Sarath de Abrew indicted

The case against retired Supreme Court Judge Sarath De Abrew, on charges of sexually abusing and assaulting his domestic aide, was fixed for hearing on May 23 by Colombo High Court Judge Prithi Pathman Soorasena after the accused pleaded not guilty.  

Five Lankans held for villa thefts in Dubai

The Dubai Police have busted a gang of five Sri Lankans who stand accused of stealing millions of dirhams worth of valuables from villas in Dubai before attempting to flee the country.

Royal College principal removed

Colombo Royal College Principal Upali Gunasekera has been transferred to the Education Ministry with immediate effect, informed sources said yesterday.

UNP-SLFP consensus on resolution

The SLFP said today the nine-point amendment presented by them on the resolution to convert Parliament into a Constitutional Assembly was accepted by the UNP and the resolution was likely to be passed in Parliament tomorrow.

Belgian investor to defend SL rupee: Ravi

A Belgian investor has promised to park $1 billion in dollar deposits in Sri Lanka to help defend its currency, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has told Reuters, in an unusual move that highlights the country's precarious finances.

UNHR chief here in February: UN official

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein would visit Sri Lanka in the first-half of February, Resident Coordinator of United Nations in Sri Lanka Subinay Nandy said today.

One killed at Kandy level crossing

A 27-year-old woman had been killed and another injured after being hit by a train that plies between Kandy and Matale at the railway crossing near the Kandy Police Station this evening, the Police said.

SL has only friends in world today: President

While briefing the envoys about the middle-path foreign policy of Sri Lanka, President Maithripala Sirisena said that Sri Lanka has only friends in the world today and that the country extends a hand of friendship to all countries in the world.

Two opposing forces blocking new constitution: JVP

Two opposing forces are preventing the enacting of a new constitution which is more suitable for the country through a proper democratic process, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said today.

Hirunika sets world record: Gammanpila

UNP MP Hirunika Premachandra has created a world record by being the world’s first person to be bailed out within the shortest time ever after being arrested, UPFA MP Udaya Gammanpila said today.

Fan asks Dilshan to retire from cricket

A Sri Lankan cricket fan, who was at the Eden Park pavilion during the second T20 match against New Zealand yesterday, was overheard asking Sri Lanka cricketer T.M. Dilshan to retire from cricket immediately.

No official song to mark President’s Anniversary: PMD

President’s Secretary P.B. Abeykoon today said that there was no official song released by the President’s Secretariat or other responsible entities to mark the one year anniversary of democratic governance under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Man drowns during search for drowned youth

A 16-year-old drowned last evening while another 34-year-old man, who went looking for the youth also drowned at the Galle Face beach, Police said.

Two dead after scaffolding collapses

Two construction workers died after a scaffolding collapsed on them at the new Anuradhapura Bus Terminal, police said.

FR Petition of Sarath de Abrew refused

The Supreme Court today refused to grant leave to proceed with the fundamental rights petition filed by former Supreme Court Judge Sarath De Abrew, due to the criminal proceedings against him in the High Court of Colombo as well as the Magistrate Court Mount Lavinia.

New policy on police recruitments, promotions and transfers

The Police Department will adopt a new policy regarding recruitments, promotions and transfers. The policy has been referred to the National Police Commission, police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said yesterday.

Meethotamulla garbage case: Bopage and another get bail

Attorney Nuwan Bopage and Kirthi Ratna Perera, who were arrested on charges of having been involved in a protest against the dumping of garbage at Meethotamulla were today released on bail after an identification parade held at the Court premises.

Constitution with basic structure that cannot be changed: Kiriella

The government is looking towards compiling a Constitution with a basic structure that cannot be changed forever, Senior Minister and Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday.

Hirunika and eight others to appear before court tomorrow

Colombo Additional Magistrate M.M.H. Mihal, on Saturday, ordered the nine suspects, comprising MP Hirunika Eranjali Premachandra and her security officers, to appear before court tomorrow (12)

Govt. to introduce health insurance scheme- PM

Promising major social and economic reforms, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government intended to introduce a health insurance scheme this year.

I am afraid of Thilanga because I know his past: Arjuna

Responding to newly elected SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala’s remarks during a recent media briefing, Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said today that he was afraid of Mr. Sumathipala because of his past.

Reckless riding; Two drunken women arrested

In a very rare occurrence two drunken young women riding on a motorcycle were nabbed by the police well past midnight at Wadiyamankada junction by the Kaluthara North Police.

MS, RW urged to give Buddhism, the foremost place

The Buddha Sasana Karya Sadhaka Mandalaya comprising of the Maha Sangha and several leading Buddhist organizations have appealed to President Maithripala Sirisena that article 9 of the present Constitution, which ensures that Buddhism be given the foremost place and also guarantees that it is the duty of the state to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, should be included in the Constitution of Sri Lanka without any amendments.

Smuggler arrested with 1.176 kg of heroin in Maligawatta

An individual was arrested with 1.176 kilograms of heroin in Maligawatta during a raid carried out by the Maligawatta Anti Corruption Unit this morning.

SL ranks third in ICC T20

New Zealand’s victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 at Eden Park today pushed Sri Lanka to the third position in ICC T20 ranking.

SL cricket fans escorted from Eden Park by police

Spectators trying to enjoy the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Twenty20 cricket match at Eden Park seem to have their eyes on something else.

One killed, another injured in Kadawatha shooting

One person was killed and another injured when unidentified men hacked and shot at them at Gonahena, Kadawath this morning.

Five arrested with 950kg sea cucumber

The Sri Lanka Navy arrested five persons with illegal sea cucumber at Kappaladi, Kalpitiya yesterday.

Container truck runs over 12-year old boy

A 12-year-old child had been run over by a container truck at Koskumbura in Kelaniya last night, the Police said.

SL drops plan to buy fighters from Pak after India objects

Stiff opposition from India has forced Sri Lanka to drop plans, at least for now, to buy JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan.