Cabinet approval to withdraw Counter-Terrorism Bill

The Cabinet yesterday approved the withdrawal the Counter-Terrorism Bill, Cabinet spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardana said yesterday.

CB bond scam - Opposition urges Speaker to table forensic audit

The Opposition today urged Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to table the reports of the forensic audit on the Central Bank bond scam without delay.

Aircraft crash: Govt. to launch in-depth probe

State Minister Defense, Chamal Rajapaksa said today an in-depth investigation would be carried out into the crash of the Sri Lanka Air Force Y-12 aircraft at Haputale and that he would present a report in Parliament soon.

I stand for the Kurahan Satakaya philosophy: Prez

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today he stood for the philosophy symbolised by the Kurahan Satakaya (maroon shawl) though he did not wear it as his other family members did.

MP who fills Ranjith Soysa’s seat sits in opposition

Priyantha Liyanage, who was sworn in as new MP for Ratnapura District before Speaker Karu Jayasuriya sat in the opposition in Parliament today.

Speaker announces Sajith as Opposition Leader

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today announced UNP MP Sajith Premadasa as the Opposition Leader. In early December, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe nominated MP Premadasa as the Opposition Leader of Parliament.

Constitution should be changed: President

Changes should be made to the Constitution in order to safeguard security, sovereignty, stability, and integrity of Sri Lanka, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today.

UNF decides to support the Government

UNF Parliamentary Group which met yesterday had decided to support the progressive steps that are taken by the government for the betterment of the country.

Veggies, dry rations at concessionary rates at train stations: State Minister

Railway Services State Minister C. B. Ratnayake yesterday launched the programme for providing a bag of vegetables and a bag of dry rations at a concessionary rate of Rs.500 each at the Maradana Railway Station to ease the commuters.

Two thirds majority to seal presidential poll victory deal: SLPP

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today said its new year resolution and ambition is to win the general election with a two thirds majority to fully capitalize on the presidential election victory.

Rajitha still in hospital

Former minister Rajitha Senaratne was still receiving medical treatment at the Lanka Hospitals by yesterday afternoon even after he was released on bail.

Strict action against public officers involved in corruption: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said the inefficiency in the state sector should come to an end during the tenure of the present government and asserted that strict action will be taken against public officers found guilty of misconduct including corruption and bribery.

Gayantha tipped to be chief opposition whip

Former chief government whip Gayantha Karunatilleke is tipped to be the new chief opposition whip in keeping with the practise adopted by the United National Party (UNP) to appoint the former chief government whip to the post, UNP MP Vajira Abeywardene said today.

Vision test sufficient for LV licenses: Prez

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today instructed the authorities to exempt those applying for Light Vehicle (LV) Licenses from a full medical examination and limit such an examination for applicants of Heavy Vehicle Licenses.

Fmr SPC chairman remanded till Jan 6

Former State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr.Rumy Mohamed, who was absconding over white Van press conference case, was remanded till January 6 by the Colombo Additional Magistrate Chalani Perera

Suspect arrested with Rs.10mn worth heroin

A 24-year-old suspect was arrested with 1kg of heroin which has a street value of Rs.10 million at Settikulam in Vavuniya.

Fmr SPC chairman arrested

Former State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr.Rumy Mohamed, who was absconding over white Van press conference case, has been arrested when he surrendered to the CID this morning, AG’s CO said.

Four airmen killed in head-on collision in Warakapola

Four Air Force personnel were killed when a three-wheeler and a truck collided head-on at Dummaladeniya in Warakapola on the Kandy-Colombo Main Road early this morning.

UNP defends decision

Justifying the decision to provide an official residence to TNA leader R. Sampanthan, UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara said yesterday his party took this line of thinking upholding its policy of standing up against racial discrimination.

CID grills Rishad

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today recorded a statement from former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen for over three hours, sources said.

Swiss Embassy local staffer released on bail

Swiss Embassy local staffer Garnier Banister Francis was released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today.

Rajitha granted bail with two sureties of Rs.500,000 each

MP Rajitha Senaratne who was remanded on the charges of organising a ‘white van’ press conference prior to the presidential election was today granted bail with two sureties of Rs.500,000 each by the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

Garnier produced before court

Swiss embassy local staffer Garnier Banister Francis, who is in the remand custody, was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officers a short while ago.

Rajitha remanded till December 30

MP Rajitha Senaratne was remanded till December 30 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Shalini Perera today. The Additional Magistrate visited the MP who is undergoing treatment at the Lanka Hospitals in Narahenpita.

CID requests Magistrate to remand Rajitha

The CID has requested the Colombo Additional Magistrate a short while ago to remand former Minister Rajitha Senaratne on the basis that given his health condition it was difficult to record a statement from the MP though under arrest.

Magistrate orders to execute arrest warrant on Rajitha

Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today ordered the police to execute the arrest warrant issued on former minister Rajitha Senaratne over the ‘white van’ press conference.

‘White van’ case: Suspects further remanded

Two individuals who were arrested on the charge of making controversial statements on a ‘white van’ incident during a media briefing conducted by former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne were further remanded till January 6 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Three killed, 2 injured in Embilipitiya accident

Three people were killed and two others who were in a lorry were injured when the lorry collided head-on with an SLTB bus near the Sankapala Temple in Embilipitiya this morning, police said.

Hela Bojun stalls to open at every railway station & buffet cars

Hela Bojun Hala stalls would be opened at all railway stations next year to promote traditional foods and to provide better food for commuters, the Railway Services State Minister C. B. Rathnayake said yesterday.

UNP teams up with TNA for common front against oppression

The United National Party (UNP) today teamed up with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to launch a joint struggle against what they called ‘witch-hunt of opposition MPs’.