Opposition and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan left for London on Monday (25) to study the devolution of powers under a federal system, which exists within a regional Parliament in the United Kingdom, TNA sources said. This is Sampanthan's first trip abroad since he was appointed Opposition Leader in the Sri Lankan Parliament last year.A high profile TNA meeting was held in Kilinochchi a few days ago at which TNA Parliamentarians from the North and East, as well as Provincial Councillors were briefed on TNA's stance relating to the drafting of a new Constitution.

Sampanthan told attendees at the Kilinochchi meeting that a settlement under a unitary system was unacceptable and the TNA would push for a solution based on maximum devolution of powers based on a federal system. Commenting on the newly formed Tamil People's Council chaired by Northern Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, the TNA leader said he would accept any constructive proposal by the TPC on formulating the new Constitution.

A year ago Sampanthan hailed the decision of the Scottish people to vote for the integrity of the United Kingdom while rejecting the call for Scottish separation. Sampanthan also pointed out that a Scottish type administration with maximum devolution of powers could be a viable solution to the Tamil question. Informed sources said that Sampanthan would meet several Tamil Diaspora figures in London to discuss the TNA's role in drafting the new Constitution.

The TNA leader has also asked for an appointment with British Prime Minister David Cameron. The British Prime Minister's office is yet to confirm a date for the meeting. Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian M.A.Sumanthiran accompanies Sampanthan on his London tour, the sources said.

Vice Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, Sun Haiyan, is set to arrive in Sri Lanka today for a two-day official visit, as reported by The Thinakaran Newspaper.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that their Consular Affairs Division will be relocated to the new premises at the 16th floor of “Suhurupaya”, Sri Subhuthipura Road, Battaramulla with effect from May 02, 2024.

Two persons have died after police fired at a three-wheeler that was driving in defiance of orders to halt at Millawa in Moragahahena.

A 78-year-old man, Gopal Rao, of Bengaluru, Karnataka, died of a heart attack while he was swimming from Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka to the Dhanushkodi islet in Rameswaram, T.N., on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The National People's Power (NPP) has officially notified the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday that they are prepared to hold the proposed debate between NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa on one of the following days: May 7, 9, 13, or 14.

The Catholic Church is planning to present a proposal to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) through several foreign governments and international organizations to initiate an international investigation into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks with a view to mete out justice to the victims of those attacks.

Seven individuals, including a child, lost their lives, and 23 others sustained injuries in a tragic accident at the “Fox Hill Super Cross 2024” racing event in Diyatalawa on Sunday (21). The casualties included four racing event officials serving as flag marshals and civilians who were spectators.

The latest iteration of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) training exercise – CARAT Sri Lanka 2024 will commence with participation by the United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Sri Lanka Navy in Trincomalee today (22).

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who took up the position as the Acting Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) could lose his parliamentary seat, according to the party constitution of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), SLPP MP Tissa Kuttiarachchi said today.

Two racing drivers who participated in yesterday's Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 racing event have been arrested by the police over the accident which killed seven people. The arrested are a 36-year-old racer from Matara and 47-year-old from Mahakanda, Peradeniya.