Ranil rebuffs Sajith’s request to reappoint Ajith Perera to WC

United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe reportedly told Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday that he was not ready to reappoint MP Ajith P. Perera to the Working Committee, but had no issue in giving assent to the accommodation of the other three members.

SL economy recovering, projects 3.7% GDP growth in 2020-IMF

The Sri Lanka’s economy is recovering from the terrorist attacks last April, with GDP growth projected at 3.7 percent in 2020, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said after concluding staff visit to Sri Lanka.

Kapila Chandrasena, wife remanded

SriLankan Airlines former CEO Kapila Chandrasena and wife Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayaka were remanded till February 19 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today.

Kapila Chandrasena, wife arrested

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena and his wife were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) a short while ago after they surrendered to the CID, police said.

Sajith decides changing name of present alliance?

The UNP faction led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has decided to legally establish the proposed political alliance with the like-minded parties by changing the name of a political party which is functional at the moment, Daily Mirror learns.

Mangala praises Gotabaya’s speech

A twitter message in appreciation of the Independence day message of President Gotabaya Rajapakse yesterday at the Independence day celebrations had been released by MP Mangala Samaraweera.

'I don’t expect interference from legislators, judiciary when fulfilling duties to people'

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his first Independence Day address today, said he was committed to fulfilling the needs of the people and that he did not envisage public officials, lawmakers or the Judiciary to impede him in implementing this commitment.

Streatham attacker Sudesh Amman has family in Sri Lanka

A knife-wielding terrorist who was shot dead by police in London on Sunday during a crazed stabbing spree has been named by police as Sudesh Mamoor Faraz Amman, a convicted Islamist terrorist who has extended family in Sri Lanka, the Times of India reported.

China worried over refusal to entertain Chinese nationals at restaurants, taxis

Chinese ambassador CHENG Xueyuan, in a statement, said yesterday it was worrisome that some taxis, hotels and restaurants were refusing to entertain Chinese citizens, and asserted that true friendship could and must stand the test of difficulties.

Chinese coronavirus patient in SL fully recovered-official

The 43 year-old female Chinese national who was admitted to the IDH, Colombo last week after she tested positive for the new coronavirus, has fully recovered, Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

Coronavirus death toll rises to 170; confirmed cases 7,711

The nationwide death toll from China’’s novel coronavirus epidemic has jumped to 170 with 38 more fatalities reported mainly from the worst-affected central Hubei province, the government said on Thursday, while confirming more than 1,700 new infections.

Chinese woman at IDH tested positive for coronavirus

A 43 year-old female Chinese national who arrived in Sri Lanka from Hubei, China has been tested positive for the new coronavirus yesterday making her the first case of positive coronavirus reported in Sri Lanka.

PCoI informs AG to suspend cases against Karannagoda, Dassanayake

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to probe into the alleged political victimization of Public Servants, has advised the Attorney General (AG) to suspend the examination of cases involving former Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda and former Navy Spokesman D.K.P. Dassanayake.

Four suspicious cases of Corona virus reports negative: MRI

Director of the Medical Research Institute Dr Jayaruwan Bandara said that the test reports of four patients admitted to the IDH in Colombo on suspicion of Corona Virus infection, had confirmed negative.

Speaker confirms no phone recordings were submitted by Ranjan

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today confirmed that UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake had not handed over any CDs containing his phone conversations to Parliament. Responding to a question raised by Government MP Nimal Lansa in Parliament, the Speaker said MP Ramanayake had handed over the CDs to the Secretary General of Parliament but had later reversed his

NO CDs given by Ranjan, says Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri today informed Parliament that MP Ranjan Ramanayake had not submitted any CDs containing voice clips as reported in some media.

Forensic Audit on bond scam to be tabled in parliament

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today announced that the Forensic Audit Report on the Central Bank bond cam would be tabled in parliament.

Karu will settle UNP issue this week: Mujibur

Stating that Speaker Karu Jayasuriya would resolve the UNP crisis within this week, a UNP MP today said that prominent members of the party should be prepared to make sacrifices to safeguard the party’s future.

Gazette notice restricts monthly allowance

A gazette notice was issued by Presidential Secretary P.B. Jayasundere restricting to Rs.100,000 the monthly allowance of Chairmen of Corporations and Boards and the provision of only one official vehicle.

No decision to sing the National Anthem only in Sinhala: PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse said yesterday that no decision has been taken to sing the National Anthem only in Sinhala.

Power crisis envisaged: Minister

The Power crisis could aggravate by March as a result of the current use of hydropower at its maximum level, it is learnt.

BASL asks CJ to take action regarding Ranjan’s phone clip controversy

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) called upon Chief Justice to look into the grave situation of several audio clips of MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who had telephoned several individuals including members of the judiciary and take strong remedial steps to arrest situations of this nature taking place again.

Ranjan confused how the copies of CD reached 3rd parties

UNP Member of Parliament Ranjan Ramanayake yesterday said it is questionable as to how the copies of CDs seized from him went into the hands of third parties.

Ranjan’s audio clips rock social media

Several controversial audio clips of former state minister and film actor Ranjan Ramanyake communicating with various persons are now going viral on social media platforms.

Police search Ranjan’s house

A special Police team is currently conducting a search operation at UNP Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayaka’s residence at Madiwela.

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.

Modi greets SL leaders

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended New Year greeting to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, a statement said.

Prez underscores need to form a centralised data platform

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has paid attention to see the possibility of collecting personal data such as national identity cards, driving licences, immigration and emigration documents, registration of births and deaths under one entity.

Move to transfer Rajitha to Prison Hospital suspended

Transfer of former Minister Rajitha Senaratne from Lanka Hospital to the Prisons Hospital has been suspended, sources said.

Rajitha missing: CID

A senior officer attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said yesterday former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, against whom an arrest warrant had been issued over controversial statements made during a ‘white van’ media briefing, had not been present in both of his residences located in Colombo 7 and Beruwala.