Monetary board concerned over sharp disparity in performance of primary dealers

The Monetary Board today said that it noted with concern the sharp disparity in the performance of primary dealers, as well as certain issues related to the pattern of trading activities.

Civil activists express shock and disappointment over President's statement

The Movement for a Just Society and the Purawasi Balaya Movement that toiled for the victory of President Maithripala Sirisena today condemned and expressed their displeasure over the recent statement of the President regarding the CID, FCID and the Bribery Commission.

Alleged suicide note: Rtd. Army officer claims he killed Lasantha

A 52-year-old retired sergeant major attached to the Intelligence Unit of the Army had allegedly committed suicide after writing a letter claiming that he had assassinated Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.

Rathupaswala killing of youth established as a crime

The killing of three youth in the Weliveriya town in 2013 during a protest campaign demanding drinking water for Rathupaswala, was today declared as an act of crime by Gampaha Chief Magistrate Ms Kavindya Nanayakkara.

Amazed at progress made by SL: EU Ambassador

The new European Union (EU) Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Tung-Lai Margue today said the European countries are amazed at the rapid progress made by Sri Lanka under the new government during a very short period.

SL abstains from voting on UNESCO resolution on Israel

Sri Lanka was among the 26 counties which abstained from voting on a resolution by the UNESCO which denounced Israeli violations in and around the al-Haram al-Sharif (also known as the Temple Mount) compound in the occupied Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds.

Kodikamam OIC arrested

Kodikamam Police OIC, who served as the Chunnakam Police OIC in 2011, was arrested by the CID last evening in connection with an incident where a suspect held in Chunnakam police custody was found dead.  

Shiv Sena in India to support Sri Lankan Siva Senai

Shiv Sena in Mumbai has extended its support to a new Sri Lankan Tamil outfit called Siva Senai, triggering concerns among the mainstream politicians of Sri Lanka that sectarian outfits will reopen wounds of a 20-year-old civil war that ended only in 2009.

Thai govt. announces year of mourning over king’s death

The Thai government has set a mourning period of one year for the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Basil’s alleged land in Malwana to be auctioned

The Court today ordered to auction the 16 acres of land in Mapitigama, Malwana that was alleged to have been owned by former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Seize Perpetual Treasury profit: JHU

The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday requested the Central Bank (CB) to seize the excessive profit of Rs. 5.1 billion earned by Perpetual Treasuries Limited as of March, 2016.  

Prisons to get CCTV cameras end of this year

The Prisons Department is planning to install CCTV camera systems by the end of this year, Spokesperson Thushara Upuldeniya said.

Perpetual Treasuries 14-month profit exceeds Rs.10bn: leaked CB report

Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL), the controversial primary dealer connected to the family of former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, has recorded a mammoth after-tax profit exceeding Rs.10 billion within a period of 14 months, according to a draft report by the Central Bank, which was leaked to the public domain by a whistleblower within the bank.

President, PM, Sagala hold special meeting

President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met last night for a special discussion at the official residence of the former, informed sources disclosed.

Top official of Independent commission to resign?

An high-ranking official who holds a top position in an independent institution is expected to resign soon, informed government sources said yesterday.

President or Govt. can take action if unhappy with FCID

While declining to comment on the views expressed by President Maithripala Sirisena on the FCID at a function held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on Wednesday, its Chief DIG Ravi Waidyalankara said action could be taken in case the President or the Government was not happy with the manner in which the FCID functioned.

Police conduct special operation in WP

Despite rumours that all police personnel in the Western Province had been stationed in their respective police stations last night, the Province's Senior DIG Nandana Munasinghe said that they were conducting a special crime operation covering all areas of the province.

JO challenges Ranil to respond to remarks by President

The joint opposition today challenged Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to give a direct response to the statement made by President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday including the President’s displeasure at former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa being dragged to court after a case was filed against him by the Bribery Commission.

SAARC has not lived up to its potential: US

SAARC has not lived up to its potential, a top White House official has said adding that they regretted that the regional summit has to be postponed after most of the member countries pulled out of it.  

Guterres appointed new UN Chief

The UN General Assembly unanimously appointed former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres on Thursday as the ninth secretary-general of the world body for five years beginning January 1, 2017, the Reuters said.

CID, FCID faulted: Time for MS to walk the talk: Wimal

In the wake of President Maitripala Sirisena lashing out at the alleged politicization of the FCID, CID and the Bribery Commission, National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader and MP Wimal Weerawansa said it was time for the President to walk the talk.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies at 88

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died after 70 years on the throne, the palace says.

Maldives pulls out of Commonwealth

The Maldivian Government today announced that it would leave the Commonwealth, a collection of countries made up largely of former British colonies, citing the organisation had taken punitive actions against the Maldives despite the progress made by the country to strengthen democratic institutions.

US judge reduces jail sentence of three LTTErs

Three men convicted by the US of being LTTE terrorists would get their sentences reduced by 10 years after a Brooklyn judge revealed that he had been “haunted” by the case, the New York Daily News reported on Thursday.

Female heroin-peddler nabbed at Dematagoda

Police Narcotic Bureau arrested a woman who was found in possession of 55.39 grams of heroin worth Rs.180,000 in a housing complex at Dematagoda a short while ago, Police said.

Imtiaz Bakeer Marker's son Adhil passes away

National Media Centre Chairman and former Media, Postal and Telecommunications Minister Imtiaz Bakeer Marker's son Adhil had passed away in London, UK yesterday.  

Dead teenager’s parents claim damages from KMC and RDA

The parents of the 17-year-old schoolgirl, who died last year after falling into an unprotected drain at the Nittawela Junction on the Kandy-Katugastota Road, filed a civil law suit, in the Kaduwela District Court today, claiming damages from the Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) and the Road Development Authority (RDA).

Ex-chief JMO's revision application: HC notices respondents

Colombo High Court Judge Pathmini N Ranawaka today noticed the respondents, cited by former chief JMO Ananda Samarasekara in his revision application, to appear in court on October 27.

Renault to recall some of its top-selling Kwid cars

French carmaker Renault SA will recall some of its top-selling, entry-level cars in India, called Kwid, to inspect the fuel system, foreign media reports said yesterday.

Two injured in scuffle outside Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court

Two individuals were admitted to the Trincomalee Hospital following a police shooting in front of the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court this morning, Police said.