Vasan deplores SL stand on fishermen

Deploring Sri Lanka for threatening to open fire and arrest the Indian fishermen crossing the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) for fishing, Tamil Manila Congress (TMC) president G.K. Vasan has said ‘threats and advises’ would not help to find a lasting solution to the vexatious issue.

​Kerry in Sri Lanka

US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago. It is the first time in a decade that a US secretary of state has visited Sri Lanka.The 35-member delegation was welcomed by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera at the air port.

Give another chance to the people-Anura Kumara

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake today urged President Maithripala Sirisena to dissolve parliament soon and give another chance for the people to elect suitable parliamentarians, while requesting the president not to listen to those who opposed him earlier including present Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala.

Dewasiri assaulted

A complaint had been lodged by Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri claiming that he was attacked by a group of participants at a May Day rally organized by several left political parties in Kirulapone.

More relief through a stable Govt: Ranil

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today urged that a stable Parliament be formed so that the people could be provided with long-term relief.

No foreign interference in future: President

President Maithripala Sirisena today pledged he would never leave room for the international community, any other country or group to raise issues regarding Sri Lanka’s fundamental rights, human rights, democracy or give them any excuse to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

MS gives date to meet MR: Reginald

SLFP MP Reginald Cooray said President Maithripala Sirisena had given a date to meet former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to resolve differences between them.

​Video: May Day rallies underway in Colombo

May Day rallies organised by almost all the political parties in the country are currently underway at various places in Colombo with the participation of a large number of party supporters.

India rejects US report on religious freedom

India on Thursday strongly reacted to a report by a US Congress-established panel claiming that minorities in the country have been subjected to “violent attacks” and “forced conversions” after the Modi government assumed power in 2014, saying it does not take cognizance of such reports.

​Death sentence for killing Lankan mistress

A Sri Lankan in Bahrain, who murdered his mistress while his wife was abroad on holiday, has been sentenced to death.

​Religious freedom: US commends Sirisena’s govt

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today commended the President Maithripala Sirisena led government for taking steps to improve religious unity and religious freedom.

Five jailed in The Hague for supporting LTTE

Five Dutch nationals of Sri Lankan origin have been jailed for between 19 months and six years three months for raising money for the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), Dutch News reported yesterday.

Video: Somawansa launches fast

Former JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe who left the party recently launched a fast at the Independence Square in Colombo this morning urging the President to probe into the alleged coup on the presidential election night.

SriLankan join hands with American Airlines

SriLankan Airlines has entered into a landmark code-sharing agreement with American Airlines, a founder member of the global airline alliance, a press release from SriLankan Airline said.

Ex-Ministry Secy wants barrier removed to return to SL

A former ministry secretary who had been named as a suspect in the controversial Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal case, has requested Court to lift the travel restrictions imposed on him so that he could return to the country.

Dual citizenship certificates issued

One hundred and eighty seven Sri Lankans living in abroad received their dual citizenship certificates today from the Immigration and Emigration Department as a result of the new government’s decision to reintroduce the dual citizenship system.

SLC,Vaas part ways after contract expires

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today announced that it had come to a mutual agreement with fast bowling Coach Chaminda Vaas not to renew his contract as fast bowling coach after his contract expired today.

Video: Gunerathnam should return back lawfully: John

Minister for Law and Order John Amarathunga in reply to a question posed by a journalist at a media briefing  held today at the BMICH said Kumar Gunarathnam is  holding an expired visa and continuing to remain in Sri Lanka in hiding, therefore it is better for him to leave the country, and return back lawfully.

Video: Vasu, Wimal dig up CBK probe

Parliamentarians Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Wimal Weerawansa today submitted a complain to the Bribery Commission regarding a probe into a Ports Authority land that was provided to a private company on which the Supreme Court had earlier asked that action be taken against ex-President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

IBUF protest: Emergency surgery on injured SI

The Sub Inspector who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital after being injured during yesterday’s protest rally outside the University Grants Commission (UGC) has undergone emergency surgery this morning, police said.

Five sentenced to death by Colombo HC

Five suspects found guilty of the charge of killing a Beddagana resident in 2000 were sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court today.

Rathgama PS Chairman’s killing: Weapon recovered

A 21-year-old youth was yesterday arrested at Thewatte in connection with the killing of Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Manoj Pushpakumara Mendis and the weapon believed to have used in the killing was also recovered.

Hambanthota Mayor further remanded

Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando was today ordered to be further remanded till May 13 by the Hambantota Magistrate.

Sigiriya girl released

The girl who was serving a jail term on charges of damaging the Sigiriya Mirror Wall using a hairpin was released from Anuradhapura Prison today after Presidential pardon..

4 Lankan Tamils held for forging Passports

Four Sri Lankan Tamils, allegedly part of a racket that forged Indian passports for sending refugees to European countries, were arrested in Chennai by the sleuths of Q-Branch police, on Tuesday. Police are on the lookout for two others who are suspected to be part of the gang.

Ven. Sobitha Thera says no post expected

Expressing his contentment over the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, National Movement for Social Justice Head Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera yesterday said he did  not expect to serve in the Constitutional Council that is be established in accordance with the new legislation.

My int’l achievements ignored: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said today that during his tenure as Health Minister, he received two awards -- one from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the other from the University of Harvard – but they were not acknowledged by the previous regime.

India requests SL Navy not to fire on Indian fishermen

Indian Government today said it has requested Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint and not to fire on Indian fishermen if they stray into the waters of the island nation.

Two youths killed in train tragedy

Two youths were killed after they struck the Mee Oya Bridge between Ambanpola and Galgamuwa while travelling on the train this afternoon, police said.

Time to begin work on 20A: JHU

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) General Secretary Patali Champika Ranawaka said today the JHU’s mission to get the 19th Amendment approved in parliament was achieved and it would soon start the next mission to introduce the electoral reforms by way of the 20th Amendment.