Category: Local News

Double standards of the Vatican and Pope towards Catholicism and Multiculturalism

By Shenali Waduge This article seeks to clarify and obtain explanation for why the Vatican encourages the spread of the Catholic faith through all channels in majority-Catholic nations whilst in nations where Catholics remain the minority it professes the notion of multiculturalism and equal status to all religions? The case in point emerges from the […]



Deepavali spreads message of joy – President

Deepavali, known as the Festival of Light, has special significance as an expression of spiritual richness in the Hindu tradition, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message to mark Deepavali. The President said:“It marks the victory of good over evil, and bringing the light of knowledge over the darkness of ignorance that are the eternal […]



CJ steps down from Golden Key cases

Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake said in open court today that she will withdraw from hearing all cases pertaining to depositors of Golden Key and Ceylinco Shriram. Bandaranayake on Thursday denied financial wrongdoing alleged in an impeachment brought by the ruling party, vowing to remain in office and defend her innocence. […]



Sri Lanka – China strengthens military ties

Sri Lankan delegationled by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa met the Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie on Sunday (11) in Beijing. At this meeting China and Sri Lanka strengthened their defence relations by pledging to boost relations between the two countries and their militaries. […]



President pledges to do utmost for War Heroes

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said his government will do its utmost to ensure the well-being of War Heroes and their families. “Our War Heroes fought fearlessly to secure the Motherland and leave a country for all to live in peace and without fear,” he said at the opening of the third Abimansala in Kamburupitiya on Saturday. […]




27 inmates killed in Sri Lanka prison shootout

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A shootout between rioting prisoners and security forces at a prison in Sri Lanka’s capital killed at least 27 inmates, while police said Saturday that they arrested five prisoners who had managed to escape and were searching for others. […]



Four foreign envoys to Sri Lanka present credentials

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Photos by Sudath Silva) Four foreign envoys including three new Ambassadors and a High Commissioner handed over their credentials to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 09 November. The ceremony for the handing over of credentials by the new diplomats was held at the President’s Office, Presidential Secretariat in Colombo under […]




Jail break and rioting at Welikada

Several people are feared dead after a shootout between the STF and prison inmates a short while ago. The shootout had occured when inmates attempted to break out from the Prison. […]





President Rajapaksa presented the Budget Report- 2013 to the parliament

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Sudath Silva) President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Minister of Finance presented the Budget Report for the year 2013 in parliament today on 08 November. This is Sri Lanka’s 66th Budget and the 8th Budget presented by President Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Minister of Finance & Planning, […]



2013 Budget at a glance

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa presented the Budget  2013 in Parliament today. This is Sri Lanka’s 66th Budget and the 8th Budget presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Minister of Finance & Planning. […]



Ten Sri Lankan Software Companies Participated at GITEX Technology Week – 2012 in Dubai

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai organized a Country Pavilion at GITEX 2012. This year, 10 Sri Lankan software companies exhibited their software solutions at GITEX Technology Week held in Dubai World Trade Centre from October 14-18, 2012. […]



President to unveil UPFA govt’s eighth budget

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will present Independent Sri Lanka’s 66th budget in Parliament today. President Rajapaksa who assumed office as the fifth Executive President on November 17, 2005, presented his first budget the same year. This will be the eighth budget presented by President Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Finance and Planning Minister. […]