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( Updated 2010-10-06 14:03:40 )
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CID raids city bank, seizes Kotelawala ‘s security safe
( Updated 2010-09-27 21:41:24 )
The Criminal Investigation Department seized a security safe at a Colombo bank with valuables worth over Rs 60 million belonging to former Ceylinco chief Lalith Kotelawala on Monday afternoon. More

Trial-at-bar on white flag re-fixed for tormorrow, Fonseka indisposed
( Updated 2010-09-27 12:15:58 )
The trial-at-bar over the controversial ‘white flag’ issue was re-fixed for tomorrow as the former army commander Sarath Fonseka was indisposed.More

Controversial ‘White Flag’ case opens at Colombo High Court
( Updated 2010-09-27 10:36:55 )
The inquiry into the controversial ‘white flag’ issue where Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, according to former army commander Sarath Fonseka, is alleged to have said that even rebels surrendering should not be spared, will be taken up in the Colombo High Court on Monday morningMore

Monk launches protst in Batti, over remarks by Basil
( Updated 2010-09-27 07:19:44 )
The chief incumbent of Mangalaramaya, Batticaloa has launched a hunger strike in protest of remarks made by Economic Affairs Minister Basil Rajapaksa against him.More

Indian national arrested in uppuveli, Trinco
( Updated 2010-09-27 06:57:14 )
An Indian national was arrested in Uppuveli, Tricomalee without a valid visa, Police said.More

Police offer Rs 2.5 million reward for info on Rs 70 m robbery
( Updated 2010-09-26 17:41:08 )
Police has offered a Rs. 2.5 million reward for any person providing information leading to the arrest of persons responsible for the Rs. 70 million robbery at Wanawasala, Peliyagoda, spokesman SSP Prashantha Jayakody said.More

Prison Protest in Trinco controlled
( Updated 2010-09-26 13:35:30 )
The situation in the Trincomalee prisons where inmates set fire to their bed sheets and pillows in protest of a raid carried out by the authorities today has been controlled, police said. More

Three policemen hospitalized after raid
( Updated 2010-09-25 23:12:16 )
At least three policemen were hospitalized after they were attacked by a mob during a raid on illegal sand miners at Medagama in the Bibile administrative division earlier today. More

Missions get ready for Saudi amnesty rush
( Updated 2010-09-25 21:17:25 )
By Leon Berenger

The Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia are gearing up to face a flood of expatriate workers seeking emergency travel documents to get back home after the authorities in the kingdom offered a six-month amnesty period for all foreigners staying illegally in that country to leave, a senior official said yesterday. More

US to hear Lanka labour violations
( Updated 2010-09-25 18:47:35 )
The US State Department will begin a public hearing on alleged violations of labour rights in Sri Lanka in Washington on Tuesday, a leading trade union official said today. More

Thunder showers on the way
( Updated 2010-09-25 14:03:30 )
Thunder showers are poised to hit the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces later tonight or during the early hours of Sunday and rains will also spread to the districts of Galle and Matara during the same period, an official with the Meteorology Department said a short while ago. More

More Lankans use Lebanon amnesty
( Updated 2010-09-25 11:54:21 )
Some 101 Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Lebanon are due to arrive in the country today taking advantage of an amnesty granted to all foreigners who are staying illegally in that country, a senior official with the Bureau of Foreign Employment (FEB) said today. More

Man held for alleged rape of his daughter
( Updated 2010-09-25 11:16:40 )
A middle-aged man was taken into custody in connection with the alleged rape of his 13-year-old daughter at Mukulanhena in the Bingiriya divisional area, police said today. More

Three policemen from Mirihana remanded
( Updated 2010-09-25 09:58:43 )
Three policemen of the Mirihana Police station were remanded after they had taken a threewheeler of the Police and gone on a private visit and the vehicle was stolen. More

Sri Lanka to receive another IMF tranche
( Updated 2010-09-24 22:28:02 )
Sri Lanka will receive another $210 million under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) on Monday after IMF Executive Board approval of the latest disbursement. More

President calls on UN Secretary General
( Updated 2010-09-24 21:20:35 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa called on UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon a short while back. More

Hunt on for hit and run ‘killer’ driver
( Updated 2010-09-24 21:07:58 )
Police were today hunting for a hit and run truck driver after he crashed on to a motor cycle killing one person on the spot and seriously injuring another. More

Couple who defrauded millions on land deals arrested
( Updated 2010-09-24 19:18:10 )
By Sumanasiri Gunatillake
A couple and their secretary who swindled more than Rs. six million in the Chilaw and Kuliyapitiya areas was arrested in Monaragala a shor while back, Police said. More

More Lankans leave for foreign jobs
( Updated 2010-09-24 19:07:47 )
There has been a 15 per cent increase in Sri Lankan migrant workers during the first half of the year when compared with the same period of 2009, a senior official with the Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLFEB) said today. More

Release of seafarers further delayed
( Updated 2010-09-24 18:54:45 )
The expected early release of the 13 Sri Lankan seafarers who are currently being held captive by Somali pirates at the end of the just concluded Ramadan season has been further put on hold as the Saudi authorities continue to block the ransom payment agreed upon by the ship owner. More

U.S. Education Fair in Colombo on Monday
( Updated 2010-09-24 17:21:31 )
With the support of the United States Embassy, the Linden U.S. University Fair will take place Monday, September 27, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Taj Sumudra. More

SF prevented from entering Parliament again
( Updated 2010-09-24 15:23:47 )
DNA Leader MP Sarath Fonseka was not allowed to come to Parliament for the second consecutive time today. More

More evidence emerges on Rs. 70 million robbery
( Updated 2010-09-24 12:51:47 )
The Vehicle from which Rs. 70 million was robbed in the early hours today morning was found in the Wanawasala area, Peliyagoda as investigations were handed over to the Colombo Crime Division. More

Conspiracy charges against four in Fonseka's case dropped
( Updated 2010-09-24 12:13:52 )
Charges agaisnt four persons who were charged along with former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka for conspiracy agaisnt the government have been dropped, the Attorney General informed court today. More

Gang gets away with Rs 70 million from vehicle at Peliyagoda
( Updated 2010-09-24 09:51:55 )
Unidentified gunmen got away with Rs 70 million at Wanawasla, Peliyagoda when the money was being taken by a private company to another private bank. More

Unknown Lankan Naval personnel charged with assaulting Indian fishermen
( Updated 2010-09-24 07:39:19 )
Tamil Nadu Police have registered a case against 'unknown' Sri Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly assaulting Indian fishermen and robbing them of their fish catch in mid sea. More

President promises at UN to lift major part of Emergency Regulations
( Updated 2010-09-23 22:42:56 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the UN General Assembly at its Headquarters in New York today said that he plans to repeal a good part of the remainder of the Emergency Regulations in the coming months. More

Emergency passed in Parliament
( Updated 2010-09-23 19:49:48 )
The state of emergency was extended in Parliament with 112 votes for and 20 against. More

Mervyn blames Fonseka for Lasantha's assassination
( Updated 2010-09-23 18:29:20 )
Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva told Parliament today that he had evidence to prove that former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka was behind the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga. More

CEB launches programme to stop tapping electricity
( Updated 2010-09-23 18:22:19 )
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) which has launched a programme to prevent electricity piracy detected 224 cases in two days in Baticaloa and collected fines and losses to the Board amounting to nearly Rs four million. More

Ranil says military court infringed on MPs privileges
( Updated 2010-09-23 17:11:11 )
The military court that sentenced DNA Parliamentarian Sarath Fonseka lat week had acted in violation of the constitution as well as infringed on the parliamentary privileges of MPs, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today. More

UNP gives way to Govt.
( Updated 2010-09-23 15:11:56 )
The move by UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya to present a private member’s Bill to provide for freedom of access to official information was thwarted in Parliament today after the government side forced him to withdraw the Bill. More

Two killed in train accident in Hunupitiya
( Updated 2010-09-23 14:55:46 )
Two teens, a brother and sister were knocked down by the Colombo bound Batticaloa night mail train at Hunupitiya, Wattala today morning, Railway Controller Nihal Fernandez told Timesonline. More

Fonseka not allowed to parliament: UNP and DNA says
( Updated 2010-09-23 14:40:26 )
UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekara today raised a privilege issue in Parliament over the failure to allow DNA MP Sarath Fonseka to come to Parliament. More

Environmental Police records 4212 cases in September
( Updated 2010-09-23 14:13:50 )
The Environmental Police Unit has filed 4212 cases against environment polluters in Colombo this month, Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya said. More

10 injured in bus collision
( Updated 2010-09-23 13:02:03 )
Ten persons were injured when two buses collided in Uhana, Ampara this afternoon. More

Teacher succumbs to gun shot injuries, gunman commits suicide
( Updated 2010-09-23 09:34:38 )
A young man shot a female teacher attached to the Siyambalanduwa Maha Vidyalaya and later shot himself inside the school grounds this morning, Police said. More

Sri Lanka’s low-cost labour attractive than China: President
( Updated 2010-09-23 09:15:51 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Wednesday that rising labour costs in China present an opportunity for his South Asian country to attract foreign companies seeking an alternative low-cost manufacturing base. More

Sri Lanka has incorporated Millennium Dev Goals in budget: President
( Updated 2010-09-23 08:54:32 )
Sri Lanka has incorporated Millennium Development Goals key performance indicators in our national budget policies, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. More

Tamils protest in New York
( Updated 2010-09-23 08:17:56 )
Bus loads of Tamils arrived in New York to stage a demonstration against the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly sessions yesterday. More

Madras High Court calls for report on Minister Devananda
( Updated 2010-09-23 07:42:48 )
CHENNAI: More than 16 years after a trial court here declared Douglas Devananda, who is a Minister in Sri Lanka now, as proclaimed offender and an absconding accused, the Madras High Court has called for a report from the trial court on the case against him. More

Police arrest 14 year old for sexually abusing girl
( Updated 2010-09-22 21:43:57 )
A 14 year old boy has been arrested and remanded for sexually abusing a six year old girl in the Maturata area, Police said. More

