1,041 labourers to remove posters, cutouts

Additional labourers had been deployed to every Police station across the country to remove posters and cutouts put up for the upcoming Local Government elections, the Police said yesterday.

Spokesperson to the Police Media Unit told the Daily Mirror that a

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JAT Holdings Tender bond to be forfeited!

The Attorney General has reportedly informed the Treasury to forfeit the Tender bond of JAT Holdings, which had failed to properly import fertilizer, leading up to a shortage in the country.

Accordingly, a sum of USD 240,000 (Rs. 36 million) will be

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Even Dayasiri had gone to meet Ganga Maeni

Ganga Sudarshani better known as Ganga Maeni, who portrays herself as a predictor with the gift of foresight has told a weekend publication that the recent losses of the Sri Lankan cricket team was due to black magic done by a foreign country.

Noting that she has made predictions on this regard since 2011, Ms.

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Bond report handed over to President

The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Bond Issuance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has been handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena today.

The Commission’s Chairman Justice K.T. Chitrasiri handed over

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Lasith Malinga to retire after 2019 World Cup

Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga says that he will retire from international cricket after the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

The fast bowler quit Test cricket because of a “long-standing

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Labrooy to dodge B’desh tour & visit son in NZ

Chief selector Graeme Labrooy is to dodge Sri Lanka team’s tour of Bangladesh and instead go to New Zealand to visit his son, cricket sources say.

Labrooy will accompany the young Sri Lanka team that will leave

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STF security for Mano Ganesan

Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) - Minister Mano Ganesan had been provided with Special Task Force (STF) security.

According to reports, the minister has received a backup vehicle with five STF personnel.

In a statement, the minister had said that he faced serious security

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Bond report to President today

The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Bond Issuance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is to be handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena today, informed sources said.

They also said that the President was expected to hand over the

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India offers fully funded training to Sri Lankan govt

India has introduced over 40 training courses for Sri Lankan government officials to give them an understanding of India’s approach towards governance, the Indian High Commission said.

The 45-day-long courses would be fully funded by the Indian

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President Sirisena presented with code of ethics for web journalists

A code of ethics for web journalists to create a more responsible and ethical web journalism, was presented to President Maithripala Sirisena, during a ceremony held in Colombo today (29).

The event was organized by the Professional Web Journalists’ Association.

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United States GSP program expires on Dec 31

The United States’ Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program expires on December 31, 2017.  The United States Congress did not re-authorize GSP before adjourning for the year.  The immediate effect of GSP expiration is GSP eligible imports to the United States from Sri Lanka and other GSP beneficiary

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High Commissioner of Seychelles calls on Commander of Eastern Naval Area

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Seychelles to Sri Lanka, HE Conrad Mederic paid a courtesy call on the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nimal Sarathsena at the Eastern Naval Command Head Quarters yesterday (28 December).

They held cordial discussions on several matters of bilateral

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SLC hires new psychologist

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has hired an Australian psychologist for the National Team, according to reliable sources.

The psychologist will arrive in Sri Lanka early next week and will motivate the players until the team leaves for the Bangladesh tour.

However, this new psychologist will not travel with the National

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Archaeology Dept takes over Sampur stupa site

The Department of Archaeology has decided to take over the site where a historical stupa in Sampur was bulldozed by a group of culprits.

Necessary steps will be taken to conserve the site said Director

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Who’ll be slashed by president’s sword?

President Maithripala Sirisena says it is unimportant for him as to which party, colour or relative is slashed by his sword in the journey for clean politics.

He thus quoted from Bhagavad Gita, when he addressed a function at the BMICH in Colombo last morning (28) where the UPFA and

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Decision on Unity Govt. after poll: SLFP

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) said yesterday it would decide whether to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the United National Party (UNP) on the Unity Government after the Local Government (LG) elections.

SLFP General Secretary and Minister, Duminda Dissanayake said

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Wijeyadasa resigns from Constitutional Council

UNP Parliamentarian Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says that he has resigned from the Constitutional Council and that he has handed over the letter of resignation to the President.

The former Minister of Justice and Buddha Sasana was removed from his ministerial portfolio in August, in light of him criticizing government policies and cabinet decisions. 

Rajapakshe was Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s

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Ex-minister Somaweera Chandrasiri decides to support President

Former Minister and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) Vice Chairman, Somaweera Chandrasiri, who supported the Joint Opposition led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, has pledged support to President Maithripala Sirisena.

The former prisons minister met with the President at his official

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A code of ethics of web media

The launch of a code of ethics for web journalists will take place when the Professional Web Journalists Association holds its annual get-together at JAIC Hilton in Colombo tomorrow (29).

