London: A representative group of Britain- based Tamils has sought India’s help for Tamils based in northern Sri Lanka in improving their lives through a host of measures.

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said he would initiate a public dialogue to determine whether capital punishment would be implemented for those who are convicted of peddling, selling and distributing drugs including tablets.

We welcome the dawn of Poson Pasalosvaka Poya with devotion along with due respect and honour to Arahant Mahinda thera who bestowed Buddhism to the Sri Lankan Nation with its attendant cultural heritage and honour, President Maithripala Sirisena said in a message to mark Poson Poya.

The Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) today recorded a statement from former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at a venue outside the FCID Office in Kollupitiya, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

The Q Branch police in India have arrested three Sri Lankan Tamils, including two refugees, when they attempted to smuggle 11 kg of ganja from Thonikarai seashore near Mandapam in Ramanathapuram on Saturday night.

Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa is due to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) of the Police today in connection with the Siriliya Saviya bank account.

Tamil Nadu main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M. Karunanidhi has seized on a report by the US Oakland Institute to condemn the Sri Lankan army’s “continued occupation” of traditional Tamil homeland.

The Commission to Investigate Allegation of Bribery or Corruption is to issue notice on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to appear before the commission despite recent protests in Parliament and outside.

Award winning actress, playwright, directress and theatre educationist Somalatha Subasinghe passed away this morning at the age of 79.

Shaveen Bandaranayake, son of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake questioned MP Namal Rajapaksa’s statement over summons issued on her mother by the FCID, drawing parallels with the way the former government treated his mother.

Five United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentarians including Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena were this morning appointed as ministers by President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat.

There is little hope of post-war reconciliation in Sri Lanka unless the new government acts to end the oppression of minority Tamils and ensure reconciliation, a U.S. think tank said on Thursday, urging continued pressure on the country.

The Sri Lankan government on Thursday said it has appointed a fresh committee to study the possibility of continuing a multi-million-dollar port city project in capital Colombo, an official said.

Sri Lanka’s main opposition the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) said on Thursday that it will be launching protests after June 9 to gather support for the removal of the current government.

Sri Lanka’s wartime army chief says his conscience is clear and he would welcome a war crimes investigation to prove his innocence.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando, who was arrested and remanded over charges of financial fraud, was released on bail by the Kurunegala High Court today.