Russian tests positive for Covid-19 in Matara

A 57-year-old Russian staying in a tourist hotel in Polhena, Matara tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday, Health Authorities said.

Maithri’s Private Secretary, three Auxiliary Bishops warned on media statements

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks today warned former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Private Secretary Sameera De Silva, and three Auxiliary Bishops to not to issue press statements in future obstructing Commission’s proceedings.

Underworld figure 'Ratmalane Roha' shot dead

A leading underworld figure Devmuni Rohana de Silva alias ‘Ratmalane Roha’ has been shot dead during a shootout with the police, in the Kochchikade area, Negombo, in the early hours today, police said.

Prez makes sudden inspection visit to Narahenpita NHDA Office

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made a sudden inspection visit to the National Housing Development Authority Office in Narahenpita following a complaint by a client, President’s Media Division said.

Easter attacks: Keheliya arrives at PCoI

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Police Unit of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks a short while ago to give a statement, police said.

Another change to bus lane from today

Bus priority lane would be restricted to passenger transport buses, and office and school transport buses and vans from today, police said.

Don’t legalise cannabis: Religious leaders

Buddhist prelates, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and medical officers joined hands with the Sri Lanka Temperance Association today to protest against the move to legalise cannabis.

Easter Sunday attack; Probe will mete out justice to those killed: Cardinal

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said today the presidential commission of inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks would mete out justice to those who were killed that day.

15 arrested in three brothels in Thalawathugoda

Twelve women and three men were arrested during raids carried out on three brothels which were being operated under the guise of massage parlours in the Thalawathugoda area.

Tense situation in Parliament

A tense situation arose in Parliament after the government tabled the draft of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution a short while ago.

Kalu Thushara’s accomplice arrested with heroin

An accomplice of underworld figure ’Kalu Thushara’ had been arrested with 53 grams of heroin at Wellampitiya yesterday.

Maithri at PCoI to witness proceedings

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has arrived at the PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks to witness the proceedings of the commission.

Big crowds at CIBF 2020, strict measures in place

Volumes of people have gathered at the Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) despite concerns over the spread of COVID-19, according to organizers.

Barrel Ranji arrested in Grandpass

Mohamed Farook alias ’’Barrel Ranji’’ has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division in Grandpass today.

Will not increase prices of rice for any reason: Minister Bandula

Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane yesterday assured that prices of rice in the market will not be increased for any reason.

Sivajilingam released on bail

Former MP and Northern Provincial Council member M.K. Sivajilingam, who was detained by the Kopai Police for commemorating an LTTE leader, was released on bail by the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court today.

Rs. 2,000 fine for lane law violators from tomorrow

Law will be strictly enforced against drivers and motorcyclists who were violating the lane rules from today, Police said.

Accident in Avissawella leaves three dead

Three people were killed when a lorry and a three-wheeler collided in Diurumpitiya Avissawella early this morning, Police said.

Slipway to be set up in Beruwala to launch large scale vessels

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given the approval to set up a slipway in Beruwala to launch large scale vessels, the President’s Media Division said.

UNP ready to work with SJB in Parliament: Ruwan

Newly appointed United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said today he was prepared to work with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) when it came to the activities in the opposition.

No crude oil leakage from Oil Tanker: Govt. Analyst

The Government Analyst’s Department has confirmed that there was no leakage of crude oil from the MT New Diamond Oil Tanker which caught fire off Sangamankanda Point recently, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura said today.

Committee studying 20A hands over report to PM

The report of the Committee appointed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to study the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, was handed over to the Prime Minister today.

Motorcycles, three-wheelers entering Colombo requested to use bus lane

Police today requested all motorcyclists and three-wheelers entering Colombo City to use only the left lane or the Bus Priority Lane tomorrow.

Sivajilingam detained for questioning

Former MP and Northern Provincial Council member M.K. Sivajilingam was detained by the Kopai Police to record a statement, Police said.

Rishad, Kiriella arrive at Police Unit of PCoI on Easter Sunday attacks

Former Ministers Rishad Bathiudeen and Lakshman Kiriella arrived at the Police Unit attached to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks to give a statement this morning.

SJB urges Govt. to withdraw the gazetted 20A

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today urged the government to withdraw the gazetted 20th Amendment to the Constitution as it had already created issues within the government itself and to bring in a new legislation to rectify the technical issues in the 19th Amendment

Demerit Points System for driving licenses soon: State Minister

The Transport Ministry is to introduce the driving licence including the Driver Improvement Points which was known as Drivers’ Demerit Points System in the future, State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama said

Ruwan Wijewardene elected Deputy Leader of UNP

Former State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene was elected Deputy Leader at a secret ballot today.

Kidneys that whisper death

A flute version of Beethoven’s ‘Für Elise’ was echoing from a distance, indicating the hour of the choon paan vehicle. The young and the old alike had arrived at the roadside to purchase an evening snack. Harmonising the background noise was the chatter of few women walking back home from an evening bath. We were in Galenbindunuwew

Goods Receiving Officer at Parliament supply unit remanded over bribe

The Goods Receiving Officer at the Parliament Supply and Service unit, who was arrested yesterday by the Bribery Commission officials at Kaduwela while soliciting a bribe of Rs.60,000 from a food supplier, was remanded till September 18.