Pic by Pradeep Patirana

The Central Bank yesterday raised its key interest rate for the first time in five years and asked commercial banks to reduce lending in the face of a worsening trade deficit. The Central Bank hiked its benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points to 9.0...

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message said yesterday the country’s achievements would be secured when opportunities for peace, co-existence and harmonious living were widened. He said the sacrifices made to reach that objective...

Pandemonium reigned at the United National Party (UNP) Beruwala Balamandala meeting yesterday when several people staged a demonstration against party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and tried to stop him from entering the venue.

MESSAGE Queen Elizabeth II has sent a congratulatory message to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to mark Sri Lanka's 64th Independence Day celebration. “It gives me great pleasure to send you my congratulations on the celebration of your National Day,...

A young Thai woman with more than one kilo of cocaine carefully concealed in a way to look like a popular brand of chocolates was yesterday nabbed by the airport narcotics bureau officials while in transit from Peru to Bangkok. The woman is suspected...

A 26-year-old man died on the spot in the first fatal accident on the Southern expressway at Dodangoda in Kalutara early yesterday morning, police said.

The owner of the fishing trawler and relatives of the crew captured by the Somalian pirates demanding Rs.600 million, have appealed for the government’s intervention to secure the release of the trawler and the captives. The hostages, fishermen who...

The body of a brutally murdered 17 year old schoolgirl was recovered from a rubber estate at Opatha in Kahawatta and the body of her mother from their house on Thursday (02). Police said the body of the girl was recovered in the morning and that of...

Ussan Shaibu Mohamed Jawfer of Nagawilluwa, Puttalam convicted of possessing 899 grams of heroin was sentenced to death by the Puttalam High Court Judge S.D.A. Thassim.the convict had been apprehended while travelling in a lorry on April 20, 2007. When...

A bookshop owner who pleaded guilty of selling a book containing pornographic material to a police officer who acted as a decoy at a bookshop in Kollupitiya was ordered to pay a fine of Rs.2500 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday. The accused...

The Highways and Road Development Ministry yesterday warned drivers on the Southern Expressway to refrain from drunk driving, falling asleep at the wheel or driving over the speed limit of 100km per hour following the road accident that killed a 26...

The Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya said the Government of Sri Lanka was spending about $1 billion a year to rebuild the north, and it has launched an ambitious reconciliation program to right any past wrongs and...

A suspect was found dead last morning in a remand cell in court when his case was called. The forty-year-old man had been taken into custody for possessing 8 grams of ganja and was produced in court by the Akkaraipattu police. Police believe that he...

The state government of Tamil Nadu is yet to tender an apology to the Sri Lankan authorities over the inconvenience caused by the boycott of certain Sri Lankan products by a state undertaking in Chennai recently, officials said yesterday. An official...

A Muslim politician in the government yesterday charged that one of his colleagues was involved in bringing down an Islamic scholar who had been a suspect in the World Trade Centre bombing in 2001 to conduct a series of lectures on peace...

The Colombo High Court yesterday postponed for February 15 considering bail for two Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) officers who are in remand custody allegedly for killing a 30-yearold youth while in PNB custody. The bail applications were taken up for...

The Court of Appeal yesterday (3) issued notices returnable on February 15 against Jaffna Army Commander Maj. Gen. Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya, OIC of the Atchchuveli Police Station and the IGP as well as...

Chennai: Maintaining that she was working towards protecting the livelihood of fishermen, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday said she would not "stop" till Katchchatheevu, an islet in the Palk straits now under the control of Sri Lanka...

Mayor of Colombo, A. J. M. Muzammil, tore into what he regarded as meddling in Municipal Council affairs by a member of the party on whose ticket he had won the Mayor ship. Mr. Muzammil was critical of what UNP senior MP Ravi Karunanayake had...

A businessman, who had allegedly misappropriated Rs.191,056 million belonging to Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited (LECO), was remanded till February 15 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The CID alleged that the suspect, Nandana...

A man who allegedly killed his younger brother was remanded till February 9 by Horana Magistrate Mahinda Ranasingha. The main suspect, Lal Padmasiri, was a father of four while the victim was his younger brother Ajith Padmasiri (35), a father of one...

Several students of Kolongoda Maha Vidyalaya in Hasalaka were taken ill yesterday afternoon after having developed itching symptoms during school hours. Teachers revealed that nineteen students, fifteen girls and four boys, who were in the Grade 7...

