PM at Kataragama

Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne visited Katarama and paid homage at temple. He also met Viharathipathy of Kiri and Raja Maha Vihara Ven. Aluthwewa Soratha Thera and invoked blessings. Read more

Turkey’s Ambassador calls on Justice Minister

Iskender K.Okyay, Ambassador of Turkey to Sri Lanka called on Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem at his Ministry. During the discussions, Ambassador Okyay offered that his country Read more

'Happy Father’s Day' wish for Mandela

President of South Africa Jacob Zuma extended ‘Happy Father's Day' wish for Father of African Nation Nelson Mndella on Sunday. In a public address, he called upon the people Read more

Basil at All Ceylon YMMA annual celebration

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse was the Chief Guest at the 63 rd Annual celebration of All Ceylon Young Man Muslim Association on Sunday. Senior Journalist Latheef Farook Read more

Boutiques shifted for renovation of Kandy Bus Stand

Several small boutiques, pavement hawkers etc were shifted recently in and around Kandy clock tower along the roads in order to facilitate the commencement and continuation of renovation of Kandy Clock Tower Read more

President declares open major A9 Highway

President Mahinda Rajapakse during the recent visit to Killinochi attended a few events. Principally, he declared open the major A9 Highway. He also declared open a three storied building of People’s Bank. Read more

MH Mohamed turns 93

Former Speaker and Minister M. H. Mohamed turned 93 last Friday. He was felicitated at a simple ceremony at his Borella residence. Several ministers, parliamentarians and well Read more

"Progressives’ support for 13A augurs well":Sampanthan

Tamil National Alliance Leader R.Sampanthan has stated that the stand taken by progressive forces among the majority community and particularly among the ruling party alliance expressing solidarity for 13A Read more

Cleric Rowhani Iran’s President Elect

64 year old Cleric Hassan Rowhani has been elected as President of Iran securing just over 50% of votes polled. 72 % of the eligible 50 million voters took part in the election. Thousands of supporters took Read more

TNA to leave for Delhi

A delegation of Tamil National Alliance led by its Leader R.Samapanthan is to fly to New Delhi today, Sunday, June17. Parliamentarians Mavai Senathyraja, Suresh Premachandran, Read more

Iranamadu Runway declared open

The newly constructed Iranamadu Runway was ceremonially declared open by President Mahinda Rajapakse on Saturday. President Rajapakse arriving on the SLAF MA 60 aircraft was received Read more

Desecration of Hindu Koils; ACHC condemns

All Ceylon Hindu Congress has condemned acts of desecration of Hindu temples in certain areas and appealed to the authorities to take swift measures to estop them as such acts of vandalism Read more

Awards to Blood donors

President Mahinda Rajapakse gave away awards to 5000 blood donors to mark the World Blood Donor Day. The event was held at Temple Trees on June14. The theme of this year’s World Blood Donors’ Read more

Obama okays US military aid to Syria’s opposition

US President Barak Obama has approved to supply direct US military aid to Syrian rebels. Reports say that Obama made the decision following reports by US intelligence that Syrian Read more

Rank of General for Army Commander

President Mahinda Rajapakse has bestowed the rank of General on Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya. The elevation comes into operation with effect from June 1. Read more

Vipaksha Virodhaya meets EC

Vipakshaya Virodhaya met Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya at his office in Rajagiriya yesterday and made representations to ensure a free and fair PC polls. General Read more

Stickers to caution against child abuse

Child Protection Authority has issued stickers and notices to caution against child abuse and to create awareness among the people. The project was launched recently by pasting a sticker Read more

CWC on 13A

Ceylon Workers Congress has expressed the view that it would take appropriate stand on proposed changes to 13 Amendment at the appropriate time. But such decision would be initially in the interest Read more

Govt to repeal provision for proclamation of merger

Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told at a media briefing session that the Cabinet has expressed consensus to present an urgent bill in Parliament on Tuesday to Read more

"Restore 17A prior to PC polls":-Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe has requested President Mahinda Rajapakse to restore the 17th amendment, appoint a civilian Governor to the North and to invite Commonwealth observers Read more

