The suspect arrested yesterday in connection with the rape and murder of the 5-year-old Seya Sadewmi is now the main suspect after he confessed to the crime, Police confirmed a short while ago.

President Maithripala Sirisena left for New York today (Sep. 23) to attend the 70th United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA) Sessions.

Sri Lanka had fulfilled 36 out of 57 conditions set for it by the European Union for the lifting of the ban on fish exports to Europe, according to the Fisheries Department.

Germany is ready to help Sri Lanka investigate alleged atrocities during its civil war, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Tuesday.

Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa criticised on Tuesday the findings of a UN probe into war crimes and called on the government to reject the report, which called for suspects to be prosecuted by a hybrid court with international judges.

The import levy on big onions had been increased by Rs. 20 per kilo under the directives of Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, the ministry said today.

Chairman of the Presidential Commission on Missing Persons Maxwell Paranagama has rejected the death toll during the final phase of the conflict cited in the United Nations panel report.

President Maithripala Sirisena said that the Government will take every possible step to eradicate the drugs menace by strengthening laws related to drug raids.

TULF General Secretary V. Anandasangaree said as far as the Tamil United Liberation Front is concerned, in the first instance the TULF will opt to choose the Hybrid special court to probe the alleged war crimes.

Notorious drug dealer Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda has paid million of rupees in the form of bribes to 174 people using electronic fund transfer methods – ‘eZ Cash’ via mobile phones.

Sri Lankan shares slipped for a fifth straight session on Monday and closed at their lowest in more than two months amid concerns that a weak rupee would hurt corporate earnings.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary and MP Udaya Gammanpila today criticised the move by India to create a bridge connecting Sri Lanka and charged the link would only work in favour of India ultimately making Sri Lanka another State of India.

The new Sri Lankan government has “a very strong intent” in addressing rights concerns, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal said, calling for a “credible domestic” probe with “substantial involvement” from the international community to address justice and accountability.

Media spokesperson of the United National Party (UNP), Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam says that despite various criticisms levelled by some groups, the new government does not provide protection or immunity to criminals and anybody who are involved in corruption.

Democratic Party founder and former SLA Commander Sarath Fonseka on Saturday, offered himself to face a domestic court of law on allegations against military operations during the Eelam War.