Vulnerable communities in the North and East of Sri Lanka were to benefit from a new school and health centre, funded by the European Union through UNICEF. The new health centre was to play a key role in tackling malnutrition among children aged five...

Family members of the human rights activists who had allegedly disappeared are seen in the Court compound as the proceedings of the Habeas Corpus application before the Court of Appeal began. (Pic Kushan Pathiraja)

Women’s Affairs and Childcare Development Minister Tissa Karalliyadda yesterday vowed to go ahead with the legalizing of abortions in cases of rape of underage girls, incest and defective foetuses. The minister said a committee comprising officials of...

The Government is planning to borrow USD 1 billion in the international markets besides attempting to borrow USD 500 million via the Bank of Ceylon. after the IMF had ended the US $ 2.6 billion bailout package charged UNP National List MP Dr. Harsha de...

A deputy minister has called upon international powers to intervene to secure the release of six Sri Lankan fishermen from Somali pirates. Deputy Minister of State Resources and Enterprise Development Sarath Kumara Gunaratna who was elected to...

A three-year-old boy who was injured when a log hit his head died on admission to the Badulla hospital. Inquiries revealed that his father was heaping up firewood with his little son standing nearby. He was taken into custody pending further...

One woman is something we heard about, but 35? - Jehan I feel sad about the victims. This guy had taken their belongings worth close to a staggering Rs.6 million - Sathya

Colombo Mayor A. J. M. Muzammil yesterday said a system would be set up to involve city dwellers in the administration of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). A special Municipal Service Board comprising CMC officials and city dwellers would be set up...

Thieves that had broken into a house at Pilimatalawa during day-time allegedly stole jewellery valued at more than Rs.65,000. They had entered the house by breaking open a door when the owners were away. OIC Kadugannawa police Nimal Chandrasiri was...

Any place which is convenient for them should be given to the lawyers -Ajith First the government should listen to them without immediately going ahead with the plans -Samantha

All the powerful countries should be briefed by our leaders. That should be the strategy. Not only the United States -Alex Hope that the government is prepared to counter each and every point brought up at the UNHRC by other countries -Asela

A man under arrest warrant for evading court in connection with a road accident at Kottawa was taken into custody by the Kottawa police when he was riding a motorcycle with another man. Inquiries revealed his involvement in a bank robbery at...

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday assured the commitment of his party to preserve freedom for the people in all aspects. In his Independence Day Message, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the freedom which the people are entitled to is being...

The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) said yesterday that although the low pathogenic virus found in chicken in Bingiriya had no risk on human health; steps had been taken by the authorities to maintain a 3km radius surrounding the farm under strict...

Two middle aged men who called over at the Theldeniya police after drinks were arrested for their unruly behaviour. They had come from Digana to stand surety to secure the release of a suspect on police bail. However the police suspected their unruly...

The Colombo High Court acquitted a trishaw driver who was accused of attempting to kill a victim by stabbing with a knife. Colombo High Court Judge K.H. Sumithrapala acquitted the accused Krishnan Suriya Kumar from the charge of attempting to cause...

To safe guard this Independence, country needs education, money and opportunities and fulfil other social economic conditions. For that, one should be properly equipped, physically as well as mentally. This involves making right choices and struggling...

When the English came to power in 1815, Sri Lanka lost not only its sovereignty and self - government but also our traditional Buddhist democratic administrative system, customs, religion, education, lands, agriculture and all were too lost. After the...

Our country which is known as “Serendib” is a term given by the foreigners. Mahawansa testifies that the Buddha visited this land during the ninth months since His enlightenment. Our country which is endowed with natural beauties and blessed with the...

The beauty of variety is that people are exposed to various religions, cultures and language, thus they learn to live in harmony. Therefore, the challenge before us at the moment is to work towards the much needed unity to build up the motherland. We...

Sri Lankan Muslims since the era of kings have been living in this country as sincere citizens to all the leaders. Even during the last three decades of battle the reason for the North-east Muslims being refugees was that they did not like either...

In our reflections last year on the commemoration of independence we emphasised with much concern that the sixty third commemoration of our Independence can be meaningful only by creating an environment where all people alike will be able to live...

Our cultural, educational, social, economic and political freedom which commended according to the historical evidence with the arrival of Vijaya was lost to us in 1505 with the Portuguese invasion. Subsequently, the island became a colony under the...

After terrorism was eliminated on May 19, 2009, the government has successfully completed reconstruction of government buildings, roadways, houses, places of religious worship and other infrastructure facilities. The resettlement of displaced persons...

