JVP condemns proposal to exempt tax

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today criticized the budget proposal to exempt taxes on foreigners when purchasing lands in Sri Lanka and asked whether those who voted for the government were foreigners.

Kusal recalled after positive drug test

SLC today recalled batsman Kusal Janith Perera from New Zealand after a sample he provided for random drug testing during the recent Pakistani tour had yielded a positive result for a banned substance.

President to ban polythene

President Maithripala Sirisena told parliament today that regulations would be introduced to ban polythene from January 1, next year.

VIP family behind killing of Thajudeen: Rajitha

Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday the CCTV evidence is available to prove that members of VIP families were involved in the assault and the killing of Havelock’s rugby captain Wasim Thajudeen.

Voucher programme: Action against principals, teachers who sabotage

Education Ministry will consider taking disciplinary action against principals or teachers who refuse to support the cash-voucher-distributing system which has been nationally approved, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said today.

Narahenpita Crime OIC released on bail

Crime OIC of Narahenpita Police, Thissasiri Sugathapala, who was in remand custody for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs. 25,000 was released on Rs. 15,000 cash bail with two sureties of Rs. 1 million each by Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya today.

Nalaka Godahewa and two others remanded

Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, former Chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and two others who were arrested in connection with an alleged fraud at the SEC in 2013, were remanded till December 14 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate.

Premalal Jayasekara released on bail

UPFA MP Premalal Jayasekara alias ‘Choka Malli’ who was in remand custody over a shooting incident in Kahawatta during the presidential election campaign, was granted bail by the Appeal Court today.

MR’s security intact: Kiriella

House Leader and Minister Lakshman Kiriella today informed parliament that the security provided to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa had not been reduced.

Strong earthquake hits Tajikistan; tremors felt in India, Pakistan

Strong 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Tajikistan on Monday with tremors being felt in North India. Tremors were also felt in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, Zee News reported today.

Teachers won’t sign vouchers from next year: Union

The Government Teachers’ and Principals’ Union said today that from next year, teachers belonging to the Union would refrain from signing cash vouchers to purchase school uniforms.

HIV testing for A/L, university students

University and GCE Advanced Level students will be tested for HIV and all other diseases in future, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne informed Parliament today.

Collusion between GMOA and Avant Garde backers? - Champika

The government should investigate whether there was a connection between the island-wide strike launched last week by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) and some other professional groups, and the Avant Garde issue, said Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, yesterday.

Dr. Godahewa arrested

Former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa has been arrested by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning.

Admisssion to grade one: new method irks police, armed forces

Members of the police and armed forces disapprove of changes made by the Education Department regarding the admission of children to grade one of popular schools.

Nalaka Godahewa arrives at FCID

Former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa arrived at the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning.

Dayasiri and Akila had ironed out their differences

Ministers Dayasiri Jayasekera and Akila Viraj Kariyawasam who were at loggerheads with each other since the days they were in the United National Party (UNP) had ironed out their differences, political sources said.

JHU pledges to stay with govt.till 2020

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday averred that the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU)’s support which was extended to President Maithripala Sirisena and the current coalition government would continue until 2020, even if the government had to face problems in the future.

Six killed in four motorcycle accidents

Six persons including a young couple were killed in four separate motorcycle accidents in Tangalle, Gokarella, Gampaha and Puthukudiiruppu yesterday.

Travel agency allegedly cheated pilgrims

The Police Fraud Investigation Bureau has commenced an inquiry into a case where over one hundred local pilgrims who went on a pilgrimage to India were allegedly deceived by the travel agency that sent them.

Police, Navy launch search on mysterious boat with bodies

The Navy and Police launched a joint search operation this evening after receiving information of a mysterious boat carrying several bodies being drifted on the seas off Trincomalee.

Stranded pilgrims return to the country

About 222 pilgrims who were reported to have been stranded in Dambadiva pilgrimage returned to the country this evening.

Bread prices may rise

Prices of bread and other bakery products could be increased in the near future, the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association warned today.

MR has only 102 military personnel for his security

While claiming that 500 soldiers had not been assigned to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at all as reported, his spokesman said that Mr. Rajapaksa was in need for  500 more military personnel for his security as his life was in danger, instead of current strength of 102.

​Minor flood situation remains

A minor flood situation remained in several parts of the country with sluice gates of almost all major reservoirs opened after the water levels reached spill level.

Youth hit by train in Maradana, dies

A 20-year-old man had been knocked down and killed by a train plying from Maradana to Fort railway station last night.

Sri Lanka is committed to world peace: MS

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said Sri Lanka is committed to world peace. He expressed these views when he met a group of representatives of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test –Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) at the President’s Official Residence.

Chennai airport resumes commercial flight operations after 4 days

Commercial flight operations resumed today at the Chennai airport that was shut on Tuesday (Dec.1) evening due to excessive water-logging. As the flood crisis in the Tamil Nadu capital eased after days of torrential rain, train services also resumed this morning after being halted for four days.

Lane laws strictly implemented on more roads

Police said today the lane law regulation which was already in effect in Colombo would be strictly implemented along Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Duplication Road and Highlevel Road from Nugegoda to Colombo from tomorrow (Dec 7).

Foreign investor may get 5,000 acres on lease in SL: FM

Land to a foreign investor up to a maximum of 5,000 acres and relax the criteria in respect of projects which are “labour intensive with the focus on job creation,” Finance Minister, Ravi Karunanayake, told The Hindu.