Ranjith de Zoysa remanded

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Ranjith de Zoysa has been arrested on the charges of assaulting a person, stated Police Media Spokesperson.

Along with MP Zoysa, four other persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

This was with regard to an incident of assaulting a person at the

TNA won’t support new UNF Alliance – Sumanthiran

MP M. A. Sumanthiran says that his party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA), will not support the new alliance which will be formed by United National Front (UNF).

He says that the government’s economic policies are the reason why his party supports the government.

Attending a function of the United Left Front (ULF), Sumanthiran mentioned this.


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Fuel prices to be reviewed tomorrow: Mangala

Fuel price would be reviewed freshly tomorrow comparing prices in the world market, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

“We would compare the fuel price with the global market prices and will do a fresh review tomorrow,” he said.

While speaking to the media he said that the fuel prices had come

Prez to retain Law and Order ministry?

President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have decided to retain the Law and Order ministry under the defense ministry, Government sources said.

There was a separate ministry for Law and Order and Home Affairs but Home Affairs has been assigned to the ministry of Internal,

New Cabinet Ministers sworn in

A new Cabinet consisting of a total of 29 ministers were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, a short while ago.

New Cabinet:

1. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe: Minister of National Polices, Economic Affairs, Resettlement & Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development, Vocational Training & Skills Development & Youth Affairs

2. John Amaratunga: Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs

3. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera: Minister of Buddha Sasana and Wayamba Development

4. Mangala Samaraweera: Minister of Finance and Mass Media

5. Lakshman Kiriella: Minister of Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage & Kandy Development

6. Rauff Hakeem: Minister of City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education

7. Thilak Janaka Marapana: Minister of Foreign Affairs

8. Rajitha Senaratna: Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine

9. Ravi Karunanayake: Minister of Power, Energy and Enterprise Development

10. Vajira Abeywardena: Minister of Internal and Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government

11. Abdul Rishad Bathiudeen: Minister of Industry & Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons & Co-operative Development

12. Patali Champika Ranawaka: Minister of Megapolis & Western Development

13. Navin Dissanayake : Minister of Plantation Industries

14. P. Harrison: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock Development, Irrigation and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development

15. Mohamed Hashim Mohamed Kabir : Minister of Highways, Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development

16. Ranjith Maddumabandara: Minister of Public Administration & Disaster Management

17. Gayantha Karunatilake: Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms

18. Sajith Premadasa: Minister of Housing Construction and Cultural Affairs

19. Arjuna Ranatunga: Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation

20. Palani Thigambaram: Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure & Community Development

21. Chadrani Bandara: Minister of Women & Child Affairs and Dry Zone Development

22. Thalatha Atukorale: Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms

23. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam : Minister of Education

24. Abdul Haleem Mohamed Hasheem: Minister of Postal Services & Muslim Religious Affairs

25. Sagala Ratnayaka: Minister of Ports & Shipping and Southern Development

26. Harin Fernando: Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure, Foreign Employment and Sports

27. Mano Ganesan: Minister of National Integration, Official Languages, Social Progress and Hindu Religious Affairs.

28. Daya Gamage: Minister of Labour, Trade Union Relations, and Social Empowerment.

29. Malik Samarawickrama: Minister of Development Strategies, International Trade and Science, Technology and Research.

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Prez should not use his power for personal benefit: Bimal

President Maithripala Sirisena should exercise Executive Powers, not for his own benefit, but for the benefit of the country, JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake said yesterday.

He told Parliament that the President had claimed that he would not give Ministerial portfolios to the SLFPers, who crossed over to the

Suspend Opp. Leader: Motion handed over to Speaker

Several UNP and TNA MPs had submitted a letter to the Speaker requesting to put on hold the appointment of a new Opposition leader, MP Ranjan Ramanayake said.

The MP said several UNP MPs including Ashu Marasinghe, Palitha Range Bandara, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran and himself had

UNP in a dilemma over ministerial portfolios

The United National Party (UNP) is said to be facing a dilemma when it comes to preparing the list of Cabinet ministers because there are more aspirants than the number of slots available.

