New smart ID launched to replace old ID card

Gampaha factory closed temporarily

The government has decided to temporarily close a gloves factory in the Gampaha area following violent protests over allegations chemical waste from the premises is contaminating water in the area. According to the police, the decision to temporarily close the factory was taken at a meeting held between officials and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa today. Several people were injured when a protest over the contaminated water in Gampaha turned violent this evening when the army and police w

01 Aug, 2013

Black flag protest over water

A black flag protest was staged in Weliweriya, Gampaha over the contamination of drinking water as a result of chemicals released from a factory. Shops in the area were closed while a monk who protested and called for the factory to be removed, resumed the protest today after suspending it earlier. The chief incumbent of the Galoluwa Buddhist Temple, the venerable Theripaha Siridhamma?Thero had launched a fast unto death on Monday after talks held with the authorities to resolve the issue had fa

01 Aug, 2013

Would-be asylum seekers arrested

Another group of would-be illegal asylum seekers were arrested Matara last night as they were preparing to head to Australia by boat. The police said that 39 people were arrested from a house from where they were to later make their journey by boat. Among them were 18 men, seven women and 14 children, the police media unit said today. Those arrested are residents of Jaffna, Batticaloa and Trincomalee. They are to be produced in court today. (Colombo Gazette)

02 Aug, 2013