When the island nation is celebrating its sixty-fourth year of hard won freedom, it is time for every citizen to remember those who sacrificed their lives to safeguard sovereignty and learn lessons from the past tragedies. In the current post war Sri...

As we are well aware, the coastal belt of our motherland had been under the rule byportuguese from 1505 - 1658 A.D. and of Dutch from 1658-1796 A.D. The year 1815 marked in the history in which the British brought the country under their control. In...

Sri Lanka's warmup match ahead of its tri-series limited-overs tournament with Australia and India was rained out yesterday. Sri Lanka was to have played a Prime Minister's XI invitational team captained by Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who has...

Srilankan Airlines’ Asia Pacific Senior Golf Masters 2012 tee's off on February 15 at the picturesque Rajawella golf links in Kandy. Over 60 Professional Golfers and 30 amateurs, including leading local golfers will play during the three-day event at...

Mercantile Hockey Association took wing India to play a series of matches from February 2 to 12 with teams from Chennai, Banglore and Mysore on an invitation extended by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The mercantile hockey team consists of five...

Sri Lanka 'A' openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhanushka Gunatileke laid the foundation to help the side level the five match ODI series at two each against England Lions with a four wicket win in the fourth match played at the R. Premadasa Stadium...

A marathon knock of 181 in 205 balls with 18 boundaries and four sixes by skipper Tharindu Kaushal and a match bag of 10 for 52 by Chathura Lakshan saw Devapathiraja MMV Rathgama record a massive innings and 400 run win over Batemulla National School....

A top Sri Lanka Cricket official rejected speculation that Tillekaratne Dilshan had been disappointed and wanted to skip the current Australian tour. He claimed that Dilshan’s decision to join the team late was done with prior approval. Sacked Sri...

MELBOURNE, Feb 3, 2012 (AFP) - India revived their Australian tour with a convincing eight-wicket win over the home side in the second Twenty20 international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. The tourists dazzled in the field with four run...

Gurukula MV Kelaniya making their first appearance in the top division of the Under 19 interschool tournament is giving the fancied teams a torrid time. A few weeks back they got the better of S. Thomas’ Mt Lavinia and yesterday they recorded a...

World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei won’t stop winning eight home titles following his victory in the men’s singles final at the Maybank Malaysia Open on Sunday The Malaysian equalled his compatriot Wong Peng Soon’s record of eight men’s singles titles with his...

DUBAI, Feb 3, 2012 (AFP) - England edged to a slender five-run lead over Pakistan at the close as 16 wickets fell during an extraordinary opening day of the third and final test at Dubai Stadium Friday. Routed for a low score of 99 in their first...

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was given just three days holiday in-between tours to South Africa and Australia but was nevertheless determined to travel to Kilinochchi in the island’s war-affected North East to deliver 300 brand new...

In keeping with its exclusive range of Silver Jewellery to celebrate Valentines Day - ‘Present Your Love’ - Eternity by Kamil Jewellers is preparing to present a chance to all its customers to present their love in style this Valentines, by giving away...

With the rapid increase of exports and imports into the country and expansion of shipping industry in Sri Lanka, the business community has to have a good knowledge about ports and shipping procedures and various other issues connected to the sector to...

TOKYO: Japan’s parliament has approved USD 32.9 billion extra budget bill, the fourth one to fund reconstruction projects after last year’s disasters and support the nation’s economy. The lower house yesterday approved the supplementary budget for the...

Following two highly successful and sold out four-day Global Leadership Programmes held in June and September 2011, the third CA Sri Lanka – INSEAD global leadership programme will be held during 14th -17th March this year. The third intake is also...

The Spices & Allied Products Producers’ & Traders’ Association (SAPPTA) affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce conducted a one-day workshop for the small holders and the planters of the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCS) of cinnamon in...

Considered one of the landmark events in the Unilever Sri Lanka calendar, the Annual Sales Conference kicked off in grand style at the Water’s Edge on January 27. It was an event to appreciate the perseverance and dedication of the Sales Team in...

The eurozone’s service sector has grown for the first time in four months, although Spain and Italy have continued to post falls in business activity. The Markit eurozone services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) was 50.4 in January, up from 48.8 in...

Global oil traders are nervously watching a dragging dispute over compensation between Sudan and breakaway South Sudan, whose i mpact reaches beyond major buyer China, analysts say. The South announced last Sunday it had nearly completed a protest...

Oriflame Sri Lanka celebrates the month of love by giving their customers the opportunity to experience the world first triple core lipstick combined with an exclusive offer from exquisite jewellery manufacturer, Stone N String.

