Export of grapes from India to Russia and Sri Lanka has halted midway in the season over stronger pest control requirements from the destination countries, the Indian Express reported.

A Sri Lankan community leader has told Sky News the vast majority of illegal immigrants arriving in Britain from the country are coming on fake passports.

Bringing forth a new national movement to form a new goverment and a new set of programs for the betterment of the country is the main responsibility of all those who love the country today, said President Maithripala Sirisena.

Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa challenged those who make allegations regarding his Uda Gammana programme, to make their criticisms directly to him.

Four individuals have been killed while 19 others have been sustained injuries after a Colombo bound Vavuniya private bus veered off the road and collided with a transformer in Chilaw.

Minister of Agriculture, P. Harrison said that a maximum retail price for rice will be in effect from April 1st. He made this statement at a meeting held in Anuradhapura this morning (17).

President Maithreepala Sirisena Congratulated the Sri lanka Cricket team for snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat against South Africa.

Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa says that no development activities will take place in the country when there is no agreement between the President and the Prime Minister.

The European Union (EU) has reiterated its opposition to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances and encouraged Sri Lanka to maintain its moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said people now recognise that there is reconciliation in the country and said the nation must now forge ahead together.

The Catholic Bishop’s Conference in Sri Lanka has stated that they do not approve of the resumption of the death penalty.

The mistress of organized criminal Kanjipani Imran who has been arrested along with Makandure Madush in Dubai, had been shot at yesterday in Kotahena- Melwattha near the Maithree Bodhi Raja Mawatha.

Representatives of the International Monetary fund will arrive in the island today to resume discussions, on the provision of the 5th tranche of the IMF’s loan to Sri Lanka, which was temporarily suspended owing to the 51 day political crisis.

President Maithripala Sirisena emphasized that the law must be properly enforced against the persons who are engaged in drug smuggling and environmental damage irrespective of their status and positions in the society.

A top US official said yesterday that his country planned to direct US$ 39 million to Sri Lanka to support maritime security, freedom of navigation, and maritime awareness as part of its Bay of Bengal initiative.