President calls for UN support to rehabilitate ex-child soldiers
( Updated 2010-09-22 16:17:51 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has called the UN and other related organizations to back up government programmes in rehabilitating ex-child soldiers. More

Rajapaksa second speaker at today's UN General Assembly sessions
( Updated 2010-09-22 14:41:49 )
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the second speaker from a total of 30 heads of state or government or senior ministers billed to speak at the United Nation’s 65th General Assembly sessions due to open later today, according to the official journal of the UN. More

Year Five Scholarship exam results out
( Updated 2010-09-22 14:27:26 )
Year Five Scholarship examination results have been released with a student from Dharmapala Pannipitiya topping the list, an Examination Department official said. More

Motorcyclist killed in accident
( Updated 2010-09-22 09:21:34 )
A private bus driver riding a motorcycle was killed in Palavai last night when his bike collided with another motorcyclist, Police said. More

Fitch Ratings assigns ‘Positive Outlook’ to Sri Lanka
( Updated 2010-09-21 18:56:56 )
Fitch Ratings on Tuesday affirmed Sri Lanka's long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'B+', and simultaneously revised the Outlook to ‘Positive from Stable’. More

Chopped to death by her in-laws
( Updated 2010-09-21 16:41:16 )
An elderly couple was taken into custody for allegedly hacking their daughter-in-law to death at Kandayaya in the Puttalam police area yesterday. More

Asylum-seekers end Sydney rooftop plunge threat
( Updated 2010-09-21 16:32:00 )
SYDNEY — A group of eight asylum-seekers staging a protest on top of a Sydney detention building on Tuesday have ended their 29-hour standoff with authorities, the immigration department said. More

Two held in botched up robbery bid
( Updated 2010-09-21 16:22:48 )
Two persons were taken into custody along with a fire arm and an explosive following a botched up armed robbery and a dramatic street chase in the Panadura-Moratuwa area yesterday morning, police said today. More

Lankan asylum-seekers in Sydney threaten mass-leap from roof
( Updated 2010-09-21 13:54:10 )
A group of protesting asylum-seekers including Sri Lankans Tuesday threatened to leap from the roof of a Sydney detention centre where a Fijian man plunged to his death a day earlier, AFP reported. More

JVP questions allocation of funds for Provincial PSC
( Updated 2010-09-21 13:23:15 )
The JVP today questioned the allocation of Rs. 27 million for the Provincial Public Service Commission in the Western Province, despite the government abolishing the Commission by implementing the 18th Amendment to the constitution. More

Rs. 140 million spent on President's U.S. visit
( Updated 2010-09-21 12:18:20 )
Around Rs.140 million has been spent on accommodating the delegation which accompanied President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his participation at the 65th UN summit held in the U.S, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said. More

Vakarai ASP and nine others arrested for treasure hunting
( Updated 2010-09-21 11:25:38 )
The Vakarai ASP along with seven other policemen and two civilians were arrested by the Polonnaruwa police for allegedly treasure hunting in a temple at Vakarai. More

Four killed, seven injured in accident in Anamaduwa
( Updated 2010-09-21 08:46:16 )
Four persons were killed and seven others were injured when a private bus ran off the road in Anamaduwa at 3.45 am. today, Police said. More

Puttalam High Court judge criticises ruling by Addl Magistrate
( Updated 2010-09-20 19:32:18 )
Puttalam High Court Judge Arafath Thaseem today took strong objection to the remanding of a schoolboy along with other criminals at the Negombo jail. More

Father and son who swindled 39 persons arrested in Kandy
( Updated 2010-09-20 18:44:11 )
A father and son who swindled more than 39 persons collecting over Rs. 22 million to offer foreign jobs including in UK have been arrested by the Fraud Bureau from Aniwatta, Kandy. More

Man remanded for circulating nude pictures of ex-fiancee
( Updated 2010-09-20 17:59:14 )
A man who uploaded nude pictures of his former fiancée was remanded until next month after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate Rashmi Singappuli today. More

Qantas passengers sue Airbus over terrifying plunge, Lankans were on the flight
( Updated 2010-09-20 15:40:04 )
A multi-million dollar case is being launched by a group of Qantas passengers against Airbus and a component-maker over a terrifying mid-air plunge in 2008 which left scores injured, a lawyer said Monday, an AFP report from Sydney said. More

Police told mother ‘this is the last time you will see him’, before shooting: Lawyer
( Updated 2010-09-20 15:21:40 )
The counsel watching the interest of the wife of a suspect who was shot dead in Police custody in Embilipitiya told the Magistrate that hours before the death the police had told the family ‘this is the last time you would be seeing him’. More

Lankan setenced in Australia for helping to smuggle asylum seekers
( Updated 2010-09-20 12:48:22 )
An Australian court sentenced a Sri Lanka-born refugee to more than five years in prison Monday for helping to smuggle nearly 200 asylum seekers to Australia in a leaky boat, AFP reported. More

Sakvithi and wife further remanded
( Updated 2010-09-20 12:25:39 )
The alleged fraudster Sakvithi Ranasinghe and his wife along with two others were today further remanded by Gangodawila Chief Magistrate Aruna Kumara Herath. More

Probe COPE allegations, before Hicorp: JVP
( Updated 2010-09-20 12:16:42 )
The JVP today accused the government for failing to investigate frauds reported in the COPE report, but have levelled false allegations against DNA MP Sarath Fonseka on the HiCorp and found him guilty. More

Seven killed, over 35 injured in Sunday's accidents
( Updated 2010-09-20 10:44:16 )
At least seven persons were killed and more than 35 persons were injured in five separate road accidents on Sunday, Police said. More

Over 500 before Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission in Kilinochchi
( Updated 2010-09-19 21:55:46 )
More than 500 civilians living in the north testified over the weekend before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission which is having its sittings for the first time in the former LTTE areas. More

Compensation on behalf of child victim in Beruwala
( Updated 2010-09-19 19:30:48 )
The government is moving to pay compensation to the parents of the seven year old child who was killed in an accidental police firing in Beruwala last week, a senior government official in the area said. More

Four among 500 Lankan iillegal immigrants released
( Updated 2010-09-19 19:25:25 )
A federal court in Canada ordered the release of four women from among about 500 Sri Lankan Tamil migrants who sought refugee status after making a sensational arrival in the West coast of Canada on board a run- down cargo ship on August 13, media reports said. More

BBC says it's blocked from covering LLRC hearings in north
( Updated 2010-09-18 18:51:37 )
The BBC says it has been blocked from covering public hearings being conducted by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in the formerly LTTE held territory of Kilinochchi. More

( Updated 2010-09-18 18:30:24 )
Investigations into the Karadiyanaru blast have ruled out the involvement of any terrorist activity in the incident and confirmed it was an accidental explosion. More

President orders probe into blast
( Updated 2010-09-18 10:18:43 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered a full investigation into the explosion that occurred at Karadiyanaru which killed 25 people and injured nearly 50 others on Friday afternoon. More

Appeal to be filed over sentencing Fonseka
( Updated 2010-09-17 17:46:11 )
The Democratic National Alliance said they hope to appeal over the sentencing of Sarath Fonseka by the Court Martial. More

Second Court Martial sentences Fonseka
( Updated 2010-09-17 16:32:52 )
The second court marital hearing against former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka has recommended that he be sentenced to a prison term not exceeding three years a short while ago. More

Twenty seven bodies recovered at explosion site
( Updated 2010-09-17 15:59:56 )
At least 27 bodies of those killed in the blast at Karadiyanaru, Batticaloa have been recovered so far, Military spokesman Maj Gen Udaya Madawala said. More

Over 62 killed, more than 100 injured in Karyadiyanaru blast
( Updated 2010-09-17 12:28:58 )
At least 60 persons mostly policemen were killed and over 100 persons including cviilain workers were injured when a stock of dynamite stored adjoining the police station in Karadiyanaru went off today afteroon. More

LLRC member Prof.Jiffry passes away
( Updated 2010-09-17 12:10:51 )
A member of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation’ Commission Professor M.T.M. Jiffry passed away early this morning after a brief illness. More

Verdict on second court martial on Fonseka due today: Army
( Updated 2010-09-17 11:39:11 )
The second court martial against Sarath Fonseka is likely to be delivered today, military spokesman Major Gen Udaya Medawala said. More

Human rights group slams Lebanese judiciary over domestic worker rights
( Updated 2010-09-16 18:22:56 )
Beirut, September 16 -- Lebanon's judiciary is generally failing to hold employers accountable when they violate the basic rights of migrant domestic workers including those from Sri Lanka, US-based Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Thursday. More

Hide & seek game leads to child's death
( Updated 2010-09-16 18:15:34 )
A nine year old boy who climbed a tree while playing hide and seek with his friends was killed in the Hettipola area when he fell off it while attempting to come down. More

Saudi yet to respond on maid torture issue
( Updated 2010-09-16 16:32:14 )
The Government is optimistic that the Saudi authorities would soon respond to the protest note sent by Colombo over the alleged torture of a Sri Lankan house maid by her Arab employer in Riyadh, a senior official said today. More

Around 25,000 IDPs still in camps
( Updated 2010-09-16 14:08:43 )
Less than ten per cent of the total number of IDPs are to be resettled in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi. More

Mini human smuggling ring busted
( Updated 2010-09-16 13:30:46 )
A mini human smuggling racket was uncovered today following the arrest of two women along with some 77 passports, police said a short while ago. More

Govt. defends detention of the Economist magazine
( Updated 2010-09-16 13:12:23 )
Defending the detention of the UK-based the Economist magazine, Government Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said that the magazine was not withheld purposely by the state but such instances would occur if the materials may cause a threat to the country’s national security and sovereignty. More

14-year-old in midnight rape horror
( Updated 2010-09-16 12:53:19 )
One person was taken into custody for allegedly sexually molesting an under-aged girl at Aralagamwilla in the Polonnaruwa district, police said today. More

TNA rejects move to name its MPs to Parliamentary Council
( Updated 2010-09-16 12:35:59 )
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has refused to appoint one of its members to the Parliamentary Council constituted under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution on the grounds that they have already rejected the Bill. More

