Jan 7 (CT) Northern CM and one of the co-chairs of the Tamil People's Council (TPC) C.V.Wigneswaran debunked the news item published by some Indian media, which stated that the former Attorney General and the member of the Constitutional affairs Committee of the LTTE Siva Pasupathy, has rejected the invitation to participate in the TPC sub-committee for drafting proposals for solutions to the national question and told the CM that he did not think that forming a separate outfit more..

Jan 7 (CT) When lands from the High Security Zones (HSZ) in the Valikamam North areas were released on 29 December 2015, evidences for the operation of torture camps were detected in Veemankamam-North and Thayiddy areas, however currently those evidences have been removed from the relevant places. Villagers visited these areas as they were allowed resettlement and the evidences were found in areas where a large military training centre was operating previously. more..

Jan 7 (DM) UPFA MP Wimal Weerawansa accused the govt of imprisoning officers of the army intelligence unit over the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda to satisfy the LTTE Diaspora. He made these remarks after visiting the imprisoned army officers and former Chairman of SEC, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa. “The arrest of these soldiers as well as Dr. Godahewa had no legal basis. more..

Jan 7 (DN) PRECIFAC on Jan 4 took charge of the inferior stock of water filters distributed among the people including kidney patients in the NCP by the North Central PC. This follows a disclosure made by a witness before the Commission recently. These water filters costing Rs.10,000 each have been designed in the shape of a tiffin box. Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara gave a full disruption and account of these water filters which were sub standard and unfit for use. more..

Jan 7 (DM) Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) denied allegations that a decision was taken to seal the head office of the authority’s Communications and Public Relations Division. Ports Authority said investigations had been initiated by the Presidential investigation commission over corruption and fraud that allegedly took place during the process of filling water into the Hambantota Port during Phase II of the project. The details of the project were handed over to Presidential Investigation Commission more..

Jan 7 (FT) On the eve of celebrating its first year in power, President Sirisena and PM Ranil Wickremesinghe will gather with other top officials and private sector representatives to hear insights to development and investment from billionaire George Sorros and Nobel Laureate Joseph Stieglitz today. On the threshold of entering into an era of unprecedented economic growth, the spotlight falls on Sri Lanka in 2016 with more..

Jan 7 (Island) It is with trepidation that ordinary people always visit courts of law. For, even a yawn in those places is considered contempt of court which carries severe punishment. A man was sentenced to eight months in jail for yawning in a court the other day. Policemen pounce on those who ever so much as scratch their heads in a courtroom. That’s how the dignity of the judiciary is persevered! But, on Monday a group of lawyers and some policemen created an ugly scene in more..

Jan 7 (DM) In recent Editorials, the Daily Mirror has been warning about the subtle and sophisticated economic neocolonialism which is taking place mainly through transnational giants. With the dawn of the New Year, the world media reported some good news for Sri Lanka’s tall and long serving cash crop, the coconut. The news was that the once condemned coconut oil was among Britain’s top 10 consumer items in 2015. Not only that. Many of Britain’s fashion models and entertainment more..

Jan 7 (DM) Q: You were one of those who spearheaded the campaign to bring the Yahapalanaya govt into power, you seem to be silent? A: I was not sought after much by the media. I did not get involved in much publicity, but during the past period I did much work at various levels. Q: Venerable Thera how is the JHU now? A: Media carried some news. But there is no misunderstanding with the JHU. more..

Jan 7 (CT) President Maithripala Sirisena should give leadership to the govt to prepare an interim Constitution, in order to collect ideas and opinions of the people, Attorney-at-Law Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa proposed. It must very clearly be stated, as done by late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, as to what are the main features of the new Constitution such as bill of rights, whether the Constitution is to be more..

Jan 7 (CI) With overs from their frontline bowlers exhausted, New Zealand were forced to turn to Grant Elliott's gentle seamers to defend 13 runs from the last over in the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Mount Maunganui. Elliott proved himself as nerveless with ball in hand, as he had been with the bat during last year's World Cup. He took one wicket - which was followed by a run-out - and conceded only nine runs with his more..

Jan 7 (SL) Just like the infamous former Rajapaksa confidante and court jester Mervyn Silva, Hirunika Premachandra has also made news. However, there is a stark difference between Hirunika Premachandra and Mervyn Silva. Although Hirunika states that there was no forced abduction, CCTV footage shows a person being dragged forcibly and being pushed into a defender. Thereafter, her security did not forcibly abduct him but more..

Jan 7 (Island) Caffe executive director Keerthi Tennakoon castigated UPFA MP Udaya Gammanpila for launching a black flag campaign to take the gloss off the first year celebrations of Maithripala Sirisena’s triumph over Mahinda Rajapaksa at the last presidential polls. Tennakoon claimed that MP’s declaration of Black Flag Day tomorrow reminded the country of the brutal assassination of Sunday Leader editor more..

