Meteor explosion cause for bright light, sound in SP

Colombo University Physical Science Department Prof. Chandana Jayaratne confirmed that the bright light and sound which was heard from the Southern Province (SP) this evening was because of an explosion caused by a meteor.

Speaking to the News he said the explosion was known as a 'fireball explosion' and occurs after an astroid enters the earth’s atmosphere.

No need of a new Constitution or Amendments

The Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha, of the Malwatu & Asgiriya Chapters today decided that there was no necessity of a new Constitution or amendments to the present Constitution of the country and urged to stop the Constitution drafting process.

The decision has been taken during a special meeting held at the Dalada Maligawa, Kandy yesterday evening, with the participation by the members of the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha of the Asgiriya and Malwatu Chapters led by Anunayake of the Malwatte Maha Vihare, Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladharma Thera, Anunayakes of the Asgiriya Maha Vihare Ven. Wedaruwe Upali Thera and Anamaduwe Sri Dammadassi Nayaka Thera.

Missing girls from Kolonnnawa surrender to police

The three girls from Kolonnawa who went missing on Saturday surrendered to the police today.

Two girls aged 19 and 15 surrendered to the Wellampitiya Police early this morning while the third girl (14) surrendered to the Gampaha Police a short while ago.

Anika Wijesuriya has fled country due to threats

Anika Wijesuriya, a key witness who had testified before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the treasury bond scam, has fled the country due to receiving threats to her life.

This was revealed to the commission today (17) by President’s Counsel Yasantha Kodagoda, Additional Solicitor General at Attorney General’s Department, during the hearing held this morning.

Pakistan beats SL to 2-0 lead

Despite Upul Tharanga’s heroics with the bat, Pakistan went 2-0 up in the five-match series after beating Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the second ODI in Abu Dhabi.

Chasing a tricky target of 220 runs, Sri Lanka’s batting line up faltered and they were reduced to 93/7 before Tharanga along with Jeffrey Vandersay stitched a stand of 76 runs for the eighth wicket.

I didn’t intend to insult the judiciary

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thera said he didn’t intend to insult the judiciary with the remarks made inside the Homagama Magistrate’s Court in January 2016.

Gnanasara Thera made this remarks as a defense witness regarding the contempt of court case filed against him.

“I had no intention to insult the judiciary or any other person in court. The emotional feelings created subsequent to an order to further remand the army intelligence officers led to address in open court,” Gnanasara Thera said.

Hartal in Northern Province

A Hartal was launched in the Northern Province demanding that the authorities release political prisoners who have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act without cases being filed in courts.

Shops in the Mullaitivu, Killinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar and Jaffna districts were kept closed and public transport service came to a standstill yesterday.

ASP Daluwatte transferred!

ASP of Hambantota Thushara Daluwatte has been transferred to Matara with immediate effect.

His transfer comes as an investigation is ongoing into his having assaulted a youth during the joint opposition protest in Hambantota a few days ago.