SP moved out in shooting incident
( Updated 2010-09-16 10:59:06 )
The Police Superintendent (SP) for the Nugegoda Division Deshabandu Tennakoon has been moved out with immediate effect to Colombo Head Quarters following the shooting incident on Wednesday that killed an eight-year-old girl. More

Lawyer in Matara remanded for assault of officials
( Updated 2010-09-15 17:42:26 )
A lawyer who allegedly assaulted a team of government officials in Matara while they were on their way to investigate into a complaint by UPFA MP, Sanath Jayasuiriya over illegal constructions in the area was remanded. More

Police and cattle thieves exchange fire, child killed
( Updated 2010-09-15 17:37:56 )
An eight year old child was killed after being caught in a cross-fire between a group of policemen and cattle-thieves in the Beruwala area today evening. More

President off to NY
( Updated 2010-09-15 17:27:53 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa left for New York this afternoon to attend the United Nations General Assembly. More

Iron post climber remanded
( Updated 2010-09-15 13:29:35 )
The man who climbed an iron post in Colombo Mahesh Asanka has been remanded till September 29 by the Colombo chief Magistrate Rashmi Singappuli.More

Iron post climber sent to psychiatrist
( Updated 2010-09-15 11:13:03 )
The man who climbed an iron post at Horton Place and remained on it for more than 15 hours has been referred to a psychiatrist for evaluation, Police said. More

President acts on Lessons Learnt Commission report
( Updated 2010-09-14 23:41:44 )
Immediate administrative measures to ease the lives of resettled Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and all people living in the former conflict ridden areas have been suggested by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in an Interim Communication to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President's office said today. More

Fire brigade removes protesting man
( Updated 2010-09-14 21:35:14 )
A man who was on a protest on top of a post demanding that President visits him to resolve his grievances was removed by the fire brigade a short while back, our reporter on the scene said. More

667 former child combatants released: AG
( Updated 2010-09-14 17:33:31 )
A total of 667 former child combatants who underwent rehabilitation since May 2009 have been released and reunited with their parents and families, Attorney-General Mohan Peiris P.C. said. More

Summons issued on Eastern province Chief Minister
( Updated 2010-09-14 15:19:05 )
Summons was issued on Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan after he failed to appear in the Provincial Court of Appeal in a case filed by the Trincomalee UC Chairman Gowri Muhunthan who was removed by the Chief Minister. More

Month old child found abandoned
( Updated 2010-09-14 15:03:36 )
A month old male infant was found abandoned this morning at the Passara bus halt in Badulla, Police said. More

Prince William to marry Kate in 2012
( Updated 2010-09-14 13:29:32 )
A report by the Global and Mail says Prince William will marry Kate Middleton in 2012 just before the London Olympics and his 30th Birthday.

More

Ranil promises handing over responsibilities to younger members
( Updated 2010-09-14 13:29:05 )
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today declared that the party hopes to give responsibility to the younger members including Sajith Premadasa under the party reforms which will be implemented before the end of the year. More

Daya Master as Director (News) of private TV station
( Updated 2010-09-14 12:58:22 )
Former LTTE's Media co-ordinator, Velautham Dayanidhi better known as Daya Master has been appointed as Director (News) of a private TV channel. More

Info on Tamil refugees stolen Tamil Congress in Canada
( Updated 2010-09-14 08:47:16 )
Information about the 492 Tamil refugees who arrived in Canada last month aboard a cargo ship has been stolen from a Tamil organization in Toronto, AFP quoted the group as saying. More

Man who attempts to shoot at wedding reception arrested
( Updated 2010-09-14 08:42:51 )
A man who made an attempt to open fire during a wedding celebration was arrested with a T56 weapon in the Moragahahena area yesterday. More

Man threatens to commit suicide near Horton Place
( Updated 2010-09-14 08:08:32 )
A man who has climbed on to a hoarding post at Horton Place is threatening to commit suicide, Police said.

More

IMF, ILO and world leaders meet to discuss global jobs crisis
( Updated 2010-09-14 00:12:36 )
OSLO – The IMF and the ILO, two of the world’s most powerful organizations with contrasting roles, for the first time on Monday hosted a major conference in the Norwegian capital of Oslo to discuss the job crises in the world and its impact on poverty. More

President hails generosity of Lankans
( Updated 2010-09-13 20:06:17 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has hailed the results of the World Giving Index which ranked Sri Lanka as the eighth most generous in the world in providing charity donations, BBC’s Colombo correspondent reported. More

Colombo-Vavuniya train services upto A'pura
( Updated 2010-09-13 19:48:58 )
The train services to Vavuniya from Colombo will be curtailed to Anuradhapura due a derailment reported, Railway officials said. More

Mother protests seeking justice for school admission
( Updated 2010-09-13 18:15:57 )
A woman launched a protest campaign outside Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara demanding that her child be given admission, but the school rejected the plea. More

Acting Court of Appeal President sworn in
( Updated 2010-09-13 18:04:34 )
Senior judge of Court of Appeal Mrs. Rohini Marasinghe was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees today. More

Suspects involved in attack of Tax officer in Matara get bail
( Updated 2010-09-13 17:22:29 )
The six suspects allegedly involved in the attack on the Deputy Inland Revenue Commissioner H.M.Denzil were released on bail and the case refixed for December 6 by Matara Chief Magistrate Udesh Ranatunga. More

Ranil says no one has informed of plans to sit as independent MPs
( Updated 2010-09-13 13:43:49 )
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that none of his party members have conveyed to him about some of his members sitting as independent members. More

Election officials assess registration of voters in north
( Updated 2010-09-13 12:44:04 )
A team of election officials have undertaken a visit to the northern province to assess the registration of electors in the province, a spokesman for the Department said. More

UNP supportive of local Govt election amendments: Spokesman
( Updated 2010-09-13 12:39:38 )
The UNP in principle has agreed to the proposed local government election amendments, despite some reservations, party spokesman Gayantha Karunatillake said More

European Commission and UN on review visit to the East
( Updated 2010-09-12 21:56:54 )
A joint European Commission - UN team will visit the eastern province to review the progress of the EU funded projects in the eastern province on Tuesday. More

Twins abducted, two youths arrested
( Updated 2010-09-12 18:20:54 )
Two youths who abducted two 16 year old girls who are twins have been arrested, the Kalutara police said. More

Election forms to be collected until October
( Updated 2010-09-12 11:50:39 )
The recollection of the voter registry forms will continue until the first week of October, a senior Elections Department official said. More

Over 50 kilos of Cannabis found in Weligama
( Updated 2010-09-12 11:35:35 )
Police detected more than 50 kilograms of cannabis from a house in Weligama, a senior police official in the Matara division said. More

Computer Fraudster arrested
( Updated 2010-09-11 21:15:59 )
A man who claimed he was providing free computers after students underwent training under him was arrested in Monargala when he was found to be an alleged fraudster. More

US concerned over constitutional changes
( Updated 2010-09-11 21:09:19 )
The United States on Saturday expressed concern over the 18th Amendment to the Constiutuion in Sri Lanka saying they were undermining the principles of democracy, an AFP report from Washington said. More

Timber merchant shot dead in Talawa
( Updated 2010-09-11 18:04:33 )
A timber merchant was shot dead and his mother seriously injured when an unidentified gunman opened fire on them at their shop in the Talawa town this afternoon, Police said. More

Escaped prisoner re-captured
( Updated 2010-09-11 16:18:59 )
An inmate of the Welikada prison who had escaped a few days ago was re-captured from his home in Gonawala in Kelaniya today. More

Nepalese arrested over drug charge
( Updated 2010-09-11 11:39:16 )
A Nepalese national was caught opposite the Queen's Hotel, Kandy last night by officers attached to the Kandy Narcotic bureau. More

Bread prices up by Rs. 3 from tonight: Bakery Owners' Association
( Updated 2010-09-10 15:43:38 )
A loaf of bread will be increased by Rs. three with effect from midnight today, Bakery Owners' Association announced. More

Three injured in accidental explosion in army camp
( Updated 2010-09-10 14:56:36 )
Three soldiers were injured when a detonator exploded inside the armoury of an army camp in Vavuniya, today morning, military spokesman Maj Gen Udaya Madawala said. More

Suspect in Ruhuna student death given bail
( Updated 2010-09-10 12:23:51 )
The main suspect in the death of a student of Ruhunu University in July has surrendered to the police and has been subsequently granted bail by the Magistrate’s Court in Badulla. More

Former Canadian spy chief to visit Lanka
( Updated 2010-09-10 11:14:30 )
Canada has dispatched its former spy chief to Southeast Asia as a special envoy with a mission to prevent migrant smuggling as the federal government prepares a crackdown to stop more boats of Tamil asylum seekers from sailing to Canada, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Thursday. More

Two killed in accident in Kalutara
( Updated 2010-09-10 10:53:48 )
Two persons were killed when the three wheeler they were travelling in crashed onto a lorry at Waskaduwa area in Kalutara North this morning. More

Eid ul Fitr celebrated in Sri Lanka
( Updated 2010-09-09 19:25:21 )
Muslims in Sri Lanka will celebrate the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations today, following the sighting of the new moon, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation announced. More

Bread price hike from tomorrow
( Updated 2010-09-09 18:06:18 )
The price of a 450 g loaf of bread is to increase by three rupees with effect from tomorrow, N.K. Jayawardena President of the All Island Bakery Owners' Association told Times online. More

'Court Martial is to put me in jail and kill me politically': Fonseka
( Updated 2010-09-09 18:02:18 )
Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka making a statement before the Court martial today said the court martial has been set up put him in jail and end his political life. More

Youth remanded for alleged rape
( Updated 2010-09-09 17:08:37 )
Matara Magistrate Udesh Ranatunga today remanded a youth who claimed he had government connections to provide employment to a young girl and raped her before forcibly marrying the girl. More

ICRC to close Mannar office
( Updated 2010-09-09 16:03:20 )
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will close its office in the Mannar district at the end of November 2010, the organization announced today. More

