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

CBK hits out at impeachment motion

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said yesterday the move to impeach Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake must be denounced by all who cherish democracy

Video: 40 per-cent of illegals are SL-Australia

Over 40 per-cent of those being held due to irregular maritime arrivals in Australia were Sri Lankans, a delegation of Senior Officials from Australia said yesterday.

MR in the US

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has left for Washington DC after concluding his official visit to Kazakhstan, informed sources said

Video: First fish pedicure centre

A natural fish pedicure centre located on the Madu River in Balapitiya is considered as a first in Sri Lanka. Fish pedicure is considered to be one of the most potent rejuvenation techniques used in many Eastern as well as Western countries. The pedicure is said to increase blood circulation and helps to cleanse the skin.

Marine Drive murder suspect arrested

Police today arrested a suspect in the marine drive killing, police spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said. SSP Jayakody said the suspect was taken into custody together with the knife allegedly used in the crime

Video: SC recommends to PSC to defer its probe

The Supreme Court today recommended to the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to look into the Impeachment Motion against the Chief Justice to defer its probe until the determination on Article 107 (3) of the Constitutional, which deals with the impeachment of a judge, is made by the Supreme Court

BoC chairman resigns

The chairman of Bank of Ceylon Dr. Gamini Wickremasinghe has reportedly tendered his resignation, official sources said.

Deputy Minister gets death threats

Deputy Minister of Environment A.R.M. Abdul Cader had lodged a complaint with the Kollupitiya police stating that he received death threats via phone by an anonymous caller on Tuesday night.

Video: Inauguration of Peoples' Assembly

Peoples’ Assembly held today at New Town Hall with the Participation of the “Wipaksaye Wirodaya” headed by Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe. UNP opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe, Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne, Siritunga Jayasuriya, Hemakumara Nanayakkara and some other political leaders were also present at the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Indian Major can marry SL girlfriend-Court

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday cleared the hurdles for an Army Major, who wants to marry a foreign national, after directing the Army to relieve him from his duty and imposing a cost of Rs 75,000 on it.

Head of Maleesha Hajj group arrested in SL

Head of Maleesha Hajj group Ismail Abdul 'Maalu' Latheef who had fled the country after collecting money from several individuals promising them Hajj pilgrimage has been arrested in Sri Lanka

SC directs AG’s representation for impeachment petitions

The Supreme Court directed the Attorney General to appear before the court today in connection with nine petitions filed against the move to impeach Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.