Gayantha tipped to be chief opposition whip

Former chief government whip Gayantha Karunatilleke is tipped to be the new chief opposition whip in keeping with the practise adopted by the United National Party (UNP) to appoint the former chief government whip to the post, UNP MP Vajira Abeywardene said today.

Vision test sufficient for LV licenses: Prez

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today instructed the authorities to exempt those applying for Light Vehicle (LV) Licenses from a full medical examination and limit such an examination for applicants of Heavy Vehicle Licenses.

Fmr SPC chairman remanded till Jan 6

Former State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr.Rumy Mohamed, who was absconding over white Van press conference case, was remanded till January 6 by the Colombo Additional Magistrate Chalani Perera

Suspect arrested with Rs.10mn worth heroin

A 24-year-old suspect was arrested with 1kg of heroin which has a street value of Rs.10 million at Settikulam in Vavuniya.

Fmr SPC chairman arrested

Former State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr.Rumy Mohamed, who was absconding over white Van press conference case, has been arrested when he surrendered to the CID this morning, AG’s CO said.

Four airmen killed in head-on collision in Warakapola

Four Air Force personnel were killed when a three-wheeler and a truck collided head-on at Dummaladeniya in Warakapola on the Kandy-Colombo Main Road early this morning.

UNP defends decision

Justifying the decision to provide an official residence to TNA leader R. Sampanthan, UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara said yesterday his party took this line of thinking upholding its policy of standing up against racial discrimination.

CID grills Rishad

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today recorded a statement from former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen for over three hours, sources said.

Swiss Embassy local staffer released on bail

Swiss Embassy local staffer Garnier Banister Francis was released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today.

Rajitha granted bail with two sureties of Rs.500,000 each

MP Rajitha Senaratne who was remanded on the charges of organising a ‘white van’ press conference prior to the presidential election was today granted bail with two sureties of Rs.500,000 each by the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

Garnier produced before court

Swiss embassy local staffer Garnier Banister Francis, who is in the remand custody, was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officers a short while ago.

Rajitha remanded till December 30

MP Rajitha Senaratne was remanded till December 30 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Shalini Perera today. The Additional Magistrate visited the MP who is undergoing treatment at the Lanka Hospitals in Narahenpita.

CID requests Magistrate to remand Rajitha

The CID has requested the Colombo Additional Magistrate a short while ago to remand former Minister Rajitha Senaratne on the basis that given his health condition it was difficult to record a statement from the MP though under arrest.

Magistrate orders to execute arrest warrant on Rajitha

Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today ordered the police to execute the arrest warrant issued on former minister Rajitha Senaratne over the ‘white van’ press conference.

‘White van’ case: Suspects further remanded

Two individuals who were arrested on the charge of making controversial statements on a ‘white van’ incident during a media briefing conducted by former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne were further remanded till January 6 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Three killed, 2 injured in Embilipitiya accident

Three people were killed and two others who were in a lorry were injured when the lorry collided head-on with an SLTB bus near the Sankapala Temple in Embilipitiya this morning, police said.

Hela Bojun stalls to open at every railway station & buffet cars

Hela Bojun Hala stalls would be opened at all railway stations next year to promote traditional foods and to provide better food for commuters, the Railway Services State Minister C. B. Rathnayake said yesterday.

UNP teams up with TNA for common front against oppression

The United National Party (UNP) today teamed up with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to launch a joint struggle against what they called ‘witch-hunt of opposition MPs’.

Rare solar eclipse was visible in 13 districts

Skywatchers in thirteen districts of the country were able to observe yesterday’s annular solar eclipse which is also called the ring of fire, the Arthur C. Clarke Institute said.

CID officials arrive at hospital to record statement from Rajitha

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials arrived at the Lanka Hospital in Narahenpita to record a statement from MP Rajitha Senaratne over the white van news conference.

President inspects DMT Office, instructs officials to streamline services

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today inspected the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Office at Werahera, which was previously known as Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and instructed its officials to streamline the services within a month.

CID, STF officials at Rajitha’s residence

A group of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Special Task Force (STF) personnel inspected former minister Rajitha Senaratne’s residence at Colombo 7 today to arrest him.

Look for Rajitha at MR’s residence: Anura tells CID

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today the CID should search Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence if it was keen to locate former minister Rajitha Senaratne.

Rajitha will appear in court at right time: Champika

Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said yesterday that former Minister Rajitha Senaratne was not absconding but he would appear in court at the right time.

Use scientific method to purchase harvest from next season: Prez

While addressing the first Cabinet Sub Committee on Cost of Living at the Presidential Secretariat, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday instructed the officials to follow a scientific method to purchase harvest from next season.

A rare solar eclipse tomorrow after nine years; Next in 2031

A rare annular solar eclipse will be visible from Sri Lanka tomorrow (26) after nine years, Professor Chandana Jayaratne of the Department of Physics at the Colombo University said.

UNP can form new Govt. if need arises: Wijepala

The United National Party (UNP) will not hesitate to form a new government by showing a majority in Parliament if the present regime continues its political victimisation, MP Wijepala Hettiarachchi said yesterday.

Mahendran has reportedly escaped S’pore: Vasu

State Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said yesterday they had news that former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran had reportedly escaped Singapore and moved to other hideouts.

UNF to meet Speaker on remanding of MP Patali

UNF leaders will meet Speaker Karu Jayasuriya shortly to discuss the steps that should be taken against the remanding of MP Patali Champika Ranwaka, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Heavy rains kill five, affects 7000 people

At least five people were killed and some 7,025 people belonging to 2,062 families in eight districts were affected by the prevailing heavy rains, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said today.