Computer defect at BIA delays clearance

The immigration clearance at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport was delayed due to a technical defect in the computer system at the Emigration and Immigration Department, an official of the BIA said.

100,000th Chinese tourist in SL

Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the arrival of 100,000th Chinese tourist in year 2014 at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning. Pix by Deepa Adikari

Strong winds expected due to Cyclonic Storm

The Meteorology Department said today strong winds could be expected over the country specially in Northern areas after the severe Cyclonic Storm “Hudhud” in the Bay of Bengal had intensified into a Very Severe cyclonic storm.

Sabaragamuwa undergrads attacked: 12 injured

At least 12 students of the Sabaragamuwa University were injured when an unidentified gang hurled petrol bombs at the hut where they were protesting last night. Pictures

SLC to bust Rs.9 mn on World Cup tickets

Former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Upali Dharmadasa has protested a planned move by SLC to purchase match tickets estimated to cost Rs. nine million for next year’s World Cup to be held in Australia/New Zealand and distribute them free of charge among SLC ex-co members.

Don’t take alleged attack on Nonis seriously: Keheliya

Cabinet spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the unfortunate incident where an Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in London was allegedly attacked took place at a private party and at a private residence and therefore it is not something to be taken seriously.

Video: Railway strike called off

The railway strike launched by the Professional Railway Trade Union Alliance (PRTUA) was temporarily called off today and train services will resume at 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Video: Victims …

Despite the ongoing strike by the Professional Railway Trade Union Alliance (PRTUA,) several special trains were deployed today during office hours. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Rs.6 mn fraud: CID arrests pension officer

The CID has arrested the Kegalle Divisional Secretariat Pensions Officer in connection with some Rs.6.3 million fraud.

Woman hacked to death in Panadura

A man was arrested for allegedly hacking his 45-year-old wife to death in Panadura this afternoon, police said. Pictures

Army celebrates 65th anniversary

Army Commander Daya Ratnayake is seen pointing at the flags displayed on a wall during the Army's 65th anniversary celebration held in Colombo today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Malala and Kailash win Nobel Peace Prize

Pakistani child education activist Malala Yousafzai and Indian child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi have won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Playboy model apologises over photos

The German model Nasia Jansen, who had posed next to a Buddha statue in a defamatory manner, posted a twitter message apologising for her actions and said she had removed the photos.

Enjoining order on railway strike

The Colombo District Court today issued an enjoining order preventing the Railway Unions from carrying out the island wide strike causing nuisance to the public.

Cigarettes to cost more

The Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) said today the price of some brands of cigarettes would be increased by Rs.1 while the others would be increased by Rs.2 from midnight today.

Indian Def. Secretary meets MR in Kandy

Indian Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, held talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Kandy, this morning, the Government Information Department announced.

Lionel Richie in town

World famous American singer Lionel Richie arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday evening. He is scheduled to perform at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre on October 11. Pix by Nisal Baduge

24-hour water cut for Kaduwela

A 24-hour water cut would be imposed in several areas of Kaduwela, Malabe and Athurigiriya from 8.00 a.m. Saturday to 8.00 a.m. Sunday due to maintenance work at the Labugama water treatment plant, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board said.

PCB and SLC chiefs in top secret meeting

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar M Khan had made a very brief and top secret visit to Sri Lanka last morning to have a discussion with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Jayantha Dharmadasa and invite Sri Lanka “A” and Under 19 teams to tour Pakistan.

Afghan expat strangles Lankan girlfriend

An Afghani expatriate was arrested for strangling his 33- year old Sri Lankan girlfriend to death using an electrical wire. According to security sources, security men rushed to the location to find the corpse of a Sri Lankan woman.

Budget debate: Opposition wants more time

The Opposition, yesterday, urged the government to increase the number of days allotted for the budget debate. The government advanced the budget debate this year and allotted only 20 days for it, comprising five days for the second reading and 15 for the committee stage or third reading.

10,000 police transfers next year

Some 10,000 transfers will be effected within the police department during the next year, in a  bid to create a more efficient service, the Police Headquarters said yesterday.

No discussion within TNA on Presidential poll

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) today said there have been no discussions yet regarding the impending Presidential Election within the alliance.

Train talks to continue tomorrow

?The talks between the Professional Railway Trade Union Alliance (PRTUA) and the Railway Authorities had ended in without a resolution, Railways Department sources said.

Alleged lack of sufficient backup power at WTC

Inadequate backup power in the World Trade Centre building in Colombo Fort, had forced many people to use the stairs during a power outage this evening, witnesses said.

Train talks to continue tomorrow

The talks between the Professional Railway Trade Union Alliance (PRTUA) and the Railway Authorities had ended in without a resolution, Railways Department sources said.

Video: Excise probes into Kelaniya licence issue

The Excise Department has launched an investigation to look into Minister Mervyn Silva’s claim on issuing a liquor license to a hotel in Kelaniya despite the objections of him and Buddhist monks.

Daily Mirror Community Guidelines

Black outs in Colombo

A breakdown in the electricity supply had been reported in many areas in Colombo including Kollupitiya and Fort due to a break down of a High-Voltage Power Line, the Ceylon Electricity Board said.

Video: Vote from abroad: Ethara Api

JVP affiliate Ethera Api organisation announced today it was planning to initiate discussions with the Elections Commissioner to implement a system enabling Sri Lankan expatriates to cast votes at future elections.