A group of Sri Lankans who had been stranded in Uttarkashi in India, where hundreds were killed and displaced by floods, have been rescued by villagers in the area, the Times of India reported.

Teh Times of India report said that villagers from Didsari near Uttarkashi, whose houses were washed away, rescued 43 foreigners who were stuck in the Himalayas for over a week. The tourists from the US, UK, Sri Lanka and other nations were there to participate in a ‘Himalayan retreat’.

“We’re alive be

Ajith Pathirana, Senior Counsel for former DIG, Vass Gunawardena, who is in remand custody in connection with the murder of Mohamed Shyam, said there was no independent evidence against his client.
He said there were some people, who believed the former DIG was the most ruthless criminal in the country. However, he does not represent the entire Police Department; he is just one of the officers in the department.
 The case on the murder of Mohamed Shyam was taken up for hearing on Tuesday (25) in the presence of Colombo Add

An organization calling itself the  ‘People’s Wall of Comradeship’ (PWC) which includes members of the JVP today said the authorities were constructing Military Camps in the Northern Province and focusing on militarisation instead of establishing democracy in the region.
Video by Sanath Desmond

They said about 6000 acres lands of the Northern people had been acquired by the military forces and alleged Minister Douglas Devananda’s supporters of getting hold on to a land illegally in Jaffna. 

A 15-year-old boy, studying in grade 11 of the Dodangoda Navodya School, was admitted to the Nagoda hospital in Kalutara as he had been caned by the school Principal for accepting a cash award of Rs. 15,000 from Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, for having won a Poson pandal contest.

The victim student, Ishara Jayalath, had applied for the Poson Pandal Contest held in Dodangoda, through the school. The school had won the first prize for his skillful creation.

We seem to be having Yogi Berra moments very frequently these days, especially when it comes to disaster, both natural and manmade. Failure on the part of various ministries and departments tasked with the welfare of the public seems to be creating déjà vu moment, compelling the 'We told you so' refrain.

Exactly two months ago this day, our editorial invited the urgent and immediate attention of the government in general and the Minister of Transport in particular, to the grave situation of death traps at

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) is to submit a draft of amendments to the Human Rights Commission Act before cabinet to empower the commission to file contempt of court cases before High Courts against public officers who did not comply with the commission’s recommendations.
Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa said yesterday that the commission had given an opportunity for Civil Society Organisations (CSO) to make their opinions and proposals regarding the amendments to the act and further sai

Thevan’s story clearly shows how poorly the legal system functions in Sri Lanka. The fact that there was no charge against him, that he was repeatedly tortured, and had no idea if was going to be held in prison for a day or two, five months or 30 years, shows exactly what is wrong with the system.

“I was blindfolded and with my hands tied behind my back. Sometimes our heads were banged against the wall or we would be kicked on our chests. Many times I was half conscious or would lose consciousness. When I would com

Lawyer,Gunarathna Wanninayaka an executive member of the Bar Association and the convener of the Free March movement is reportedly facing a life threatening situation.He stated that a group who identified themselves as police officers questioned him at the court premises on June 24th.

He has also lodged a complaint with the Keselwatta Police regarding the incident.

When Police Media Spokesman SP Buddhika Siriwardhana was contacted regarding the incident, he has stated that an investigation is currently underway.

Sri Lanka’s minister for external affairs GL Peiris says he can guarantee the safety of people returning to Sri Lanka after failed asylum seeker claims in countries such as Australia.

GL Peiris has told Australia Network’s Newsline he disputes the genuine nature of many asylum seeker claims made by people fleeing Sri Lanka.

“They have been returned by Australia because Australia was convinced that they are not in danger – Australia is not alone in that,” he said.

In the wake of renewed pressure being exerted on the Government of Sri Lanka by Britain, with regard to the delay in the trial of the perpetrators responsible for the killing of British National, Khuram Shaikh, in December 2011, Deputy Minister for External Affairs, Neomal Perera, said the reason for so much time being taken to proceed with legal action was due to needing to be obtained statements from a large number of witnesses, prior to moving forward.