Lankan refugees in trouble in Indian Ocean

A boat with 153 refugees from Sri Lanka on board is in trouble 250 km from Christmas Island, it was reported today.

Japanese PM may visit SL in early Sep

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering visiting Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in early September, a Japanese government source said Friday.

Micro car plant in Hambantota

The Sri Lankan car manufacturer Micro in partnership with China’s Sino Motor Industries, is building its third car plant with the aim of exporting vehicles manufactured by the joint venture which is being built at the Mirrijawila Investment Zone in Hambantota. The foundation stone for the car plant was laid by MP Namal Rajapaksa and Sino Motors Deputy CEO LiuWei. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

SL revokes “on Arrival Visa” for Pakistanis

Rise in political asylum trend by Pakistanis have provoked Sri Lankan authorities to revoke “On Arrival Visa” facility for Pakistani nationals.

President arrives in Seychelles

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa arrived in Seychelles this afternoon. Here, they are being welcomed by Seychelles President James Michel at the Seychelles International Airport. Also in the photograph are External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Seychelles Rajatha Piyatissa.

Details of 2,000 web child abusers exposed

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has found details of more than 2,000 persons who had attempted to sexually abuse children through the internet.

Video: UNP challenges govt. on Mangala

UNP MP Ajith P. Perera said today that government should arrest Mr. Samaraweera if he had divulged State secrets or made a false statement with regard to recent incidents in Aluthgama and Beruwela.

Colombage promoted to the rank of Admiral

Outgoing Navy Chief Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage has been promoted to the rank of Admiral with effect from tomorrow (28), the Navy Headquarters said.

Released…

The Vice Chancellor and the lecturers of the Rajarata University who had been taken hostage since yesterday by some students were released this morning. The Vice Chancellor is seen leaving the university after being released. Pix by Athula Bandara

Rajarata VC and lecturers released

The Vice Chancellor and some lecturers of the Rajarata University who had been taken hostage since yesterday by some students were released a short while ago following a discussion with the university administration.

SL refugee on fast arrested

A Sri Lankan refugee, who was observing a fast unto death demanding the Indian government to hand him and his family to the UN instead of deporting them to Sri Lanka, was arrested by the Cheyyar police on Thursday and was shifted to a Prison in Chennai

SL to provide air combat training to Maldives

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday agreed to help to develop the defence services in the Maldives including air combat training, the President’s Office said

Rajarata Uni closed

The Rajarata University in Mihintale has been closed until further notice since this morning, Vice Chancellor Ranjith Wijewardane announced

Wife arrested over the death of Lankan doctor

Australian Police have charged a woman - reportedly the victim's wife - over the death of a Sri Lankan doctor in Geraldton, Western Australia.

SL assures safety of Maldivians in the country

The Sri Lankan government on Thursday said that Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka will not face any danger from the anti-Muslim riots and that it was "conscious" of the safety of Maldivians

Video: UNP govt. failed to take adequate action in ’83: Ranil

Admitting that the United National Party (UNP) government did not take adequate action to prevent racial riots in July 1983, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today that the present regime should not make the same mistake

Video: United we stand

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in conversation with Ven. Bopitiye Dhammasara Thera and Moulavi Muzammil Cader at a meeting of religious leaders and heads of civil organizations held at the Parliamentary Complex today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Govt. Press TUs protest

A Collective of Trade Unions of the Government Press yesterday staged a protest near the Press in Borella against alleged political appointments, corruption and other issues in the institution. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Rs. 200mn to repair damaged buildings in Aluthgama

Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon said the government had allocated Rs.200 million to effect repairs to the buildings damaged during the recent incident in Aluthgama and Dharga Town areas

No imminent fuel shortage: Minister

While assuring that there would not be a fuel shortage in the country as there were sufficient fuel stocks for 30 days, Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadarsha Yapa today said the buoy which was damaged is being repaired by local and foreign experts

Tense situ at Rajarata Uni

A tense situation was reported from Rajarata University in Anuradhapura a short while ago as students surrounded the Vice Chancellor’s office over the suspension of several students.

SL issues travel advisory on Iraq

In view of the deteriorating security situation in Iraq, Sri Lankan nationals are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution in travelling to Iraq, until further notice, the External Affairs Ministry said

Video: No bus fare hike this time

Private bus owners affirmed today that there would be no bus fare hike as it would further lead to the collapse of the industry.

UK welcomes UN probe panel on SL

The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, William Hague, welcomed the appointment of the team of experts to investigate alleged abuses in Sri Lanka.

We don’t approve external pressure, will support SL: Maldives

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said that Maldives doesn’t approve external pressure over countries and said that was why the Maldives consistently stood for Sri Lanka at international fora.

Video: Meditation Centre for Forces

A foundation stone laying ceremony for a meditation centre for the three forces was held at Kanduboda, Delgoda in Biyagama this morning with the participation of Minister of Technology and Research Patali Champika Ranawaka and Army Commander Lt. General Daya Ratnayake. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Srinivasan confirmed as ICC Chairman

Narayanaswami Srinivasan was confirmed as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the 52-member* Full Council approved amendments to the ICC’s Memorandum and Articles of Association at the Annual Conference in Melbourne on Thursday

MR arrives in Maldives

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim are seen welcoming President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the First Lady at the Male Airport last evening. Pix by Presidential Media

Former Galle Mayor Methsiri de Silva reinstated

Galle High Court Judge  K.B.K. Hirimburegama  today issued a writ  order revoking the decision taken by Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Vijaya Lal De Silva to remove former Galle Mayor  Methsiri De Silva from his position  and the council membership

Rescued Lankan, a ganja smuggler

A 21-year-old Sri Lankan, who was found stranded on an islet and rescued by fishermen on June 11, had attempted to flee to Sri Lanka clandestinely with about 80 kg of ganja even as police arrested five local people who helped him in his illegal mission