Former SJB MP questions providing security to Israeli establishments in SL

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman yesterday questioned as why Sri Lankan security forces and police are providing security to Israeli establishments in Colombo and elsewhere.

Case against Lohan Ratwatte postponed to January 30

The case against former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte in connection with threatening and intimidating with death a Tamil detainee in Anuradhapura prisons was taken up yesterday before Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate and Addl. District Judge Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya.

Govt. hopes travel advisories will be withdrawn soon

Claiming that no travel bans have been issued other than travel advisories for citizens in some countries, Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday the embassies have expressed confidence regarding the security situation in the country and expressed hope that travel advisories will be withdrawn within the next few days.

Intelligence reports received two weeks ago; acted swiftly though not made public: President President

Claiming that the government has ensured security of all citizens, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday the government acted swiftly based on intelligence reports of a potential threat whereas the actions taken by the government were not made public.

Ranil calls for Immediate salary increase for public servants

Following are the remarks he made during the meeting.

Will change any law hindering equal application to all communities: President

Claiming that the government is committed to build a country with a law which is applied to all Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims equally, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday

Ambulance used by former President

Leader of United Democratic Voice and former parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake said the government should not have taken back the ambulance used by former President Mahinda Rajapakse in view of his health condition and that the step taken by the government could be interpreted as political victimization.

Previous govt. kept a close watch on Israelis and possible security threats - Harin

The previous government kept a close watch on the movements of Israelis during the past few years and managed the tourism sector and saw to it that international conflicts don’t affect the local tourism industry, former Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said yesterday. Asked whether there were security threats during the last regime, the former minister told Daily Mirror that there were few issues as the trouble broke out.

Sri Sumangala College blood donation drive

The Old Boys Association of the Sri Sumangala College, Panadura will be organising an Annual Blood Donation Drive alongside its renowned medical camp, at the Sri Sumangala College Primary Auditorium on October 27.

Australia gifted maritime patrol Beechcraft to arrive in SL today

The Beechcraft KA350 of the Royal Australian Air Force, which was gifted to Sri Lanka, is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today, a Defence official confirmed yesterday.

China gives Rs 30 mn for flood affected people in SL

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and handed over Rs 30 million in emergency humanitarian relief funds from the Chinese government to help the people affected by the floods in Sri Lanka overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes. China believes that under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Sri Lankan government and people will be able to overcome their difficulties. China is the f

New power system to light up Vijitha Child Development Centre, Beruwala

A new power system to light up the Vijitha Child Development Centre, Beruwala was launched recently with the participation of Chief Incumbent of the Abinawarama Temple of Beruwala Venerable Hadigalle Wimalasara Thera. The project was launched with the assistance of Lion Club members in Germany Anjalika Wothe and Manford Wothe

Church questions genuineness of committee appointed to probe SIS and CNI

Questioning the motive behind the appointment of a committee headed by retired Judge A. N. J. Alwis to look into actions taken by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), and other relevant authorities concerning prior intelligence received about the bomb attacks on April 21, 2019, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka yesterday said it holds certain suspicions on it.

I have no intention to get myself elected to papacy: Cardinal Ranjith

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith yesterday denied that his interest in getting the Easter Sunday attacks probe going are connected with his ambition of getting elected to papacy.

Gammanpila expected his disclosure to create pandemonium: Ranjan

Leader of the United Democratic Voice Party, film actor Ranjan Ramanayake said former Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila expected his disclosure regarding the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks to create pandemonium in the country, but it ended up in a flop.

Maths teacher arrested for rape

A Mathematics teacher of a leading school in Dimbulagala Education Zone was arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 16 year old schoolgirl.

Rs. 660m deposit for DPJ Tower rental still not received: Agriculture Ministry

Agriculture Ministry Secretary M. Wickramasinghe yesterday claimed that the Rs. 660 million deposit made for renting the DPJ Tower in Rajagiriya during the Yahapalana period has not yet been received.

FR petition filed challenging General Election scheduled for November 14

A civil society activist has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the Election Commission’s decision to hold the Parliamentary Election on November 14.

Police deny purchasing substandard breathalyzers

In response to reports that Sri Lanka Police had purchased substandard breathalyzers for testing drunk drivers, the Police have clarified that no payments have been made for the 14,803 breathalyzer boxes that failed quality tests.

Kalpitiya OIC summoned before HR Commission

The Acting OIC of Kalpitiya Police has been summoned to appear before the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in Colombo for an inquiry on October 25, in connection with a complaint against him for violating the fundamental rights of two women.

Paramour arrested for woman’s death

A woman who gave a massage to her paramour just after her husband left for employment abroad and spent the day enjoying with him had taken ill and died in his company. Her paramour was taken into custody by Meegoda Police on suspicion.

India, Sri Lanka Environment Ministries to jointly fight climate impact on agriculture for food security

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Ministries of Environment of India and Sri Lanka, yesterday launched its Adaptation for Resilience (ADAPT4R) project, according to a statement from it.

We set the stage for new Govt to secure next IMF tranche, won’t scuttle it: Shehan Semasinghe

The previous government has set the stage for the present government to secure the fourth tranche from IMF and for a successful third review, former State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said yesterday.

Action taken to stop unauthorized filling of marshy land in Muthurajawela

Action was taken yesterday by Sri Lanka Land Development Authority and the Western Provincial Council to prevent unauthorized filling of a marshy land about 12 acres in extent in Bopitiiya and Nilsirigama in Muthurajawela sanctuary.

Notorious underworld kingpin behind Rs.250Mn Ice smuggling: Excessive seizure of drugs, fags not linked to recent political change – agencies

The continuous and excessive seizure of dangerous drugs like Ice, Kush and illicit cigarettes by the authorities at the main international airport in the past few weeks has no connection to the recent change in the country’s political sphere, agencies said.

30 year old seeks help for transplant operation

Bathiya Silva, a 30 year old young man is suffering from chronic kidney disease and doctors have recommended an urgent transplant. Bathiya, therefore is in need for a B positive kidney.

Colombo District candidate can spend Rs 5.75 million for General Election

The Election Commission yesterday (17) announced the maximum expenditure limits allowed for candidates, parties, independent groups and national list candidates ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary election slated for November 14.

Agencies seize Rs.35Mn worth Ice, whiskey, fags from Indian, local passengers at BIA

The law enforcement agencies manning the Bandaranaike International Airport thwarted attempts by a Sri Lankan and Indian national to smuggle Ice, whiskey and cigarettes worth over Rs.35 million into the country in two separate cases during the last 48 hours.

Ranil calls for experienced people in next Parliament

There should be experienced people in Parliament to resolve the economic crisis, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Health experts sound alarm over spike in waterborne diseases

As torrential rains result in flooding across Sri Lanka, health experts are raising alarm over a spike in waterborne diseases, which spread through contaminated water.