Ranil hopes 2020 polls would be last under PR system

UNP Leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed hopes that today’s general elections would be the last held under the Proportional Representation (PR) system in Sri Lanka.

I’m voting after 9 years: Mahinda Deshapriya

It is after nine years that I voted today at the General Election, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said when he arrived at the Lindsay BalikaVidyalaya in Bambalapitiya to cast his vote.

Voter arrested for photographing his ballot paper

A voter, who had allegedly taken a photo of his marked ballot paper using his mobile phone had been arrested in Nawalapitiya, the Police said.

Election peaceful so far: PAFFREL

No major incidents of violence have been reported in relation to the ongoing General Election thus far, People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said.

Beirut blast: Explosion rocks city ahead of Hariri verdict

A large blast has hit the Lebanese capital, Beirut, ahead of the verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-PM Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Police allowed to use weapons if need arises

Police personnel have been allowed to use their firearms during the election period should the need arise such as a tense situation, Police Media Division Director SSP Jaliya Senaratne told a media briefing today.

Don’t fear, polling stations are safe: Health authorities

Health authorities today asked voters not to be frightened about coming to the polling stations and said the applying of ink on the fingers would be carried out in a safe manner.

Anuruddha Sampayo re-remanded till Aug. 18

Superintendent of the Negombo Prison Anuruddha Sampayo, who was taken into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) custody was ordered to be further remanded till August 18 by Negombo Acting Magistrate K.G. Gunadasa.

13 PNB officers further remanded

The 13 Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) officers who were arrested for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking have been further remanded until August 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Two arrested for attempting to buy polling cards at Rs. 5,000 in Beruwala

Two persons had been arrested by the Beruwala Police for attempting to buy polling cards in Beruwala, Police said.

Two female apparel workers killed in head-on collision

Two women were killed when a van and a bus transporting apparel workers collided head-on at Aparekka in Thihagoda this morning.

Weapons assigned to Police officers on duty not to brush teeth:EC

Election Commission’s Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said yesterday the police officers on duty had been assigned weapons to be used if necessary.

Anuruddha Sampayo remanded till tomorrow

Former Negombo Prison Superintendent Anuruddha Sampayo, who was taken into the CID custody yesterday, was remanded till tomorrow by Negombo Acting Magistrate K.G Gunadasa today.

Ranil - Sajith rift nothing but a drama: Gammanpila

The apparent division between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) or Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa is nothing but a drama to hoodwink voters, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila said today.

Expulsion won’t make any difference: SJB candidate

The expulsion of UNPers who are contesting under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will not make any difference as everyone who were expelled have already joined the new political alliance, SJB Kurunegala District candidate J. C . Alawathuwala said today.

Drug carrier eagle used by Angoda Lokka found

Two individuals were arrested during a raid in Meegoda along with an eagle suspected to have been used for drug trafficking operations by underworld figure’ Angoda Lokka’.

PCR testing capacity to be increased from August 1

While stating that over 40, 000 Individuals have been subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in the country so far, Chief Epidemiologist of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said the PCR capacity in Sri Lanka would be scaled up further and the number of tests performed would be increased from August 1.

Will make mandatory to present to parliament before signing: PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said a new government will introduce laws making it mandatory to present agreements with regard to state properties in parliament before signing them.

Police say drivers involved in fatal accidents to be charged with murder

Cases would be filed against the drivers who cause fatal accidents due to negligence and reckless driving under murder charges in future, the Police said today.

UNP to expel more members: Ravi K

UNP will expel more members from the party who had joined Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) by Friday, July 31, its Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanayake said today.

Consider politicians past and present when voting: GMOA

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today requested the people to consider the past and present environment of the politicians along with the election promises that they make aiming the election.

Easter Sunday attacks probe: CID’s earlier report on Rishard not valid

There is no validity in the report obtained from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 20 last year, where it was said Rishad Bathiudeen was not a suspect of Easter Sunday bombings and thus no probe should be carried out against him, Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said today.

UNP expels 54 members contesting under SJB

The United National Party (UNP) Working Committee today decided to expel 54 members who obtained the nominations from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to contest the 2020 General Elections.

Throwing parcels into Welikada prison: Main suspect arrested in Borella

The main suspect in the case of throwing parcels containing contraband into the Welikada Magazine Prison has been arrested today.

Three killed in accident in Peradeniya

Three persons were killed and three others were injured in an accident involving a motorcycle and a three-wheeler in Karamada, Peradeniya.

Gangster arrested with T-56 automatic assault rifle in Wellawa

A gangster who was suspected to have aided criminals in hiring weapons, was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) during a raid in Nikadalupotha, Wellawa. A T-56 automatic assault rifle was also taken into custody.

Use your vote to safeguard your future: Ranil

People will have to think and decide as to who will safeguard their future on August 5 when they go to vote, former Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

PM confident of two-thirds majority at polls for SLPP

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today expressed confidence that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) would be able to secure a two-thirds majority at the upcoming general elections, solidifying the presidential election victory of the party.

Two hotline numbers to inform on drug rackets and other crimes

Two special hot-line numbers 1917 and 1997 have been introduced by the Sri Lanka Police to provide information on crimes and toxic narcotics, Police Spokesman Jaliya Senaratna said.

Remanded child abuse teacher is TV reality show set designer

The suspect arrested on charges of sexually abusing underage boys had been identified as a set designer for a children’s reality show on television in addition to being an English teacher.