Trump announces ’powerful’ sanctions but not military retaliation after Iran missile strikes

President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday morning from the White House. de-escalating a crisis with Iran following its missile strikes overnight on two bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed.

Tuk Tuk driver behind leaking Ranjan’s CDs?

Revealing as to how the controversial audio recordings of former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayaka leaked into the social media and to the Press that triggered a huge debate in the country, State Minister of Power, Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that it was a work of a three-wheeler driver.

UNP urges PSC to probe Ranjan’s phone recordings

The UNP today called for the setting up of Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to probe the phone conversations of MP Ranjan Ramanayake and the whole episode pertaining to the MP.

'No survivors' after Ukrainian airliner crashes near Tehran

A Ukrainian airliner with 176 passengers and crew on board has crashed near Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport in Iran early on Wednesday.

Govt. MPs to urge Prez to carry out probe

Government members are expected to request President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to probe the exposures from the audio recording among former state minister Ranjana Ramanayaka, a CID officer and a High Court Judge, State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said yesterday.

Review cases involving Shani and Judge Ranawaka: Udaya

Cases investigated by former CID director SSP Shani Abeysekera and court orders given by High Court Judge Padmini Ranawaka should be reviewed by the Chief Magistrate to ensure justice is done, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila said today.

15 injured in head-on collision at Pothuhera

At least 15 passengers were hospitalised after the bus they were travelling in collided head on with a bowser at Malpitiya in Pothuhera this afternoon, police said.

Sarana granted bail

Former MP Sarana Gunawaradene, who was sentenced to three years in prison this morning, has been granted bail by the Colombo High Court soon after the Magistrate’s ruling.

Champika’s driver granted bail defying DSG’s objections

MP Patali Champika Ranawaka’s former driver Thusitha Dilum Kumara was yesterday released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate with two sureties of Rs.250,000 each.

Many feared dead as SLTB bus falls down a precipice

At least nine people had been reportedly killed and many others injured when an SLTB bus fell down a precipice at the 6th Mile Post on the Passara-Madolsima Road this evening, the Police said.

‘White van’ incident: Suspects released on bail

The three suspects including former State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr.Rumy Mohamed, who were remanded over the ‘white van’ incident, were released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Lanka Jayaratne today.

Pujith, Hemasiri further remanded

Former IGP Pujith Jayasundera and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando were further remanded until January 20 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today.

Protest by Baticaloa Prison inmates

Twenty eight prison inmates of Batticaloa Prison climbed onto the roof of the prison and began a protest yesterday afternoon demanding a probe over the mysterious death of an inmate.

Ranjan released on bail

UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who was arrested yesterday, has been granted bail by the Nugegoda Magistrate Court this evening.

Ranjan to be produced in court today

UNP Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake who was arrested by the Colombo (South) Crimes Division yesterday, would be produced in the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court today after recording a statement, Police said.

Ranjan Ramanayaka arrested

UNP Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake has been arrested by the police over possession of a pistol without a valid license.

Assault on teenager with cricket bat; three remanded

Three suspects-father, step mother and a female Grama Niladhari- who were arrested for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old girl(suspect’s daughter) in Nikaweratiya, were remanded until January 16, by the Nikaweratiya Magistrate Court today.

Eight parliament records three opposition leaders

Sri Lanka’s eighth Parliament went down in the history yesterday by becoming the first to have appointed three leaders of opposition throughout its term.

Cabinet approval to withdraw Counter-Terrorism Bill

The Cabinet yesterday approved the withdrawal the Counter-Terrorism Bill, Cabinet spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardana said yesterday.

CB bond scam - Opposition urges Speaker to table forensic audit

The Opposition today urged Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to table the reports of the forensic audit on the Central Bank bond scam without delay.

Aircraft crash: Govt. to launch in-depth probe

State Minister Defense, Chamal Rajapaksa said today an in-depth investigation would be carried out into the crash of the Sri Lanka Air Force Y-12 aircraft at Haputale and that he would present a report in Parliament soon.

I stand for the Kurahan Satakaya philosophy: Prez

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today he stood for the philosophy symbolised by the Kurahan Satakaya (maroon shawl) though he did not wear it as his other family members did.

MP who fills Ranjith Soysa’s seat sits in opposition

Priyantha Liyanage, who was sworn in as new MP for Ratnapura District before Speaker Karu Jayasuriya sat in the opposition in Parliament today.

Speaker announces Sajith as Opposition Leader

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today announced UNP MP Sajith Premadasa as the Opposition Leader. In early December, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe nominated MP Premadasa as the Opposition Leader of Parliament.

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.

UNF decides to support the Government

UNF Parliamentary Group which met yesterday had decided to support the progressive steps that are taken by the government for the betterment of the country.

Veggies, dry rations at concessionary rates at train stations: State Minister

Railway Services State Minister C. B. Ratnayake yesterday launched the programme for providing a bag of vegetables and a bag of dry rations at a concessionary rate of Rs.500 each at the Maradana Railway Station to ease the commuters.

Two thirds majority to seal presidential poll victory deal: SLPP

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today said its new year resolution and ambition is to win the general election with a two thirds majority to fully capitalize on the presidential election victory.

Rajitha still in hospital

Former minister Rajitha Senaratne was still receiving medical treatment at the Lanka Hospitals by yesterday afternoon even after he was released on bail.

Strict action against public officers involved in corruption: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said the inefficiency in the state sector should come to an end during the tenure of the present government and asserted that strict action will be taken against public officers found guilty of misconduct including corruption and bribery.