Political henchmen exploit BIA VIP Lounge: UNP

The VIP lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was exploited for the comfort of politically connected persons travelling  abroad, United National Party (UNP) MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam charged in Parliament last week.

It’s self-sacrifice

The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) today insisted that the self-immolation committed by the ex-JHU monk, Ven. Bowatte Indarathana Thera was an act of self-sacrifice and not a case of suicide.

BBS wants Gota to man Buddha Sasana Ministry

The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) today said the Buddha Sasana Ministry should be brought under the purview of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa to protect Buddhism.

Court orders Kelaniya PS Chairman’s arrest

Mahara Magistrate Darshika Wimalasiri ordered the Kiribathgoda police to arrest the Chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Prasanna Ranaweera and produce him in court

Galle road closed due to protest

The Galle road has been closed for traffic from Kollupitiya junction to Galle Face due to a protest march by Buddhist monks of the Sihala Ravaya, police said.

Tense situation in Borella

A tense situation prevailed in front of the Jayaratne Florists, Borella after members of the Sihala Rawaya protested against sending the body of the self immolated monk Ven. Bowatte Indraratna Thera to Ratnapura.

Immigration officer suspended over alleged extortion

An officer of the Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Department has been suspended pending a full inquiry, following a complaint made by a foreigner over extortion of money allegedly by Sri Lanka Immigration officers at the Bandaranaike International Air Port, media reports said.

Monk succumbs to burn injuries

The Buddhist monk who set himself on fire in front of the Dalada Maligawa, Kandy in protest of cattle slaughter succumbed to his injuries at the National Hospital a short while ago, hospital sources confirmed.

De mining nearing completion

The Military said that in less than four years since the war ended nearly all areas in the conflict zone excepting for 96 square kilometres had been cleared of landmines and could be now used for resettlement purposes.

Mega Indian tele-series on Buddha

The much talked of mega tele-series based on the life of Buddha was launched on the auspicious day of Buddha Poornima (Vesak), the Times of India reported yesterday.

Lanka ranks high in informal cash transfers

Sri Lanka has ranked high among informal money transfers in the south Asian region last year, a new Gallup study revealed.

Perahera elephant on rampage

At least 24 persons were injured when an elephant went on rampage during a Perahera of the Muthiyangana Temple last night, police said.

TNA tells Govt. to resolve 13-A among its allies

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday urged the government to resolve the issues pertaining to the Northern Provincial Council elections and power devolution because of the contrasting views expressed by some of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) allies.

CID probes fraud at Polonnaruwa SP’s office

The CID is investigating a fraud which is alleged to have taken place at the Polonnaruwa SP’s office where an office accountant had reportedly withdrawn funds set apart to be given to policemen as distress loans whenever the need arises

Mihin flight grounded at BIA

The take off of a Mihin Lanka flight was suspended temporarily at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake due to a mechanical malfunction in the aircraft this afternoon.

Monk’s fiery protest: Police looking for helper

Police are on the lookout for the man who is alleged to have provided petrol to the monk, who was hospitalised with serious burn injuries after he set himself on fire this morning outside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

Human smuggling: Lankan charged in UK

A man living in Croydon in the United Kingdom has been charged with smuggling Sri Lankan immigrants into the UK.

Who imported Zombie masks?

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has requested the government to investigate who imported rubber masks known as Zombies for the Vesak festival.

Dominican Republic arrests Lankans in smuggling case

The National Investigations Department (DNI) of the Dominican Republic arrested members of a people trafficking network with possible links to international terrorist cells, who used Dominican Republic as a bridge from Cuba, France, Spain, Sri Lanka and Haiti.

Fiery protest by Buddhist monk over cattle slaughter

A Buddhist monk set himself on fire this morning outside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy in protest over the slaughter of cattle, police said. Pictures

Tamil asylum seekers granted lawyers after court plea

Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor has granted lawyers access to two Tamil asylum seekers who feared they would be removed to Sri Lanka

33 hospitalised due to food poisoning

Thirty three devotees who took part in a Pooja this morning at the kovil in Thirukkovil, Ampara were taken ill due to food poisoning and were admitted to the Thirukkovil District Hospital, Hospital sources said

Fire at warehouse at Colombo port

A fire broke out at a warehouse at the JCT terminal of the Colombo port in the early hours today causing heavy damage to the warehouse, sources said.

Govt. concerned over MoU between US Embassy and Trinco UC

The Sri Lanka government yesterday expressed concern over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US embassy in Colombo and the Trincomalee Urban Council to jointly establish a public information and activity centre known as the American Corner, without the knowledge or the authorisation of the Sri Lanka External Affairs Ministry.

Bribery Comm. withdraws case against Chief Minister

The Bribery Commission yesterday withdrew a case filed against Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and three others and thereafter they were discharged by the Colombo Chief Magistrate

Defence sec. opposed to police powers for PCs

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he would never agree to the granting of police powers to provincial councils in accordance with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution

Video: Heavy traffic due to protest march

A traffic congestion is reported from Borella to Maradana due to a protest march organised by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) over the electricity tariff hike, police said ???

Govt. MPs also participated in Naumann workshops: UNP

While condemning certain media reports labeling UNP MPs as traitors for cooperating with Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), the UNP said earlier today that members in the government had also closely worked with the foundation

More Lankans returned to Colombo

A further 31 Sri Lankan irregular maritime arrivals are being returned to Colombo after failing to meet Australia’s international obligations, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Brendan O'Connor said today

SL woman asylum seeker to be freed from detention

A Sri Lankan asylum seeker, previously deemed a security risk, will be released from Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney after her adverse security assessment was overturned by spy agency Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)