TNA MP Piyasena joins UPFA
( Updated 2010-09-09 14:36:48 )
TNA Digamadulla district parliamentarian Podiappu Piyasena has joined the UPFA. More

New prison for Jaffna
( Updated 2010-09-09 14:23:23 )
Cabinet has granted approval to construct a prison complex in Jaffna that can accommodate 1000 detainees. More

Ex-UNP Minister H.G.P.Nelson passes away
( Updated 2010-09-09 14:16:01 )
Former UNP Minister H.G.P. Nelson passed away at a private hospital in Colombo today afternoon, a family member said. More

Panel of Experts to examine film industry
( Updated 2010-09-09 14:07:03 )
Cabinet has approved the appointment of a Panel of Experts to examine the provisions of the existing National Film Corporation Act and to propose amendments that will enable the growth of the cinema industry in Sri Lanka. More

Cabinet approval for amendments to local govt election system
( Updated 2010-09-09 12:09:19 )
Cabinet has approved a proposal to introduce a mixed electoral system for the next local government elections. More

TNA MP gets more security after voting for 18th Amendment
( Updated 2010-09-09 12:03:43 )
Security has been increased around the residence of TNA MP P. Piyasena in Akkaraipattu, Ampara, a day after he extended support to the government and voted in favour of the constitutional amendments. More

Mervyn Silva to assume duties as deputy minister on Sept 16
( Updated 2010-09-09 10:54:48 )
MP Mervyn Silva who was re-appointed as the Deputy Minister of Highways by President Mahinda Rajapaksa last night is due to assume duties on September 16. More

18th Amendment passed, 161 in favour
( Updated 2010-09-08 19:09:38 )
The 18th Amendment to the Constitution was passed in parliament a short while back with 161 voting in favour and 17 against. More

Six UNPers join the government
( Updated 2010-09-08 17:24:44 )
Six UNP parliamentarians crossed over to the government short while ago. The members who crossed over from the opposition and sat on the government side were Lakshman Seneviratne, Earl Gunasekara, Manusha Nanayakkara, Upeksha Swarnamali, Nimal Wijeysinghe and Abdul Carder. More

Delkanda press owner staff detained
( Updated 2010-09-08 17:06:39 )
The owner and five employees of a printing press in Delkanda were taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly printing defamatory posters of the President, SP Deshabandu Tennakone told the Sunday Times. More

UNP protest blocked by Police
( Updated 2010-09-08 16:12:01 )
UNP supporters moving towards parliament in protest of the 18th ammendment were stopped by a police barricade at Baddegana junction today. More

TNA MP decides to vote for 18th amendment
( Updated 2010-09-08 16:06:30 )
TNA MP for Ampara district, K.Piyasena told Parliament that he would be voting in favour of the 18th amendment.More

'A dark day for democracy': Fonseka
( Updated 2010-09-08 12:34:12 )
DNA MP Sarath Fonseka addressing a news conference regarding the 18th amendment a short while ago said 'it's a dark day for democracy". More

At least 16 UNPers to vote for amendments
( Updated 2010-09-08 10:11:20 )
At least 16 members elected to Parliament including eight SLMC members and one TNA MP are to vote in favour of the 18th Amendment, government sources claimed. More

PM presents 18th Amendment to Parlaiment
( Updated 2010-09-08 10:02:25 )
Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratna presented the 18th Amendment to the constitution in Parliament a short while back. More

Pro-govt demo in support of the 18th Amendment
( Updated 2010-09-08 09:57:53 )
Pro-government supporters demonstrated on the Parliament Road in Colombo in support of the 18th Amendment to the constitution which is being debated in Parliament today. More

Fonseka says 200 Kgs of gold recovered in LTTE areas
( Updated 2010-09-07 18:29:11 )
DNA MP Sarath Fonseka told Parliament that during his tenure as Army Commander for four years , 200 kilograms of gold had been unearthed from the Vellamullivaikkal area in the Mullaitivu district , during operations there. More

Police nice to JVP in the city, not in outstations
( Updated 2010-09-07 18:08:44 )
An estimated 3,000 strong protest march to Parliament by the JVP ended a short while ago with the party vowing to carry on its protest campaign against the 18th Amendment. More

Emergency passed without a vote
( Updated 2010-09-07 17:54:12 )
The extension of the emergency regulations was passed in parliament without a vote a short while ago. More

Ranil calls the 18th Amendment a 'fraud'
( Updated 2010-09-07 17:45:12 )
UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today called the 18th Amendment to the constitution as a 'fraud' and vowed to carry- out its agitation campaign in and outside Parliament. More

Man gets eight year jail term for bribery
( Updated 2010-09-07 17:37:37 )
A man who obtained a bribe of Rs. 41,000 to admit a child to school was jailed for eight years by Colombo High Court judge Sunil Rajapaksa. More

Bishop Chickera urges govt to withdraw 18th Amendment
( Updated 2010-09-07 16:30:24 )
Rev. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo has urged the government to withdraw the 18th Amendment saying it could inevitably lead to a further dangerous politicization of national institutions. The text of the statement follows; More

UNP members launch satyagraha in Parliament premises
( Updated 2010-09-07 16:08:00 )
United National Party staged a satyagraha outside Parliament a short while ago against the 18th constitutional amendment to be debated tomorrow. More

JVP protestors heading towards Parliament
( Updated 2010-09-07 16:07:46 )
A JVP backed protest march - against the constitutional amendments is heading towards Parliament from Rajagiriya, our reporter said. More

Toddler dumped at public playground
( Updated 2010-09-07 14:10:15 )
A three-ear-old girl child was found abandoned at a public playground in Ehiliyagoda early this morning, police said. More

Opp: in black and lawyers opt for a coffin
( Updated 2010-09-07 13:46:00 )
Members of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) entered the House today clad in black as a mark of protest against the proposed constitutional reforms that was presented in Parliament today. More

India PM warns China wants foothold in South Asia
( Updated 2010-09-07 13:29:24 )
China is seeking to expand its influence in South Asia at India's expense, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned in rare public criticism of his country's rival for regional resources and geopolitical clout. More

Major protest planned for tomorrow
( Updated 2010-09-07 13:24:48 )
Some 23 political parties and Trade Unions are set to jointly hold a demonstration at the Rajagiriya Junction tomorrow to protest the upcoming constitutional reforms, a spokesperson for the group said today. More

SC rules constitutional amendments consistent with Constitution
( Updated 2010-09-07 13:13:44 )
The Supreme Court has determined that the 18th amendment to the constitution was consistent with the constitution and does not require a referendum to become law, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa announced in Parliament today. More

UNP Kurunegala Dist MP rejects govt offer, another agrees to support amendments
( Updated 2010-09-07 11:29:57 )
A UNP MP for Kurunegala district who was offered the Deputy Health Ministry post to support the constitutional amendments has declined the offer, but another UNP in the same district has agreed to support the amendments. More

UNP gets tough on MPs supporting amendments
( Updated 2010-09-07 11:19:04 )
The UNP today announced that they will sack all their MPs who support the constitutional amendments in Parliament during the voting tomorrow. More

JVP, lawyers damn constitution reforms
( Updated 2010-09-07 10:18:54 )
Colombo-based lawyers and the left-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Perumana (JVP) are set to hold separate demonstrations today to protest over the upcoming constitutional reforms that allow the incumbent Chief Executive to contest office for an unlimited period of time. More

Three arrested for raping 19 year old girl
( Updated 2010-09-07 08:47:36 )
Three persons were arrested for raping a 19 year old girl in the Bulathsinhala area, police said today. More

TNA says no to constitutional changes, Left parties say yes
( Updated 2010-09-06 21:16:50 )
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to vote against the constitutional changes the government will seek approval for on Wednesday in Parliament. More

Maid could be lying says top doctor
( Updated 2010-09-06 15:23:58 )
A top academic today urged the authorities to make a full evaluation on the health condition of the Sri Lankan maid who was allegedly tortured by her Saudi employer before engaging on a confrontational course with Riyadh as it could be harmful for the future interests of the country.

More

Will contest until opposition finds suitable candidate: President
( Updated 2010-09-06 15:06:40 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today the Supreme Court's decision if the 18th Amendment requires a Referendum of the People is now with the Speaker and will be told to Parliament when it meets.

More

Suspects in assault case of Inland Revenue officer further remanded
( Updated 2010-09-06 14:42:49 )
Six suspects charged for the assault of a Deputy Inland Revenue Commissioner were today further remanded until September 13 by Matara Chief Magistrate Udesh Ranatunga. More

Hicorp Director before mental doctor
( Updated 2010-09-06 14:03:45 )
Colombo High Court today ordered to produce the Director of the Hicorp company Wellington Dyhood before a doctor in the Mental Hospital, Angoda and submit a report to Court on September 8. More

Sri Lanka to announce 3-year development plan in Nov. budget
( Updated 2010-09-06 11:55:24 )
Sri Lanka is planning a 3-year, 2011-2013 development strategy which will be announced in the November budget, the Ministry of Finance and Planning said on Monday. More

Clash at Katunayaka Engineering Institute
( Updated 2010-09-06 10:07:51 )
Three persons were arrested and three others were hospitalized after a clash between students of the Engineering Institute at Katunayaka last evening, Police said. More

Child electrocuted from illegal electricity connection to farm
( Updated 2010-09-05 12:57:29 )
A seven year old child was electrocuted from an illegal electricity connection to a poultry farm in the Girandurukotte area, police said today. More

Lankan 'human smuggler' arrested in Chennai
( Updated 2010-09-04 17:19:44 )
A Chennai-based Sri Lankan Tamil refugee has been arrested on charges of planning trafficking of more than 50 Sri Lankan Tamils, some of them from refugee camps in the state, to Australia, the Indian police said today, according to a PTI report.More

Kidnap suspect shot dead
( Updated 2010-09-04 15:12:32 )
The main suspect in the abduction of a nine year old boy from Sapugaskanda was shot dead by Police on Friday night when he attempted to hurl a grenade at them. More

