FR petition against Presidential Election: SC fuller bench to hear petition on Monday

The Chief Justice has nominated a fuller bench comprising five judges of the Supreme Court to hear the Fundamental Rights petition, which sought an order restraining the Election Commission from taking any further steps to conduct the Presidential Election in 2024.

Special Crimes Investigation division takes over vehicle idling in the airport

Officials from the Elpitiya Special Crimes Investigation Division took custody of a vehicle that had been parked at the car park of the arrival terminal of the Katunayake Airport for a month, police said.

Let me do my job – Dayasiri

The General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Member of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara yesterday told those concerned not to interfere with the right to act as the Secretary General of SLFP.

Sri Lanka closes $12.5 Bn bond restructuring deal

Sri Lanka has successfully concluded its discussions with bondholders, reaching an agreement on restructuring terms yesterday. This follows an unsuccessful first round of talks in April.

SC suspends criminal proceedings in X-Press Pearl case

The Supreme Court yesterday issued an interim order staying the further proceedings relating to the indictment filed before Colombo High Court against eight accused including the Captain of the fire-ravaged container ship MV X-Press Pearl.

Drugs worth more than Rs 19 billion recovered as a result of Yukthiya

In what seemed to be a staggering disclosure, the pioneers of Yukthiya operation revealed that drugs worth Rs 19,075 million had been recovered since its beginning in December 2023.

FR petition filed to halt Presidential Election

A businessman has filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court restraining the Election Commission from taking any further steps in conducting a Presidential Election in 2024 until the Court makes a determination regarding the petition.

Indian bottom trawlers cause Rs.700 Mn damage to Sri Lankan fishing gear

Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Ministry has estimated the damage done to fishing gear of Sri Lanka fishermen by Indian bottom trawlers at Rs.700 million and communicated it to the Indian authorities including External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Indian bottom trawlers, indulgent in IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing has become an irritant to bilateral relations between the two countries.

Two students fall to death from Altair apartments in Colombo, probe underway

Two students, a male and female aged 15, studying at an International School in Colombo, are suspected to have committed suicide by jumping from the 67th floor of the Altair apartments building in Kompanna Veediya on Tuesday evening. Police identified the deceased as residents of Wellawatta and Kelaniya.

Bilateral creditors do not reduce principal amounts - President

“Many have suggested obtaining concessions for foreign loans without any sacrifices. This is impractical and inconsistent with international practice. Some parties criticize us saying the government has not requested a principal loan reduction. However, bilateral creditors do not reduce the principal amount. Instead, concessions are typically provided through extended repayment periods, loan grace periods and lower interest rates. Final decision

Attempt to frighten fiancee leads to death

A young man who noosed his neck to frighten his fiancee, pretending he was attempting to commit suicide had turned to reality as he died when the slip knot tightened. The victim was a 17 year old young man from Bogaswewa area. Investigations revealed that during an altercation between them, the y

116 killed in stampede at satsang in Uttar Pradesh

At least 116 people, including women and children, were killed after a stampede at a ‘satsang’ (religous event) in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras on Tuesday. The state government has ordered a probe into the incident and dispatched three ministers to reach the spot and monitor relief work. Inspector General (Aligarh) Shalabh Mathur confirmed that 116 people have died so far. “An FIR will be filed against the organisers of the satsang as the crowd at the

Indian Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister condole Sampanthan’s demise

In an X post, the Prime Minister said, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of veteran TNA leader R. Sampanthan. Will always cherish fond memories of meetings with him. He relentlessly pursued a life of peace, security, equality, justice and dignity for the Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka. He will be deeply missed by his friends and followers in Sri Lanka and India.”

Will Hirunika get temporary relief from jail?

The bail application (bail pending appeal) filed on behalf of former Colombo District Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was yesterday fixed for July 4 by the Colombo High Court.

Some are envious when seeing someone using a luxury vehicle : Piyumi

Actress Piyumi Hansamali emphasized yesterday that Mahinda Rajapaksa is neither her father nor is Gotabaya Rajapaksa her ‘Bappa’. She also clarified that she bears no responsibility for Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s earlier use of the vehicle, as she purchased it from a car dealership.

CID sends back Piyumi Hansamali without recording statement

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sent back actress Piyumi Hansamali without recording a statement from her over the allegation of acquisition of assets beyond her means.

Person who raped 13-year-old niece arrested

The Norton Bridge Police arrested a person for the alleged rape of 13-year-old daughter of his sister, who stood surety to him when he was similarly accused of rape of a nine-year-old girl. His sister stood surety to the bail bond in a previous case against him for the rape of a nine-year-old girl.

Sri Lanka a step closer to Starlink internet service

In a step closer to the introduction of Starlink satellite internet service in Sri Lanka, the Committee on Public Finance has approved Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill subjected to amendments to ensure consumers are ensured the benefits from advanced telecommunication technology.

Organised criminal Kanjipani Imran secures asylum in France

France has given political asylum to notorious organised criminal Kanjipani Imran, an informed source said.

Kataragama Maha Devala festival

The annual Esala Perehera festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala is scheduled to commence on July 06. The Kap Planting ceremony had been performed on May 24.

Frequent flyer nabbed with Rs.20 million gold

A passenger who attempted to make exit through the Green Channel was arrested by Customs officers for having in his possession a consignment of jewellery valued more than Rs.20 million.

Around 700 unregistered Driving Schools in Sri Lanka

There are approximately 700 unregistered driving schools operating in the country, Department of Motor Traffic told media yesterday.

Karuwalagaswewa accident

One died in a head on collision of a trishaw and a van at Karuwalagaswewa 7th km post in the early hours of last morning.

R. Sampanthan no more

Veteran Tamil politician MP R. Sampanthan, 91, passed away yesterday at a private hospital in Colombo, a party official said.

alleged sexual abuse : Travel ban issued against Richard Pieris Group Chairman Sena Yaddehige

Kollupitiya Police have obtained a travel ban against Sena Yaddehige, Chairman of Richard Pieris Group, in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a female business analyst from the company.

Ready to work with all who back my candidacy at the presidential poll : Ranil

Responding to a request made by some government ministers that he should contest for the presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he is ready to work with everyone who made this request.

Bribery Commission investigates Ex-MP Diana Gamage for misuse of state funds

The Bribery Commission has started investigating a complaint against former MP Diana Gamage regarding the abuse of state finance and assets as an MP, knowing she is a non-Sri Lankan and a British citizen.

CPC fuel prices reduced

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reduced its fuel prices with effect from last night.

Involvement in an accident: Range Bandara’s son granted bail

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara’s son Yasoda Range Bandara was produced before the Puttalam Actg. Magistrate Sabri Mohmed in connection with an accident on Saturday (29) at Karuwalagaswewa and released on personnel bail of Rs.500,000. His driving license was temporarily impounded.

Father charged with abuse of son acquitted due to incorrect transcript of son’s video interview

In a landmark judgement pertaining to the use of video evidence in a child abuse case, the Court of Appeal has recently set aside the conviction with a 16-year jail term imposed against the father of the victim child on the basis that accused was denied a fair trial by presenting incorrect transcript of the video interview pertaining to the child’s evidence conducted by the Child Protection Authority.