‘Conflicts between intelligence units & government’ – Patali

Legal and administrative steps would be taken by the government shortly to prohibit the import of tree cutting machines, chainsaws, mechanical saws and the carpenter sheds popularly known as ‘wadu maduwa’, in a bid to protect the environment – in particular, the forest density of the country, President Maithripala Sirisena declared today.



UK downgrades warnings over travel to Sri Lanka

British travellers are no longer being warned against travelling to Sri Lanka following a change in the UK Foreign Office’s advice.



No need of parents for school security now – Ministry

The Education Ministry said there is no further need to summon parents to assure security of schools.



Hemarisi before PSC: I thought SIS head had briefed President on terrorist threats

Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, yesterday, told the parliamentary select committee probing the Easter Sunday carnage that the President had specifically told him not to invite the Prime Minister, the State Minister of Defence and the IGP to National Security Council meetings from Nov 13, 2018.



Karunaratne unfazed by Sri Lanka’s World Cup woe against Pakistan

Dimuth Karunaratne insists Sri Lanka can end their wretched World Cup record against Pakistan when they clash in Bristol on Friday.



Cinnamon Grand bomber identified as a chief suspect of another case

One of the bombers at Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo on Easter Sunday, Mohammed Ibrahim Inshaf, has been identified as a main suspect in a case currently being heard before the Colombo Magistrates Court over the theft of a container with aluminum, brass and iron valued at 6.2 million rupees.



IGP says President didn’t want him at Security Council meetings

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara testifying at the Special Parliamentary Select Committee stated that the President has asked him not to attend the National Security Council meetings.



Sri Lanka proposes new law on fake news after Easter attacks

Sri Lanka’s government will introduce five-year jail terms for those caught spreading fake news and hate speech on social media, the government said Wednesday, following a surge in online vitriol and disinformation after the Easter suicide attacks.



We all signed one resignation letter – Haleem

Former Minister Parliamentarian MHM Haleem says all Muslim Ministers representing the government signed one letter informing the President of their decision to resign of Ministerial portfolios.



Three die of electrocution in Akuressa

Three persons have been electrocuted to death at around 7.30 a.m. this morning (06) due to an illicit electric cable near a field at Gonakamulla, Thalagahagama in Akuressa police division.



Muslim ministers have not submitted resignation letters

President’s Secretary Udaya R. Seneviratne, yesterday, said that none of the Muslim Ministers who, on Monday, announced that they would resign from the Cabinet had tendered their resignation letters.



No politician, priest or social media can decide who is guilty: Mangala

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera today said the Constitution does not give power to any politicians, priests or social media platforms to decide who is guilty or innocent of any crime, including terrorism.



Maha Sangha requests all Muslim political leaders to take up duties again

The Maha Sangha of all Buddhist Chapters has requested all Muslim political leaders to take up their official responsibilities once again.



Shan Wijeylal appointed as new Eastern Province Governor

Former Chief Minister of Southern Province, Shan Wijayalal De Silva was sworn in as the Governor of the Eastern Province before President Maithripala Sirisena a short while ago, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.



I resigned to prevent another Black July – Bathiudeen

Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen says he did not step down from his post in fear of the No Confidence Motion presented against him.



Arrest Rathana Thera for political unrest – Vikramabahu

Nava Sama Samaja Party Leader Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne yesterday (4) said Athuraliye Rathana Thera should be arrested for creating political unrest in the country by fasting unto death demanding the removal two governors and a Minister.