Police said that 3,115motorists who violated the road rules were nabbed during an operation conducted in four hours. The operation was carried out from 11 pm yesterday to 3 am today covering the entire island. Accordingly, 20,913 vehicles were checked by police at 1308 roadblocks. The number of persons inspected were 42,673. A total of
Prince Edward of the British Royal Family will be a special guest on the 70th Independence Day celebrations of Sri Lanka. Prince and Countess Sophie arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport this afternoon. State Minister of Foreign Affairs WasanthaSenanayake welcomed Prince Edward and the countess at the Katunayake International Airport. They arrived by EK 348
The United National Party states that it has not been revealed that a member of the United National Party including MP Ravi Karunanayake has been involved in the bond scam issue according to the report of the Presidential Commission on Issuing Treasury Bonds. This is announced in a statement issued by Party’sGeneral Secretary Minister KabirHashim.
Prime Minister RanilWickremesinghe says that the United National Party will spearhead the country towards prosperity while consolidating national reconciliation. The Prime Minister attended several rallies in the country. A rally was held at the Mannar Bus Stand to ensure the victory of the UNP candidates contesting for the local government polls. A large number of
Parliament will be convened on the 6th of next month to debate on reports of Presidential Commissions on the bond issue and serious frauds and corruption. The decision was taken at the Party Leaders’ meeting. The meeting was chaired by Speaker, KaruJayasuriya. Deputy Speaker ThilangaSumathipala, Members of the Steering Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Ministers LakshmanKiriella
A meeting between the members of the Board of Directors of the ADB and President Maithripala Sirisena was taken place at the President’s official residence this morning. The meeting is aimed to review the progress of the projects that are being implemented by the Asian Development Bank in Sri Lanka. Directors of the ADB, who
The Supreme Court issued today an injunction order preventing the holding of the ElpitiyaPradeshiya Sabha election. It was followed by a Writ petition filed by the Democratic United National Front. The Democratic United National Front filed a petition against the rejection of nominations by the Galle District Returning Officer claiming that the nominations were handed
For the first time in 150 years, a blue moon total lunar eclipse will be visible in Sri Lanka tomorrow. The celestial phenomenon will combine three separate lunar spectacles – a blue moon, a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse. Lunar eclipses are often dubbed ‘blood moons’ because of the way the moon glows with
Minister of Industry and Commerce RishadBathiudeen says that steps will be taken to export only high quality pepper to foreign countries. Pepper is one of the main export crops of Sri Lanka. The income generated from the spice exports was 264 million US dollars in 2016. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce points out that
Four persons who had stolen fuel belonging to the Petroleum Corporation were taken into custody. The suspects have transferred fuel to private bowsers from the bowsers owned by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. Police say that the remaining space of the bowsers of the Corporation had been filled with furnace oil. The raid was conducted according
Additional General Manager of Railways VijayaSamarasinghe says that, two special trains will operate from today for the convenience of the Sri Pada pilgrims. WijayaSamarasinghe stated that two trains will be plied in between Colombo Fort and Hatton. One train will leave Colombo Fort at 7.30 pm today and is expected to reach Hatton by 12.30
The Colombo High Court rejected a request to travel abroad,made by former Secretary to the President, LalithWeeratunga, who was convicted for misappropriating 600 million rupees, belonging to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka. The High Court Judge emphasized that LalithWeeratungahasno legal basis to request to leave the country as he has been convicted by
The e-Government system was launched today with the objective of making local government bodies efficient. This enables the public to make all the payments to the local government bodies through Internet electronic cards. Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils and Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure implements the program as a concerted effort. Ministers
A meeting of party leaders was held this morning under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena. The meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat. Deputy Minister Karunaratne Paranavithana said that issues relating to Presidential commission on bond issue were taken up for the discussion. He added that the party leaders paid attention on the issue
President Maithripala Sirisena states that potato farmers will be given a 100 percent subsidy on seed potatoes. The President also said that measures will be taken to stop tea re-exportation. A rally in Badulla was held under the aegis of the President to ensure the victory of the UPFA at the upcoming Local Government Elections.
The Airport Police Anti-Narcotic Bureau has seized a stock of drugs valuing more than 20 million rupees. A Nigerian woman was arrested with 2.28 kilograms of drugs at the Katunayaka International Airport. She has brought the drugs from Dubai. The drugs were found hidden cleverly inside here luggage.