Convener of the association Freddie Gamage said president

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Japanese FM to visit SL

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono will visit Sri Lanka from January 4 to 6, 2018, a statement from the Japanese embassy here said yesterday.

This is the first time in fifteen years for a Japanese Foreign Minister

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‘Ginger’ injured in accident

Popular songstress Judith White also known as ‘Ginger' and three others were hospitalized when the car they were travelling in plunged down a precipice at Diyadawa on the Deniyaya-Akuressa Road early this morning, Police said.

They said she was transferred to the Matara Hospital after being

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Piyasena Gamage Sworn In As New State Minister For Law And Order And Southern Development

Parliamentarian Piyasena Gamage has been appointed the State Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development.

The President's Media Unit said the Parliamentarian was sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena, a short while ago.

Gamage lost his Parliamentary seat at the last Parliamentary

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Lanza to support JO

Former Deputy Minister Nimal Lanza today said he would support the joint opposition led by former President Mahinda Rajapakse.

He made this remark following a media briefing held in Negombo

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EC at a loss to work out modalities at polling centres

The Election Commission is at a loss to work out modalities for providing security to vote counting at the polling stations at the local government polls, it is learnt.

The Commission had a meeting with the representatives of the

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A/L best results in the Island

Dilini Sadunika Palihakkara of Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya, Matara has topped the Island ranking in Biology stream while Sridharan Duwarakan of Hartley College, Point Pedro has topped island ranking in Physical Science stream at the GCE Advanced Level examination, 2017.

 S.A.Dulani Rasanthika of Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya, Matara and

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Commissioner of Examinations responds to problems surrounding O/L maths paper

Commissioner General of Examinations Sanath Pujitha issued a statement on the divisive statements made by certain politicians and union heads on the difficulty of the 2017 GCE Ordinary Level mathematics examination. 

Sanath Pujitha stated that many individuals have come forward to

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If coconuts are overpriced call - 1977

The Consumer Affairs Authority during recent raids in Colombo and suburbs, had prosecuted over 400 errant traders for selling coconuts above the stipulated price.

According to the CAA, the government imposed a maximum retail

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Polls chief designs poster

Politicians’ habit of including their names in plaques to take credit for projects carried out with public money disrupts decision-making by voters, says election commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya.

The polls chief says he has a method to prevent such instances – the

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Virat Kohli Invites Differently Abled Sri Lankan Cricket Fan Gayan Senanayake For Mumbai Wedding Reception

Sri Lankan cricket fan Gayan Senanayake had the privilege of attending the wedding reception of Indian captain Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma.

Senanayake took part in the reception following an invitation by Kohli.

Senanayake was in Mumbai supporting the Sri Lankan team

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Hathurusingha can’t give any extra advantage to SL: Soumya Sarkar

Bangladesh batsman Soumya Sarkar thinks that Sri Lanka Cricket new Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha can’t give any extra advantage to the Sri Lankan team.

Soumya Sarkar who played a major role in the series victory against Pakistan and South Africa at home is now in a situation of getting

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Controlled prices on seven essential food items

Sri Lanka’s Cost of Living Committee has decided to impose controlled prices during the festive season on seven essential food items.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says the controlled prices

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ACPMRA warns of a Eco-friendly polythene shortage from January

The manufacture of Eco-friendly polythene products will undergo a shortage from next January, said the All Ceylon Polythene Manufacturers and Recyclers Association (ACPMRA).

The polythene manufactures hesitate to manufacture polythene under the new rules and regulations introduced by the government

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Shipping containers to be cleaned and disinfected

Russia agreed to lift the restriction on tea trade with Sri Lanka on condition that all shipping containers were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of the National Plant Quarantine Service, prior to loading to ensure they did not contain plant matter

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Sri Lanka to strengthen tourist police in 2018

The Sri Lankan government says that it would strengthen its tourist police force in 2018 for the safety and assistance of tourists visiting the island country.

Law and Order Ministry officials said the government had allocated

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Postal unions to strike tomorrow

Postal trade unions say they will resort to union action tomorrow (27) island-wide over authorities’ failure to formulate a new recruitment method for their department.

Convener of their unions alliance Chintaka Bandara said they

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Rishad should resign as Ravi did: BBS

Similar to the resignation of Minister Ravi Karunanayake over the Central Bank Treasury Bond issue, Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen should also resign over the Wilpattu issue based on the Auditor General's report, Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) today said.

