Helicopters deployed to douse forest fire

Two helicopters have been deployed to combat a fire in the hill area of the Minipe-Morayaya forest reserve in the Hasalaka police division, the Air Force said.

Iranian arrested over assault

A resident of Matale has been hospitalized after he was allegedly assaulted by an Iranian national in Matale yesterday, police said.

MR to meet Manmohan Singh

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is in Cuba, is to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Los Cabos, the Hindu newspaper reported.

Castro meets MR

Cuban President Raul Castro held talks with visiting President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Revolution Palace in Havana, on Sunday, officials said.

No HIV affected persons in Prisons-Minister

Minister Chandrasiri Gajadheera has rejected reports regarding the presence of persons afflicted with the HIV/AIDS in the Prisons, the state owned SLBC reported.

The work of the Govt.; JVP

General  Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva said today that the government was behind yesterdays shooting in Hambanthota. “It is clearly the work of the government and we have proof for it” he said.

Cemeteries to go high-tech

Cemeteries in Colombo will go high tech shortly with plans being drawn up for a computer data base of plot owners in a bid to stop illegal transfers which have been taking place for almost a century.

More officials get duty free vehicles

The government is offering a bonanza to a large number of senior public and provincial council officials who are entitled for duty free vehicles.

US-EU slowdown to affect Lanka

While saying that the economic slowdown in Europe and the United States would adversely affect Sri Lanka’s economy reducing the growth rate to 6.75 per cent this year,

Shooting at JVP meeting; two killed

At least two persons including a female were killed when a group of unidentified men on motorcycles opened fire at a JVP meeting at Katuwana in Hambantota this evening, police spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said.

UK respects right to protest

Responding to the allegations of the Sri Lankan government who  charged that the law enforcement authority in the UK had failed in its duty, spokesman for the British High Commission Sarah Mann said that Britain respects the legitimate right of its citizens to protest.

Arrested females remanded for prostitution

Two females who were arrested after the death of a Maldivian at a premier Hotel in Union place, Colombo, were produced before the Colombo magistrates court a short while ago on charges of prostitution.

‘No good dancers in SL cricket team’

Former Cricket Captain Sanath Jayasuriya said that there are no good dancers in the present Sri Lankan cricket team and that his contemporaries back home had a mixed reaction to his decision to participate in a reality dancing show in India.

130 stranded housemaids return

At least 130 stranded housemaids in Saudi Arabia were flown to Sri Lanka early this morning, a Spokesman for the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau said.

Diyawadana Nilame wins defamation case

The Colombo District Court today ordered an organization called the Organization for the Protection of National Wealth to pay Rs. 50 million to the Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela as damages for defamation

'SLPL will go ahead as planned'

The Sri Lanka Premier League would go ahead as planned even without the participation of Indian players, Sri Lankan Cricket Secretary said on Friday.

One killed fifteen injured in accident

One person was killed and fifteen others injured in an accident between a van and a lorry in Hettipola police area this morning, police said.

India to boycott SLPL again

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has once again 'rejected' Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) appeal to let Indian stars play in the inaugural Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL), tentatively scheduled to be held in August

Audio: First clear yourself, says Govt. to SF

Government spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the former army commander Sarath Fonseka should clear himself first before pointing fingers at the government

Pakistan HC attack suspects indicted

Three men were indicted before the Colombo High Court for attempting on the life of Pakistan High Commissioner   and committing the death of seven others at Colpetty on 2006

Govt. blames Scotland Yard for lapse

While commending the British government for the warm reception and facilities provided to President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his stay in London to participate in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth 11, the government today accused the Scotland Yard of failing to prevent the protest against President Rajapaksa by a section of the Tamil Diaspora

Canada bound Lankans caught in Benin

At least 148 Sri Lankans arrived today after they were deported from the Republic of Benin, Africa when they were arrested attempting to migrate illegally

SL to host 3rd Asian Youth Games

Sri Lanka has been selected to host the 3rd Asian Youth Games in 2017 the National Olympic Committee announced today. The Announcement was made at a special press briefing held at the National Olympic Committee auditorium a short while ago

UNP is the main opposition party; Daya

While claiming that the UNP is the country’s main opposition party its National Organiser Daya Gamage stressed that the UNP would not go behind any other party to form an alliance

Video: ‘I will never join this govt.’ - SF

Former Army commander Sarath Fonseka speaking at his first press conference since his release, said he would never join the current regime.

MR to visit Cuba

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will make an official visit to Cuba on June 15th and 16th, cabinet spokesperson, Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Infant and mother killed in accident

A car crashed into a tent killing an 8 month old infant and the mother while injuring 6 persons at Jampettah street opposite St. Anthony’s church, Kochchikade this morning, police said.

Indian imports cut; SAFTA to be amended

The government stressed the need to further restrict imports from India by amending the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), in order to boost the development of local industries, informed sources said.

TNA leader blames it on translation

A deliberate false translation of its constitution is the reason the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) — the main constituent of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) — is being portrayed as a party that stood for secession of the Tamil parts from Sri Lanka

Maldivian dies

A Maldivian National, a 37 year old man, has fallen from the 18th floor of a well known hotel in Colombo early this morning. Initial Police reports suggest that the Maldivian national had been with a group of friends when the incident had occurred. UPDATE