SLFP asks for important portfolios

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is dismayed over the nature of Cabinet portfolios offered to its members during initial discussions in the proposed national unity government, and discussions are underway to sort them out, it is learnt.

MR won't accept post of opposition leader

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will give political leadership to the parties and groups with him, but will not accept the post of opposition leader in parliament and function as an ordinary MP, it is learnt.

No-confidence motion against Central province CM

Central Province Opposition Leader Ranjith Aluvihare said today the Attorney General had granted approval to submit the no-confidence motion against the Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and that his party (UNP) will be submitting it to the council shortly.

PM at Sri Ponnambala Vaneswara Hindu temple

Coca-Cola EPL suspended

The Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) granted to the Coca-Cola beverage factory which is being blamed for oil leakage into the Kelani River has been temporarily suspended, Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Chairman Prof. Lal Dharmasiri said.

US to provide USD 1 M for resettlement in Sampur

The United States said today it would join with other international donors to provide one million US dollars to support resettlement efforts in Sampur as part of its continuing commitment to strengthen Sri Lanka’s peace and development.

Sobitha Thera blasts move to form jumbo Cabinet

National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Leader the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera today severely criticized the move to appoint a large number of ministers for the purpose of accommodating a 'National Government'.

Mervyn noticed over white vans

Colombo Chief Magistrate issued notice on Former Minister Mervyn Silva to appear before court on November 11 to give evidence regarding “white van culture.”

US pledges support for SL

The United States today pledged to support Sri Lanka in its endeavor to bring about reconciliation, uphold democracy and the rule of law as long Sri Lanka continued to take courageous and positive decisions on these matters.

Mangala meets Nisha

Susil resigns as UPFA General Secy.

Susil Premajayantha has resigned from the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary post with effect from August 24.

Sajin Vass further remanded

Former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardane was further remanded till September 8 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate today for allegedly misusing 22 vehicles belonging to the Presidential Secretariat.

Swearing-in ceremony on Thursday

The swearing-in of the ministers of the new government that was scheduled for today has been postponed, for the second time, until Thursday (27). It is learnt that the Cabinet will comprise 51 ministers.

Second interim report to MS on Friday

The second interim report of the Presidential Commission to Inquire into Complaints on Missing Persons will be handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday, by Commission Chairman Maxwel Paranagama.

Biswal arrives in SL

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal arrived in Sri Lanka in the early hours today on a two-day visit with Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Tom Malinowski, Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesman Satya Rodrigo said.

Don't blame me for NL appointments: Susil

Former UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha said yesterday he was not involved nor consulted when selecting the party's National List (NL) nominees for appointment to parliament.

No legal basis for an int'l investigation

Asserting that there was no legal basis for an international investigation within Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that there should be a domestic inquiry into the alleged violations of human rights in Sri Lanka.

UPFA won't be dissolved: Gammanpila

The United People Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will not be dissolved for at least five more years despite reports to the contrary, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila said today.

Sanga to decide on British HC post offer

Sri Lankan cricketing icon Kumar Sangakkara said yesterday he was surprised by President Maithripala Sirisena's invitation to take up a diplomatic posting as Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Britain.

I’ll speak on behalf of SL: Blair

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is in Sri Lanka on a private visit, met President Maithripala Sirisena today and assured he would speak on behalf of Sri Lanka to help negate the misconceptions being spread about the country.

Video: Gotabaya quizzed by PCoI for five hours

Former defense secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was today questioned by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) over allegations of misusing state funds and using personnel of the state-owned security firm, Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited (RALL) for the presidential election campaign.

Four army personnel arrested over Eknaligoda disappearance

Four army personnel were arrested by the CID today in connection with the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, police said.  

Sarana remanded

Sarana Gunawardane and two others were remanded today till August 26 by the Gampaha Magistrate for allegedly assaulting a man in Gampaha during the election campaign period.

Video: President presents memento to Sanga

Eknaligoda disappearance: CID quizzes four army personnel

Four army personnel are being questioned by the CID in connection with the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, police said.

Wrong Scholarship paper: Inquiry initiated

An inquiry would be carried out into an incident at the Presbyterian Girls’ National School, Dehiwela, in which an invigilator of the Examination Department had distributed the 2nd paper of the Grade Five Scholarship Examination instead of the 1st paper, the Examinations Department said today.

Maithri appoints three ministers

President offers UK HC post to Sanga

President Maithripala Sirisena today invited Sri Lanka’s former cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara, who retired from Test Cricket, to accept the post of Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK.

Three ministers sworn in

Former ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and D.M. Swaminathan were today sworn in as ministers of the new government by President Maithripala Sirisena.

TNA names its national List MPs

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) today finalised its national list with the appointment of K. Thurairatnasingam from Trincomalee and Shanthi Sriskantharajah from the Vanni.