Malik Samarawickrama new UNP Chairman

Malik Samarawickrama, a onetime General Secretary of the UNP has been appointed as the new Chairman of the party today.



Lasith Malinga to face New Zealand in World Cup opener

Lasith Malinga is not 100 per cent fit but says he will play in the Cricket World Cup opener against New Zealand today.



Bypassing Cabinet, Rajapaksa paid Rs. 1.39b to US firms and middleman

The Presidential Secretariat, under the previous UPFA Government, paid a staggering Rs. 1.39 billion to a middleman and two public relations agencies in the United States to promote Sri Lanka and lobby on behalf of the former Government.



Opposition Leader against hasty electoral reforms

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva said his party would not support any hasty electoral reforms before the next parliamentary elections as there was barely any time to effect comprehensive changes to ensure fair representation in Parliament, electorate-wise.



Hybrid vehicle tax unfair by individuals – AKD

Democratic National Alliance Leader, MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake alleged in Parliament yesterday that the newly imposed Hybrid vehicle tax was unfair on individuals buying Hybrid vehicles for personal use through small scale car dealers.



Interim Budget 2015 passed

Second Reading of the Budget 2015 was passed with a majority of 163 votes with only one member voting against it.



President invites China to invest more in Sri Lanka

While expressing hope that China would assist Sri Lanka in its development endeavors in the future too, President Maithripala Sirisena invited Chinese government as well as private companies to increase investment in Sri Lanka when the Chinese President’s Special Envoy and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Liu Jianchao called on the President yesterday (06).



Two VAT scam absconders caught in Malaysia

Two Sri Lankans convicted over a major VAT scam case have been brought from Malaysia to Sri Lanka last night, the Police said.



Sri Lankan Parliamentarians cannot be politicians and practicing lawyers

For the good governance mantra to have any effect it must be practiced in its truest form. Sri Lanka’s Parliament has an abundance of qualified lawyers both in the Opposition and Government and a majority of them are practicing law.



US security adviser Rice pledges help for Sri Lanka ‘transition’

The United States pledged on Friday to assist Sri Lanka’s new government in creating a more open and democratic society.



An Open Letter To President Sirisena

I thank you, Mr. President for your bold attempt and resolve to bring back rule of law, good governance, minimize corruption and bring to book perpetrators of vices that were lacking in our country for the last decade.



Foreign Minister Samaraweera to speak on Sri Lanka – US relations in Washington

Sri Lanka’s new Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera will discuss Sri Lanka – U.S. relations at a special briefing and reception on Thursday, February 12th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the National Press Club in Washington.



Two Police officers suspended

A sub inspector and sergeant attached to the Thambuttegema Police have been suspended from duty following the escape of a 15 year old suspect from Police custody on Wednesday (4).



Sri Lanka nixes Strauss-Kahn deal after paying $750,000

Sri Lanka’s new government Thursday said it was cutting ties with sex scandal plagued ex-IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn after paying him $750,000 for being an advisor to attract foreign investment.



$1 Million bonus on offer for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s cricket squad will receive a bonus of almost $1 million from the Government if they win the 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand that starts next week.



National Drug Policy gets cabinet approval

The Cabinet approval has been granted for the proposed new National Medicinal Drug, Devises and Cosmetic Authority draft bill and it will be presented to the Parliament within next few days, Health and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.