Category: Local News

HC Judge Pilapitiya case: No arrest warrant needed – CCD

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) yesterday (13) informed Nugegoda Magistrate H.U.K. Pelpola that they do not intend to seek an arrest warrant on interdicted Embilipitiya High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya, who is alleged to have been involved in telephone conversations with former Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake.



8,018 tri-forces absentees return to military bases

A total of 8,018 tri-forces deserters have reported to military bases as the week-long general amnesty period came to an end yesterday (12).



Sanath Nishantha oblivious to Wildlife Protection Act: Chandrasena

Referring to the incident in which the Gampaha District Forest Officer rejected the proposal to construct a playground at the Kadolkele mangrove in Negombo, Environment and Wildlife Resources Minister S.M. Chandrasena said State Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera would have been ignorant of the Wildlife Protection Act when dealing with the situation.



India’s Cabinet approves protocol amending agreement with Sri Lanka to avoid double taxation

India’s Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing and ratification of the protocol amending the agreement between India and Sri Lanka for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion in respect to taxes on income.



AG’s order to arrest former Embilipitiya HC Judge Pilapitiya: Lawyers stage silent protest

Lawyers at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court engaged in a silent protest for the second time charging that the order given by Attorney General,  Dappula de Livera to Police to apprehend interdicted former Embilipitiya High Court Judge, Gihan Pilapitiya was both contrary to law and was arbitrary.



Ranjan Ramanayake further remanded

MP Ranjan Ramanayake further remanded until Feb 26 by Nugegoda Magistrate’s court, over the interference of the judicial matters charges.



Applications to be called online for all exams from 2020

The Department of Examinations says the calling of applications for the GCE Ordinary Level examination, GCE Advanced Level examination and the Grade Five Scholarship examination will be carried out according to an online method.



Driving licences within three hours: Dilum Amunugama

Applicants can obtain their light-vehicle driving licences within three hours after submitting the applications with the medical report at the one-day service counter, State Minister of Transport, Dilum Amunugama said.



Sri Lanka made progress in human rights, EU GSP+ assessment report says

A European Union (EU) report, compiled by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has stated that Sri Lanka has shown significant progress on the human rights front.



EC gives nod to ‘Samagi Janabalawegaya’

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday (11),  approved a request made by Opposition Leader, Sajith Premadasa to change the name of the political alliance called Ape Jathika Peramuna to Samagi Janabalawegaya  to contest the upcoming General Election likely to be held in April this year.



AG expresses displeasure to Acting IGP

The Attorney General has expressed his displeasure to the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the response in dealing with the AG’s advice and directives on Justice Gihan Pilapitiya, coordinating Secretary Nishara Jayaratne said.



Four injured in Rajagiriya accident

A total of four persons have been injured and admitted to the Colombo National Hospital, following an accident adjacent to the Rajagiriya flyover this morning.



President on surprise visit of Welikada Prison

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the Welikada Prison yesterday afternoon on a sudden inspection tour. He spoke with the inmates being held in remand. Most of them were in remand for illegal possession of heroin and other prescription substances.



Sajith walks out of UNP working committee meeting

The UNP working committee meeting yesterday ended in a stalemate following the issue on the symbol of the alliance led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to contest the next general election.



Stock of firearms found in Aralaganwila

A stock of firearms and ammunition have been discovered while concealed in a bag within the Aralaganwila Police division.



Former President Maithripala Sirisena to contest general election from Polonnaruwa

Former President Maithripala Sirisena is set to re-enter active politics through the upcoming general election. SLFP media spokesperson Weerakumara Dissanayake noted that the 1 term president will return to his constituency of Polonnaruwa to seek re-election at the upcoming general election.