Chennai bound AirAsia flight diverted to Colombo

An AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai, Tamil Naduwas diverted to Colombo, Sri Lankadue to thick fog engulfing the airport in the south Indian city today, Indian media reports said.

First group of Indian workers return from SL-India

The first batch of Indian workers, who were involved in a labour dispute with a Sri Lankan company, on Tuesday returned from Sri Lanka, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said

UN Chief calls for reconciliation

The United Nations on Monday said the recent presidential election-related events in Sri Lanka has made UN Chief Ban Ki-moon’s call for reconciliation and political dialogue that much more important.

Indian workers held in SL to be repatriated today

All the 77 Indian nationals, who were alleged to have been illegally held by Bhuwalka Steel Private Ltd, an Indian company operating in Sri Lanka, will be repatriated to India by Tuesday, an Indian High Commission spokesperson told the Express.

Man who set himself on fire dies

The 72-year-old man who set himself on fire near the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo yesterday has succumbed to his injuries last night, the police said.

Mahanayakes urge free and fair poll

The Chief Incumbents of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters have forwarded a joint memorandum to Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya and  IGP N.K. Ilangakoon requesting  them to ensure a free and fair Presidential Election without  violence. 

I will win by huge margin: Mahinda

While expressing confidence that he would win Thursday’s Presidential Election by a huge margin, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that he would dedicate his third term for the future generation and make Sri Lanka a prosperous, safe and beautiful country for the unborn Sri Lankan child. 

New govt. in 48 hours: Maithri

Winding up his presidential election campaign, opposition common candidate Maithripala Sirisena today said Sri Lanka will see a new government in 48 hours.

EC warns of re-poll in case of violence

Elections Commissioner Mahinda Desapriya said today election violence appeared to be increasing and warned that he would have to call for re-polling in areas where such violence continued unabated.

Kurunegala Bishop plans to resign

The Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala, the Rt. Revd. Shantha Francis said today that he would resign from his position as he, being a Tamil, was under pressure   from Tamil Diaspora groups to toe their line.

Severed heads of dogs sent to two human rights activists

Two severed heads of dogs have been sent to Brito Fernando and Prasanga Fernando, who are human rights activists, last night.

Arrest warrant on Senthil

The Bandarawela Magistrate today issued an arrest warrant on Uva Provincial Council Minister Senthil Thondaman for allegedly assaulting a postman at Ella on Saturday, the Police said.

Court bars President’s TV show

The District Court of Kaduwela issued an enjoining order against four television stations from broadcasting a programme titled “Janapathi Janahamuwa” or a programme of similar nature featuring President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Video: Those who induced MPs to quit govt. will be punished: Dulles

In the event President Mahinda Rajapaksa wins Thursday’s election, legal action will be taken against foreign agencies and individuals who allegedly funded the common opposition election campaign and induced government members to join the opposition, Minister Dulles Alahapperuma said.

Magistrate orders arrest of Dy Minister Jayasekara

The Pelmadulla Magistrate today ordered the arrest of Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekara, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councillor Aruna Nilantha and Kahawatta Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Vajira Darshana.

Video: Troops won’t be removed from North: Maithri

Common Opposition Candidate Maithripala Sirisena today said the administration he would form on Saturday if elected to power would not remove the security forces from the North.

MR’s astrologer well and home

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s personal astrologer Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena, who was reportedly admitted to the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital last Friday, had been discharged following treatment.

Three injured in election shooting at Kahawatta

Three people were injured when an unidentified person had fired shots at them while setting up a stage for an election rally of NDF presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena in Kahawatta last night.

Man immolates in front of Vihara Maha Devi Park

A 72-year-old man who set himself on fire near the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo this morning was admitted to the National Hospital with burn injuries, police said.

Monitors say will probe north threats

The foreign election monitors from Asia who are in town for Thursday’s presidential election yesterday said they will look into the complaints they had received on an alleged plan to prevent the Northern people from voting once they visit the area today.

Rallies and campaigning end midnight

The curtain will come down at midnight for the closely contested and extremely heated election propaganda campaigns for one of the most crucial and decisive Presidential Elections in the recent history of Sri Lanka.

Will take serious note of 'mistreating' Indian labourers in SL: India

The Indian government has taken "serious note" of complaints against an Indian company, involved in alleged mistreatment of 77 Indian labourers in Sri Lanka, and directed its mission in Colombo to make immediate arrangements for their return.

‘Govt. officials renewing US visas to help elect MR’

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna JVP) today charged that there were persons in the government who were not at all concerned about the unitary nature of the country and alleged that they kept renewing their American visas from time to time

Video: Survey: Same side goal

A survey conducted by the opposition had revealed a victory for President Rajapaksa, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

Video: Photoshoped: Susil

The government keeps former LTTE arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP in safe custody to use him at the right time at the right place to counter UNHRC allegations and fight international propaganda against Sri Lanka in Geneva and elsewhere, General Secretary of the UPFA, Environment and Renewable Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Mangala assures security; Urges smooth transition

The Opposition, while assuring that the security of the incumbent President and his family would be ensured in the event of his defeat at Thursday’s Presidential Election, urged him to allow immediate transition of power.

Japanese arrested at BIA

A Japanese national was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning after he allegedly assaulted an airport official while under the influence of liquor, Police said.

Tamils hold protests outside Salman Khan's residence

Tamil groups protested outside Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai today morning voicing their disapproval over the actor's decision to campaign for Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Maithri sends letter of demand to ITN

Common Opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena has sent a letter of demand of Rs. 1000 million to the Independent Television Network, its Board of directors and Deputy General Manager of News Sudharman Radaliyagoda for allegedly causing damage to the election campaign and reputation of Mr. Sirisena.

Several injured in a clash at Maithri rally

Several persons were hospitalized following a clash between the supporters of UPFA and opposition common candidate at an election rally of Opposition Common candidate Maithripala Sirisena in Aralaganvila this evening, sources said.