Former STF DIG Sarathchandra released on bail

Hemakumara Nanayakkara resigns

Former Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara has resigned from his post of Presidential?Adviser?on Agricultural Development, his office said in a statement. Nanayakkara said he resigned following a decision by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to construct a domestic airport in the Nuwara Eliya district at a location where several acres of crops will be destroyed. A former UNP MP Hemakumara Nanayakkara joined the government during the latter stages of the war with several UNP parliamentariens. He was the

23 Jun, 2012

Confusion over nationality of boat people

There was confusion today over the nationality of the people in a boat which capsized off Australia?s Christmas Island yesterday with some Australian media now saying those on board were not believed to be Sri Lankans. According to The Australian website, Australian authorities believe the boat originated in Indonesia, not Sri Lanka, as initially suggested by some in Indonesia. The website said that the passengers are Afghans, Iraqi and Iranian, and said to be all male. The first group of asyl

22 Jun, 2012

Explosion at demining site in Muhamalai

An explosion occurred at a demining site in Muhamalai, officials told the Colombo Gazette this afternoon. The explosion had occurred at a site where HALO?Trust is involved in de-mining work, Halo Trust officials said but did not wish to provide further details. Reports from the area said that at least three people were injured when a landmine exploded and the injured were admitted to hospital. HALO is the world’s oldest and largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation and it is involv

23 Jun, 2012