Category: Local News

UNP in support of electoral system changes

News Courtesy: Ada Derana UNP Spokesman, Gayantha Karunathilakesays that the United National Party supports the proposed changes to the Local Government electoral system. He said that even though further clarification is needed the party in general agrees with government on the changes. The Galle District Parliamentarian in reply to a question by the media said […]



Ranil losing Opposition Leader’s post is a possibility: Dayasiri

News Courtesy: Ada Derana The United National Party (UNP) leadership is yet to respond to their ultimatum to sit as an independent group in the Opposition if the party fails to sort out internal issues. If no response is forthcoming the group will sit as an independent group when Parliament meets next, Dayasiri Jayasekera told […]



18th Constitutional Amendment has twelve objectives

TC – by Basil Rajapaksa (Following is an edited text of the speech made by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, during the debate in Parliament on September 8, on the 18th Amendment to the Constitution) The 18th Constitutional Amendment has 12 objectives, the first of which is the removal of fetters against the people’s sovereignty. […]



President Rajapaksa participates multi-religious observances at Katharagama

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana) President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the sacred city of Kataragama and attended several religious ceremonies today on 10th September, the President Media Unit said. The President first worshipped at the Kiriwehera temple and joined a special ‘Bodhi Pooja pinkama’ held at the temple premises. After engaging […]



Prof J.B’s “Handbook of Simple Tamil” presented to President Rajapaksa

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana) The first copy of the “Handbook of Simple Tamil” by Prof. J B Dissanayake being presented by the author to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday 8th September at Temple Trees. Deshamanya Jayantha Banda Dissanayake (73) is an emeritus Professor and one of the leading authorities […]



Happy President

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma – (Pix by: Sudath Silva) The 18th Amendment to the Constitution which was presented before the Parliament for voting today on 8th September has been passed with a two-thirds majority. It was passed with 161 Parliamentarians voting for the reforms and 17 against. UNP, the main Opposition party members […]



Parliament has no right to get Amendments passed, says Ranil

News courtesy: Ada Derana Parliament has no right to get the 18th Amendment to the Constitution passed in Parliament, said United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe while marching with protestors towards Parliament from Siri Kotha in Kotte. Meanwhile, our correspondent says the protestors have been stopped at Bangalawa Junction in Kotte after protestors burnt […]



First Family donation: Cancer Institute gets ward complex

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday opened the two storied ward complex at the Maharagama Cancer Institute in memory of his mother Dandina Samarasinghe Dissanayake and First Lady’s mother Vilolet Wickremesingne. This project was funded by President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family members and philanthropists. […]



Pabha and Shree Ranga support 18th Amendment

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Sudath Silva) Gampaha District United National Party MP and actress Upeksha Swarnamali popularly known as ‘Pabha’ expressed her support to the government on the 18th Amendment to the constitution a short while ago. Meanwhile Nuwara Eliya District UNP MP and former journalist J. Shree Ranga and Kurunegala […]



Ranil seeks Indian help to revive agriculture

News Courtesy: The Hindu The Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lanka and former Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, sought India’s assistance in reviving agriculture and fisheries in the Vanni region, pointing out that “until the region returns to normalcy and commences food production and fisheries, Sri Lanka will continue to have problems.” “It will affect […]



This is second step to take country forward: Wimal

News courtesy: Ada Derana The Constitutional Amendments are in three stages. It is not wise to criticize them without looking at the whole process. What will be taken up on Wednesday is the second step to take the country forward, said Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (JNP) leader Minister Wimal Weerawansa. The JNP is fully supportive of […]



Lankan pilot killed in NZ crash

A Lankan born Queenstown skydive pilot, Chaminda Senadhira was killed along with eight other skydivers when their plane crashed in Fox Glacier in New Zealand. The plane crash is reported to be the worst in New Zealand aviation for almost 17 years. Originally from Sri Lanka Mr. Senadhira had moved to Germany when he was […]



27 Ranaviru houses handed over to war heroes under “Api Wenuwen Api” housing project

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Sudath Silva) Another twenty seven (27) new houses constructed under the Second Phase of Api Wenuwen Api housing programme were ceremonially handed over to the war heroes and their families by President Mahinda Rajapaksa (today) on 5th September at Thorayaya in Kurunegala. To mark the occasion, President […]



Chandrika Kumaratunga Condemns The 18th Amendment

TC – By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga condemned the 18th Amendment proposed by the government saying it is a “horrendous move” and that she could not agree with it in any way. Speaking to The Sunday Leader Kumaratunga said that being “a total democrat,” she believes that rulers must not grab […]



President Rajapaksa pays homage to Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Sudath Silva) President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid homage to the Muthiyangana Rajamaha Vihara in Badulla this morning on 04th September. President met the Chief Incumbent of the Viharaya, Venerable Murutthadeniye Dhammarathana Nayaka Thero and took part in religious observances. Later Venerable Thero placed the sacred relic casket on […]



No Doosra Please!

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Sudath Silva) President Mahinda Rajapaksa played few cricket strokes to inaugurate the newly built Indoor Cricket Stadium in Badulla by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) this morning on 4th September. He thoroughly enjoyed playing cricket without opposition players while opening the venue for public in a grand style. […]