Jan 7 (Island) UNP MP Srinath Perera, PC, and UPFA MP Ranjit Zoysa of the Joint Opposition expressed serious concern over the failure on the part of the police to arrest UNP MP Hirunika Premachandra over her alleged role in a recent case of abduction in Dematagoda area. MP Zoysa claimed that the much touted National Police Commission (NPC) seemed to be turning a blind eye to what was going on. more..

Jan 7 (EN) Sri Lanka will have to 'swim upstream' as the external global environment becomes more hostile and funds flow out of developing countries and China's economy becomes unstable, investor George Soros said. He said the world was now in a deflationary situation and developing countries that benefitted from a commodity boom was no longer doing so. With interest rates in US going to positive territory more..

Jan 7 (CG) The domestic accountability process on the war will begin next week, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said today. He said this following talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Børge Brende in Colombo today. “Domestic mechanisms through which we are trying to address this past, are in the process of being developed and the consultation process to design these mechanisms, will begin next week,” more..

Jan 7 (ST) It’s 11 years since the deadly tsunami shattered thousands of lives and homes in several coastal areas in the country, but waves of blows continue to fall on some of the survivors of the catastrophe. Among them are residents of the Nest tsunami village at Ratgama in Galle. They say that of the 154 housing units built by National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) in collaboration with some NGOs for more..

Jan 7 (DM) The anticipated Cabinet reshuffle is likely to not take place as President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe had decided to put it off. This decision was made by the duo after a discussion. The two leaders are of the opinion that the opposition will get political mileage out of a cabinet reshuffle if it frustrates some Ministers. However, it is expected that some joint Opposition members who are likely to cross over more..

Jan 7 (Island) I write with a heavy heart due to the responses I received from friends and readers after my article on Amma in December 2015. I never expected such a response. It made me even sadder. That is why we need to care for our parents unconditionally however much differences we may have. Once they are gone, they are gone and no one could ever replace a Mother. Her love is the most precious thing in the world. There was also a brighter side to the article on Amma. more..

Jan 7 (Island) Anuradhapura police investigating the robbery of a winning lottery, Tuesday recovered the Rs. 500,000 prize bearing ticket after arresting a 23-year-old man. Arrest was made by Crime Division OIC Inspector S. Kumarasena and his deputy SI Vidana Gamage. The lottery ticket winner is a resident of Mihintale. He had met the lottery agent seeking the latter’s help to receive the prize money on Jan 2. The Mihintale agent took him to the A'pura agent hoping to get prize money. more..

Jan 7 (DM) 2016 is the 60th anniversary year of many significant historical landmarks, local and global, that studded the year 1956. Internationally this is the 60th anniversary year of Nikita Khrushchev’s secret speech to the 20th Congress of the Soviet Communist party, which led to the Sino-Soviet schism and the eventual downfall of global communism; the Hungarian and Suez crises; and the landing of the yacht Granma, carrying Fidel, Raul and Che on the shores of Cuba on more..

Jan 7 (LBO) World’s leading internet TV service, Netflix has launched its service globally including in Sri Lanka, simultaneously bringing its Internet TV network to more than 130 new countries around the world. The company made the announcement during a keynote by CEO Reed Hastings at CES 2016. CES is a global consumer electronics and consumer technology trade show that takes place every January in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global more..

Jan 7 (Island) There appears to be considerable confusion about the legally prescribed procedure for repeal or amendment of the Constitution. In view of the impending exercise which the Govt proposes to embark on at the end of the week, it is important that there should be clarity in the public mind in this regard. The essential principles, simple and straightforward in content, are the following: (1) Constitutions must, more..

Jan 7 (EN) Sri Lanka will borrow US$ 360 million from the Exim Bank of China and US$ 63.58 million from Hatton National Bank to fund the extension of the Southern Expressway. Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the cabinet of minister had approved a proposal by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake to get 85% of the project funds from Exim Bank and the balance from HNB. Expressway extension consists of four sections from Matara to Hambantota with a total length of 96 kilometres. more..

Jan 7 (Island) The FSP has decided to stage a series of demonstrations in addition to the continuous agitation opposite the Fort Railway Station in Colombo, to pressure the govt to ensure the political rights of party leader Kumar Gunaratnam, who is currently in remand for allegedly violating immigration rules. The case against Gunaratnam is scheduled to be taken up on Jan. 8 at the Kegalle Magistrate Court. The FSP said that two months had passed since more..

Jan 7 (AD) The death of a person in Embilipitiya, during a clash with police, has sparked a protest in the area since this morning. A group of about 1000 people are currently engaged in a demonstration blocking the Embilipitiya - Middeniya Road. Residents of the area have also hoisted black flags in their houses and shops in protest against the police. Deceased, whose wife is pregnant with their 2nd child, had sustained life threatening more..