In the previous UNP-led national unity government, 32 of its members held Cabinet portfolios. However, the Cabinet has to be

UNP Working Committee - Likely to approve NDF on Friday

The United National Party (UNP) Working Committee is likely to approve the resolution to form the Democratic National Front (NDF) in alliance with like-minded parties, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday.

He said the party would on Friday refer the matter to the Working

Constitution not for personal agendas: Hakeem

The country's Constitution is not a document to be used or abused according to the whims and fancies of three people - President Maithirpala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem said yesterday.

He said this during an adjournment debate on the abolition of the

Parliament adjourned till tomorrow

The Parliament has been adjourned until 1.00 p.m. tomorrow (19).

The leader of House Lakshman Kiriella stated this addressing today’s parliament session.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya had announced the appointment of

Lahiru Kumara fined over audible obscenity

Sri Lankan cricketer Lahiru Kumara has been fined 15% of his match fee and has also received one demerit point after being found guilty of using an audible obscenity during the third day’s play in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Monday, the ICC said.

In a statement, the ICC said the bowler was found to have violated

Malik and Mano turn down minister posts?

UNP MP Malik Samarawickrama has decided not to accept any Cabinet ministerial portfolio in the new government, political sources told Ada Derana.

Meanwhile MP Mano Ganesan has reportedly stated that he too

Three UPFA MPs crossover to govt

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentarians Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa, Lakshman Seneviratne and Indika Bandaranayake have crossed over to the Government side.

The three UPFA MPs crossed over to the government side from the

UPFA decides to nominate MR as Oppn. Leader

UThe United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentary members today unanimously decided to nominate former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Opposition Leader, MP Chandima Weerakkody said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror he said the decision was taken by all

Fully-Fledged budget in February

The new government will present a fully-fledged budget for 2019 in February after the Cabinet was sworn in, it is learnt.

Besides, it will present a Vote on Account (VoA) to allocate money from the Consolidated Fund to carry out the government’s

Parliament to debate abolition of Executive Presidency today

Parliament would debate a motion calling for the abolition of Executive Presidency today when it meets on the first occasion after the reappointment of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister, sources said.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which played a pivotal role

Discussion with Speaker on parliament seating arrangement

A discussion concerning the seating arrangement of the Members of Parliament is scheduled to take place with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today (17), says Sergeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando.

The Parliament is scheduled to be convened at 1.00 p.m. tomorrow

Prez can appoint only 28 ministers: Gammanpila

The President could appoint only 28 Cabinet Ministers, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader MP Udaya Gammanpila said today.

Addressing a news briefing, he said the maximum number of Ministers including the President and the Prime Minister was thirty

Six PCs not to support new Govt.: Isura

Chief Ministers of six provincial Councils had decided not to support the new government headed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Western Province Chief Minister Isura Devapriya said yesterday.

He told a news conference that the decision was taken at a meeting

New Cabinet should be confined to 30 members - UNP

Most of the UNPers had insisted that the new Cabinet should be confined to 30 Ministers, UNP MP Eran Wickrmaratne said yesterday.

Mr Wickramaratne told journalists that many UNPers had insisted that new Cabinet should be confined only to 30 members to be in

Media under tight scrutiny: MR

Resigned Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that Ministers of the new regime had individually undertaken to monitor the affairs of each and every media institution in a bid to suppress media but the media had a responsibility to act without allowing the country being divided.

Addressing a meeting held at his Carlton Residence in Tangalle, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said:

“Each Minister is appointed to each newspaper for media control according to the information published recently. That is at the time of presenting 20th Amendment,” he said.

“That is their final decision. The media and we have a responsibility to prevent the country from being divided,” he said.