Addressing a press conference BBS General Secretary Venerable

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SL receives first tranche of H’tota port lease proceeds

Sri Lanka received the first payment for the lease of the Hambantota port to the state-owned Chinese firm, the Central Bank said today.

Accordingly, US $ 292.1 million has been credited to the US dollar

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3 remanded for promoting chicken stall with calendars of Ruwanweli Stupa picture

Three persons have been sent behind bars until tomorrow (27) for having used a picture of Ruwanweli Stupa to promote a chicken stall they are running at Pulugupitiya in Ratnapura.

The suspects are two brothers, Mohamed Nilam and Mohamed Risan, and the manger of Anura Printers in Kurunegala.

The two brothers, who had bought the chicken stall a few months ago, printed calendars with the picture of the Stupa and the name of their business, and distributed them to customers.

Buddhist clergy and laity complained to Ratnapura police, who raided the place, found 50 of the calendars and arrested the three men.

They were produced before Ratnapura acting magistrate Priyanka Gunawarnasuriya on December 24.

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Suspects arrested over murder of ‘Dala Puttuwa’ remanded till Jan 9

The eight suspects detained for killing the tusker ‘Dala Puttuwa’ have been remanded till January 9, by the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court.

The Mahawa Magistrate ordered the state officials to submit a

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End LG polls propaganda by Feb 7: EC

All propaganda activities related to the upcoming Local Government election should come to an end by the midnight of February 7, the Election Commission said today.

The election for the Local Government bodies to be held on

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4 arrested for betting during India-SL T20

Four people were arrested in Mumbai on Monday for allegedly accepting bets on the India–Sri Lanka cricket match on Sunday night, the Hindu reported today.

They were arrested during a raid jointly conducted by the

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Sri Lanka’s diplomacy with Russia has always been exemplary: President

President Maithripala Sirisena hailed Sri Lanka’s diplomacy with Russia as ‘exemplary’ and also expressed his gratitude to Moscow for its cordiality after the country agreed to lift the restriction on the imports of agriculture products including tea from Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka’s diplomacy with Russia has always been exemplary. The way the tea exports issue is yet another example of this

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Russia agrees to lift tea ban from Dec. 30: Navin

Russia agreed to lift the temporary restriction on tea imports from Sri Lanka from December 30, following discussions with the Sri Lankan technical team, Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake said yesterday.

The Minister told the Daily Mirror that Russian authorities had set

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Duminda attacks Dilan for flower bud remark

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party stated that the party had taken no decision regarding the statement made by State Minister Dilan Perera that as the SLFP nominations for Dehiattakandiya and Padiyatalawa had been rejected, people should cast their vote for the SLFP candidates within the Podujana Peramuna.

The General Secretary of the SLFP Duminda Dissanayake said that

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Hathurusinghe Handpicks 23 Players For Quality Training: Informs Them To Stay Away From Domestic Cricket

New Sri Lankan national cricket team Chandika Hathurusinghe has handpicked 23 players for a training squad targeting Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh,

Hathurusinghe has informed the Sri Lanka Cricket authorities that

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Rs. 48 mn allocated for P'naruwa Hospital Director’s official residence: Prez

President Maithripala Sirisena, while highlighting the fact that Rs.48 million was allocated to construct the official residence of the Polonnaruwa Hospital's Director, stressed the need to have proper management and fiscal policies when spending public funds.

He told the District Development Programme “Pibidemu

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Loan sought from People’s Bank to pay Telecom bonus!

The Sri Lanka Telecom has applied for a loan from the People’s Bank amounting to Rs. 5,000 million for the payment of their workers gratuity.

Sri Lanka Telecom was earlier one of the front runners among the state enterprises.

According to the opinion of the Telecom Unions, the reason for the

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Ella will be transformed into a tourist hub – PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the Badulla-Ella region will be completely transformed into a tourist hub in within the next few years.

The Premier stated that the Tourism Development Authority will

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Presidential Com. to probe Mihin, Sri Lankan, fraud & corruption!

President Maithripala Sirisena said a Commission has been appointed to investigate the massive fraud and corruption said to have taken place in Mihin and Sri Lanka airlines and submit a report based on their findings.

He expressed hope that many fraudulent actions and corruption

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Abduction of 11 youth: Witness says CID changed statement

When the case where former navy spokesman D.K.P. Dissanayake was an accused was taken up for hearing before the Fort Magistrate Court, a key witness the CID had changed several parts of his initial statement and requested that he be allowed to made a personal statement in Court.

Mr. Dissanayake and five others were arrested on charges of

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