Media orgs. should keep tab on their journos- Arjuna

Minister Arjuna Ranatunga on Saturday said that media organisations in the country should keep a proper tab on their reporters in order to prevent incidents similar to that in Hambantota.

Ranil to visit Tirumala temple on Dec 22

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will visit the Lord Balaji temple at Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, on December 22, an Indian news agency PTI reported today.

Lunch packet price to increase by Rs. 10

The price of a lunch packet will be increased by Rs. 10 from tomorrow, Canteen Owners Association said today.

Duminda Dissanayake threatens me: Gota

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa claimed that Minister Duminda Dissanayake had earlier threatened him to hand over the Chairmanship of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to incumbent President Maitripala Sirisena.

Three killed motorcycle collision in Arangala

Three young people had been killed in a head-on collision of two motorcycles at Arangala in Malabe on the Godagama- Colombo Road last night, Police said

Prevent SL from enacting law to fine Indian fishermen: Vaiko

Decrying Sri Lankan Government’s reported move to bring in a new law to impose fine ranging from Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 7 crore on Indian fishermen poaching in their waters, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko has urged the Centre to prevail upon the Lankan government and prevent it from enacting such a legislation.

TNA, NPC want powers of governors reduced

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) had requested the government to reduce the power vested in the governors of the Provincial Councils.

Lankan family who sheltered Snowden in Hong Kong ‘at risk of deportation’

The Sri Lankan asylum seekers who sheltered the American whistle-blower Edward Snowden in Hong Kong might be at risk of detention and deportation as their lawyer was not able to meet a final deadline imposed by the Immigration Department to file documents.

10 killed, several injured in bus-van collision

At least ten people including three women were killed and several others injured when a van collided head on with a bus at Chavakachcheri in Jaffna this afternoon.

Ukraine woman found dead in Gampaha

A 66-year-old Ukraine woman was found dead in a house at Medagama in Gampaha yesterday, Police said.

Malaysia pledge support to Sri Lanka

Malaysian King Sultan Muhammad said he had directed the Malaysian Government to give every required support to Sri Lanka.

He wanted more than a mere 'thank you'

A 26-year-old Japanese woman who was in the country as a tourist had complained to Galle Police that a steward of the hotel she was staying at had sexually abused her.

Govt. open for suggestions on Mattala Airport: Eran

Days after signing the framework agreement for restructuring the Hambantota Port, the government remains open for suggestions for the development of the Mattala International Airport, State Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne said yesterday.

Govt. in search of lands to set-up more industrial zones

The Government has decided to look for suitable lands for the proposed industrial zones in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces and to secure them within three months.

WB pledges USD 1,340 mn aid to Lanka

The World Bank has pledged assistance worth US $ 1340 million to Sri Lanka which will be on a dual format, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake announced today.

Ruwan refutes MR’s accusation over Navy

State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene today refuted former President Mahinda Rajapakse's accusation that the navy was sent to sabotage the Hambantota protest and it was a deliberate act to tarnish the Navy's image.

To sell the H’tota Port the Govt. called it a white elephant: MR

Because the government was keen to sell the Hambantota Harbour that it claimed it was a white elephant, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.

US accuses SL investor of money laundering

A Sri Lankan investor Rienzi Edwards was charged by the US Justice Department in connection with a fraudulent high-yield investment scheme that resulted in the theft of over $50 million from investors in the United States and around the world, the US attorney's office for the Southern District of New York said in a statement.

Govt. selling national resources to foreign countries: Dullas

The Sri Lanka Police, the Justice Ministry and the Prisons Department will be the only state-owned institutions if the government continues to administer the country till 2020, the joint opposition said today.

Namal at FCID

MP Namal Rajapaksa reported to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning to give a statement over a land matter.

Wimal summoned by PRECIFAC

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and seventeen others have been summoned by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) over a financial fraud.

ICC approval not required for Cricket Aid: Richardson

Contradicting a statement made by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala in Parliament recently, International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Dave Richardson said yesterday that ICC approval was not necessary for SLC to establish and recognise Cricket Aid as its official charity arm.

Tissa’s request to travel abroad rejected

Colombo High Court Judge Sarojini Kusala Weearawardane today refused the request made by former health minister Tissa Aattanayake to travel to Australia between December 25 and January 13 for the purpose of visiting his daughter.

India signs Open Skies agreement with SL

India has signed agreements with Sri Lanka, Finland, Spain and three other countries whereby airlines from those nations can operate unlimited number of flights to six Indian metro airports.

India court bans liquor shops on highways

India's top court has ordered all liquor shops to shut down along state and national highways in an attempt to reduce drink driving and road accidents.

Ranil, Sampanthan reach out to Mahinda

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and leader of Opposition and the Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan have sought former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s support for the ongoing constitutional reform efforts in Sri Lanka.

TNA keen to discuss Constitution-making with India

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said yesterday it was of the view that there was a need to discuss Sri Lanka's constitution-making process with the international community, especially with India.

Was the Navy called in to tarnish its image?: MR

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday, asked whether the Sri Lanka Navy was asked to intervene in the recent protest at the Hambantota Harbour in order to tarnish the reputation of the Navy.

Deputy Media Minister condemns attack on journalist

While condemning the conduct of the Navy Commander who attacked a journalist covering a protest at the Hambantota Port last Saturday, Deputy Mass Media Minister Karunarathna Paranavithana said yesterday that the navy commander should have kept in mind the people’s mandate given to the government.

FM gives H’tota deals new twist

The saga on future Chinese ownership of the Hambantota Port and the surrounding area took another turn today, when Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that no land would be given to China, and that the proceeds from the transfer of Hambantota Port would be used as the government sees fit.