“We have acted as Presidents and Prime Ministers. But, this Government has taken loans only for

Wouldn’t bring impeachment against President - Sajith

Deputy Leader of the UNP Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa has stated that they would not bring forth an impeachment against the President under any circumstances.

He also called for the party supporters to celebrate the victory peacefully.

Premiership given to Ranil to respect democracy - Prez

President Maithripala Sirisena today said that he has given the Premiership to Ranil Wickremesinghe while honouring the parliamentary tradition and democracy.
Speaking to UNF representatives after the swearing-in ceremony of Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister at the Presidential Secretariat, the President also said his previous statement on not

Over 2,000 cops in Colombo for festive season

More than 2,000 police personnel in uniform and civies will be deployed in the Colombo City during the festive season, Police said yesterday.

“Police personnel in civvies would be on alert for pickpockets and those engaged in other frauds and will take action against any

Will consult SC on holding elections – Deshapriya

Chairman of the Election Commission, Mahinda Deshapriya says that they will be consulting the Supreme Court on holding Provincial Council elections.

Addressing a program held with Hambantota District state officials, he said that the elections commission receives accusation over not

Ranil-Maithri meet last night ; swearing-in tomorrow!

President Maithripala Sirisena and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had met last night (13), according to sources from the Presidential Media Division.

The President is said to have agreed to give the Premiership to the

President approves Malinga as Captain for NZ Tour

Lasith Malinga has been appointed as the Captain of the Sri Lanka ODI and T20I teams for Sri Lanka’s tour in New Zealand, stated Sri Lanka Cricket.

President Maithripala Sirisena has approved the squad for the Tour in the absence of a functioning Sports Minister.

Accordingly, the following 17 players have been approved to

Meeting of SLFP with President and Mahinda

A meeting of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) representatives, chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa will be held today (14).

MP Mahindanada Aluthgamage stated that the meeting is set to be held tonight; yet, n exact time has not been decided yet.

Meanwhile, a meeting of Party Leaders who support Sri Lanka

Ranil seeks fuller SC bench to hear MR’s appeal

Lawyers of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe have filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a Fuller Bench to hear Mahinda Rajapaksa's appeal against the interim order given by the Court of Appeal barring him and the cabinet from functioning.

Meanwhile, another motion has been filed in the Supreme Court by

UNP has to mull coalition again: Susil

The United National Party (UNP) would have to think of forming a coalition Government if it were to form a Government, UPFA MP Susil Premajayantha said.

Addressing a news briefing yesterday, he said that although Ranil Wickremesinghe obtained 117 votes at the Vote on Confidence in

Possibility of a quick end: Ajith Perera

Stating that there is a possibility of a quick end to the present political crisis in the country, UNP MP Ajith P. Perera yesterday said his party has had discussions with SLFP and with some in SLPP.

“We have been talking to various political parties,” he said while

Won’t let UPFA ally with UNP: Prez

The President assured that he would not allow the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to ally with the United National Party (UNP) to form a government again, UPFA MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said the President expressed these

Dissolution of Parliament unconstitutional – SC

The Supreme Court announces verdict stating that the gazette notification dissolving the parliament is not in accordance with the constitution. The seven-member judge bench unanimously made this judgment stating that it was illegal to dissolve the parliament before its 4.5 year term limit.

Sri Lanka was on the edge, ahead of the crucial Supreme Court

Case against Gamini Senarath postponed to January

The Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar today (13) heard the case against former President’s Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath and three others for allegedly misappropriating Rs 500 million in funds belong to Litro Gas.

The case was taken up before the Special High Court three-judge

Extra Police security near Supreme Court

Extra Police security has been deployed around the Supreme Court complex, stated Ada Derana reporter. The Supreme Court will be delivering its verdict on the petitions on the dissolution of the parliament at 4 pm this evening (13).

The Supreme Court last Friday (Dec. 7) concluded the hearing of the petitions filed challenging the Gazette notification dissolving

Ranil’s party request five-judge panel for Mahinda’s appeal

Lawyer on behalf of Ranil Wickremesinghe has filed a motion before the Supreme Court requesting a five-member judge panel for the hearing of the appeal of Mahinda Rajapaksa on holding the Prime Minister’s Office.

