoy Ashley Judd to visit SL

Hollywood actress and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Goodwill Ambassador Ashley Judd would arrive in Sri Lanka next week, the Government Information Department said today.

Four killed in train tragedy

At least four train commuters were killed at Lunawa in Angulana this evening when a lorry crashed into an express train bound for Galle, the police said.

Gnanananda Thera to lodge HR complaint against Uva CM

The Joint Association of Unemployed Graduates Convener Thanne Gnanananda Thera has said he will complain to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) tomorrow about the Uva Chief Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake having attempted to assault him.

Frozen pangolin found in Chinese restaurant

A live pangolin was found by the Kollupitiya Police inside a freezer at a Chinese restaurant 'Tong Ni BBQ' at Walukaramaya today. Kollupitiya Police OIC Priyadarshana De Silva said they had inspected the restaurant following a tip off.

Sack Uva CM: CaFFE tells President

Referring to the incident where Uva Province Chief Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake is alleged to have attempted to assault a Buddhist monk three months ago, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon today urged President Maithripala Sirisena to sack Chamara Sampath with immediate effect.

Aloysius' arrest only a drama: JVP

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said today the arrest of Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) owner Arjun Aloysius was a plan hatched to serve a political agenda.

Aloysius, Palisena further remanded

Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) owner Arjun Aloysius and CEO Kasun Palisena, who were produced before the Fort Magistrate Court this morning, were further remanded until February 16.    

Mendis distillery stops production

It is reported that the production activities of W.M.Mendis Company which belongs to Arjun Aloysius who is allegedly connected to the Central Bank bond scam has been stopped since last week.

Welikanda SLFP woman candidate sexually abused

Welikanda Police said that it has received a complaint on Saturday (3) from a SLFP woman candidate that she had been sexually harassed by four political opponents.

Audit Bill to be presented to Cabinet this week

The much-delayed Audit Bill is expected to be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers this week, sources close to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Arrest them all: Harsha

Welcoming the arrest of Perpetual Treasuries Chief Arjun Aloysius and others, Deputy Minister of Development Policies and Economic Affairs Dr Harsha De Silva today said the Attorney General should go ahead and immediately arrest those named in the 34 reports of Presidential Commission looking into serious crimes (PRECIFAC) as well.

All election campaign activities to silent from midnight Wednesday

The campaign activities for the forthcoming Local Government Elections should come to an end midnight Wednesday, February 7, the Elections Commission has announced.

Aloysius, Palisena remanded

Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) owner Arjun Aloysius and PTL CEO Kasun Palisena,, who were  arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning, were remanded until Monday (5) by the Fort Magistrate Court a short while ago.

Maldives highest court seeks to impeach President

The Supreme Court in the Maldives is trying to impeach President Abdulla Yameen for not obeying its order to release jailed opposition leaders, the attorney general said on Sunday, warning of further instability in the Indian Ocean nation. 

Four killed in batta-tuk collision at Thambuttegama

Three adults and a 10-year-old-child had been killed at 8 a. m. this morning when a light truck and a three-wheeler collided head on at Thispanepura, Thambuttegama, the Police said. 

Maldives Army surrounds Parliament

The Maldives Army on Sunday surrounded the island’s Parliament as opposition lawmakers tried to make their way into the premises following the resignation of the Parliamentary Secretary General.

Two nabbed at BIA with Rs. 2.4 mn worth of illicit fags

Two officials attached to a leading company in Colombo had been arrested this morning by Customs Officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for allegedly smuggling in a haul of foreign cigarettes, Customs Media Spokesman Sunil Jayaratne said.

Corruption culture must end: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said the fight against corruption was the self-defence of the country’s march towards prosperity and the country must be fully prepared and dedicated to put an end to corruption, theft and waste once and for all. 

Independence incomplete sans economic, cultural freedom: Prez

In his Independence Day Message, President Maithripala Sirisena today said our independence is not complete until economic and cultural freedom is achieved.

Udayanga detained at Dubai airport

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga had been reportedly detained at the Dubai Airport this morning, while in transit to the United States, sources said.

Arjun Aloysius, Kasun Palisena arrested

Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) owner Arjun Aloysius and PTL CEO Kasun Palisena were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning. Palisena was arrested at his residence in Wellawatta while Aloysius was arrested at his Kollupitiya residence.

Controversial ‘laptop dance’ removed

Authorities have scrapped the contorversial “laptop dance” by school girls during the main Independence Day parade in Colombo today, after the unconventional item attracted ridicule on social media, economynext reported

Lasantha killing: Fmr. Mt. Lavinia crimes OIC remanded

Former Mount Lavinia Police Crimes OIC Tissa Sugathapala, who is the first suspect in connection with the killing of former Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickramatunge, was produced before Mount Lavinia Magistrate Mohamed Mihail by the CID yesterday.

Stripping civic rights: UNP says it's for Court to decide

UNP MP S.M. Marikkar said yesterday the order to strip politicians of their civic rights should be decided by court and not by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) or any other party for that matter.

SL, UK relationship continues to grow: Queen Elizabeth

Sending a congratulatory message on the 70th anniversary celebration of Sri Lanka’s independence, Queen Elizabeth II said the relationship between Sri Lanka and the UK has continued to grow.

Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera passed away

Venerable Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera passed away at the age of 77 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo today.