Nigerian's arrested for cheating

Two Nigerian nationals and a Sri Lankan were arrested by the Chilaw Police for sending fake texts messages to gullible persons stating that they had won a car from a lottery and cheating them of cash and other belongings.

No action for spreading religious hatred on Facebook

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) said that no concrete action could be taken against those who spread religious and racial hatred on Facebook despite efforts being taken to liaise with Facebook and curb posts conveying religious and racial hatred.

For a new beginning

Vivaha 2012 a bridal exhibition for those seeking to make a new lease of life is currently being held at the BMICH. The exhibition which comprises all facets relating to a wedding will be held throughout the day. Pix by Nisal Badughe

Bangladesh factory fire kills 'at least 120'

The death toll from a fire in a clothes factory in Bangladesh has leapt to at least 120, officials say. The fire broke out late on Saturday in the nine-floor Tazreen Fashion factory in the Ashulia district on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka

Blast injures one in Trinco

An explosion in the Sampur area in Trincomalee injured a 38-year-old female resident in the area, last night the Sampur Police said.

Banana lorry in collision with tipper

A lorry transporting a load of bananas from Embilipitiya was involved in a collision with a tipper at Ingiriya on the Ratnapura – Panadura road causing serious injuries to the driver and another person in the lorry. The driver’s wrist had been seriously injured. Pix by Kusal Chamath

Chinese woman in mobile business

A Chinese woman, who had allegedly engaged in selling mobile phones in the Kandy area after arriving in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa, was arrested by the Tourist Police.

Lady Doctor missing

A 28 year-old female doctor employed at the Matara hospital has been reported missing since last evening, the Police said.

Arrested principal released on bail

The Principal of St. Servatius College, Matara who was arrested last Thursday following a complaint lodged by the ‘Bodhu Bala Sena’ organization against alleged attempts of religious conversion of students about two years ago, was released on bail after being produced before the Matara Magistrate.

More families affected

The number of families affected due to the heavy rains has increased upto 271 in Monaragala and Hambanthota areas.

Two killed due to floods

Two persons were killed while one person went missing last night in the Galle district, as a result of heavy rains prevalent in the area.

Over 150 families affected by floods

Over 150 families have been affected by floods in the Polonnaruwa and Hambanthota districts due to heavy rainfall prevalent in the areas, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said.

Army Chief sues two newspapers for slander

Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya yesterday filed action in the Jaffna District Court against the Uthayan and Valampuri Newspapers that are published in Jaffna, claiming Rs 100 Million from each of the two entities as damages for publishing what he called highly defamatory articles concerning him in their July 11 issue

Hands off Parliament, Ministers tell judiciary

In a deepening conflict between the judiciary and the legislature, government ministers yesterday requested the judiciary not to interfere with the parliamentary process with regard to the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.

Chennai court closes criminal charge against slain LTTE chief

A local court today closed a criminal charge filed against slain LTTE chief Prabhakaran, pending before it for many years.

Two Lankan life convicts in Rajiv assassination case approach HC

Two Sri Lankan nationals, undergoing life imprisonment in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, have filed habeas corpus pleas in the Madras High Court,challenging their incarceration, after completing 20 years in prison.

Demanding proper steps

The inter company employees union staged a protest today opposite the Fort railway station against the budget that was presented to parliament. The union alleged that it contained no material benefit to the workers and demanded that immediate steps be taken to rectify grievances faced by workers. Pix by Waruna Wanniarchchi

Tense situation in Kotakethana

L.H. Chandrasiri, the brother of the main suspect in some of the killings at Kotakethana, was booed and jeered by an angry crowd of more than 500, when he visited the residence of his brother the Pradeshiya Sabha Member L.H. Dharmasiri.

SL calls for restraint in Gaza

While expressing its deep concern at the recent serious escalation of violence in Gaza, Sri Lanka today called on Israel and Palestinian leaders to display ‘restraint and avoid civilian casualties’.

Update - Next PSC session on Dec 4

The next session of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake will be held on December 4

SL questions UN internal report

Sri Lanka today questioned the integrity of the ‘Report of the Secretary General’s Internal Review Panel on UN action in Sri Lanka’ or the ‘Petrie Report’ and its leak to the media.

Carpeting of Galle Road causes traffic jam

A traffic situation was reported from Union Place and Fort areas, as a section of Galle road (From Galle Face to the Old Parliament) has been closed to the public due to the carpeting of the roads

It is a military used ‘para’

The object that fell from the sky at Dunuwila in Akurana has been identified as a para-eliminator used by the military and not a meteorite as believed by some of the residents in the area, a senior police officersaid.

Video: CJ leaves for Parliament

Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake is seen leaving the Supreme Court premises this morning to appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) in Parliament with regard to the impeachment motion against her. (ISD)

Unidentified object falls in Akurana

Authorities are investigating into the fall of an unidentified object from the sky in Akurana, Kandy this morning, police said.

Challenges clearly remain in SL-UK

Britain said that challenges clearly remain in Sri Lanka, including the promotion of long term reconciliation between people whose memories of a violent conflict are in many cases still fresh.

CJ arrives in parliament

Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake arrived in parliament a short while ago to appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the impeachment motion

Bodhi Pooja for Tony Greig

A ‘Bodhi Pooja’ was held last evening at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo to invoke blessings on former England test cricketer and Channel Nine commentator Tony Greig. The Sri Lankan cricket team, parliamentarians and commentator attended the ceremony. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

They will defend CJ

A team of Attorneys led by President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva instructed by Neelakandan and Neelakandan will defend Chief Justice Shirani A. Bandaranayake at the PSC sittings today

Felix floored

Social Services Minister Felix Perera fell on the Parliament floor yesterday when he was leaving the Chamber after a friendly conversation with actress turned United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Upeksha Swarnamali