We could enrich our nation through dialogue: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that it was only through engaging in dialogue and accepting the convergences of these systems and cultures that we could enrich our own nation at a time when social equities and equalities of market economies as well as religious extremism had come to the forefront.

Port City: Indian pressure forced SL to suspend and revisit project: Rajitha

Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne revealed today that the Chinese funded ‘Port City Project’ (PCP) initiated by the Mahinda Rajapaksa government had to be suspended and re-visited under pressure from India.

25 injured after bus topples in Kataragama

At least twenty five people were injured when a bus travelling from Kataragama to Ampara toppled on the Sellakataragama - Buttala Road when it tried to overtake a lorry carrying a backhoe this afternoon.

GMOA demands vehicle permits every 5 years

Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday demanded duty free vehicle permits for senior state officers once in five years from the present limit of twice during the entire service period.

Speaker signs RTI bill into law

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya placed his signature on the much-awaited Right to Information (RTI) Bill which was unanimously approved by Parliament on June 24, Mass Media and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gayantha Karunatilaka said today.

Cabinet approves ammunition storage in Oyamaduwa

The Cabinet approved the building of an armoury complex to international standards and specifications in Oyamaduwa Anuradhapura.

Bones unearthed near Mannar mass grave

Two skeletal remains, suspected to be that of human, has been unearthed from an abandoned well near the Thiruketheeswaram mass grave Site in Mannar, Police said.

Minister commends TN CM’s move to ban bottom trawling

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera today welcomed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram’s request to the Indian Central Government to ban bottom trawling in Sri Lankan waters.

Airman found dead in Bolgoda Lake

The body of a 38-year-old Air force personal attached to the Ratmalana Air Force camp was found in the Bolgoda Lake at Horeithuduwa, Panadura this morning.

India to revive economic ties with SL, China, Pakistan

The Central government of India on Monday said it is trying to revive the historic maritime cultural and economic ties with 39 countries including Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan, Cambodia and Qatar under a new initiative called 'Mausam'.

Trial against Uduwe Thera fixed for Sep. 20

The trial against Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, over allegedly keeping an elephant calf without a license, was fixed for September 20 and 21 by Colombo High Court Judge Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne today.

Dayan Jayatilake replies to Mangala

Sri Lanka’s former Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Dayan Jayatilake has sent the following statement as a right of reply to the statement made by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera since Mr. Jayatilake's name has been mentioned.

No walk or talk can stop our mission: President

Though there are people who try to criticize us and our mission to rebuild the country by working in harmony, we will not be deterred by such tactics even if they walk on the roads or talk bad of the government, President Maithripala Sirisena said in Polonnaruwa yesterday.

Kiriella clarifies

In response to Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake's claim on the appointment of a large number of advisors, Minister Lakshman Kiriella said the Highways Ministry had only one advisor named Dr.Wimal Gunawardane.

We'll bounce back, not to go back again: MR

Former President and Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday vowed to bounce back to power and not to leave again, assuring to bring his followers to the ‘required places’ when they assume office next time.

Killing of aid workers: HRW says no action taken

Sri Lankan authorities have not brought to justice those responsible for the slaying of 17 aid workers a decade ago this week, Human Right Watch (HRW) said today.

Paada Yathrawa goes to Hyde Park, holds rally at Lipton Circus

The Jana Satana Paada Yathrawa of the Joint Opposition arrived at the Hyde Park Ground today despite impromptu renovations carried out on the ground by the Colombo Municipality.

Train collision : two injured

Two people were injured when a lorry attempting to cross an unprotected railway crossing in Seeduwa, was hit by the Colombo- Chilaw train.

Paada Yathra causes heavy traffic in vicinity of Town Hall

Heavy traffic was reported in the Town Hall area and the roads leading to Union Place because of the Jana Satana Paada Yathra organized by the joint opposition. The march is heading towards the Lipton circus and MPs Prasanna Ranatunga and Mahindananda Aluthgamage were at the location.

Minister alleged to have 45 advisers should explain: Ranjan

The ministers do not need to have 45 advisers and if any minister who is alleged to have appointed such a large number should clarify the matter, Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake said on Monday.

Paada Yathra reaches Colombo

The Jana Satana Paada Yathra organised by the Joint Opposition was passing Maligawatte a short while ago on its fifth and final day.

Two more Secretaries appointed

Two more Secretaries were appointed today for the Ministry of Public Administration and Management and the Ministry of Posts at the President’s Office.

Esala Weerakoon assumes duties as new Foreign Sec.

Senior career diplomat Esala Weerakoon assumed duties as the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a short while ago, the Ministry said.

NSS BIA officers re-remanded till August 4

The Chairman of Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya (NSS) of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Airport & Aviation Branch Warnasiri Bandara and two other drivers were further remanded till August 4 by the Warakapola Magistrate today.

Court refuses to issue notice to 11 Joint Opp. MPs

The Colombo Fort Magistrate today refused to issue notice to 11 Joint Opposition Parliamentarians for allegedly disobeying a court order and continuing a protest against the Central Bank Governor near the Regal Cinema.

Basil re-remanded

Former minister Basil Rajapaksa was re-remanded today till August 8 by Kaduwela Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala over alleged misuse of state funds to purchase and distribute GI pipes during the run-up to the last presidential election.

Paada Yathrawa leaves for Colombo

The Joint Opposition’s Jana Satana Paada Yathrawa left Kiribathgoda this morning and is heading to its destination in Colombo.

Is Paada Yathra targeted at forming family rule? Ruwan

The joint opposition’s Paada Yathra was not in any manner a challenge to the government and the only question the government had to ask was whether their attempt was targeted at a comeback to form a family rule again, Defence State Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.  

Attempts to create rifts within Buddhist chapters to be probed: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that the government would appoint a presidential commission to investigate whether anyone had tried to create schisms within the various Buddhist chapters.  

RTI not a law yet

The Right to Information (RTI) Bill, though passed in Parliament more than a month ago, is yet to become the law of the country because the authorities concerned are struggling with difficulty to incorporate a certain amendment proposed by the Joint Opposition’s parliamentary group leader Dinesh Gunawardane during its third reading , it is learnt.