JVPers putting up posters arrested in Jaffna
( Updated 2010-09-04 13:54:28 )
Two JVP members were taken into custody by Jaffna Police today for attempting to put up posters in the town area. More

Former President of the Bodybuilding Federation accused of stealing
( Updated 2010-09-03 17:34:09 )
A complaint was made at the Fraud Investigations Bureau (FIB) against the former President of the Bodybuilding Federation for misappropriating funds from the organization. More

FIB arrest man in Chilaw for loan fraud
( Updated 2010-09-03 17:25:05 )
A man from Chilaw was arrested after registering his vehicle and receiving two seperate vehicle loans from different banks at a value of Rs.3 million each. More

Bank Employee arrested for fraud
( Updated 2010-09-03 17:07:29 )
A bank employee at the Hatton National Bank (HNB) branch in Thimbirigasyaya was arrested after withdrawing over Rs.2.5 lakhs from an account of a Sri Lankan doctor living in the U.S. More

35 houses damaged in Buttala
( Updated 2010-09-03 14:42:15 )
A tornado type cyclone ripped through three GS divisions in Maligawila in Buttala region resulting in about 35 houses being damaged today, officials said. More

Mangala accuses President of heading towards a dicatorship
( Updated 2010-09-03 12:26:56 )
UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera accused President Mahinda Rajapaksa of heading for a dictatorship and acting against the Mahinda Chinthanaya. More

Two UNP MPs to support constitutional amendments
( Updated 2010-09-03 11:50:03 )
UNP MPs Lakshman Seneviratne and Earl Gunasekara have decided to support the constitutional amendments due to be presented in Parliament next week. More

Indian Chief of Army Staff due to visit Sri Lanka
( Updated 2010-09-03 11:32:56 )
Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army General Vijaya Kumar Singh is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on Sunday on a five-day official visit at the invitation of the Sri Lanka Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. More

Man arrested for cheating widows
( Updated 2010-09-03 09:47:26 )
A 35 year-old man who was alleged to have cheated a number of widows by way of stealing their jewellery on promise of marriage was arrested yesterday, according to the Rattota police. More

Debate and vote on 18th Amendment on Sept. 8
( Updated 2010-09-02 20:25:03 )
The controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill will be debated and put to vote on September 8, party leaders have decided.

More

Miss England had secret wedding in Sri Lanka
( Updated 2010-09-02 20:12:07 )
Miss England Katrina Hodge secretly married her Army boy friend in Sri Lanka, a report said.

More

Army to return lands of Tamils of Indian origin: Rao
( Updated 2010-09-02 19:52:31 )
Sri Lanka has assured New Delhi that its army will return the land of the displaced Tamils of Indian origin in the country's northern Vavuniya district, foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said today. More

Explosives bound for Sri Lanka seized in India
( Updated 2010-09-02 17:21:28 )
RAMESHWARAM - Two persons were arrested today for allegedly attempting to smuggle explosive materials, including gelatin sticks, to Sri Lanka by the sea route from nearby Thondi, the PTI reported. More

SriLankan Airlines cuts loss, announcement tomorrow on new plans
( Updated 2010-09-02 16:47:53 )
SriLankan Airlines said on Thursday it cut group losses by almost Rs 4 billion in the financial year 2009/10 to Rs. 6.03 billion against Rs. 9.99 billion in the previous year. The group comprises the airline and its subsidiary SriLankan Catering (Pvt) Ltd. More

People smuggler tells court of bribes
( Updated 2010-09-02 15:46:14 )
A self-confessed people smuggler who helped asylum seekers get on boats to Australia has told a court of bribes paid in Indonesia. More

Alleged fraudsters nabbed
( Updated 2010-09-02 15:09:51 )
Two males who had allegedly cheated villagers of Giribawa, Thambuththegama a total of Rs. 595,000 by showing them fake gold were taken into custody yesterday. More

Boy involved in statutory rape arrested
( Updated 2010-09-02 14:33:51 )
The Pilliyandala police has arrested a youth who has been allegedly involved in raping a 15 year old girl. More

JVP to distribute two million leaflets against constitutional changes
( Updated 2010-09-02 13:24:19 )
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has launched an island-wide leaflet campaign against the proposed constitutional changes by the government. A total of two million leaflets will be distributed in the coming days. More

Saudis query Sri Lankan maid's torture claim
( Updated 2010-09-02 12:33:57 )
RIYADH — Saudi government and private sector officials have questioned the account of a Sri Lankan maid who said her Saudi employers forced 24 nails and needles into her body. More

JVP launches 2-million leaflet campaign, warns of dictatorship
( Updated 2010-09-02 12:25:16 )
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna today launched a massive countrywide campaign from Colombo to create awareness among people of the government's move to create a Rajapaksa dictatorship in the country. More

STF recovers stock of explosives in Batticaloa
( Updated 2010-09-02 11:39:39 )
The Special Task Force recovered a load of explosives and ammunition buried in a cemetery in Vavunativu last evening, Police spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody said. More

Funding LTTE: US court allows case against Rajaratnam
( Updated 2010-09-02 10:03:38 )
A lawsuit accusing a Wall Street hedge fund manager and his father of using a charitable foundation to funnel millions of dollars to the Tamil Tigers, a Sri Lankan terrorist group, can go forward, a federal judge in New Jersey says.

More

Malaysia kidnap tragedy: Did Lankan mastermind it?
( Updated 2010-09-02 09:57:55 )
KUALA LUMPUR - Investigations into the kidnapping of three Sri Lankans last week took a twist yesterday when it was learnt that police are probing one of them for masterminding the plan, according to the New Straits Times newspaper..

More

Supreme Court hands over decision on the Constitutional Amendment Bill to Speaker
( Updated 2010-09-01 18:21:19 )
The Supreme Court today handed over its decision on the Constitutional Amendment Bill to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa.

More

UNP to vote against constitutional amendments
( Updated 2010-09-01 17:32:25 )
The United National Party will vote against constitution amendments when presented to Parliament. More

Indonesian court orders closure of Buddha Bar
( Updated 2010-09-01 16:37:32 )
An Indonesian court Wednesday ordered the local branch of Paris-based Buddha Bar to close after convicting the licence holder of blasphemy, a lawyer said. More

India to construct 10,000 houses for IDPs in the East
( Updated 2010-09-01 15:31:28 )
Indian government will construct 10,000 houses for war-displaced persons in the East, visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said. More

Green Path Night Fiesta to begin on September 3
( Updated 2010-09-01 13:51:01 )
The second stage of the Green Path Night Fiesta, organized by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) will be held on September 3 and 4 along Greenpath Colombo 7. More

One soldier killed and two injured in truck accident
( Updated 2010-09-01 12:14:32 )
One soldier was killed and two were injured last night in Galagedara, Kandy when their truck met with an accident, Army Spokesman Udaya Medawala said. More

15 year old girl hospitalized following abortion
( Updated 2010-09-01 12:00:26 )
A 15 year old girl in Pottuvil was hospitalized for internal bleeding after undergoing an abortion, following being raped by her boyfriend two months ago. More

Top underworld gang leader shot
( Updated 2010-08-31 22:47:14 )
A notorious underworld gang leader known as Olcott was shot by the STF as he reportedly made an attempt to escape in Minuwangoda while being transported after his arrest. More

Iran's paper calls French First Lady a
( Updated 2010-08-31 17:06:19 )
TEHRAN, Aug 31, 2010 (AFP) - A hardline Iranian newspaper stepped up its attack on French first lady Carla Bruni, saying on Tuesday that the "Italian prostitute" deserved to die for supporting an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning.

More

10-year-old girl in rape ordeal
( Updated 2010-08-31 16:42:55 )
A person was arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl at China Bay in the Trincomalee district, police said today. More

Boy in kidnap horror at Makola
( Updated 2010-08-31 16:34:01 )
A 10 year-old boy was briefly kidnapped and released early this morning after the suspects apparently became jittery, police said. More

Govt. confident of opposition’s support for amendments
( Updated 2010-08-31 15:38:54 )
The government will secure two thirds majority when the proposed amendments to the Constitution are tabled in parliament, SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena said at a press briefing today. More

Sri Lankan gem merchant killed fleeing Malaysian kidnappers
( Updated 2010-08-31 15:23:28 )
A Sri Lankan tourist died fleeing kidnappers in Malaysia while a friend escaped and another was rescued by police, the force said on Tuesday. More

Lankan seafarers appeal to the media
( Updated 2010-08-31 15:15:42 )
The 13 Sri Lankan seafarers who are currently being held captive by Somali pirates have appealed to the media to highlight their plight, as living conditions worsen on board the anchored ship, a relative said today. More

Man who murdered 11, busted
( Updated 2010-08-31 14:54:53 )
A man who had allegedly murdered 11 persons including three police officers between the years 2006 and 2007 has been taken into custody. More

Mervyn silva found not guilty for ordering to tie Samurdhi officer
( Updated 2010-08-31 13:53:16 )
UPFA MP Mervyn Silva has been found not guilty for ordering to tie up a Samurdhi officer who failed to turn up for a Dengue control programme in the Kelaniya area, Minister Maithripala Sirisena said. More

Indian Foreign Secy in Vavuniya
( Updated 2010-08-31 12:30:30 )
Foreign Secretary of India Nirupama Rao visited Menik Farm, Chettikulum in Vavuniya a short while ago. More

Ven Uvathenne Sumana and four others indicted
( Updated 2010-08-30 15:46:17 )
Ven Uvathenne Sumana and four others were indicted in the Colombo High Court in connection with charges of possessing weapons and explosives in the temple ahead of the last Presidential elections. More

Hicorp trial without Dhanuna
( Updated 2010-08-30 15:41:24 )
Colombo High Court today decided to continue the trial against Dhanuna Thilakaratne in his absence after court was informed that he was out of the country and had failed to present himself to face the charge of tender irregularities in army procurements. More

Proposed constitutional amendments approved by cabinet
( Updated 2010-08-30 11:44:51 )
Proposed constitutional amendments were approved by the cabinet today, sources said. More

