Church condemns Mangala over criticism of Cardinal

Rev. Fr. Freely Muthukudarachchi, Secretary, Council of Priests, Archdiocese of Colombo, yesterday, condemned Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera for his recent criticism of Malcolm Cardinal Rajith.

Samaraweera called on the Vatican and Pope Francis to take note of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith visiting MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera in Kandy on Monday, while he was engaged in a fast demanding the resignation of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and Provincial Governors M. L. A M. Hisbullah and Azath Salley.

Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan

Sri Lanka denied Afghanistan a famous victory by winning a low-scoring thriller in the World Cup at Cardiff.

After a dismal batting collapse by Sri Lanka, Afghanistan needed a rain-revised target of just 187 from 41 overs but were beaten by 34 runs.

Afghanistan slipped to 57-5 in their chase but a partnership of 64 by Najibullah Zadran and captain Gulbadin Naib gave them hope.

All Muslim ministers decided to resign

All Muslim Ministers, Deputy Ministers and State Ministers will resign from their positions with immediate effect. This was revealed by SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem a short while ago.

Addressing a media briefing at Temple Trees, Hakeem noted that they will continue to remain with the Government despite their decision to give up their positions. He added that they will now serve as backbenchers in Parliament.

Rathana Thero ends fast

Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera ended the fast upon learning that Governors Azath Salley and M.L.A.M. Hizbullah had resigned.

He began a fast-unto-death campaign outside the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on May 31

Hizbullah and Salley hand in resignations

President’s Media Division stated that the President accepted the resignation letters of the governors.

A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat between President Sirisena, MPs of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Governors Hizbullah and Salley regarding the titles of the governors.

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets

New Zealand kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 10-wicket thrashing of Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Saturday.

Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson both took three wickets for New Zealand as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 136 despite an unbeaten 52 from captain Dimuth Karunaratne.

Martin Guptill and Colin Munro hit unbeaten half-centuries in New Zealand’s run-chase as the 2015 World Cup runners-up cruised to 137 without loss in 16.1 overs.

Passport fees jacked up

Fees charged for issuing passports have been revised with effect from yesterday (31).


Accordingly, the fee for obtaining a passport has been increased from Rs. 3,000 to Rs 3,500 for the normal service.


The one-day service fee, which was previously Rs 10,000 has been increased to Rs. 15,000.

Laws to regulate social media soon

The Oversight Committee on National Security is seriously contemplating on imposing new laws to regulate social media, UPFA MP Lasantha Alagiyawanna said.

The MP, who took part in the National Security Oversight Committee meeting in Parliament yesterday, said a lengthy discussion took place on the proposed laws to regulate social media.