Ruwan leaves PCoI Police Unit after giving statement

Former State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene left the Police Unit attached to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday Attack a short while ago, after giving a statement.

Probe underway into fire at Thondaman’s bungalow in Kotmale

Investigations are underway into the fire that broke out at late Minster Arumugam Thondaman’s Bungalow at Ramboda Vavanton Estate in Kotmale.

Ruwan at PCoI

Former State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene arrived at the Police Unit attached to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, a short while ago.

Five more oil refineries, Sapugaskanda to be redeveloped: Minister

Only 20 per cent of local fuel consumption was refined in the country and therefore five oil refineries would be opened up apart from the plans to refurbishing the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery, New Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said assuming duties at the Ministry this morning.

Heavy traffic due to defunct signal lights

Heavy traffic was reported along several roads in Colombo due to defunct signal lights as a result of islandwide power failure. The CEB said it could take two more hours to restore the power supply.

STF security to be provided for prisons in Colombo

The Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel would be deployed at the entrance of prisons in the Colombo city from next week, the Prisons Department said.

Island-wide power failure

An island-wide power outage was experienced a short while ago due to a failure in the transmission system at the Kerawalapitiya Grid-Substation, The Ceylon Electricity Board said.

Torture of boy while fishing at sea: Boat owner, four others arrested

Five suspects, including the owner of a multi-day trawler, had been arrested in connection with the alleged assault and torture of a 16-year-old boy in the seas off Mirissa, Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratna said.

Suspect arrested with Rs. 200 million worth of drugs

A suspect had been arrested in Ambalangoda with 12 kgs of synthetic drug known as ’Mandy’ yesterday, Police said.

Cabinet structure outlines govt. intentions: SJB

The government has made its intentions clear through the synopsis of its cabinet, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said yesterday.

Will discuss with institutions to identify skills needed for jobs: Minister

The Education Ministry is hoping to discuss with private institutions to identify the skills and abilities needed for job opportunities available in both the government and private sectors, Education Minister Professor G.L. Pieris said.

No restrictions or suppression of media: Keheliya

One of the main priorities of the government would be to consolidate the confidence placed by the people in the media and hence the newly formed SLPP government under no circumstances would put restrictions on the media or suppress it, Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Young couple nabbed with 8,000 packets of heroin in Piliyandala

A couple had been arrested at Pelenwatta in Piliyandala by the Colombo Crimes Division Officers with about 8,000 packets of heroin, the Police said.

Navy seizes over 6000 kgs of turmeric in Chilaw sea

The Navy has taken four people into custody along with a stock of turmeric weighing 6,381kgs on board a trawler in the sea area about 10 nautical miles (18km) off Chilaw yesterday.

TPA decides against national list slot

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) which claimed to be the second-largest Party in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today said it has decided not to request for a national list slot as they wanted, in view to prevent the breakup of the alliance.

Easter Sunday attacks probe: Rishad questioned at CID for 6 hours.

Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today for six hours over the Easter Sunday attacks, Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said.

Appeal Court orders not to arrest Kurunegala Mayor

The Court of Appeal today ordered not to execute the arrest warrants issued against Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeewa and four others until it issues an order regarding the writ petition filed by the Mayor on August 24.

GMOA requests Govt. to probe alleged illegal activities of SLMC chairman

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) today requested the Government to appoint a commission to commence investigations over the illegal activities of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) Chairman Prof. Harendra De Silva.

Drunk driver to be charged with murder

The driver who was arrested over the accident in which a student was killed and eleven others were injured when a double cab ran over them at Aralaganwila had been charged with murder, Police said today.

Four ex-ministers arrive at PCoI on Political Victimization

Former Ministers Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Rajitha Senaratne, Ajith. P. Perera and Ranjan Ramanayake appeared in the PCoI probing incidents of Political Victimization today.

19 arrested at an FB party in Millaniya

An owner of a hotel and 18 others including 5 females were arrested with drugs during a raid on a party organised through Facebook at a hotel in Bellantudawa in Millaniya yesterday.

Cab hits pedestrians: 16-year-old killed & 11 others injured

A 16-year-old student was killed and eleven others were injured when a cab ran over them at Aralaganwila today.

Ven.Gnanasara Thera to enter Parliament from OPPP

The Our Power of People Party (OPPP) has nominated Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera as its National List member of Parliament.

Constitutional changes after much thought: SLPP

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman G.L.Peiris said yesterday when it came to either amending the Constitution in its entirety or changing the 19th Amendment to Constitution, it would only be carried out after much thought and consideration.

Not satisfied with election result: NPP

The National Peoples Power (NPP) said yesterday it was not satisfied with the results of the general election and reiterated that the functions of an opposition was not restricted to Parliament and its reduced representation in Parliament was not a hindrance to achieving its vision and goals.

Heavy showers above 100 mm expected at some places

Heavy showers above 100 mm were expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kaluthara districts, Department of Meteorology said today.

New Parliament should change electoral law to rectify key areas: PAFFREL

New Parliament should be the one that would change electoral law in order to rectify some of the areas which were seen as a problematic, People’s Action for Free and Fair Election ( PAFFREL) said yesterday.

NPP expects strong representation in parliament to fight harmful moves

While expecting a strong representation in parliament, National Peoples’ Power (NPP) said today it would be the main force to stand with the people against harmful and destructive moves which are set to unfold after the August 5 general election.

Overall voter turnout 71%: EC

The overall voter turnout for the General Election 2020 stood at 71 per cent, Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said a short while ago.

Will get 2/3 majority created in parliament if not at polls: PM

SLPP Leader and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that they will make arrangements to get a two thirds majority created in parliament if the party did not receive it at the General Election.