Special DMC established to resolve Uma-Oya crisis

A special Disaster Management Centre (DMC) will be established in Bandarawela to discuss the issues related to the Uma-Oya project and formulate a solution to the ongoing problems faced by residents of the region.

The Badulla DMC has confirmed that a special centre will be

Arjun Aloysius' father obtains estate on Rs. 8,000 lease!


Geoffrey Joseph Aloysius, father of Perpetual Treasuries owner Arjun Aloysius, has obtained the 450 acre, state-owned Mahakudugala Tea Estate in Kandapola on a Rs. 8,000 per month lease until 2045, ‘Irida Lanka’ reports.

The leasing agreement includes a condition that the party that gave

Wimal hold secret talks in car of powerful UNP minister!

Leader of the National Freedom Front Wimal Weerawansa had been spotted having a secret discussion with a powerful UNP minister and close associate of the Prime Minister, in his vehicle in the vicinity of Independence Square, intelligence units had notified the President.

A few days back, Weerawansa had been seen in his vehicle on

Vitarana says Sri Lanka risks facing a nuclear attack

Sri Lanka risks facing a nuclear attack due to plans by the US to make the island its military camp, Lanka Sama Samaja Party leader Prof. Tissa Vitarana says.

In the event the US wages was against North Korea, Vitarana claims Sri Lanka will get caught up in that war, he told the media at

Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa condemns Constitutional Assembly

Former Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa stated that the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly has been an unconstitutional and powerless entity since its inception.

Issuing a letter to the media, the former Minister of Justice stated that the current constitution that exists from 1978, does not give the

Resolution to current economic crisis is required – Susil Premajayantha

Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha stated that the government should formulate a swift resolution to the pressing economic crisis that is plaguing Sri Lanka.

He further stated that the government should attempt to resolve the economic crisis before attempting to draft a new constitution.


Kithsiri replaces Ranjan as UNP organiser

United National Party (UNP) today removed Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake from his UNP organiser post for Divulapitiya and appointed Kithsiri Manchanayake for the post.

Srinath Perera was also removed from the post of Colombo East Organiser and Rosy Senanayake was appointed as the new

Police Video Woman Attempting To Bribe Her Way Out Of An Offence: Threaten To Take Her Into Custody

A video has surfaced of a skimpily dressed young woman attempting to bribe her way out of a traffic offence.

The video – taken by the police officer – shows the woman extending money to the police officer with the hope of being let off.

The video also shows the police officer berating the young woman

Duleep Wijesekara sits in Opposition; PM takes a jibe

UPFA Parliamentarian Duleep Wijesekara, who was removed from his post of Deputy Minister of Port and Postal Services yesterday, says that he will join the ‘Joint Opposition’ and sit independently in Parliament.

the reporter said that the former Deputy Minister is

Mini election on January 27

The Election Commission has decided to hold the Local Government elections on January 27, according to its internal sources.

Accordingly, nominations will commence in early December. 

Currently the two parties in the coalition government have

Kosgoda killings, a tit-for-tat attack!

Police believe yesterday’s (29) killings at Kosgoda is a tit-for-tat attack by the underworld gang led by Kosgoda Loku.

They had exacted revenge of the murder of their member Kosgoda Suji at Welipenna on May 08, by killing former member of Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Jayamuni Mahinda Raja de Soyza

North’s unions angered by proposed toddy ban: report

Plans to outlaw the extraction of toddy from palmyra and coconut palm trees have angered unions in the North-East who say the law specifically attacks the palm wine trade in Tamil regions, the Tamil Guardian reports.

While Sri Lankan law usually states that the extraction of palm

Sri Lanka will send ‘A’ and U-19 teams to Pakistan – Thilanga

Thilanga Sumathipala, Sri Lanka Cricket’s President, on Sunday vowed his board will not leave Pakistan in cricketing isolation and will send ‘A’ and Under-19 teams to the country where improvement in security situation is paving way for the revival of international cricket.

