SL nationals among 10 held in Kochi

Sri Lankan refugees are among the 10 people detained by police from a homestay at Cherai. Munambam police conducted raids at the homestay on Wednesday night following a tip-off from intelligence agencies.

Hajj stampede death toll rises to 717; no Lankans injured

At least 717 pilgrims were killed on Thursday in a stampede outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi authorities said, the worst disaster to strike the annual haj pilgrimage in 25 years.

Video: CID records Buddhika Pathirana's statement

UNP Matara District MP Buddika Pathirana yesterday gave a statement to the CID with regard to a statement made by him about an army contract involving several billions of rupees.

We are for a domestic inquiry with local experts: Champika

Megapolis and Western Province Development Minister Champika Ranawaka said today that allegations of war crimes should be investigated under the existing judicial system by local experts in a manner that would ensure the dignity of the armed forces and those found guilty punished.

Hajj stampede: Death toll rises to 453

At least 453 people taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage have been killed in a stampede near the Islamic holy city of Mecca, officials in Saudi Arabia say.

Assault on motorcyclist: Police responds

In response to the viral video which showed two traffic Police officers assaulting a disabled motorcyclist, the Police had issued a statement saying that “the officers had used minimum force and that the Police respected the disabled”.

150 killed, 400 injured in Saudi Hajj stampede

The death toll in a crush of people at the annual haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has risen to 150, the country's civil defense said on its Twitter account.

She robbed her clients

A woman who allegedly engaged in prostitution and had robbed her clients was charged before Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Pieris by the Kirillapone Police.

Six Indian fishermen arrested

Sri Lanka Navy assisted the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to arrest six Indian fishermen along with two Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Kovilan Point on 23rd September 2015. When the arrest was made the Indian fishermen had been fishing 3.5 nautical miles and 5.2 nautical miles north-west of Kovilan Point.

Video: It's the party's responsibility-MR

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that it was the United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance (UPFA) that should bear the responsibility for the alleged non-settlement of dues to the Independent Television Network (ITN) for telecasting his advertisements prior to the January presidential election, as he was the party's candidate and not an independent candidate.

Video: Suspect in Seya's murder confesses

A 32 year-old man, who was arrested last evening by the Criminal Investigations Department in Bemmulla, Gampaha had confessed to the rape and murder of five year old Seya Sadewmini, the Police said.

Ravi reveals names of illegal ethanol importers

Two people, including a brother of a former Sri Lankan cricketer, had been importing ethanol illegally, after buying over politicians, Minister Ravi Karunanayake said in Parliament.

Video: Police assault disabled motorcyclist

A disabled person who was riding a motor bike through Kahatagasdigiliya Town was severely and inhumanly assaulted by two Traffic Police officers attached to the Kahatagasdigiliya Police, according to the people in the town.

Video: Crawling saltwater crocodile in Colpetty dead

The saltwater crocodile which was crawling in the sea off Colpetty, about 15ft away from the shore, had been found dead today, Wildlife Conservation Department spokesperson Hasini Sarathchandra said.

Buddika asked to appear before CID

UNP Matara District MP Buddika Pathirana has been asked to appear before the CID to give a statement with regard to a statement made by him regarding an army contract involving several millions of rupees.

Video: Rs.100mn worth of red sandal seized by Customs

The Customs today seized 4.5 metric tons of red sandalwood valued at Rs.100 million in a 20-foot container destined to Malaysia, Customs Director General Leslie Gamini said today.

PRECIFAC records statement from MR

Statement is being recorded from former President MP Mahinda Rajapaksa at his residence in Mirihana   by a special team of Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate and inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges.

Import tax on edible oil increased

Special commodity levy on imported edible oil was increased by Rs 20 per a kilo with effect from today to provide relief to local coconut industry, the Finance Ministry said.

Suspects escape during Kaduwela shooting

Two suspects who had been brought to the Kaduwela Magistrate Court for hearings today had escaped from the custody of prison officials when the shooting took place, the Police said.

Opposition MPs walk out in protest

Several UPFA MPs including MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara had left parliament chambers in protest over taking up financial regulations for the debate today.

Another suspect arrested over Seya’s murder

The Police today said they had arrested another suspect in connection with the sexual abuse and killing of five-year-old girl of Kotadeniyawa, Seya Sadewmini.

Tractor topples injuring six at MRIA

Six employees were injured when a tractor carrying cement toppled at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) premises this morning, Police said.

Body of Australian found in hotel room

A 27-year-old Australian was found dead in a hotel room at R.A. De Mel Mawatha in Colombo yesterday, Police said.

Video: MS wants probe into Avant Garde continued

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Rajitha Senaratne said today that President Maithripla Sirisena had instructed to continue uninterrupted the investigations into Avant Garde’s floating armoury maintained at the Galle port.

Ribbon-cutting women get bail

Two women, arrested on charges of obstructing the ceremonial opening of the Kadawatha- Kaduwela expressway on September 17 by forcibly cutting the ribbon tied across, were each released on a cash bail of Rs.2,500 and a Rs.50,000 personal bail with two sureties.

Sajin granted bail after four months

Former Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena was released on Rs. 1 million cash bail and two sureties of Rs. 20 million by the Colombo High Court today.

President leaves for New York

President Maithripala Sirisena left for New York today to attend the 70th United Nations' General Assembly (UNGA) sessions.

Wele Suda’s case fixed for judgement

The case filed against Gampola Vidanage Saman Kumara alias Wele Suda for possession and peddling of 7.05 grams of heroin in Mount Lavinia in 2008 was today fixed for judgement by the Colombo High Court.

Video: DIG Dissanayake further remanded

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Vavuniya Police U.K. Dissanayake, who was arrested on charges of illegal treasure hunting, was further remanded till September 30 by Vavuniya Magistrate today.

Prisoner shot within Kaduwela Court premises

In a dramatic shooting incident at the Kaduwela Magistrate Court this morning, a remand prisoner, who was to be produced in court, sustained serious injuries to his chest, the Police said.