Iran's Parliament backs expansion of ties with SL

Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi voiced the parliament's support for the development of cooperation between Iran and Sri Lanka in different areas.

2014 Kala Pola

The Kala Pola 2014 - Sri Lanka’s annual open air art fair took place along Nelum Pokuna Mawatha today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Two electrocuted while renovating roof

Two people were electrocuted while they were renovating the roof of a-two storeyed house at Maggona in Payagala today, police said.

Engage constructively for genuine reconciliation in SL-India

India continues to urge all stakeholders to engage constructively, in a spirit of partnership and mutual accommodation; as such a cooperative approach will pave the way for genuine reconciliation and a political settlement in Sri Lanka.

Special IDs for Gypsies

The Ministry of Wildlife Resources Conservation has decided to issue a special identity card for the country’s Gypsies, enabling to carry out their traditional and cultural activities without any hindrance, Ministry sources said today. 

Justice Sriskandarajah’s funeral

The funeral of President of the Court of Appeal Justice Sundaram Sriskandarajah was held this morning at the General Cemetery, Borella. He passed away on Thursday (23) at a private hospital in Colombo after a brief illness. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Man shot dead in Katunayake

An individual has been shot dead this morning at the 18th milepost in Katunayake by unidentified gunmen who had arrived on motorcycle, police said.

Skulls, bones found in Ma Oya

Three human skulls and parts of skeletons had been found floating along Ma-Oya near Eswattha area in Polgahawela yesterday evening, the Police said.Pictures

Jayalalithaa Sets 5-point Agenda for Fisherfolk Meet

The much-awaited fishermen-level talks between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka will be held on January 27 in Chennai and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has set a five-point agenda for the talks.

Ugandans value the support of SL

The First Lady of Uganda, Janet Museveni, has expressed appreciation to the government and people of Sri-Lanka for the support they are extending to the people of Uganda.

US rules out permanent military presence in Maldives

The US has ruled out a permanent military base in the Maldives, amid reports that new government in Male has decided not to sign a defence cooperation pact with Washington in this regard.

Controversy over Ontario Premier's meeting with fmr. WTM spokesman

Canada’s Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne had met a former spokesman for the World Tamil Movement, a front organization for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a federally listed terrorist organization, while on a visit to a Toronto temple, Canadian media report said

Rathika had no intention to embarrass SL-NDP

Canadian NDP Leader Tom Mulcair is defending MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan's trip to Sri Lanka over the holidays in a recent letter to the high commissioner, stating that Sitsabaiesan had "no intention to embarrass" the country's government.

Britain says must push hard to pass resolution against SL

Britain says it faces an uphill struggle to secure the passage of an appropriately robust resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in March against Sri Lanka but the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is working hard to mobilize opinion and get the necessary majority. FULL DEBATE

Jayasuriya averts crisis in midnight drama at SLC

A crisis that could have destroyed Sri Lanka’s cricket was averted at the last minute thanks to the timely intervention by chief national selector Sanath Jayasuriya while the whole of Sri Lanka was deep in their sleep on late Thursday night, a Sri Lanka team source told “Daily Mirror”

Video: Computerised bilingual IDs from Feb

Commissioner General R.M.S. Sarath Kumara the Department of Registrations of Persons said steps were being taken to issue computerised bilingual identity cards to people from next month

Reversal on land sales to foreigners

The Government has sought Cabinet approval for legal exemption to sell 25 acres of land in Negombo, 44 acres in Kimbulapitiya and two roods, 26 perches from Bambalapitiya to a Singaporean Company to establish a private university and related infrastructure, Daily Mirror learns

Price war on milk powder continues

The tug-o-war between milk powder companies and the Consumer Affair Authority (CAA) on the price increase on milk powder is continuing amid allegations that the companies are hoarding milk powder so as to create an artificial shortage in the market.

Health Ministry to ban 19 types of food flavours

The Health Ministry has decided to ban 19 varieties of food flavours with effect from July 1 this year following instructions of the Food Advisory Committee, the Ministry said.

Gas leak: 13 hospitalised

At least 13 female employees were hospitalised after they were exposed to a gas leak in a fruit drink manufacturing company in Katuwana, Homagama a short while ago.

Five Afghanistan cricketers shot dead

An Afghan official says a gunman on a motorcycle opened fire at a group of local cricket players, killing five of them during a game in eastern Laghman province.

Sama Viharaya opened

The ‘Sama Viharaya’ on Havelock Road was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa today. Pix by presidential media unit

Action to be taken against deserters

As many as 59,267 members of various ranks of the three security forces including 239 senior officers had deserted during the past few years, Parliament was informed today.

Australian PM here in transit

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago on a transit visit and was received by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport

14 Sihala Ravaya members granted bail

Twelve members of the Sihala Ravaya organisation surrendered to the Colombo Crime Division today in connection with the attempt to enter the Prime Minister’s office on January 08.

Train travels 300 metres without last compartment

A compartment with passengers detached itself from an office train travelling to Colombo from Puttalam. It happened somewhere between the Madampe and Kakkapalliya Railway Stations today.

Beauty alone won’t ensure nominations: Maitripala

Beauty alone will not be a factor when selecting UPFA candidates for the elections to the Western and Southern Provincial Councils, SLFP General Secretary and Minister Maithripala Sirisena said today.

Govt. facing crisis over CM posts: UNP

UNP media spokesman Gayantha Karunathilaka today spoke of a crisis within the Government over the chief ministerial posts even before submitting nominations with some members lashing out at the former chief ministers

Send genuine Indian fishermen for talks-SL fishermen

Sri Lankan fishermen’s representatives, who are all set to visit India for the mutual talks scheduled on Monday, appealed to their Indian counterparts to send representatives who are genuine fishermen, who can understand the plight of both the sides.

Indians have no fishing rights around Katchatheevu: Centre

Indian fishermen have no right to fish in and around Katchatheevu — the islet ceded to Sri Lanka —according to two bilateral pacts signed in 1974 and 1976, the Centre submitted before the Madras High Court on Thursday.