I will retire soon: Nimal Siripala

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said today that he would soon retire from politics as he didn’t have an intention of hanging on to power like many other politicians.

Constitution outdated; needs to be changed: UNP

The United National Party (UNP) has not changed its stance on changing the current Constitution, UNP MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha told a news conference today.

Don't imprison soldiers for GSP: Rathana Thera

Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera said today that security forces personnel should not be imprisoned in connection with war crimes for the sake of regaining the GSP+ facility from the EU.

MR refused to pawn SL to regain GSP+: GL

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa had an opportunity of regaining the GSP+ facility during his tenure if he had agreed to the conditions laid down by the European Union (EU) at the risk of compromising the country’s sovereignty, SLPP Chairman G.L.Peiris claimed today.

Global Park workers on strike over haphazard termination

A federation of trade unions today staged a protest opposite the Global Transportation and Logistics (Pvt) Ltd (Global Park) in Seeduwa, demanding immediate solutions to the sudden removal of 66 workers, who were members of the federation.

Prices of bakery products likely to increase

The All Island Bakers’ Association (AIBA) today warned that prices of all bakery products except for bread would be increased within the next few days because of the increase in the price of ingredients.

Rathana Thera continues to function independently

Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera said today he is functioning as an independent Member of Parliament. He said he was keen to create awareness among the people for the need to set up a national council with inputs from intellectual politicians and others.

Travel ban imposed on Senadhipathi and Major Gen. Fernando

Colombo Chief Magistrate today imposed a travel ban on Avant Garde Chairman, Nissanka Senadhipathi and Major General (Rtd.) Palitha Fernando over a Rs. 35.5 million bribery case.

MP Weerakumara at FCID

National Freedom Front MP Weerakumara Dissanayake arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning to give a statement over alleged involvement in misusing of state vehicles belonging to Presidential Secretariat.

Two cops assaulted

Two police constables have been hospitalized after they were assaulted at Baththalangunduwa Island in Kalpitiya last night.

Ranil leaves for Switzerland

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe left for Switzerland this morning to attend the 47th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Naval officer remanded over abductions

The executive officer of the Welisara Navy Hospital was remanded till January 26, by Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne yesterday, in connection with the abduction and disappearance of two persons from Kotahena eight years ago.

Unidentified fly spreading across Ratmalana

Residents of Ratmalana are worried about an unidentified species of fly spreading fast in home gardens, in the beach and even in houses.

GSP: No promises given to the EU, says Ajith

Sri Lanka had not agreed to any condition that would be unfavorable to people to gain GSP Plus, a Deputy Minister said yesterday.

Govt. to consider specifying locations for staging protests

The government is considering the possibility of specifying locations in Colombo City where people could stage protests or demonstrations, instead of staging them on the streets or elsewhere, it is learnt. This is would be in line with practices in various cities of the world, where people may assemble only at specified locations to stage their protests.

Sri Lanka eyes oil imports from Iran

Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha said that Sri Lanka is still interested in purchasing oil and related products from the Islamic Republic, Iran’s MNA news agency reported.

Wijeyadasa doesn’t know what he is talking about: Ravi K

Replying to a statement made by the Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe with regard to the access to temporary resident visas, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake maintained that Minister Rajapakshe was misinformed and did not know what he was talking about.

Cut use of ACs

President Maithripala Sirisena is expected to issue a circular requiring the government offices to reduce the usage of air conditioners in the wake of the prevailing dry spell that may cause a power crisis as well, a Deputy Minister said today.

Archaic Parliamentary Standing Orders should be updated: Thilanga

Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Thilanga Sumathipala said that Parliamentary Standing Orders introduced over 30 years ago need to to be amended to keep up with the times.

Lottery dealers to boycott sales for five days

All Island Lottery Dealers ‘Association (AILDA) would boycott selling lottery tickets for five days from tomorrow (16) as their demands were not met as promised by the President, the Daily Mirror learns.

Liquor banned for 19 selected holidays in 2017 - Excise Dept.

The Excise Department announced today that sale of liquor will entirely be banned countrywide for 19 selected days in this year including of every Poya day and during other special holidays.

BBQ turns toxic one dies, two hospitalized

One person had died and another two hospitalized following inhaling toxic fumes after cooking chicken on a BBQ, inside a room at a lodge in Nuwara Eliya, the Police said.

Andhra Pradesh CM accorded a state-head’s reception in SL

The Andhra Pradesh government seems to be jubilant with the grand reception accorded to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, during his recent two-day visit to Sri Lanka on the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena, the Indian media reported.

Drone camera falls on the Ruwanweli Mahaseya; man arrested

A videographer attached to a private TV station was arrested following his drone camera fell on the sacred Ruwanweli Mahaseya's base in Anuradhapura yesterday during the Kapruka Pooja, the Police Said.

About 100 missing after boat sinks off Libyan coast

About 100 migrant passengers are missing in the Mediterranean Sea after their boat sank off the coast of Libya.

Worst loss as SL skipper: Mathews

The Sri Lanka captain labels his side's innings-and-118-run loss to the Proteas their worst defeat since he became captain

Expansion of IT, a threat to employment: Minister Akila

The expansion of Information Technology (IT) has become a threat to a many employment opportunities today, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said.

Little girl dies from burn injuries after clothes catch fire

A four-year-old girl, who attempted to warm herself in front of a fire in the kitchen of her home, died of burn injuries after her clothes caught fire. The victim Nipuni Hansamali (4) lived in the Kandeketiya area.

Dry weather conditions to ease after Jan.20: Met Dep.

A slight change in the prevailing dry weather condition could be expected after January 20 with a few showers, the Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Mangala meets Commonwealth Secretary-General

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera has expressed hope that the Commonwealth will continue to fight for the values that have strengthened Sri Lanka in recent times, such as human rights, rule of law and democracy.