Five arrested for treasure hunting
( Updated 2010-08-30 11:21:09 )
Five persons involved in treasure hunting in the Potuvil area were arrested yesterday, Police said. More

Central Bank trainee stabbed to death
( Updated 2010-08-30 09:58:08 )
A 26 year old Central Bank trainee was stabbed to death at Gokarella today morning and the suspected assassin set himself on fire, Police said. More

Man drowns in tank in Ampara
( Updated 2010-08-28 19:58:59 )
One person who went fishing in the Kondawadduwan Tank in Ampara drowned when his canoe capsized this morning, Police said. More

Alleged rapist shot dead by police
( Updated 2010-08-28 12:15:26 )
An army deserter who was on the run after allegedly raping a married woman was shot dead by police on Friday night at Pitipana in Galle after he resisted arrest, police said today More

One killed, five injured in accident
( Updated 2010-08-27 19:55:53 )
One person was killed and five others injured when the van they were travelling in skidded off the road and slammed into a tree at Denagama in the Hakmana police area a short while ago, police said. More

Hakeem’s SLMC to support Govt.
( Updated 2010-08-27 19:11:42 )
Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Rauf Hakeem has announced that his party would support the Government in its bid to secure the two-thirds majority in Parliament. More

‘Visa on arrival’ issue put on hold
( Updated 2010-08-27 18:45:33 )
The decision to remove the ‘visa on arrival’ facility to foreigners entering the country has been put on hold with immediate effect, Immigration Controller Mr. Chulananda Perera said a short while ago. More

War crimes? NATO kills Afghan children
( Updated 2010-08-27 16:57:37 )
Three US soldiers were killed Friday in attacks in Afghanistan, NATO said, as Afghan authorities accused international forces of killing six children during an air assault on Taliban positions. More

Indian Defence Secretary to visit Lanka to initiate defence dialogue
( Updated 2010-08-27 16:42:15 )
India's Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar will visit Sri Lanka soon to initiate a defence dialogue between the two counties in the post-war context, a report said.

More

Crocodile horror for JVP member
( Updated 2010-08-27 15:05:05 )
A JVP member had one of his legs badly bitten by a crocodile when he was fishing near the shore of the Galpothe wewa in Anuradhapura on Thursday, Police said. More

Schoolgirl killed in road accident
( Updated 2010-08-27 13:53:48 )
A year 11 student of St Vincent Girls' School, Batticaloa was killed on the spot when she was knocked down by a truck near New Bridge Road, while she was on her way to a tuition class. More

18 nails removed from maid’s body
( Updated 2010-08-27 13:20:54 )
At least 18 iron nails were removed from the body of a 50 year old housemaid who had been tortured in Saudi Arabia by her employer who had driven heated nails into her body. More

Man arrested for raping daughter
( Updated 2010-08-27 13:17:23 )
A 45-year-old man was taken into custody today after he is alleged to have raped his teenage daughter at a re-settlement camp in Chettikulam, police said. More

Jordan ban on Lankan maids lifted
( Updated 2010-08-27 13:03:39 )
The authorities have lifted the ban on sending domestic helpers to Jordan with immediate effect after a compromise was reached between the Government and the Jordanian recruiters, a senior official said today. More

Maligawatte Temple Chief Incumbent & 4 others indicted in HC
( Updated 2010-08-27 11:43:08 )
Chief Incumbent of the Bodhirajarama Temple,Maligawatte Uwathenne Sumana Thero and four others was indicted in the High Court of Colombo today in connection with the illegal possession of explosives and weapons. More

Underworld operative arrested in Mount Lavinia
( Updated 2010-08-27 10:58:05 )
A leading underworld operative in the Mount Lavinia area identified by his alias “chuti putha” who had been involved in a large number of abductions and robberies was arrested on Thursday night. More

Police awareness programme on zebra crossing to be launched today
( Updated 2010-08-27 09:30:40 )
Traffic Police will launch an awareness programme in Colombo city every Friday, starting from today to advise the public on the importance of using the pedestrian crossing. More

Sailors' release may come after Ramadan
( Updated 2010-08-26 17:19:35 )
The release of the 13 Sri Lankan seafarers who are currently being held by Somali pirates is likely to take place at the end of the Muslim Ramadan season when work gets back to normal in Saudi Arabia, the local recruiting agent, Captain S.H.R Kumar said today. More

Discussions on constitutional amendments lacks transparency: JVP
( Updated 2010-08-26 17:04:47 )
The JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva today said that the proposed Constitutional changes being discussed between the government and the UNP could lead to an encroachment of democracy as it lacks transparency. More

More floods: Pakistan orders nearly half a million to evacuate
( Updated 2010-08-26 16:43:02 )
Pakistan ordered nearly half a million people to evacuate towns on Thursday as rising floods threaten further havoc in a country straining to cope after its worst humanitarian disaster. More

Woman held with fake vehicle licences
( Updated 2010-08-26 15:01:17 )
A woman was taken into custody after she was caught red-handed turning out fake driving licences and related documents, police said today. More

UN refuses to comment on Shaveendra Silva's appointment
( Updated 2010-08-26 11:01:22 )
The United Nations Secretary General's office refused to comment on the impending appointment of Major General Shaveendra Silva as Sri Lanka's deputy permanent representative at the UN.

More

Two men posing as CID officers arrested
( Updated 2010-08-26 10:58:15 )
Two men who were impersonating as CID officials and extorting money and jewellery from Tamil persons in the Mount Lavinia and Wellawatta areas were taken into custody on Wednesday. More

Krishna to visit Sri Lanka soon
( Updated 2010-08-26 10:50:33 )
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna would soon be visiting Sri Lanka, where he intends to take up the issue of rehabilitating Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with the Rajapaksa government.

More

Union protest at Sri Lanka’s Tax Dept. called off
( Updated 2010-08-25 17:45:09 )
Unions attached to Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Dept. on Wednesday called off a protest launched after a brutal attack last week on a Deputy Commissioner attached to the Department’s Matara office. More

Angulana double murder Trial-at-Bar: PC gives evidence
( Updated 2010-08-25 16:05:46 )
A Police constable who was present during the murder of two youth in the Angulana area by his fellow policemen today testified before the trial-at-bar. More

Ven Uvatenne Suman gets bail
( Updated 2010-08-25 15:52:38 )
Ven Uvatenne Sumana who was held in remand custody for eight months after police detected weapons and explosives in his temple in Maligawatta before the Presidential elelections in January was today released on bail by the Court of Appeal. More

Court orders ban on 107 porn sites
( Updated 2010-08-25 14:27:22 )
Today the Battaramulla Magistrate Nilani Amarasinghe ordered Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), Director General Anusha Palpita to ban 107 local pornographic websites. More

US donates equipment to Air Force
( Updated 2010-08-25 12:59:32 )
The United States (US) has donated Rs. 674 Million to the Air Force to enhance maritime security that will help to ensure safety and security of Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. More

Monks' protest against animal sacrifice called off
( Updated 2010-08-25 11:41:44 )
A group of Buddhist monks who were engaged in a protest against the animal sacrifice taking place in connection with the annual Sri Badrakali Kovil festival in Chilaw called it off a short while ago after Police intervention. More

UNP wants to see draft constitutional changes
( Updated 2010-08-25 11:27:14 )
The UNP has sought a draft of the constitutional changes the government hopes to propose to decide on their stance on the matter, Party General Secretary Tissa Attanayaka said today. More

Tamil asylum-seekers must stay in jail, Canada says
( Updated 2010-08-24 13:57:38 )
More than 400 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who arrived in Canada aboard a cargo ship 11 days ago have been told they must stay in jail. More

CID arrests main suspect in Matara tax chief assault
( Updated 2010-08-24 10:59:45 )
The main suspect involved in the assault of the Deputy Tax Commissioner of Inland Revenue Department’s Matara Branch was arrested by the CID last evening. More

President holds talks with Opp.Leader
( Updated 2010-08-23 17:36:27 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa held talks with a group of opposition legislators led by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees this afternoon. More

IMF: Pleased with Lankan progress: $200 mln to be released in Sept-Oct
( Updated 2010-08-23 16:47:19 )
A review mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Sri Lankan economy and said another tranche of $200 million from the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) would be released in September-October. More

President visits Sigiriya
( Updated 2010-08-23 14:05:58 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa today visited Sigiriya Heritage site on an inspection tour to assess the current state of the frescoes following reports of white spots appearing on them, the Information Department said. More

Australian leaders haggle to form government after polls
( Updated 2010-08-23 13:59:19 )
Australia's political leaders Monday began horse-trading with a handful of independent MPs in a bid to form government after a cliffhanger poll that delivered the first hung parliament in 70 years. More

Four including monk arrested for hunting treasures
( Updated 2010-08-23 13:57:24 )
Four persons including a Buddhist monk allegedly involved in treasure hunting were arrested and remanded in the Morawewa area yesterday, Police said. More

Pera Uni students help to keep Kandy city clean during Esala Perahera
( Updated 2010-08-22 20:37:55 )
University students of the Peradeniya University have come out with support to keep the Kandy city clean during the Kandy Perahera season. More

Man arrested with T56 ammunition in Kandy
( Updated 2010-08-22 20:31:28 )
A man arrested with three rounds of T56 ammunition during the Kandy Perahera season is being probed by the Police. More

Opposition edges out Labor in Australia polls
( Updated 2010-08-21 22:26:31 )
Australia's opposition Liberal/National coalition is “back in business” and ready to govern, its leader Tony Abbott told an ecstatic crowd Saturday as the nation faced a hung parliament. More

Woman fraudster arrested
( Updated 2010-08-21 18:46:01 )
A woman was arrested by Mirihana police who had defrauded around three million rupees promising jobs at the Ports Authority, Petroleum Corporation and Sri Lanka Cricket Board. More

Indian, Lankan fishermen discuss moves to avoid conflicts
( Updated 2010-08-21 14:06:26 )
Representatives of fishermen's associations from India and Sri Lanka are currently engaged in a dialogue from August 20 to 22 in Chennai, and, issues such as trans-border fishing and the attacks on fishermen are being discussed. More

Met. Department issues bad weather warning
( Updated 2010-08-21 13:32:03 )
The Metrology Department today warned the public of bad weather conditions in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and Galle and Matara districts. More

Fleeing prisoner shot dead
( Updated 2010-08-21 11:52:45 )
A prisoner who attempted to escape from Bogambara in Kandy on Friday night was killed after prison officials opened fire on him. More

Colombo, Delhi sign deal to set up two new Indian consulates
( Updated 2010-08-20 17:53:45 )
Seeking to give a further boost to bilateral friendly ties, India will set up two new consulates in Jaffna and Hambantota cities, a High Commission statement said today.