People staged a protest against bailing out the bus driver and conductor involved in an accident on Ambalangoda, Batapola road, which killed a school student. A 16 year old student of Ambalangoda Dharmashoka Vidyalaya was run over by the bus when she got off from the same bus. The bus driver and conductor were arrested
Police have arrested four suspects who tried to get a ransom by threatening to kidnap a child. Avissawella Police have arrested the suspects following an investigation conducted by them on a compliant. The mother of the child has complained that she was threatened with kidnapping the child of pre-school age if a ransom of 500,000
The operational capacity of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s Jaya Container Terminal has significantly increased. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority said that operations have been increased by 5.3 percent in October, 8.2 percent in November and 13.9 percent in December. The Colombo Port marking a mile stone in its history passed handling of 6.2 million
President Maithripala Sirisena says that a new programme will be launched after the local government election to solve problems faced by the estate people. Addressing a public rally in Talawakele the President said that the government will do its maximum to improve the living standards of estate people by developing housing, health, education and other
Renowned film director Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja who rendered a significant service to local cinema industry, passed away this morning. He was ailing for some time and 74 years of age at the time of his demise. The funeral of Late Dr. Pathiraja took place this evening at the Mahaiyawa Cemetery in Kandy.A father of two
Direct foreign investments to Sri Lanka have doubled during the previous year. Sri Lanka has received 1.63 billion US Dollars as direct foreign investments during the last year. Sri Lanka has received 802 Million US Dollars as direct foreign investment during 2016. When compared with that foreign direct investment to Sri Lanka has doubled last
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe says that the Galle Tourism Zone would be further developed. The Prime Minister mentioned this during a function at Galle Fort. A discussion took place about Emperor Ashoka and Buddhism. British historian Charles Allen was the main lecturer of the discussion which had been organized by the Fairway Organization. Thereafter the
President Maithripala Sirisena says that he is prepared to form a SLFP Government even tomorrow if all SLFP Parliamentarians join hands with him. The President expressed these views at a public rally in Ratnapura.President Maithripala Sirisena said that he did not betray SLFP or UNP supporters but he is against corruption, frauds, nepotism and wastage.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe says that the debate on the Presidential Investigation Reports of Bond and Serious Frauds and Corruption are expected to be taken in Parliament on the 8th of next month. The Prime Minister expressed these views during a public rally at Deniyaya, Morawaka. The public meeting has been organized to ensure the
Police say that a part of Galle Road would be closed due to the rehearsals of 70th Independence Day ceremony. A part of the Galle Road would be kept closed for several days. Police said that the road would be closed from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon on those days. They said that the road
Police conducted a special operation today to detect pilgrims who bring narcotics to Sripada through Hatton road over the weekend. The operation was conducted at Diyagala on Hatton Colombo main road. Hatton Police Anti Vice squad conducted the operation with the help of Police dog. Police said the dog was able to find suspects who
Moragahakanda Reservoir now distributes water to tanks in Anuradhapura. Public Relations officer of Moragahakanda Project E.G. Dayananda says that it provides a solution for drought in some areas of Anuradhapura. Moragahaknda Project was implemented on a concept of President Maithripala Sirisena to make a resurgence of agriculture in Anuradhapura. Water levels of main tanks in
A new garbage recycling project has been implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.The Ministry announced that a waste recycling machine was given under the Indian Government assistance. The machine valuing five million rupees can recycle 150 kilograms of waste at once. The machine recycles waste at a temperature of 1600 degree Celsius. The machine
Fairway National Literary Awards Ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister Mangala Samaraweera. It has been organized for the third time to coincide with Fairway Galle Literary Festival. Awards and financial rewards were given to selected novels published in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages in 2017. Pandaka Puthra Wasthuwa written by Anurasiri Hettige was
Launching of two books written by journalist Dharshana Ashoka Kumara took place at the Auditorium of the National Library and Documentation Services in Colombo. The two books “Kawsilumina Saha Abhauddha Drushteen and Asian Perspective of Communication were launched yesterday. The launching ceremony was held under the patronage of former Head of Psychology Faculty of Peredeniya
A career guidance workshop was conducted at Colombo Musaeus College for the students who completed their school education.The workshop was organized by Musaeus College Past Pupils Association. A large number of students who sat for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination attended the workshop. Several experts on Career Guidance were present at the workshop, which was
Three new District Organizers have been appointed for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. They received their letters of appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena. Former Pujapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha member Anura Kumara Madalussa has been appointed as the new Kandy District Organizer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. W.M. Weerasuriya has also been appointed as a new