During the week the All Share Price Index (ASPI) declined by 139.05 points to close at 5,586.39 points, while the Milanka Price Index (MPI) lost 108.69 points to close at 4,813.12 points. The daily average turnover was Slrs.993mn compared to...

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia nominated its Opec (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) governor, Majid Al Moneef, as a candidate for secretary-general of the oil-producer group, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

Japanese electronics giant Panasonic has forecast a record annual net loss of 780bn yen ($10.2bn; £6.3bn) for the year to March.

A delegation of over 40 sales professionals - Aviva advisors from Singapore - chose Sri Lanka as their choice of destination and held their first official annual convention in Colombo recently. The delegation spent 5 days in Sri Lanka and the overseas...

Sri Lanka Insurance as in the previous years has stepped forward to extend a 5million insurance cover for the Gangaramaya Nawam Perahera. Picture shows Mohan De Alwis (Managing Director/ceo), of Sri Lanka Insurance handing over the policy and the...

Luke Bronin, the US Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes met with Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce in Colombo recently. Bronin, who briefed Minister Bathiudeen on the US sanctions on...

The Monetary Board of Sri Lanka has finally decided to increase the policy rates by 50 basis points amidst increased private sector credit growth that is widening the trade deficit and falling foreign reserves. Accordingly, the Central Bank of Sri...

Asian markets were mixed on Friday in edgy trade ahead of the release of US jobs data while Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke warned the labour market still had a long road to recovery. Investors were also awaiting the result of long-running talks...

The International Monetary Fund said the Sri Lankan government’s decision to further devalue the rupee and raise interest rates were positive economic developments. Nevertheless, Chief of the IMF Stand-by arrangement Review Mission, Dr Brian Aitken,...

TRIPOLI, Feb 3, 2012 (AFP) - Libya's ex-ambassador to France, Omar Brebesh, has died in the custody of a militia from possible torture, less than 24 hours after he was detained by the armed group, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. HRW said a...

According to a BBC report Russia has threatened to veto a UN Security Council resolution on Syria if it is put to a vote on Friday. Russian officials say they need more time to consult Moscow, BBC UN correspondent Barbara Plett reports. Meanwhile, a...

NAIROBI, Feb 3, 2012 (AFP) - Famine conditions have ended in war-torn Somalia six months after they were first declared, but the situation remains dire with nearly a third of the population needing emergency support, the UN said on Friday “The United...

Worldwide malaria deaths may be almost twice as high as previously estimated, a study reports. The research,published in the British medical journal the Lancet, suggest 1.24 million people died from the mosquito-borne disease in 2010. This compares...

LONDON, Feb 3– British Energy Secretary Chris Huhne’s political career was in freefall this morning when he was forced to resign after being charged with a criminal offence following claims he persuaded his ex-wife to take his speeding points. In a...

PORT MORESBY, Feb 3, 2012 (AFP) - More than 100 missing passengers were feared trapped inside an overloaded ferry when it sank off Papua New Guinea, a maritime official said Friday as rescuers scoured the ocean for more survivors. So far, 246 people...

BEIJING, Feb 3, 2012 - China is "considering" contributing to European rescue funds, Premier Wen Jiabao has told reporters. But Mr Wen did not make any firm commitment to assist during his news briefing with visiting German Chancellor Angela...

PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Feb 3, 2012 (AFP) - Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and three others wounded in a Taliban attack on their check post in the country's northwestern tribal belt, security officials said Friday. The overnight attack on Shidano...

WARSAW, Feb 3, 2012 (AFP) - Europe's cold snap has claimed 164 lives, as countries from Ukraine to Italy struggle with temperatures that plunged to record lows in some places and with more cold weather forecast. Entire villages were cut off in parts...

Hosted by Dominic Kellar, ‘Love Changes Everything’ is a show for friends and family, featuring a number of well-known artists in the Sri Lankan music industry. These talented artists and choral groups come together to raise funds from the show to...

Vaidehi was born in Jaffna and holds a Diploma in Drawing and Painting from the Kalamandir School of Arts in Bangalore and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, specialising in Graphic Art and Print Making from the College of Fine Arts, Karnataka Chitrakala...

Spa Ceylon – Sri Lanka’s premier spa lifestyle brand – has been recognized for their exceptional innovation in Asia’s Spa Industry & has been judged a nominee for the Asiaspa Crystal Awards 2011 under the dual categories of “Natural Product Line Of The...