PSC to be activated

Parliamentary Select Committee, newly constituted, is to commence sittings on Wednesday, following a cabinet decision, Media Minister Keehliya Rambukwella Read more

Indian Coast Guard Chief calls on Defence Secretary

The Director General of Indian Coast Guard Vice Admiral Anurag G.Thapliyal called on Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajaapkse in Colombo. He is here on an official visit. They exchanged Read more

"Uncertainty hangs over holding NP poll":Sumanthiran

TNA Parliamentarian M.A.Sumanthiran has expressed the view that there is uncertainty over the holding of the poll for the Northern Province following certain developments in the political scenario.Read more

Mandela’s response to treatment encouraging

Father of South African Nation Nelson Mandela’s response to hospitalized treatment is reported to be encouraging and it eases the worry of his people who have been praying and holding Mass Read more

Scholarships to Student Excellence

President Mahinda Rajapakse awarded scholarships to 300 students for excellence at National Examinations such as GCE O/L, A/L etc. The scholarships are funded by Sri Lanka Read more

SLMC’s 13 page Communique opposes on 13A changes

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress has in a 13 page communiqué to President Mahinda Rajapske conveyed that it would not support any changes to the 13A as they would dilute the powers under the Act. Read more

JHU –UNP Pow-Wow

JHU held a dialogue with the UNP over the five point demands they have put forward in regard to the Amendment 13. They also sought that the UNP Parliamentarians be permitted a conscience Read more

President inaugurates Sermon Hall

President Mahinda Rajapakse declared open the Sermon Hall (Dhamma Salawa) at Sri Sumangala Thera Temple in Nepawela. He also participated in the religious observances at the temple. Read more

Stone pelting; Ranil unhurt,vehicle damaged

Leader of the Opposition and UNP Ranil Wickremasinghe’s motorcade was stoned by a small group of mob while it was proceeding along Galle Road in Balapitiya to visit the houses of victims Read more

Fulfill 5 conditions prior to NC poll:National Collective

National Collective has requested the government to fulfill five conditions prior to holding the poll for the Northern Provincial Council. The Collective made the request at a media meeting Read more

Damage to Katpaka Pillaiyar Temple

The statues in the Kopuram of Trincomalee Katpaka Pillaiyar temple were damaged recently while renovation work is in progress in the temple. Eastern Provincial Councilor J.Janarthan Read more

MoU singned for Malik Abdulla University

An MoU was signed on Tuesday for the establishment of King Abdulla University for Ulamas in Kathankuddy in Batticaloa district. The MoU was signed by Minister Dallas Alahaperuma Read more

PM at Buddhist Vihara in China

Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne participated in the religious observances at a Buddhist Vihaar dedicate Mahayana Chapter in Yunan region in China. He is currently on an official visit to China Read more

Fast track UK visa

UK Home Offce has introduced a new fast track visa service. From 24 June 2013, customers in Sri Lanka who apply for a UK visitor visa can request a brand new Fast Track visa service. For an additional Read more

Catholic Bishops say ‘no’ to amend or annul 13A

The Catholic Bishops Conference in Sri Lanka (CBCSL) has called upon the government not to amend or annul the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. It requested the government instead to discuss Read more

Asgiriya opposed to casino

Asgiriya Buddhist Chapter Chief Prelate Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakitha Thera has expressed objection to the establishment of casino in the island. Addressing the visitors and the media at Kandy temple, he had Read more

President orders relief to victims of stormy seas

President Mahinda Rajapkse has ordered officials to provide relief expeditiously to victims of stormy seas. He has ordered that the families of the deceased fishermen also to be provided with necessary relief. Read more

Maldivian Defence Chief calls on Defence Secretary

President Mahinda Rajapkse has ordered officials to provide relief expeditiously to victims of stormy seas. He has ordered that the families of the deceased fishermen also to be provided with necessary relief. Read more

Adverse weather; death toll rises

The death toll following the adverse weather in the island and rough seas has increased to 27, reports indicate. Thirty nine are reported missing. 2081 houses have been damaged. Meanwhile the Sri Lankan Read more