More

300% payhike for Indian MPs
( Updated 2010-08-20 17:27:01 )
India's cabinet on Friday opted to triple the wages of members of parliament to about 1,000 dollars a month and double their expenses, a government source said. More

Fifteen found doctoring diesel arrested
( Updated 2010-08-20 16:11:39 )
Fifteen persons who were involved in doctoring diesel in the Kadwatha, Kirimetiyana and Kolonnawa areas were arrested by the Special Task Force today. More

One million surety bail for five g'ment assessors
( Updated 2010-08-20 14:59:40 )
Five government assessors were given Rs one million each surety bail by the Colombo High Court today after they were charged with undervaluing a private land in Colombo 3 which was due to be acquired by the state. More

Kandy Addl. Dist.Judge interdicted
( Updated 2010-08-20 14:54:52 )
Kandy Additional District Judge Rohan Jayawardena has been interdicted by the Judicial Service Commission. More

Trinco-Muttur ferry comes to a halt
( Updated 2010-08-20 12:03:52 )
The passenger launch service between Trincomalee and Muttur has come to a halt with the breakdown of two vessels –Seruvila 2 and Mathumai. More

Last US combat brigade leaves Iraq
( Updated 2010-08-19 19:36:06 )
The last US combat brigade pulled out of Iraq at dawn on Thursday, a key milestone in the withdrawal of American forces more than seven years after the US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. More

Don't ask age of judges,Chief Govt.Whip
( Updated 2010-08-19 17:42:49 )
Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena today requested UNP MP Ravi Karunanayaka to withdraw a question listed in the Order Book of Parliament asking for information regarding the dates of birth of judges serving in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, High Court and the Magistrate’s Court. More

UNP must do more, Fonseka
( Updated 2010-08-19 17:26:44 )
DNA parliamentarian Sarath Fonseka said today that the main opposition United National Party (UNP) needs to do more to support its activities against the undemocratic actions of the government. More

19271 prisoners freed under presidential pardon since 2005
( Updated 2010-08-19 17:03:16 )
A total of 19271 prisoners were freed under presidential pardon between 2005 to this year, Parliament was told today. More

Not disheartened by loss of medals or rank - Fonseka
( Updated 2010-08-19 15:37:47 )
DNA Parliamentarian Sarath Fonseka says he will not be disheartened or be silenced by the recent ruling and will continue to work for the people. More

India accuses Pakistan of Kashmir ceasefire violation
( Updated 2010-08-19 15:31:09 )
India's army on Thursday accused Pakistan of violating a ceasefire along their militarised border, accusing it of trying to push Islamic militants into divided Kashmir under the cover of fire. More

President attends Defence meeting in Parliament
( Updated 2010-08-19 13:07:01 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa attended the consultative committee meeting of the Ministry of Defence in Parliament today. More

IMF mission in broader assessment of Lankan economy
( Updated 2010-08-19 11:51:25 )
An IMF Review Mission is currently in town as part of the Standby Credit Arrangement (SBA) and also for a more broader assessment of the Sri Lankan economy, IMF country representative Koshy Mathai told Times Online on Thursday. More

DNA MP Herath goes to Police HQ
( Updated 2010-08-19 11:10:56 )
Democratic National Alliance (DNA) MP Vijitha Herath today lodged a complaint with the Police Headquarters against the Galle police for allegedly assaulting him and nine other party members during a protest last week. More

Indian envoy to visit Lanka next month; Jaffna consulate this year
( Updated 2010-08-19 09:37:59 )
CHENNAI: A senior official of the Union government will visit conflict-ridden areas of Sri Lanka early next month to assess development needs of the areas, India’s Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said.

More

President orders arrest of attackers of Deputy Tax Commissioner
( Updated 2010-08-18 21:54:18 )
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately arrest the suspects involved in the attack on the Deputy Tax Commissioner of Matara, officials said. More

Defence ministry was not consulted on the CFA: Ex Defence Secretary
( Updated 2010-08-18 19:33:26 )
“Concerns of the country’s defence establishment were not factored in the ceasefire agreement,” former defence secretary Austin Fernando told the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) on Wednesday. More

University curriculum in English from next year
( Updated 2010-08-18 18:47:40 )
Ninety nine per cent of the university curriculum will be conducted in English from next year, Higher Education Minister S.B.Dissanayake told Parliament today. More

Allegations of
( Updated 2010-08-18 18:37:11 )
The allegation by a government MP that an opposition legislator was behaving in an ‘indecent” manner with a female inside a room in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition at the Parliamentary complex this afternoon led to a hasty denial by UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. More

No more porn from midnight today
( Updated 2010-08-18 17:35:02 )
Court today ordered the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) to block all pornographic websites listed by the police. More

Man who absued own daughter arrested
( Updated 2010-08-18 16:53:35 )
A man who has allegedly sexually abused his own daughter has been taken into custody in Payagala, Police said. More

Indian vehicle-maker to open assembly plant in Sri Lanka
( Updated 2010-08-18 15:18:51 )
India's Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is considering opening a vehicle assembly plant in Sri Lanka to cater to both the local and export market of their vehicles, a top official said on Wednesday.

More

27 supplementary estimates amounting to Rs 93 billion passed last year
( Updated 2010-08-18 15:09:54 )
Parliament had approved 27 supplementary estimates in 2009 amounting to over Rs. 93 billion, it was revealed today. More

ADB Vice President visiting Sri Lanka
( Updated 2010-08-18 15:00:27 )
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President , Xiaoyu Zhao will visit Sri Lanka from August 19-21 2010, where he will hold discussions with the Government and visit ADB funded projects especially in the north of Sri Lanka, the Bank said on Wednesday. More

Ranjan Ramanayaka calls for urgent action to repatriate 350 Lankan maids from Saudi
( Updated 2010-08-18 13:50:36 )
UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayaka today claimed that 350 Lankan housemaids were remaining in a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia unable to return to the country. More

Nirupama-Karunanidhi talks on Lanka today
( Updated 2010-08-18 13:35:09 )
India's External Affairs Ministry Secretary Nirupama Rao will meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in Chennai today to discuss the Sri Lankan Tamil question and the problems faced by Indian fishermen, reports said.

More

Dr Ray Wijewardene passes away
( Updated 2010-08-18 11:56:05 )
Vidya-Jyothi Philip Ray Wijewardene passed away today after a brief illness.

For an article on Ray Wijewardene please click to visit
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Ceasefire was violated 3,000 times, says Defence Secretary
( Updated 2010-08-17 20:40:57 )
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa appearing before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in Colombo on Tuesday said that while around 6,000 Sri Lankan armed forces personnel were killed in the last few years of the civil war against the LTTE, casualties on the rebels’ side would be even higher. More

Mervyn shown the door by the Speaker
( Updated 2010-08-17 18:27:11 )
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa today showed the door to errant MP Mervyn Silva when he disturbed the proceedings of the House.

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India to fund Medawachchiya -Madhu railway line construction
( Updated 2010-08-17 17:37:27 )
Construction of the Northern railway line between Medawachchiya and Madhu Road is to begin with an Indian government credit line funding USD 81.3 million. More

Pakistan sends Sri Lanka attack report to ICC
( Updated 2010-08-17 16:08:33 )
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC) an official report on last year's terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. More

Parliamentary sittings resume after suspension
( Updated 2010-08-17 15:55:05 )
(UPDATED) -Parliament sittings resumed after a 10 minute suspension due to a protest by the opposition over court martial ruling on DNA MP Sarath Fonseka. More

Parliament sessions suspended for ten minutes
( Updated 2010-08-17 14:56:01 )
Parliament sessions have been suspended for ten minutes after members of the opposition protested against the court martial ruling on DNA MP Sarath Fonseka. More

Second court martial of Fonseka fixed for Aug 21
( Updated 2010-08-17 13:51:36 )
The hearings of the second court martial against Sarath Fonseka commenced today morning and further sittings have been fixed for August 21

More

Defeated govt. politico among tax files probed by Matara Depty Commissioner
( Updated 2010-08-17 12:29:38 )
The tax returns of a defeated candidate from Sri Lanka’s ruling party (UPFA) was among six files that Deputy Commissioner of the Matara Tax Dept, M.H. Denzil, was investigating at the time he was attacked in Matara last week, trade union officials said on Tuesday. More

Tax officers in ‘sick’ leave protest tomorrow
( Updated 2010-08-17 11:59:28 )
More than 1,700 officers of Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will not report for duty on Wednesday and instead submit a ‘sick’ note in protest over last week’s attack on the Deputy Commissioner M.H. Denzil at the Matara office, the IRD’s Joint Trade Union Front announced on Tuesday. More

Third Witness gives statement in Fonseka court martial
( Updated 2010-08-17 11:39:17 )
The third witness in the second court martial against Sarath Fonseka began giving his statement at 8.30 a.m. today. More

Sri Lanka urges for more info on human smuggling racket in Canada
( Updated 2010-08-17 09:14:05 )
Sri Lanka is urging Canada to share more of its intelligence if it is serious about tackling what both countries have warned could be a human smuggling operation with ties to the Tamil Tigers. More

Forest reserve destroyed in fire
( Updated 2010-08-17 08:46:48 )
At least 150 hectares of the Elwananda forest reserve in Wilgamuwa was destroyed in a fire yesterday, police said. More

