Schoolboy chokes to death

A twelve year boy residing with his parents at the police quarters in Colombo accidentally choked himself to death with a boy scout’s scarf.

Chennai protesters demand boycott of SL Defence meet by India

Workers of Chennai's Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) party today staged a protest demanding that India should boycott the Defence meet scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka between August 18 and August 20.

Youth shot dead in Salon

A man having a hair crop at a barber saloon at Thelawala Road in Ratmalana was shot dead by two gunmen who stormed into the salon around 1.00 pm today.  Update

Welcome showers end the eight month long drought

Welcome showers which fell on most parts of the North Central Province and Mannar, Vavuniya and batticaloa Districts during the weekend after eight months were greeted by the people of the area who grappled with a severe drought which caused the destruction of crops and livestock

Way to go

Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene is congratulated by his teammate Kumar Sangakkara after scoring a half-century during the fourth day of the second Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the SSC. AFP

No release of boats: SL Minister

The Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister, Dr Rajitha Senaratne, said that there is no possibility of releasing the detained boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen even as 94 fishermen were repatriated to India on Saturday.

Two killed,31 injured in two accidents

At least two persons including an Army officer were killed and 31 others injured in two accidents in Nittambuwa and Dambulla, the Police said. Update

Killing of black teenager: Emergency declared in Missouri

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in Ferguson on Saturday, following nights of protests after 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer

SL strikes gold at Chess Olympiad

Sri Lanka won the Gold for the best performance among teams in its category at the Chess Olympiad which ended on Thursday in Tromso, Norway.  This was the first time that a Sri Lankan team returns with a Gold from an Olympiad in over 30 years.

India beefs up Defence Ministry representation in SL

India has beefed up the Defence Ministry’s representation at the Indian High Commission in Colombo apparently in view of the strategic importance of Sri Lanka in the context of the increasing influence of China on it, and the existence of strong ties with Pakistan.

Over 94 TN fishermen handed over to India

Sri Lankan navy today handed over 94 Tamil Nadu fishermen taken into custody by them to the Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line, Indian police said.

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