Sunday’s Twenty20 International between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is

Oil, gas auction centre in Colombo port city

Following the completion of work on the Colombo port city, the government will consider opening an oil and gas auction centre there just like in Dubai, said megapolis minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Dubai does not produce oil, but it is home to the region’s gas

Duleep Wijesekera removed

Deputy Minister of Post and Postal Services Duleep Wijesekera has been removed from his portfolio by President Maithripala

The preparation of constitution has concluded - Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero

Chancellor of  Sri Jayawardhanapura University,Professor Ven.  Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero said that the preparation of the constitution is already complete.

“A responsible personnel of the government made me aware that the constitution is already prepared although that we; the clergy are
opposing the constitution alleging that no bill was put forward, but only a list of proposals. I came to know even the names of two persons who are suspected to have prepared the constitution. I will reveal their names at the suitable time”

The Thero alleged that the constitution will be presented to the parliament soon and will be confirmed ehile misleading the MPs.

He also said that a conspiracy is also being carried out to humilitate the clergy who oppose the clergy.


more>>>

http://www.adaderana.lk/news/43857/the-preparation-of-constitution-has-concluded-bellanwila-wimalaratana-thero



Gulf war compensation claimants not found!

Rs. 3,213 million of Gulf War compensation for Sri Lankans still remains unpaid as the Bureau of Foreign Employment has been unable to find the claimants.

Rs. 251 million had so far been paid to 88,875 Sri Lankans as compensation, after the UN compensation commission received

Smart IDs from today

The Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) will issue ‘Smart IDs’ from today, DRP Commissioner General Viyani Gunathilaka said today.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror he said all National Identity cards will be issued from today with front-facing images prior to converting them to Electronic Identity (E-ID) Cards.

EC briefs political parties in view of LG Polls

Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya yesterday briefed representatives of the political parties about electioneering under the new system in view of the upcoming local government elections, it is learnt.

The meeting took place yesterday evening in his office. He briefed

PCoI hearings to resume on November 2

Proceedings at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to go into the alleged scam that occurred in the issue of Central Bank(CB) treasury bonds, will resume from November 2, sources revealed yesterday.

The hearings will resume with the testimonies of two CID officials.

On October 17 the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI)

Ranatunges' permitted to attend daughter’s graduation

The Colombo High Court today (26) decided to take up the case against former Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunge and his wife Morene Stella Ranatunge on February 14.

The couple are facing charges of having obtained Rs. 64 million from a businessman promising to remove a group of persons

Mervyn responds to Carlo Fonseka comparing Ranjan to Vijaya Kumaratunga

Former Minister of Parliament Mervyn Silva responded to the statements made by Prof. Carlo Fonseka, who compared Ranjan Ramanayake and Vijaya Kumaratunga as equals stating that his sentiments cannot be accepted in any sense.

Prof.Carlo Fonseka provided a special statement to Ada Derana

Retiring Vice Admiral Travis Sinniah promoted to the rank of Admiral

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Maithripala Sirisena has promoted the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Travis Sinniah to the rank of Admiral with effect from 25th October 2017.

Admiral Sinniah has rendered a noble service to the Navy during

‘Wimal did more harm than his brother-in-law’

NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa has done more damage this time than what his brother-in-law had done nearly 30 years ago, a top figure in the party told Sri Lanka Mirror.

He is referring to a remark by Wimal that parliament should be

Political influence on IGP to stop CID probe

The IGP is reportedly facing unwarranted political interference demanding that the CID probe into the death threats received by Anika Wijesuriya from a relative of former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake, be stopped, sources said.

Ms. Wijesuriya is the owner of the penthouse at Monarch

Sri Lanka team will get head of state security in Pakistan - Dayasiri

The Sri Lankan cricket team, which will visit Lahore to play the T20 international on October 29, will be provided security that is normally accorded to a visiting heads of state by the Pakistan government, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said.

“They have guaranteed top security to the team,” Jayasekera said

SL Cricket Embroiled In A Sex Scandal? Pakistani Journalist Accuses SLC Official Of Sexually Approaching Her

A Pakistani journalist covering the ongoing cricket tournament between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has accused a Sri Lanka Cricket official of attempting to sexually approach her.

The Pakistani journalist, Munazza Jilani, has released a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation with the Sri Lanka Cricket official where the latter invites her to spend a night with him, in Abu Dhabi.

