Pavithra hospitalised

Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was admitted to the Bandarawela Hospital due to a sudden illness, Hospital sources said.

Herath takes nine; Pakistan lead by 12

Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath returned career best figures of nine for 127 but Pakistan took a first-innings lead of 12 after wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed scored his maiden test century on the third day of the second test.

Hindu outfit volunteers plan to leave for Katchatheevu foiled

Volunteers of a Hindu outfit, who tried to leave for Katchatheevu by flying the National Flag on their boats, were arrested today, police said.

UPUL’s security still a puzzle: BASL

Sri Lanka Bar Association (BASL) President Upul Jayasuriya said yesterday he was puzzled and surprised on the decision taken by the Police Department with regard to his protection and said he was not given adequate security as requested by the BASL.

Court stays deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers

A Sri Lankan court of appeal on Friday suspended the government’s decision to send back Pakistani asylum seekers notably from the Ahmadiyya, Christian and Shia communities.

Viharadhipathi and attendant struck by lightning

The Vavuniya Namalgama Raja Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Galle Sirinanda Rathana Thera (65) and temple attendant R. M. Piyatissa (49) died this evening after being struck by lightning.

35 injured in bus collision

At least 35 people were injured following a head-on collision between two buses in the Ududeniya ,Naula area on the Matale-Dambulla main road this evening.

Police record Nirmala’s statement

An investigation has been launched based on the statement made by the widow of popular announcer and songs writer Premakeerthi De Alwis on his killing, Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana said today.

MR sends condolences to Plane crash victims

President Mahinda Rajapaksa conveyed his condolences to those who have been affected by the crash of the passenger plane in the capital Tehran, presidential media Unit said.

Video: 59 kilos of heroin seized in Katugastota

A stock of 59 kilos of heroin was taken into custody by the police Narcotics Bureau in Katugastota yesterday, police said.

Vehicle catches fire on Marine drive

A luxury vehicle caught fire on the Marine Drive in Bambalapitiya this morning, police said. Pictures

108 Pakistanis deported from SL so far

A total numberof 108 Pakistani citizens have been deported since the beginning of August, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), media reports said.

SL releases 74 TN men, 20 to be freed today

Following an order issued by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to release all Indian fishermen in custody as a gesture of goodwill to mark India’s 68th Independence Day, 74 fishermen were released in Jaffna on Thursday.

13-foot crocodile captured

A 13-foot crocodile that wandered into the human habitats from the Bandagiriya tank that has run dry was captured and handed over to the Hambantota Wildlife Conservation Office by the villagers today.Pictures

Ranil starts tweeting

Opposition Leader and UNP national leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today Sri Lanka should move from its current policy of constriction-based economic development to technology-based development to fall in line with global trends.

Pillay trying to influence OHCHR investigations: EAM

The outgoing UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navanetham Pillay was seeking to influence the OHCHR investigation process, Ministry of External Affairs charged today.

India delighted over MR’s release of fishermen

The High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha expressed his appreciation for the President’s gesture to release Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody on the occasion of India's Independence Day that is celebrated tomorrow when he called President Mahinda Rajapaksa at temple trees today

Expired drugs and cosmetics found at Gamage’s clinic

Expired drugs and cosmetic products were found today during a joint raid carried out at the clinic owned by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nimal Gamage, following Tuesday’s death of a lady doctor who received an injection during a cosmetic surgery.

Pilots fall asleep in mid air

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has suspended two Jet Airways’ pilots and initiated a probe after both of them fell asleep and the plane they were manning plunged 5,000 feet.

Sri Sri may return Honorary Doctorate to SL Uni

The Art of Living may return the honorary doctorate conferred on its founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to the Open International University for Complementary Medicines (OIUCM) in Sri Lanka, after Express reported that the university does not have any statutory recognition.

SL to give Palastine US$ 1 Mn

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today announced that Sri Lanka will provide 1 million US dollars in financial assistance to Palestine.

Top Aussie judge questions Aussie govt. on asylum seekers

A senior Australian judge questioned on Thursday whether the Australian government has the authority to detain asylum seekers on the high seas and send them to another country after scores of Sri Lankans were kept at sea and then moved to a remote island.

Two burnt bodies found in Wellawaya

Two charred bodies of a male and female were found from a hut at a chena in Ethiliwewa, Wellawaya this morning, the Police said.

Another brothel raided in Maradana

Eight people including five women were arrested during a raid on a brothel at Sangaraja Mawatha, Maradana yesterday, Police said. Police said the brothel was operated under the guise of a lodging house.

AL student bitten by a snake during exam

A private GCE (AL) candidate had been bitten by a rat snake (garandiya) inside the examination hall at  Sri Medhalankara Vidyalaya, Horana.

PC who fined minister’s driver charged with bribery

Police Constable Suminda Saman who issued a spot fine on Deputy Minister Hemal Gunasekara’s chauffeur for speeding on the Southern Expressway has been indicted in Colombo High Court by the director general of the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption for allegedly taking a bribe in May 2009

Cosmetician remanded

Doctor Nimal Gamage, who had allegedly run a cosmetic surgery clinic in Bambalapitiya, was remanded until August 18 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

Video: Mahela a real fighter: Matthews

Mahela is a real fighter and an incredible player, Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Angelo Matthews speaking at a media briefing said. He was commenting on the Mahela Jayawardena’s retirement from Test Cricket.

Three persons removed from terrorist list

Three people who were named as Terrorists in a gazette notification have since been removed from the list through an Extraordinary Gazette issued last week.

Video: Mangala to go before UNHRC and local Panels

United National Party (UNP) MP Mangala Samaraweera today said he would likely testify before the panel appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner (UNHRC) to look into the happenings in the final stages of war in Sri Lanka and the Missing Persons Commission appointed by the Sri Lankan government.