CHENNAI: Chief minister of Sri Lanka’s Tamil-majority Northern Province C V Wigneswaran has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release three life convicts in the sensational Swamy Premananda case.

President Maithripala Sirisena, addressing the nation last night, said his intention was not to use unlimited executive powers that are vested in his position.

The SLFP Central Committee has unanimously decided to vote in favor of the 19th amendment to the Constitution a short while ago, Minister Rajitha Senaratne told media.

The draft bills on ‘Right to Information’ and ‘National Audit’ have been approved by the cabinet on ministers, Cabinet Spokesman Rajith Senaratne said.

The Government of Sri Lanka led by President Maithripala Sirisena marks the completion of 100 days, today (23).

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Bribery Commission this morning as he was summoned to record statements over various allegations.

Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa was remanded by Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court last night until May 5.

Former Minister of Economic Development and UPFA MP Basil Rajapaksa has been arrested a short while ago over allegations of financial fraud, sources said.

President Maithripala Sirisena is to make a special announcement via all electronic media tomorrow at 9 pm, the President’s Media Unit said.

Former minister Basil Rajapaksa has arrived to the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to give a statement regarding the misappropriation of state funds and a financial transaction taken place at the Divi Neguma Department, Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Secretary to the former President, Lalith Weeratunga, has been summoned to the the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to record a statement regarding a financial transaction of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the police said.

Sri Lanka’s once powerful Defense Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, wants President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to join hands to give the island nation a “functioning government” and lift it from the abyss of political confusion and economic stagnation.

All dansalas held in the Colombo Municipal area should be registered with the Health Department of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), Chief Medical Officer of the CMC Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni said.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday requested opposition members not to use Parliamentary privileges to protect thieves and persons engaged in corruption.

Sri Lanka’s main opposition demanded Tuesday the country’s anti-graft chief be sacked for summoning former president Mahinda Rajapakse to answer bribery allegations amid renewed uproar in parliament.

Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa who left to the US soon after the presidential elections arrived in the Country a short while ago. He has arrived from London via Dubai on an Emirates flight EK 347.