"But I trust you this is only wit u and me k babz," the official had

Ranjan Before Supreme Court on Contempt Of Court Charges: Will Appear Again On November 21

Social Empowerment, Welfare and Kandyan Heritage Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake appeared before the Supreme Court today to respond to charges leveled against him. 

Magalkande Sudantha Thera of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) had filed Contempt of Court charges against the Deputy Minister

Sinniah's extension denied ; new commander appointed

President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed Rear Admiral S.S. Ranasinghe as the new Navy commander.

He received his appointment letter today (25) from President's secretary - Austin Fernando since the President is currently overseas. He is to assume his duties from tomorrow.

The appointment limits the tenure of Travis Sinniah, to two months.

Arrested councilor’s underworld connections

Arrested western provincial council’s UNP member Randir Rodrigo has had connections with three leading underworld gangs, police investigations have revealed.

The three gangs are those led by Angoda Lokka, Makilangamuwe Sanjeewa and Kolonnawe Chamara.

Rodrigo was arrested along with seven of the gangsters during a

JO worried by Kamal Gunaratne’s ‘death for traitors’

Some MPs in the joint opposition have taken reservations to a statement made recently by retired Maj. Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, a top figure in ex-defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s ‘Viyath Maga’.

A new constitution will divide the country and those supporting it

Maithri asked to follow what Mahinda did

President Maithripala Sirisena was asked at yesterday’s (24) cabinet meeting to rule the country in the same manner his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa did.

Rajitha Senaratne made the request, when the matter of the rising cost of living was discussed by the ministers.

He noted that Rajapaksa had summoned state officials every week,

GMOA opposes proposed tax relief on spirits

The Government Medical Officer's Association (GMOA) said that they had formally requested President Maithripala Sirisena to scrap the tax relief on spirits which is to be proposed by the Budget 2018.

Speaking, secretary of the GMOA - Dr. Haritha Aluthge said that this particular tax relief is to be proposed under the guise of

Speaker To Initiate Investigation Into Wimal Weerawansa Who Said Parliament Should Be Attacked

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is to initiate investigations into reports that National Freedom Front (NFF) leader MP Wimal Weerawansa had called for Parliament to be attacked.

MP Wimal Weerawansa, at the launch of his book ‘Yadmin Bandi Akshara’ at the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi Mandiraya on Sunday had said the Parliament should be bombed.

The MP, speaking on proposed new constitution said it was not

Maithri invites Mahinda!

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa too has been invited for the special assembly of the SLFP which is to be held at the party headquarters on Nov. 03 under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Speaking, a prominent SLFP minister said that mandatory

Clash between students at Pulathisipura National College of Education

A conflict ensued between two student groups of the Pulathisipura National College of Education in Polonnaruwa causing a row in front of the National College of Education that required Police mediation.

The brawl occurred last night (23), between first year and second

Live ammunition and bullet-proof vest found at residence of Randeer Rodrigo

Police officials found several rounds of live ammunition and a bullet-proof vest at the residence of UNP Provincial councilor Randeer Rodrigo who was detained yesterday (23) for his connection to the Divulapitiya shootout.

Police media spokesperson Ruwan Gunasekara stated that 115 rounds of live ammunition were confiscated by Police officials who searched the residence.

UN expert warns Sri Lanka of war crime prosecutions

A United Nations expert Monday warned Sri Lanka to speedily investigate its troops over alleged war crimes or risk international prosecutions.

Pablo de Greiff, the special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, said Colombo

Term of Bond Commission extended by six weeks

For the third time, President Maithripala Sirisena has decided to extend the term of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to investigate the Treasury bond issue by six weeks, sources close to the Attorney General Department said yesterday.

The decision is reported to have taken on the requests made by the

Indian athlete killed in train mishap at Bambalapitiya

An Indian athlete (44) was killed when he was hit by a train near the Bambalapitiya Railway Station yesterday.

The Police said the victim was among a group of ten Indian athletes who were in Sri Lanka to attend the Inter Mercantile Athletics Championships.