Two Koreas talk, rekindle hope

The two Koreas-North Korea and South Korea- commenced preliminary discussions at the Truce Village of Ponmunjorm to restart talks between them on Wednesday and Thursday. Read more

"Let Press be free, public filter news":Eran

Parliamentarian Eran Wickremaratne has appealed that the Press be free, let an array of news be available to the people and to let the pubic filter the news. He was addressing Parliament on Press Council Read more

First Lady at ‘5 Blossoms’

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse was the Chief Guest at the Five Blossoms Show held at Nelum Pokuma Theatre on June,8. She was received by President of the Seva Vaniha Unit of Defence Ministry Read more

Finance, Planning Ministry Report launched

The Report of the Ministry of Finance and Planning for 2012 was launched on Friday. Treasury Secretary Dr.P.B.Jayasundara handed over the Report to President at the simple ceremony held at the Finance Read more

Mandela critically ill; Africans pray for him

Nelson Mandela, 94, Father of South African Democracy and undaunted fighter against apartheid, has been hospitalized in Pretoria hospital since last Saturday as he is critically ill following a lung infection. Read more

Swimming Pool for Kalutara Ladies’ College

President Mahinda Rajapakse declared open the new swimming pool at Kalutara Balika Maha Vidyalaya. He addressed the students on the need to follow the traditional customs and the national culture Read more

Visakha Walk to mark 95th anniversary

Visakha Walk was held to mark the 95th anniversary of the College. The Walk organized by the Old Girls’ Association was inaugurated by Principal Sadamal Ariyappori. The walk started at school Read more

TNA seeks civil administration before polls

TNA Parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran stated that civil administration must prevail in the north to ensure free and fair election. He was addressing Parliament on the Special Read more

Inclement weather; 6 fishermen dead, 16 missing

Following a strong storm and heavy rains, six fishermen are reported dead and 16 fishermen have gone missing as they went to sea. The deceased fishermen who were victims of the 80 kmph wind at mid sea. Read more

Speaker calls for inter faith dialogue at UNESCO

Speaker Chamal Rajapakse has called for an inter faith dialogue for reconciliation and to narrow the divide due to ignorance and prejudice.
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa was a special guest at a Vesak Read more

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets US President Barack Obama

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met US President Barack Obama at The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, California, to exchange views on major issues of common Read more

SLMC Parliamentarians to deliberate on changes to 13

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Parliamentary Group is to hold a crucial meeting on Monday to consider the pros and cons of the changes proposed to the Amendment 13. Earlier, SLMC Leader Justice Read more

EPDP appoints committee to address amendments to 13

Minister Douglas Devananda, Leader of Elam People’s Democratic Party, a constituent party in the ruling party alliance, has nominated a committee to study the amendments proposed Read more

"Press Council needs more teeth":-Sajin Vas

Parliamentarian Sajin Vas Gunawardena, the monitoring MP for External Affairs has expressed the view that the Press Council needs more teeth, more powers to handle media issues. He was addressing Read more

BJP delegation calls on President

BJP delegation led Deputy Leader Ravy Shankar Prasad called on President Mahinda Rajapakse at Temple Trees on Friday afternoon, June7 and held discussion. The other members of the delegation Read more

"Free media important for good governance":-Sumanthiran

TNA Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran has observed that the media freedom has to be safeguarded in the island to ensure good governance. Addressing the House on the Media Registration Bill, Read more

BJP delegation at Nallur temple

Indian Opposition delegation led by BJP Leader Ravi Shankar during their visit to the North attended poojas at the historic Nallur Kanthasway koil on Thursday. Jaffna Mayoress Yogeswary Patkunarasa Read more

New Zealand FM calls on President

New Zealand Finance Minister Murray Mc Cully called on President Mahinda Rajapakse at Temple Trees. Non Resident High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Jan Henderson, Read more

"Bill ensures franchise to the IDPs":-Minsiter Hakeem

Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem stated that the objective of the proposed bill is to ensure right to franchise to the internally displaced people especially due to the war in the north and east.Read more

"Govt awaits parties’ response to Bill on 13":Rambukwella

Cabinet Spokesman Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stated that the government has sought the response from all political parties including the constituent parties in the government Read more

