Pavithra hospitalised

Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was admitted to the Bandarawela Hospital due to a sudden illness, Hospital sources said.

Herath takes nine; Pakistan lead by 12

Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath returned career best figures of nine for 127 but Pakistan took a first-innings lead of 12 after wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed scored his maiden test century on the third day of the second test.

Hindu outfit volunteers plan to leave for Katchatheevu foiled

Volunteers of a Hindu outfit, who tried to leave for Katchatheevu by flying the National Flag on their boats, were arrested today, police said.

UPUL’s security still a puzzle: BASL

Sri Lanka Bar Association (BASL) President Upul Jayasuriya said yesterday he was puzzled and surprised on the decision taken by the Police Department with regard to his protection and said he was not given adequate security as requested by the BASL.

Court stays deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers

A Sri Lankan court of appeal on Friday suspended the government’s decision to send back Pakistani asylum seekers notably from the Ahmadiyya, Christian and Shia communities.

Viharadhipathi and attendant struck by lightning

The Vavuniya Namalgama Raja Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Galle Sirinanda Rathana Thera (65) and temple attendant R. M. Piyatissa (49) died this evening after being struck by lightning.

35 injured in bus collision

At least 35 people were injured following a head-on collision between two buses in the Ududeniya ,Naula area on the Matale-Dambulla main road this evening.

Guard of honour for Mahela

Mahela Jayawardene, who is playing his last Test match, was accorded a guard of honour by several children, as he entered the field on the second day of the second Test against Pakistanat the SSC. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

India’s Independence Day Celebrations

A Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at India House in Colombo to mark India’s 68th Independence Day this morning. The Indian High Commissioner and several Indians living here participated in the celebrations. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Police record Nirmala’s statement

An investigation has been launched based on the statement made by the widow of popular announcer and songs writer Premakeerthi De Alwis on his killing, Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana said today.

MR sends condolences to Plane crash victims

President Mahinda Rajapaksa conveyed his condolences to those who have been affected by the crash of the passenger plane in the capital Tehran, presidential media Unit said.

Video: 59 kilos of heroin seized in Katugastota

A stock of 59 kilos of heroin was taken into custody by the police Narcotics Bureau in Katugastota yesterday, police said.

Vehicle catches fire on Marine drive

A luxury vehicle caught fire on the Marine Drive in Bambalapitiya this morning, police said. Pictures

108 Pakistanis deported from SL so far

A total numberof 108 Pakistani citizens have been deported since the beginning of August, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), media reports said.

SL releases 74 TN men, 20 to be freed today

Following an order issued by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to release all Indian fishermen in custody as a gesture of goodwill to mark India’s 68th Independence Day, 74 fishermen were released in Jaffna on Thursday.

Mahela dismissed

Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene was dismissed LBW scoring four runs facing 16 deliveries a while ago during the opening day of the second test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo today. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskhana

13-foot crocodile captured

A 13-foot crocodile that wandered into the human habitats from the Bandagiriya tank that has run dry was captured and handed over to the Hambantota Wildlife Conservation Office by the villagers today.Pictures

Video: Rebecca’s final journey

The funeral of popular actress Rebecca Nirmalee who died after battling cancer, took place at the Borella General Cemetery this evening amidst a large gathering. The final religious rites were performed at the Art Gallery in Colombo where her remains lay from this morning. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Industrial expo at BMICH

An exhibition of rubber, plastics and manufacturing is being held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Ranil starts tweeting

Opposition Leader and UNP national leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today Sri Lanka should move from its current policy of constriction-based economic development to technology-based development to fall in line with global trends.

Pillay trying to influence OHCHR investigations: EAM

The outgoing UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navanetham Pillay was seeking to influence the OHCHR investigation process, Ministry of External Affairs charged today.

India delighted over MR’s release of fishermen

The High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha expressed his appreciation for the President’s gesture to release Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody on the occasion of India's Independence Day that is celebrated tomorrow when he called President Mahinda Rajapaksa at temple trees today

Drugs are dangerous

National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) held an awareness campaign at the Colombo Fort Railway Station today. Pictures show railway compartments painted by the NDDCB as part of its campaign. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Expired drugs and cosmetics found at Gamage’s clinic

Expired drugs and cosmetic products were found today during a joint raid carried out at the clinic owned by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nimal Gamage, following Tuesday’s death of a lady doctor who received an injection during a cosmetic surgery.

Pilots fall asleep in mid air

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has suspended two Jet Airways’ pilots and initiated a probe after both of them fell asleep and the plane they were manning plunged 5,000 feet.

Sri Sri may return Honorary Doctorate to SL Uni

The Art of Living may return the honorary doctorate conferred on its founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to the Open International University for Complementary Medicines (OIUCM) in Sri Lanka, after Express reported that the university does not have any statutory recognition.

SL to give Palastine US$ 1 Mn

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today announced that Sri Lanka will provide 1 million US dollars in financial assistance to Palestine.

Top Aussie judge questions Aussie govt. on asylum seekers

A senior Australian judge questioned on Thursday whether the Australian government has the authority to detain asylum seekers on the high seas and send them to another country after scores of Sri Lankans were kept at sea and then moved to a remote island.

No water, why spill gates?

Three spill gates of the Atharagalle Reservoir in Galgamuwa had been stolen and were detected while being transported in a lorry near Daladagama by the Police yesterday.  The gates have been stolen when they were removed for repairs.  Police said the gates were valued at Rs. 450,000. Pix by Sanjeewa Ratnayake

Two burnt bodies found in Wellawaya

Two charred bodies of a male and female were found from a hut at a chena in Ethiliwewa, Wellawaya this morning, the Police said.