PlayStation to release Ghost Squad game on Lanka’s war on terror
( Updated 2010-08-17 07:57:00 )
Millions of PlayStation game buffs will be fighting Sri Lanka’s war on terrorism soon. More

Ranil-Sajith meeting today
( Updated 2010-08-17 07:39:45 )
Opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and UNP Hambantota Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa will hold crisis talks today in a bid to iron out differences between them over party reforms. More

Nurses on token strike today
( Updated 2010-08-17 07:31:19 )
Nurses in major hospitals will stage a two-hour token strike today to press ahead with 11 demands related to salary anomalies and facilities. More

Two killed in boat mishap in Kirinda
( Updated 2010-08-16 20:45:32 )
A sailor and a child were killed and three others were missing when a boat capsized in the Kirinda harbour today afternoon. More

Inland Revenue protest spreads to branch offices
( Updated 2010-08-16 17:26:27 )
Branch offices of Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on Monday joined the protest campaign by officials at the head office expressing their solidarity to the cause of action taken by the IRD Joint Trade Union front against the attack on M.H Denzil, Deputy Tax Commissioner of the Matara branch of the Tax Department. More

MPs Vijitha Herath and Ajith Kumara released on bail
( Updated 2010-08-16 12:13:21 )
Democratic National Alliance (DNA) MPs Vijitha Herath and Ajith Kumara and three others arrested for the alleged assault of a police officer and unlawful assembly were released on bail a short while ago. More

World Bank country director ends term
( Updated 2010-08-16 11:52:25 )
World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Naoko Ishii is leaving at the end of her Colombo assignment but there is unlikely to be a replacement until around October, official sources said. More

Indonesian goes missing from ship in Colombo Port
( Updated 2010-08-16 11:02:04 )
An Indonesian national who was employed in a Taiwan ship that docked at the Colombo harbour has gone missing, Police said. More

15 year old girl raped in Nuwara Eliya
( Updated 2010-08-16 10:55:36 )
A 15 year old girl was raped by a youth whom she had an affair with in the Nuwara Eliya area, Police said. More

Man dies in refugee ship in Canada
( Updated 2010-08-16 09:31:59 )
A man died and was buried at sea last month as hundreds of ethnic Tamils fleeing Sri Lanka spent gruelling several months at sea in a cramped, rusting cargo ship, officials said Sunday.

More

Ottawa looks to block links between Tamil diaspora and human traffickers
( Updated 2010-08-16 09:24:32 )
Ottawa wants to choke off financial links between this country's Tamil diaspora and the human traffickers who sell passage on ships to Canada. More

Exam supervisor suspended for mix up in AL exam paper distribution
( Updated 2010-08-15 18:52:37 )
An examination supervisor who failed to distribute an A/L examination paper in time has been suspended from carrying out exam duties in the Puttalam district. More

Canadians board ship believed to be carrying 500 Tamils
( Updated 2010-08-15 18:04:36 )
Canadian officials have boarded a cargo ship thought to be carrying about 500 Tamil migrants from Sri Lanka, the BBC reported today. More

Magampura international port launched
( Updated 2010-08-15 10:10:18 )
The Magampura international port in Hambantota was launched by President Mahinda Rajapaksa a short while ago. More

Israeli killed in surfing mishap
( Updated 2010-08-15 10:04:13 )
An Israeli national was killed in a mishap while surfing in Arugam bay, Pothuvil, on Saturday, Police said. More

UN has no comments on Fonseka, further delays in panel
( Updated 2010-08-14 22:56:05 )
The United Nations Secretary General's office has refused to comment on the military court's verdict on retired General Sarath Fonseka while the panel appointed to advise the UN chief of alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka has still not begun its work, according to a UN-based website. More

Two children electrocuted while plucking Rambutan
( Updated 2010-08-14 21:54:15 )
Two children of the same family were electrocuted while plucking rambutan using an iron pole in Pathulpatha in Ratnapura today. More

President gives approval to strip Fonseka’s rank
( Updated 2010-08-14 14:26:57 )
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given authorization to strip Sarath Fonseka from military rank, acting military spokesman Col. Duminda Gamage said. More

Tigers among boat people: Canada to screen Lankans in MV Sun Sea
( Updated 2010-08-14 13:35:55 )
Hundreds of Tamils seeking asylum from Sri Lanka sailed into Canada on Friday under the scrutiny of authorities, who vowed to screen out Tiger rebels after charges that the country is too welcoming. More

Devananda petitions Madras High Court
( Updated 2010-08-14 12:34:41 )
Minister Douglas Devananda has moved the Madras High Court seeking to set aside an order of 1994 declaring him as a ‘proclaimed offender' in a Chennai murder case. More

Fonseka convicted, sentence to be decided: Army
( Updated 2010-08-13 22:09:44 )
The Court Martial which convicted Gen Sarath Fonseka today after finding him guilty on three charges is to decide on the sentence, the army said in a statement. The text of the statement follows; More

Hundreds of Sri Lankan asylum seekers land in Canada
( Updated 2010-08-13 20:28:36 )
Hundreds of Sri Lankan asylum seekers on board a cargo ship arrived at a naval base in western Canada on Friday, escorted by a naval frigate and police helicopters. More

Ramazan to delay repatriation of Lankans
( Updated 2010-08-13 18:31:54 )
The ongoing Ramazan period is set to delay further the early repatriation of a group of Sri Lankan women stranded in Saudi Arabia, a senior official said today. More

Police launch search for layman involved in sexual abuse
( Updated 2010-08-13 18:23:45 )
Police have launched a search for a layman attached to a temple in Serunuwara in the Trincomalee district who allegedly sexually abused four children in the area. More

DNA condemns Police assault on demo in Galle
( Updated 2010-08-13 18:02:32 )
The DNA today condemned the police assault on its party supporters during a demonstration held in Galle on Thursday. More

Court Martial recommends action against Fonseka
( Updated 2010-08-13 17:36:11 )
The Court Martial which inquired into allegations of former Army Commander General Fonseka’s involvement in politics during his tenure as the army chief has recommended his dishonourable discharge after being found guilty of the offence, sources said. More

More talks to free Lankan sailors
( Updated 2010-08-13 17:23:22 )
Representatives from the External Affairs Ministry and the Saudi Embassy in Colombo are set to meet early next week for talks aimed at releasing the 13 Sri Lankan seafarers being held by Somali pirates since March 1 this year, a senior official said today. More

Beruwala UC Chairman arrested
( Updated 2010-08-13 16:31:04 )
The Wellawatte Police a short while ago arrested the Chairman of the Beruawala Urban Council, Mohammed Mazain Mohammed on chargers of vehicle robbery. More

Angry tax officers demand action against attack on colleague
( Updated 2010-08-13 14:28:04 )
Some 1,500 angry officials of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) staged a massive protest opposite the IRD head office in Colombo on Friday demanding government authorities to arrest and punish those responsible for the attack on M.H Denzil, Deputy Tax Commissioner of the Matara branch of the Tax Department. More

DNA to launch protest tomorrow
( Updated 2010-08-13 13:24:19 )
The Democratic National Alliance and its allies have organized a massive protest for tomorrow (Saturday) to demand the immediate release of MPs Vijitha Herath and Ajith Kumara along with several party activists who are currently in remand. More

Doctor killed by speeding police fiend
( Updated 2010-08-13 13:20:02 )
A doctor attached to the blood bank of the Kamburugamuwa Hospital died after being knocked down by a speeding Police jeep in Kamburugamuwa today. More

Tax officers in lunch-time protest over attack
( Updated 2010-08-13 12:01:16 )
Officers of the Inland Revenue Department were planning a lunch-time (in a short while) protest on Friday outside their head office in Colombo over a recent attack on a senior officer. More

DNA MP’s remanded till Monday
( Updated 2010-08-13 11:45:53 )
Two Democratic National Alliance (DNA) parliamentarians Vijitha Herath, and Ajith Kumara along with Provincial Councillor Naleen Hewage and ten others have been remanded till August 16 after being produced before the Galle Magistrate’s court on late Thursday evening. More

More SriLankan Airlines flts as tourism grows
( Updated 2010-08-13 11:14:32 )
SriLankan Airlines is planning to support the country’s rapidly-growing tourism industry with a planned increase in worldwide flights. This includes additional capacity to Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Karachi and many cities in India, the airline said on Friday. More

Father rapes 13 year old daughter
( Updated 2010-08-13 09:07:00 )
A tragic incident of a13 year old girl being raped by her father was reported in Kurunegala yesterday. According to Police Media Spokesperson SP Preshantha Jayakody, this incident took place at home while the victim’s mother is out of the country. More

Tax officers vow trade union action after attack on senior official
( Updated 2010-08-12 18:21:41 )
The Joint Trade Union committee of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has threatened trade union action from Friday (tomorrow) afternoon, if the authorities fail to apprehend the attackers of M.H Denzil, Deputy Tax Commissioner of the Matara branch of the Tax Department. More

DNA MP Vijith Herath and two others detained by Police in Galle
( Updated 2010-08-12 17:39:31 )
Two MPs of the DNA including Vijitha Herath and a provincial council member have been detained by the Police when they went to lodge a complaint at the Galle Police after a protest organised by them came under a teargas attack, a party spokesman claimed. More

DNA protest in Galle under teargas attack
( Updated 2010-08-12 16:44:35 )
A protest campaign organized by the DNA calling for the release of Gen (retd) Sarath Fonseka in Galle came under a teargas attack a short while ago, Police said. More

UDA to relocate 66,000 low income families in Colombo
( Updated 2010-08-12 16:01:53 )
The Urban Development Authority is to lease out valuable lands in Colombo presently occupied by 66,000 low income families. More

Ramazan will delay release of Lankans
( Updated 2010-08-12 15:09:11 )
The impending release of the 13 Sri Lankan seafarers currently being held captive by Somali pirates could be delayed further owing to the ongoing Muslim Ramazan period, the local agent said a short while ago. More

Protest demanding Mervin’s reinstatement
( Updated 2010-08-12 12:11:52 )
A protest demanding the reinstatement of former Deputy Minister Mervin Silva is being held opposite the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha. More

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