Matara clash: Sudath and 5 arrested

Six suspects including Sudath Chandrasekara, a secretary of the UNP leader and Kithsiri Kahatapitiya, a former Western Provincial Council opposition leader were arrested after they surrendered to the Matara Police in connection with the October 5 protest in Matara

Siyam killing: Fausdeen granted bail

Mohamed Fausdeen, who is one of the main suspects involved in the killing of businessman M.M. Mohamed Siyam, was granted bail by the Colombo High Court.

A’kattuwa PS Chairman surrenders to police

Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Jagath Samantha (UPFA), who is wanted in connection with the alleged assault on three private-bus employees on the Chilaw –Colombo and Puttalam – Colombo routes today surrendered to the Marawila Police through his lawyers

Fmr. Canadian PM speaks out against boycotting CHOGM

Canada should not boycott the upcoming Commonwealth meetings in Sri Lanka, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney said.

Matara clash: 56 UNPers released on bail

A group of 56 suspects, on remand following a clash between two UNP factions in Matara on October 5, were enlarged on Rs 200,000 personal bail each by the Matara Chief Magistrate Ruwan Sisira Kumara today.

Teacher deprived of free speech

Teachers’ unions today vehemently criticised a decision made by the Education Ministry to take disciplinary action and fine a teacher who made a statement to the media concerning alleged sexual harassments she had faced. 

Lankan drown off Oman coast during Eid holidays

Two expatriates, includng a Sri Lankan, drowned off the Oman coast while enjoying Eid holidays.

Matara UNP clash: four more remanded

Four persons who surrendered to the Matara Police today in connection with the  clash between two UNP factions were remanded till tomorrow by the Matara Acting Magistrate Shirley Jayaweera, the Police said.

Local fishermen arrested by SL navy

A group of 24 Sri Lankan fishermen were taken into naval custody while engaging in illegal fishing using purse seine nets on Saturday in the seas off Dutch Bay in Trincomalee, the Navy said.

A tryst with destiny

More than 20,000 candidates sat today for the Korean Language Proficiency test held at leading schools in Colombo. If qualified the candidates would be provided with job opportunities in South Korea consequent to an agreement reached by the two governments. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Kabir asked to initiate party reforms

United National Party (UNP) MP Kabir Hashim who has been assigned by party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to have discussions with MPs Karu Jayasuriya and Sajith Premadasa on party reforms, today assured that he would work towards a settlement acceptable to all.

TN politicians playing to gallery- Senior TN politician

Senior Indian Congress Parliamentarian from Tamil Nadu M Krishnasswamy said that certain regional and caste oriented parties in Tamil Nadu are playing to the gallery on the issues related to the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils

Visually handicapped seek equal treatment

The Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped held a march this morning calling for equal treatment. The march was held at Lipton Circus in Colombo. Nearly 300 visually handicapped people representing 21 districts participated in the march. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

MSD vehicle crashes on expressway

A double-cab carrying Ministerial Security Division (MSD) officers, allegedly speeding on the Southern Expressway, ran off the track at the 8km post between Kahatuduwa and Gelenigama and crashed into the partition fence after hitting a van.

No new casino licences - Govt

The government said that it would never issue new license to open betting centers in the country and already taken measures to shift all betting centers in the Colombo city into a special betting zone, the state owned SLBC said.

Talks on lifting tinted glass ban on vehicles

Discussions are underway between the Motor Traffic Department and the law enforcement authorities to lift the ban on tinted glasses in vehicles, an official of the Motor Traffic Department said.

Chappell in line to become chief coach of SL

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) may end up appointing former Australian captain Greg Chappell as its new chief coach.

Rainy weather to continue

The Meteorology Department today warned of heavy rains exceeding 150 mm in some places while temporary localized strong winds could also be expected during thundershowers.

Stranded undergrads rescued in Hantana hills

Police and the STF today rescued four university undergrads including a female student, who were stranded in the Hantana hills since yesterday, police said.

SLTB bus fares up by 7%

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus fares would also be increased by 7% with effect from November 1, NTC Chairman Roshan Gunawardene said.

Maldives presidential poll stopped by police

Maldives police have stopped a fresh presidential poll that was to be held on Saturday, the archipelago's Election Commission said, despite a court ruling that the poll could go ahead

UNP CPC members meet to resolve crisis

All UNP members of the Central Provincial Council have been summoned to Colombo next week for a discussion to resolve the crisis with regard to the opposition leader’s post, Party General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said today. 

India keeps up suspense on PM's attending CHOGM

India on Friday kept the suspense on whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will attend the Commonwealth Summit in Sri Lanka next month in view of strong opposition by Tamil parties.

Two killed, 30 injured in lorry-van collision

A 16-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were killed and some 30 injured in a head-on collision between a lorry and a van in Karamba on the Kalpitiya-Puttalam main road this evening. Pictures

Colombo shopping festival at the BMICH

The Colombo Shopping Festivalfeaturing some of the top global brands was opened at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Cultural Hall (BMICH) today. It ends on Sunday, October 20. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Rains to continue

Heavy rains are expected in the next few days as a result of the low pressure conditions prevailing in the atmosphere over the country, Department of Meteorology said today.

One killed as vehicle plunges into Diyawanna

One person was killed and another injured when a car plunged into the Diyawanna Oya early this morning. The accident occurred on the Japan Friendship Road at about 3.00 a.m.

Religious observances at Welikada Prisons

Welikada Prison officers and inmates marked Vap Full Moon Poya Day by participating in religious observances led by Rajakeeya Panditha Ven. Talalle Chandakitthi Thera at the Prisons Temple today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Boy drowns in swimming pool

A ten-year-old boy is reported to have drowned in a hotel swimming pool in Nindawur at Sammanthurai. Police said he had visited the hotel with his father

73 boat people sent back to SL

Three boat arrivals were reported from Oct 11 to 18, Operation Sovereign Borders Commander Major General Angus Campbell said.