The Army claims that organized groups are engaged in various campaigns in a manner tarnishing the image of the Sri Lanka Army. The Army has called on these groups to refrain from engaging in such acts. The Army Headquarters said that a group with the intention of maliciously achieving their narrow objectives is engaged in
Legal action has been instituted against six persons including Former Deputy Minister Sarath Kumara Gunaratne. The six persons including Sarath Kumara Gunaratne have been accused of misusing a sum of nearly 12 million rupees allocated for the development of the Negombo Lagoon. The Attorney General has filed legal action against them in the Colombo High
Oscar-winning actor Casey Affleck has pulled out of this year’s Academy Awards, his publicist has confirmed. By tradition, Affleck – who won best actor for Manchester By The Sea in 2017 – would have been expected to present the best actress award this year. The actor, brother of Hollywood star Ben Affleck, was sued by
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been awarded the Padma Bhushan – the third-highest civilian award in India. The former Test captain, who is still an active member of the limited-overs side, is the 11th cricketer to be conferred with the prestigious award. The Padma Bhushan instituted back in 1954, is given for distinguished service of a high
With his white-rimmed glasses and his easy-going attitude, Chung Hyeon has become one of the most talked about players at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old has already made history as the first South Korean to reach a tennis Grand Slam quarter-final. Today he beat American player Tennys Sandgren and will now come face-to-face with Swiss
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday, and the trophy was handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s House in Colombo, today. The 2018 FIFA World Cup Trophy is scheduled to visit more than 54 countries around the globe, giving an opportunity to see the trophy in person for
Chairman of the Election Commission, Mahinda Deshapriya says that, if politicians continue to paste election posters, the commission will have to take legal action and bring them to the book. He was speaking at a media briefing. Mahinda Deshapriya pointed out that the public has a duty to inform relevant authorities about the people who
President Maithripala Sirisena says that the fight against corruption will be commenced after 10th February with the aim of building a decent country and a morally bound society. The President pointed out that the country has not been able to meet standards of the developed nations due to corrupt politics. He made these comments while
A delegation of representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry met President Maithripala Sirisena today. Their meeting took place at the President\s Official residence. Meanwhile the Japanese delegation also met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. The Japanese delegation is visiting the island with the aim of exploring new business and investment opportunities in Sri
Indonesian President Joko Vidodo who arrived in the island further strengthening friendly ties left the island this morning. The Indonesian President held discussions with the President as well as the Prime Minister. Three agreements were inked between Sri Lanka and Indonesia during the tour of the Indonesian President. Indonesian President Joko Vidodo met President Maithripala
The second phase of postal voting for the upcoming Local Government polls commenced today. Elections Commissioner General R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said that all postal voters who did not cast their ballots on the 22nd of this month should complete their voting today or tomorrow. The Elections Commissioner General said that those who did not cast their
The 10th commemoration of former Minister Tyronne Fernando was held in Mortuwa under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. The commemoration was organized by the Expo 80 Foundation. Tyronne Fernando served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the period 2001 to 2004. Tyronne Fernando who has held several positions including the Chairman of
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has remanded two soldiers of the Naval Intelligence Unit produced by the Criminal Investigations Department with regard to disappearing 11 persons in the year 2008, until the 08th of next month. The two who were remanded are Kasthurige Gamini and Muthuwahendi Aruna Thushara Mendis. The Magistrate ordered to release the
A case filed against former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and former Director General of Divi Neguma Department Kithsiri Ranawaka was fixed for hearing on 04th of June. They are accused of allegedly misappropriating funds totaling more than 36 million rupees belonging to the Divi Neguma Department to purchase and distribute GI pipes during the
The stay order issued by the Court of Appeal preventing the arrest of former Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has been further extended to the 15th of next month. The stay order was issued to the Financial Crimes Investigation Department against arresting Rajapaksa over the alleged misappropriation of public funds to the tune of 90
The Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest staged by the Inter University Students Federation neglecting a Court order. It happened at the Kollupitiya Junction. The Kollupitiya Junction had to be kept closed due the protest march organized by the Inter University Students Federation and the Medical Faculty Students Action Committee.
The Health Ministry has announced that the PET scanner to be installed at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital has been airlifted to the island. The PET scanner has been purchased from Germany at a cost of 202 million rupees. The machine enables to identify diseases in a subtle manner and more than 100 scans can be