Sri Lanka’s new government yesterday said an investigation into allegations of war crimes would begin by September, amid international pressure to account for atrocities committed during the island’s decades-long separatist conflict.

Sri Lanka and Russia will enter into several new Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to expand bilateral cooperation in several fields such as energy, trade and commerce, agriculture, education, judiciary and defense.

The government is getting the backing of four foreign nations to trace billions of dollars allegedly siphoned off by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family during their decade in power, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

Former minister and UPFA MP Basil Rajapaksa and three others were further remanded till May 20 by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (7).

President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday (06) that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) would not nominate a Prime Ministerial candidate before the next Parliamentary election.

The SLFP yesterday said that it would take a legal action against the gazette notification which had set up the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) as it was instructed by a Ministerial Sub Committee (MSC) headed by Prime Minister on its final decisions against persons summoned before it.

Indian Rajya Sabha members from the AIADMK, DMK and the CPI want the Centre to renegotiate with the government of Sri Lanka to reclaim the island of Katchatheevu.

President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Parliament and much awaited discussions were held on Wednesday (6) morning.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando has been further remanded till 11 May by Kurunegala Magistrate today (6).

Members of Parliament Mr Kumara Welgama and Mr T.B Ekanayake visited the President’s House two weeks ago, had emphasized the need for a meeting with the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The US police have made an arrest in the April 28 fatal shooting of a convenience store owner, Metthananda Kuruppu, a 52-year-old native of Sri Lanka.

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the arrest of an army corporal who allegedly brought a firearm to a meeting attended by the President, is the latest episode in a campaign of persecution directed at him and all those associated with him.

Sri Lankans are waiting with bated breath for the outcome of crucial talks between President Maithripala Sirisena and his predecessor, Mahinda Rajapaksa, scheduled for Wednesday.

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Johnston Fernando was arrested a short while ago by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Unit (FCID).