Four ex-ministers arrive at PCoI on Political Victimization

Former Ministers Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Rajitha Senaratne, Ajith. P. Perera and Ranjan Ramanayake appeared in the PCoI probing incidents of Political Victimization today.

19 arrested at an FB party in Millaniya

An owner of a hotel and 18 others including 5 females were arrested with drugs during a raid on a party organised through Facebook at a hotel in Bellantudawa in Millaniya yesterday.

Cab hits pedestrians: 16-year-old killed & 11 others injured

A 16-year-old student was killed and eleven others were injured when a cab ran over them at Aralaganwila today.

Ven.Gnanasara Thera to enter Parliament from OPPP

The Our Power of People Party (OPPP) has nominated Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera as its National List member of Parliament.

Constitutional changes after much thought: SLPP

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman G.L.Peiris said yesterday when it came to either amending the Constitution in its entirety or changing the 19th Amendment to Constitution, it would only be carried out after much thought and consideration.

Not satisfied with election result: NPP

The National Peoples Power (NPP) said yesterday it was not satisfied with the results of the general election and reiterated that the functions of an opposition was not restricted to Parliament and its reduced representation in Parliament was not a hindrance to achieving its vision and goals.

Heavy showers above 100 mm expected at some places

Heavy showers above 100 mm were expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kaluthara districts, Department of Meteorology said today.

New Parliament should change electoral law to rectify key areas: PAFFREL

New Parliament should be the one that would change electoral law in order to rectify some of the areas which were seen as a problematic, People’s Action for Free and Fair Election ( PAFFREL) said yesterday.

NPP expects strong representation in parliament to fight harmful moves

While expecting a strong representation in parliament, National Peoples’ Power (NPP) said today it would be the main force to stand with the people against harmful and destructive moves which are set to unfold after the August 5 general election.

Overall voter turnout 71%: EC

The overall voter turnout for the General Election 2020 stood at 71 per cent, Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said a short while ago.

Will get 2/3 majority created in parliament if not at polls: PM

SLPP Leader and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that they will make arrangements to get a two thirds majority created in parliament if the party did not receive it at the General Election.

Ranil hopes 2020 polls would be last under PR system

UNP Leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed hopes that today’s general elections would be the last held under the Proportional Representation (PR) system in Sri Lanka.

I’m voting after 9 years: Mahinda Deshapriya

It is after nine years that I voted today at the General Election, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said when he arrived at the Lindsay BalikaVidyalaya in Bambalapitiya to cast his vote.

Voter arrested for photographing his ballot paper

A voter, who had allegedly taken a photo of his marked ballot paper using his mobile phone had been arrested in Nawalapitiya, the Police said.

Election peaceful so far: PAFFREL

No major incidents of violence have been reported in relation to the ongoing General Election thus far, People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said.

Beirut blast: Explosion rocks city ahead of Hariri verdict

A large blast has hit the Lebanese capital, Beirut, ahead of the verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-PM Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Police allowed to use weapons if need arises

Police personnel have been allowed to use their firearms during the election period should the need arise such as a tense situation, Police Media Division Director SSP Jaliya Senaratne told a media briefing today.

Don’t fear, polling stations are safe: Health authorities

Health authorities today asked voters not to be frightened about coming to the polling stations and said the applying of ink on the fingers would be carried out in a safe manner.

Anuruddha Sampayo re-remanded till Aug. 18

Superintendent of the Negombo Prison Anuruddha Sampayo, who was taken into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) custody was ordered to be further remanded till August 18 by Negombo Acting Magistrate K.G. Gunadasa.

13 PNB officers further remanded

The 13 Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) officers who were arrested for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking have been further remanded until August 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Two arrested for attempting to buy polling cards at Rs. 5,000 in Beruwala

Two persons had been arrested by the Beruwala Police for attempting to buy polling cards in Beruwala, Police said.

Two female apparel workers killed in head-on collision

Two women were killed when a van and a bus transporting apparel workers collided head-on at Aparekka in Thihagoda this morning.

Weapons assigned to Police officers on duty not to brush teeth:EC

Election Commission’s Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said yesterday the police officers on duty had been assigned weapons to be used if necessary.

Anuruddha Sampayo remanded till tomorrow

Former Negombo Prison Superintendent Anuruddha Sampayo, who was taken into the CID custody yesterday, was remanded till tomorrow by Negombo Acting Magistrate K.G Gunadasa today.

Ranil - Sajith rift nothing but a drama: Gammanpila

The apparent division between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) or Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa is nothing but a drama to hoodwink voters, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila said today.

Expulsion won’t make any difference: SJB candidate

The expulsion of UNPers who are contesting under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will not make any difference as everyone who were expelled have already joined the new political alliance, SJB Kurunegala District candidate J. C . Alawathuwala said today.

Drug carrier eagle used by Angoda Lokka found

Two individuals were arrested during a raid in Meegoda along with an eagle suspected to have been used for drug trafficking operations by underworld figure’ Angoda Lokka’.

PCR testing capacity to be increased from August 1

While stating that over 40, 000 Individuals have been subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in the country so far, Chief Epidemiologist of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said the PCR capacity in Sri Lanka would be scaled up further and the number of tests performed would be increased from August 1.

Will make mandatory to present to parliament before signing: PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said a new government will introduce laws making it mandatory to present agreements with regard to state properties in parliament before signing them.

Police say drivers involved in fatal accidents to be charged with murder

Cases would be filed against the drivers who cause fatal accidents due to negligence and reckless driving under murder charges in future, the Police said today.