Some of the touring athletes had gone to buy tea packs from a shop

One killed, seven arrested in a shootout with STF - (video)

One individual was shot dead and another seven suspects arrested during a shootout with a team of the Special Task Force this afternoon at Henegedara in Divulapitiya, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

“The STF received information that an armed gang was roaming in

Investigations to nab Shanil for threatening Anika

Investigations are underway to arrest a businessman named Shanil Nettasinghe who allegedly threatened the owner of the house that was bought by Perpetual Treasuries Company Arjun Aloysius and given to Ravi Karunanayake, Anika Wijesuriya.

Investigations have revealed that the businessman had threatened

Water leakage in Uma Oya project decreased

The amount of water being drained to the main tunnel of the Uma Oya project is currently decreasing, information revealed.

This was revealed following a discussion held regarding Uma Oya project recently.

Earlier, the main tunnel leaked about 1460 liters of water per

Wrong ‘medical diagnosis’ by Kekirawa school principal – SLHRC steps in

The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission has launched special investigations into the case where a student from the Kekirawa Educational Zone was denied from receiving school education.
According to its Commissioner, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris,

Buses found to be running on kerosene

A number of passenger transport buses were found to be using kerosene instead of diesel by an investigation team of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, sources said.

The study has disclosed that there was a tendency among the bus owners to mix kerosene to reduce the running cost of their day to

Former Deputy Minister hospitalized following collision in Kosgama

Former Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena was involved in a motor accident last night (21), at Kosgama and has been admitted to the Awissawella hospital after sustaining injuries.

It has been reported that the vehicle he was travelling in collided with an oncoming vehicle causing the accident.

Kosgama Police officials confiscated 4kgs of kerala ganja that was

Brain drain of senior administrative officers

Talented officers in the administrative service are leaving for overseas employment as a result of the appointment of retired secretarial and other top level officers of the ministries to top positions in state institutions, reports say.

Retired labour ministry secretary Gotabhaya Jayaratne has been

Underworld candidate to contest the mini election

The CID has received information that persons attached to the underworld have hatched a plan to forward their relatives and close associates as candidates of the leading political parties for the upcoming mini elections.

It is said that certain underworld gangs from Colombo and the South are forging close ties with politicians to fulfil their intentions.

Currently, several underworld gangs in the South have already commenced their operation to activate

Treasury Bond Commission Given Six week extension!

Although, Treasury Bond Commissions given has completed the recording of information, the president has decided to extend its term by six weeks in order to prepare the report according to reliable sources
The president made this decision talking into consideration a request made by the commission chairman. Supreme Court judge K.T. Chitrasiri.

The commission’s term was schedule to end by October 27.

President Sirisena appointed the Commission to investigate the bond issuance between February 01, 2015 to March 31, 2016, in February 2017.

However, the Commission’s term was extended by thee months each on two instances.

The recording of evidence was carried out for almost nine months.

But, the report of the Commission is currently being prepared to be handed over to the President, while the Attorney General is in the process of making arrangements to file charges in Court based on the findings and recommendations of the Commission.

What next?

When inquired from the former Secretary of the Presidential Commission to investigate grave frauds and corruption Lasille de Silva, he said in such instances as this, it is essential for the Commission to release its report at the earliest.

He said there is no room for delay and perhaps the Commission may have to work day and night in order to prepare the report.
He further stated that the responsibility regarding the further actions that have to be taken now lies with the President.

No legal provision to determine punishment

The former Commissioner of the Human Rights Council Prathibha Mahanamahewa meanwhile said the Commission has no power to determine punishment.

He said if based on the investigations certain persons are found to have flouted the law and they have been identified, then the Attorney General has to file charges against such persons in a Court of law.

Accordingly, the President should handover the report to the AG in order to carry out his duty, said Mahanamahewa.

more>>>
http://www.srilankamirror.com/news/5437-treasury-bond-commission-given-six-week-extension


Maithri – Mahinda union doubtful!

The initiative taken by SLFP seniors to unite President Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa prior to the elections and strengthen the party, does not look too promising.

An attempt was made by the Joint Opposition Secretary and letters were sent to SLFP members within the government to attend a joint