20A adjournment debate starts tomorrow

Parliament would take up an adjournment debate on the 20th Amendment tomorrow and on Wednesday as requested by several parties, Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said today.

Taliban attacks Afghan Parliament

A Taliban suicide bomber and gunmen attacked the Afghan parliament today, shattering windows, wounding at least 19 people and sending a plume of black smoke across Kabul, as a second district in two days fell to the Islamist group in the north.

​SL to purchase new fighter-jets?

Despite foreign media reports that claim Sri Lanka will be the first foreign buyer of the multi-role combat aircraft JF-17 Thunder, Sri Lanka Air Force says no decision has been made yet with regard to the procurement of the fighter jet. 

Leave no room for UPFA govt. -Ranil

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that he would not leave room for the establishment of a UPFA government. He said the 100 Day Period mandated by the people had ended at the moment.

Dissolution before no-faith motion?

Parliament will be dissolved prior to the debate on the no confidence motion already listed on the Order Paper, it is learnt.

Maithri to strive for SLFP govt. with MR, CBK

President Maitripala Sirisena, addressing the Nuwara Eliya district committee of the SLFP yesterday, said that he would strive to form a government led by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and include former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in it.

Diaspora Festival- JHU considers restraining order

Opposing the scheduled Sri Lankan Diaspora Festival organised by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) today said they would consider obtaining a Court order restraining the festival unless President Maithripala Sirisena reveal his stance on the event.

Jellyfish: Indefinite bans if issue persits

The coastal belt in Matara including the 'bathers’ paradise' Polhena Beach will be banned indefinitely for all local and foreign tourists if the on-going jellyfish issue persists that left five beach users with infected wounds today.

I am in Ukraine: Udayanga

Former ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga who was accused of supplying arms to Ukrainian rebels has denied all the allegations levelled against him by the Sri Lankan government, BBC reported today.

National security will be protected-Ruwan

The present regime will never do anything which is harmful to the national security, State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene said today

I will resign if Sajith is found guilty-Thalatha

Foreign Employment Minister Thalatha Athukorala said she would resign from politics if Housing and Samurdhi Minister Sajith Premadasa is found guilty of misusing the savings of Samurdhi beneficiaries for political purposes.

Keheliya backs MR

Parliamentarian Keheliya Rambukwella today pledged to support former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, no matter which party he would contest from at the coming general elections.

Navy arrests 26 Indian fishermen

The Sri Lanka Navy arrested 26 Indian fishermen for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters in Northern Point Pedro last night.

Rajitha’s son challenges MR

Health Minister Rajitha Senaratna’s son yesterday challenged former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the coming general elections from Beliatta.  

Japan assures support to develop reconciliation in SL

While lauding Sri Lanka’s effort to building a nation where diversity, openness and tolerance are cherished, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida reiterated the continued support of Japanese Government to the ongoing process of peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

Jellyfish ‘invade’ Polhena beach

Matara Police Lifeguard Unit has advised people planning to visit Polhena Beach to refrain from visiting the area until further notice due toan increase in jellyfish sightings.

SL hasn’t reviewed its foreign policy: MFA clarifies

Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera has not at any point during his interactions with the Japanese media, referred to a review of Sri Lanka's foreign policy relating to a specific country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced.

​Swedish Royal wedding officiated by SL born priest

A Sri Lankan born priest, Rev. Michael Bjerkhagen has officiated the Royal wedding between Prince Carl Philip - the only son of the Swedish King and Queen - and Miss Sofia Hellqvist. This is the second Swedish Royal wedding officiated by Rev. Bjerkhagen.

LTTE sympathizers, financial network still intact: US

Despite the military defeat of the LTTE at the hands of the Sri Lankan government in 2009, the terrorist organisation’s international network of sympathizers and financial support continues, US Department of State said yesterday.

Cop killed, 10 injured in accident

One police constable was killed and 10 others were injured after the van they were travelling plunged into a precipice at the 9th mile post on the Passara- Buttala Main Road early hours today, the police said.

SLFP committee decides on MR for PM post

The six-member committee appointed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has unanimously decided to nominate former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the party's prime ministerial candidate no matter what President Maitripala Sirinsena's views are on this matter, informed sources said.

Meters to be made mandatory for all 3-wheelers

Electronic taxi meters will be made mandatory for all three-wheelers soon, and steps will be taken to ensure that all meters are maintained at a proper standard.

OCH from Kaduwela to Kadawatha opening shifted till July

The opening of the second phase of the Colombo Outer Circular Highway (OCH) linking the Southern Expressway from Kaduwela to Kadawatha was postponed, Project Director Ms. T. S. H. Abewickrama said yesterday.

E-train from Veyangoda to Panadura

Cabinet has approved the construction of an electric train service between Veyangoda and Panadura, Internal Transport Minister Ranjith Maddumabandara today said.

I’m innocent: Udayanthi

Popular tele drama actress, Udayanthi Kulatunga who is alleged to have had financial dealings with drug king pin Wele Suda, said today that she was innocent and she did not know who Wele Suda was.

Contradictory reports on Matale mass grave site

The report of the Analytic Archaeological Laboratory in Florida in USA on Matale mass grave site was not acceptable and that it contradicted the earlier reports of Prof. Raj Somaduwa and the former JMO of the Matale Hospital, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watawala informed the Matale Magistrate today.

Thirty-three hospitalized due to food poisoning

Thirty-three employees of a garment factory in the Katunayake Investment Promotion Zone (KEPZ) were admitted to the Minuwangoda Hospital today due to suspected food poisoning.

Ravi fixes date for debate

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said today he was ready to take part in a debate on Tuesday over the economic policies adopted by the previous regime even with a representative of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa if he was reluctant to participate in the debate.

US encounters visa delays

The US Embassy said today the State Department’s Consular Affairs Bureau was experiencing some technical snags with its visa system and as such has requested visa applicants to monitor the website, http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/ or the US Embassy Facebook page for updates.  

Video: Commotion at Kaduwela MC

With the eruption of heated arguments among the ruling and Opposition members of the  Kaduwela Municipal Council, the sessions were adjourned restricting the day's session to just five minutes today.