Video: Voter turn-out over 50% - Elections Dept.

The Elections Department says the voter turn-out at the Provincial Council polls that ended about an hour ago is between 50% to 60%, although a slightly lower figure of around 43% to 46% was recorded from the Sabaragamuwa province.

Quiz Sushma to know Douglas whereabouts

A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court finding fault with the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj’s meeting with  Lankan minister Douglas Devanantha, an absconding accused in criminal cases.

Army officer stabbed to death

A lieutenant attached to the Panagoda Army camp was stabbed to death this morning in Galle, due to a personal dispute, Police said.

'Low voter turnout, no major incidents'

Polling in all three provinces is taking place smoothly without any interruptions or any major incidents, Deputy Election Commissioner R.M.A.L Ratnayake said.

SF says no letter yet

Anoma Fonseka speaking to the Daily Mirror said that former Army Commander and leader of the Democratic Party Sarath Fonseka has not received a letter of resignation from Tiran Alles, as reported in the media.

Kapilawasthu relics brought to Gangaramaya

The sacred Kapilawasthu relics were brought to Gangaramaya temple for exposition a short while ago and will be open to the public from 12 noon today, until next Monday.

Lack of enthusiasm among voters – monitors

Election monitoring bodies have claimed a lack of enthusiasm among voters during the ongoing Provincial Council polls held in the Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North central provinces.

Blake here next week

United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake will visit Sri Lanka next week. During his visit between September 12 and 14, he will meet government officials and members of the opposition.

State-owned TV stations told to stop polls propaganda

The state-owned TV channels,  were compelled to cancel some of their programmes on the provincial council elections after the Elections Department intervened in this matter, officials said today.

Woman arrested for land scam

Custom officers at the airport arrested a 36-year-old woman who is alleged to have sold a 5.5 acre block of land in Pugoda at Owitigama to 41 people. She had fled to India and was arrested on her arrival at the Bandaranaike Airport.

Asylum seekers refuse to leave boat

More than 50 Australia-bound asylum seekers from Sri Lanka have refused to leave their boat after it was found stranded off Indonesia's Sumatra island a week ago, officials say.

12 hour water cut in Colombo

The water supply will be interrupted 12 hours from 8.00 pm on Saturday September 8 to 8.00 am on Sunday September 9 due to the laying of new pipe lines under the Kalu Ganga Project.

Tiran resigns from SF’s party?

There was speculation in the political circles that Democratic National Alliance Parliamentarian Tiran Alles has resigned from the post of the Secretary of the Democratic Party, led by former army Commander Sarath Fonseka, informed sources said.

FUTA protests welcome - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said he has no objections to protests by Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) to coincide with the Commonwealth Parliamentary meet in Colombo next week as it will only go to show how vibrant the democracy in Sri Lanka is

Amnesty calls on India to protect Lankans

Amnesty International, India, on Thursday urged the Tamil Nadu government to protect Sri Lankans visiting or living in the State.

Rain due to change in wind pattern

Heavy rain experienced in several districts due to the change in wind pattern and more rain expected in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Eastern provinces and in Galle and Matara areas, the Meteorology department said.

No power cuts until further notice

The power cuts will not be imposed from today, until further notice, Ministry of power and Energy announced.

Lawyer hacked to death

A 68- year old lawyer has been hacked to death by unknown assailants who broke into his house in Athurugiriya early this morning, police said.

Revised A/L ranks released

Revised islandwide and district ranks of the 2011 GCE Advanced Level exam have been released by the Examinations Department. 

Chinese man speaks out

The Chinese national who was arrested for allegedly stealing and swallowing a diamond at the international gem and jewellery exhibition at the BMICH has told the police that he had only swallowed an imitation diamond.

SL to remove travel advisory soon

The Ministry of External Affairs will soon remove the Travel Advisory on Tamil Nadu after a proactive response to discussions between the Sri Lankan government and the Indian Central government, sources told Daily Mirror.

No fishermen in SL custody: SM Krishna

No Indian fisherman is in Sri Lankan custody and the government is engaged with the neighbouring nation to ensure that the fisherfolk carry on their livelihood safely, India Parliament was informed on Thursday.

SL and Poland to share intelligence

Discussions were held between Sri Lanka and Poland on transferring technology, training and intelligence sharing which would benefit both countries, the Sri Lankan government said.

Video: Police disperse protesting students

The police used water cannons to disperse protesting students opposite the University Grants Commission a short while ago.

No liquor in election areas on Saturday

All liquor shops in the Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Eastern provinces will be closed on September 08 in view of the election, Government Information Department said.

Roads closed due to protest march

The Galle road opposite the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo was closed due to a  protest march by Pettah traders over the harassment of Sri Lankans in Tamil Nadu

Navy intercepts 54 asylum seekers off Mirissa

A boat carrying 54 people said to be heading to Australia were intercepted by the Navy some six nautical miles off Mirissa.

Video: No tension between SL and India - Envoy

While claiming that there is no tension in Indo-Lanka relations, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam who referred to the recent incidents of violence against Lankan pilgrims said a few fringe groups supporting the LTTE ideology had resorted to violence.

Video: UNP to undergo radical changes - Ranil

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said radical changes would be introduced to the party at its next convention. PHOTOS

Indian PM likely to meet MR

In their first substantive interaction after India's contentious vote at the UN Human Rights Council censuring Sri Lanka, PM Manmohan Singh and President Mahinda Rajapaksa are likely to meet during the latter's 'private visit' to India starting September 20.