Jan 7 (CG) The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed a case against former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena today. Director Investigations, at the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption Priyantha Chandrasiri said that the case was filed at the Colombo High Court. He said the case was filed against the Minister over allegations he had obtained property estimated at 41.2 million, as a bribe between 2004 and 2006. more..

Jan 7 (Island) Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the Sri Lanka Navy had played a key role in putting an end to what he called the Avant Garde arms racket. Accepting a stock of Medical Infusion Systems (MIS) manufactured by the Sri Lanka Navy to be distributed in govt hospitals, he said some naval personnel had been appointed by the controversial security service as advisers. The present commander, too, may also have been offered a similar position in retirement. more..

Jan 7 (AM) A section of the joint opposition, formed by UPFA dissidents, is now holding discussions with former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in a bid to bring him to the forefront of the fledgling political movement. With the former Defence Secretary coming into the picture, former President Rajapaksa is expected to take a back seat. "Discussions with the former Defence Secretary are successful. more..

Jan 7 (Island) President Maithripala Sirisena would make a private visit to Wilpattu National Park to inspect the alleged deforestation and land grab this month, State Minister M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said yesterday. He told the media in Colombo that the resettlement in Northern and Eastern areas would commence after the report of a committee appointed by President Sirisena was submitted. The committee comprises members of the security forces and police, he noted. more..

Jan 7 (CG) An immigration officer and a passenger were arrested at the BIA with 5.1 kg of gold. The passenger, a 31 year old resident of Kattankudy arrived from Malaysia this morning. Immigration officer was on duty at the arrival lounge at the airport and is a resident of Puttalam. They were both arrested by customs officers at the arrival lounge with four packets containing 392 gold chains weighing 3,300 grams valued at Rs. 18,153,025.00 and 18 gold slabs weighing 1,800 grams more..

Jan 7 (PSL) In line with the promise given by President Maithripala Sirisena, a special discussion on establishing of a Presidential Task Force for the protection of the children of the nation was held today at the Presidential Secretariat. Discussion was based on the issues arisen on the protection of children, and the measures taken for the safety and development of children. more..

Jan 7 (AM) The FCID raided the CSN office today to investigate on its email contacts, Police Media Unit said. The FCID has obtained a search warrant from Kaduwela Magistrate Court for the purpose. Three FCID officers, two computer experts and two personnel from the police IT Division took part in the raid, the police said. The FCID raided the CSN earlier in last November over an investigation of broadcast rights and took several documents, hard disks and computers into custody. more..

Jan 7 (CT) The complaint against North East Local Services Improvement Projects (NELSIP) over alleged misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 25 million will be taken up for investigation by the Commission to Investigate allegations of Bribery or Corruption in Colombo today. The complainant, Suresh K. Premachandran, the EPRLF leader and former TNA MP, has been requested by the Bribery Commission to appear before the Commission today with the documents supporting his complaint. more..

Jan 7 (DM) Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Pieris granted permission to CID to refer the CCTV footage in connection with rugby player Wasim Thajudeen’s death to foreign experts. The Magistrate also ordered the CID to inform Court about the institutions the CID intended to seek advice within a week. He also said further orders would follow after the necessary documents were submitted. more..

Jan 7 (Island) Former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday accused the present government of being more interested in fulfilling the needs of western countries, Tamil diaspora and Tamil National Alliance than providing relief to suffering masses. Addressing the media at Dr N.M. Perera Centre in Borella, he said the problem was that the government had to honour the promises it made to the Tamil diaspora, TNA and the west before the presidential and general elections. more..

Jan 7 (CG) Ahead of Pongal celebrations next week, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced a Pongal gift pack for Sri Lankan Tamil families living in refugee camps across the State. The gift pack will also be given to holders of family (ration) cards and police cards. The gift pack containing one kg rice and sugar, two-feet sugarcane and a sum of Rs. 100 would distributed at all ration shops, Jayalalithaa said. “I am happy to announce that ration-card holders, police card holders more..

Jan 7 (Island) Joint Opposition led by former President Rajapaksa loyalists yesterday urged the govt to hold the next local govt polls without using constitutional reforms as an excuse to postpone them. Addressing the media, Leader of the Joint Opposition Dinesh Gunawardena asked Chairman of the Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya to take necessary action to announce the election latest by March 31. more..

Jan 7 (DM) Live Events (Pvt) Ltd has still not arrived at a conclusive decision regarding compensating VVIP ticket holders who were inconvenienced at the Enrique show held on Dec 20. CEO of Live Events Mr. Riyaz (Shaq) Shah Jahan refused to give a comment concerning the company’s stance on refunding the VVIP ticket holders. “We cannot give a comment on the matter right now. A comment concerning this issue can be made only after having a word with the board members of company” more..