The UNP presidential candidate cannot win the election with the support of the UNP vote base alone, but will definitely need the support of all other friendly forces in order to win, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has told a group of civil society representatives supportive of the main government party.

Even if the TNA asked the Tamils to vote for Gotabaya, they will not accept it, Batticaloa District TNA Parliamentarian G.Srinesan said.

The selection of the UNP’s presidential candidate would take some more time as the TNA, yesterday, has said it is not ready to accept Sajith Premadasa as the candidate of the coalition to be formed.

The Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) SP A.K.D.U. Hemantha, two DIGs and 62 Officers had been transferred on service requirement, the Police said.

The Speaker of Parliament and the United National Party’s one-time chairman, Karu Jayasuriya is expected to be proposed as a possible “National candidate” by an influential section of the party following party leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Deputy Leader and Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa digging in to their position on the presidential ticket.

An explosion has been reported from a house in the Dematagoda area this morning (15), stated the Police Media Spokesperson.

President Maithripala Sirisena will ceremonially open the iconic Lotus Tower (Nelum Kuluna) in Colombo tomorrow (16) at 5.00 pm.

The membership of five National List Members of Parliament, appointed from Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), will be suspended within the next few days, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara says.

The United National Party (UNP) has appointed a four-member committee to analyse social surveys and opinion polls on who is most suited to be the Party’s Presidential Candidate and who can ensure victory for the Party.

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka says that intelligence units should be rid of political interference to ensure national security.

Tamil Nadu politician Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, daughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi, has had talks in Colombo with the Government and others.

In a major boost for Sri Lankan students, the UK has this week launched a new ‘Graduate Immigration Route’ for international students choosing the UK for their higher education.

The Japanese Government will furnish one billion Yen (Rs.1.6 billion) to Sri Lanka to procure sophisticated security equipment to bolster its national security.

Appeal Court orders Colombo Magistrate’s Court to acquit Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and others from the Avant Garde Case filed by the Bribery Commission.

A fire broke out in the record room of the Kekirawa Magistarte’s court this afternoon, police said.

The Court of Appeal, setting aside the order of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, has allowed the revision application filed by former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Avant-Garde floating armoury case.