‘No visa on arrival’ to Sri Lanka

A new online visa scheme for all visitors will be introduced soon replacing the current on arrival visa for selected countries, Sri Lanka authorities say. Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Chulananda Perera told BBC Sandeshaya that representatives of tourism industry whom he recently met agreed that it is a much improved measure than the […]



Political solution to ethnic problem: Govt for consensus

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said with regard to a political solution to the ethnic problem, a solution will be arrived at in consensus with all political parties depending on the proposals they make. The President said so at a discussion with foreign correspondents at Temple Trees yesterday. […]



THREE-YEAR-OLD JUMBO DIES CAUGHT IN RAGING WATERS IN HABARANA

The raging waters caused by the incessant rains spared no man nor beast in its path. When nature unleashed it fury across the land, this little pachyderm had little chance of survival. The tiny jumbo got swept away by the raging floods. Whether he breathed his last by drowning or by getting his skull cracked […]



President tells media: Help build amity

It is the duty of the media to help build amity among all communities and not contribute to fostering hatred among people, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the Heads and Editors of the Private and State Media at Temple Trees yesterday. Responding to a question as to what he considered the major challenge in the […]



Composer of the Sri Lanka National Anthem Ananda Samarakoon’s birth centenary commemorates

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Sudath Silva) The composer of the Sri Lankan National Anthem, artiste and late musician Ananda Samarakoon’s 100th birth anniversary was commemorated at Temple Trees on 13 January. President Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and said that the best honour can be awarded to […]



NINE RAJARATA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS APOLOGISE TO DEAN IN COURT

Nine student activists of the Rajarata University had to apologize before the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences yesterday. The student activists were produced before court with charges levelled against them for harassment and obstruction of a group including professor Ariyasinghe Langamuwa, while participating at a meeting of a banned organisation. […]



Accident kills six

At least six were killed and eight others injured following a passenger bus bashed into a van proceeding from Kuruwita to Colombo at Ihala Kosgama on the Avissawella-Colombo road early this morning, the Police said. Out of the fourteen people in the van six died, while the driver died on the spot, The Police said. […]



UNICEF responds to Sri Lanka floods

Press Release: UNICEF UNICEF is rushing emergency supplies to eastern Sri Lanka as hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by flooding. Water levels in some areas are two metres higher than normal – and still rising. Preceded by more than a week of intense wet weather, four days of non-stop heavy rain since […]



India to despatch relief material to Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI: The Indian government will despatch relief material for the flood-affected people of Sri Lanka, and the first consignment will be sent on Friday, Defence Ministry officials said here. Twenty-five tonnes of relief material, including food, drinking water, sleeping mats, blankets, bed sheets will be sent to Colombo by Friday afternoon. […]



Provide urgent flood relief – President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday directed State officials to identify the present disaster caused by heavy rain and floods and provide urgent relief to the affected people without restricting themselves to the stipulations of official circulars only. The Government would always stand by decisions taken by the State officials for the welfare of the common masses. […]



LAUGFS GAS UP BY RS. 36

The price of Laugfs Gas has been increased by Rs. 36 for a domestic cylinder. “The price increase is in accordance with the pricing formula agreed to with the Consumer Protection Authority,” said W. K. H. Wegapitiya, Chairman of the Laugfs Gas Company. […]



Navy Commander promoted to Admiral

His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been pleased to promote Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe to the rank of Admiral with effect from 12th January 2011. […]



‘Even President cannot send me on retirement’

Source: DM Online – By Sandun A Jayasekera Senior Minister on Good Governance and Infrastructure, Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka yesterday said even the President could not send him on retirement unless he retired on his own will as he is an elected Member of Parliament. Addressing the media after assuming office at the Senior Ministers’ Office Complex […]



Provide electricity at affordable rates

President Mahinda Rajapaksa advised the Power and Energy Ministry to provide electricity to the public at affordable rates without thinking of profit. He said so at a meeting with the Minister of Power and Energy Champika Ranawaka and other senior Ministry officials at the Ministry premises tuesday Electricity is an important part of life today. […]



Humanitarian mission with zero civilian casualties – President.

‘Lakviru Sevana’ Sales Complex to market products made by disabled war heroes was unveiled by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday (Jan 10) at 272, Denzil Kobbekaduwa road, Battaramulla. The sales complex was built under the patronage of Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero with the co-operation of the Dharmayathanaya Trust. […]



Disaster Management Minister tours worst affected Eastern Province.

Minister of Disaster Management Mr. Mahindananda Amaraweera has proceeded to Ampara District on a fact finding tour to see the people affected by floods in the District with several lorry loads of relief assistance items including tents, food, drinking water and other essentials. Mr. Amaraweera said that he will be touring the whole of flood […]