BJP delegation meets NP Governor

Indian delegation led by BJP Deputy Leader Ravy Shankar met Northern Province Governor G.A. Chandrasiri on June on Wednesday during their visit to Jaffna. Governor Chandrasiri detailed the delegation Read more

BJP delegation in the North

The six member BJP Delegation led by Rajya Sabha BJP Deputy Leader Ravi Shankar visited the North on Wednesday. They were received at the airport by Minister Douglas Devananda. Read more

JVP’s protest in Kandy

JVP held a demonstration holding lighted torches protest against electricity tariff hike in Kandy on June5. The protestors demanded that the electricity tariff hike be revised. Read more

 PM in China

Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne who arrived in China following an official invitation was given a warm reception at the airport. He will be the Chief Guest at the Export Import Trade Exhibition in China. Read more

Medals for Environment Student Leaders

President Mahinda Rajapakse pinned medals for 90 students recognized as Environment Leaders from various schools at an event held at Temple Trees under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment Read more

Sampanthan addresses Foreign Correspondents

Tamil National Alliance Leader R.Smpanthan has observed that his party is committed to the evolution of an acceptable resolution of the conflict in a peaceful, non-violent way within the frame work Read more

Wijedasa on Press Council Act Bill

UNP Parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakse stated that the Act ought to ensure press freedom and safety and security to journalists. Speaking in Parlaiment on the Bill moved by Media Minister Rambukwella,Read more

Govt seeks new charges for newspaper registration

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella moved for new charges for registration of newspapers in Parliaments on Wednesday. Minister Rambukwella stated that a new Read more

CWC’s relief to victims of landslips

Ceylon Workers’ Congress has taken steps to provide relief for 17 families in the areas around Kotagala Wellington Division  who have been affected by landslip and heavy showers. CWC officials visited them Read more

Nawaz elected PAK PM:unprecedented 3rd time

Nawas Shariff, Leader of Pakistan Muslim League, nicknamed ‘Panjab Tiger’, has been elected Prime Minister for an unprecedented third time by Pakistan National Assembly ending fourteen long years Read more

Sobitha Thera calls for Govt-UNP pow-wow

Ve.Maduluwawa Sobitha Thera, Leader of National Movement for Social Justice, has called for a bilateral meeting between President Rajapakse and the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe regarding Read more

JHU to meet party leaders over its motion

JHU has decided to meet party leaders and explain to them the five points on which they propose to place the private member motion seeking the abolition of Amendment 13. They propose Read more

President hosts lunch for Ugandan President

President Mahinda Rajapakse hosted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for lunch yesterday. Museveni was here on stop over en route to his visit to East Asia. External Affairs Minister G.L.Peiris Read more

Ban on ‘World Environment Day’

UN Secretary General Ban ki Moon’s advice on the World Environment Day is; ‘Think. Eat. Save; Reduce Your Footprint”. He states that we live in a world of plenty, where food production Read more

Hindu priests appeal to President

Hindu Priests’ Federation has appealed to President Mahinda Rajapakse to instruct authorities to take action over the desecration of four Hindu temples in the Batticaloa district and to bring the culprits Read more

Kandy bus-stand renovation underway

Renovation work has begun at the Kandy clock tower bus stand. As a result, parking of long distance and short distance buses have been relocated temporarily until the renovation and reconstruction Read more

Myanmar gifts baby tusker

Myanmar has gifted a baby tusker to Bellanwilla Raja Maha Vihara on Tuesday. Chief Prelate Ven. Dr. Bellanwilla Wimalaratne Thera received the baby elephant from Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka Read more

Signature campaign against 13A

National Democratic Front on Monday launched a signature campaign against Amendment13 and demanding its abolition. It also opposed the holding of the Northern Provincial Council. Read more

Thai PM wraps Lankan visit

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinewatra wrapped up her Sri Lankan official visit on May31. President Rajapakse and First Lady Shiranthy Rajapakse held a banquet in her honor. During her visit to the island Read more

Qatar Ambassador calls on PM

Qatar Ambassador to Sri Lanka Saeed Abdulla Al Mansoori called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne at his official residence Visumpaya recently. Central Province Chief Minister Read more