The motion has stated that as the Appeal is constitutionally

UNP wants Speaker ruling on MPs joined SLPP

UNP would request Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to look into whether UPFA MPs, who obtained membership of the SLPP could remain in Parliament as per the Constitution, UNP MP Mayantha

Prez requests UPFA MPs to create public opinion

President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have asked for creation of public opinion on the conduct of a referendum on dissolution of Parliament, in case the Supreme Court rules out.

At the meetings of the parliamentary group of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), MPs Wimal Weerawansa and Vasudeva

Sri Lankan rupee ends lower as foreign sell-off continues

The Sri Lankan rupee ended weaker on Wednesday, as foreign investors continued to exit from bonds and stocks as a lingering political crisis weighed on sentiment ahead of a key ruling by the island nation’s Supreme Court.

The ruling, expected this week, will determine if the current parliament can continue the next year or whether an election should

Officers injured in protest at Katuwana Police; protestors tear gassed

Police have launched a tear gas attack on a protest launched by the rasidents against the Katuwana police station.

Reportedly, a group of people had behaved in an unruly manner in front the police station last night (12).

A group of officers from the Katuwana Police had conducted a raid on an illegal liquor brewery in the Bengamukanda area in Katuwana yesterday.

The death of a 50 year old resident of the area has been reported and

Executive, Legislature, Judiciary can’t resolve prevailing crisis: Dullas

While claiming that the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary can’t find a solution to the prevailing political impasse, UPFA MP Dullas Alahapperuma said it was only the people who could bring to an end this crisis by way of a General Election.

Addressing a news briefing, he said these three pillars of democracy

We don’t accept confidence motion: Keheliya

UPFA MP Keheliya Rambukwella said that they don’t accept the motion of confidence presented and passed in support of United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament today.

Addressing a news briefing, MP Rambukwella said they were not in

Confidence motion in support of RW passed

The motion of confidence presented in support of United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was passed in parliament with 117 MPs voting for it.

The motion was presented by UNP MP Sajith Premadasa and it was seconded by MP Mangala Samaraweera.

The MPs of the TNA and UNF voted for the motion while JVP

MR’s appeal against interim order fixed for support on Friday

The appeal filed against the interim order issued by the Court of Appeal restraining Mahinda Rajapaksa from holding office of Prime Minister and his Cabinet from functioning, has been fixed for support on December 14 by the Supreme Court.

On December 3, the Court of Appeal issued an interim order restraining Mahinda Rajapaksa and

Motion expressing confidence in Ranil presented

A motion expressing confidence in the UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to fuction as the Prime Minister has been presented to the parliament.

The motion was presented to the parliament by United National

Parties discuss feasibility of holding general election

Discussions are underway among political parties to approve a resolution in Parliament with two-thirds majority calling for its dissolution in case the Supreme Court holds that the dissolution violated the Constitution.

The government which took office on October 26 is considering the

JVP to consider Mano’s stance: Handunnetti

While appreciating the statement made by Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and MP Mano Ganesan that his party’s stance to join JVP, MP Sunil Handunnetti said they would consider it.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror MP Handunnetti said the statement

Economic crisis: Bandula invites US Ambassador to meet CB Governor

MP Bandula Gunawardana yesterday said the remarks made by US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz in Kandy on Sri Lanka’s economic crisis were erroneous and invited her to meet the Central Bank Governor to be enlightened about the country’s economic situation.

Addressing a news briefing, the MP said it appeared that certain

Petition filed seeking Quo Warranto over Ranil’s MP seat

A petition has been filed with the Court of Appeal requesting the court to issue a Writ of Quo Warranto preventing Ranil Wickremesinghe from being a Member of Parliament.

The petition has been filed by Sharmila Gonawala, the Co-President