President Maithripala Sirisena has apparently decided to resign as leader of the UPFA and remain neutral during the general election, says UPFA election committee member Manusha Nanayakkara.

The much awaited special statement of President Maithripala Sirisena is to be made today (13). The President is to speak with regard to giving nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as to individuals facing various allegations.

Several parties have got together temporarily to contest the general election under the ‘elephant’s symbol in order to overcome attempts by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa to reverse people’s revolution on January 08, said prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been refused membership of the SSC, reports say.

The Union government will employ around 50 lakh people in highways and shipping sectors, where plans are afoot to take up projects worth Rs 6 lakh crore, said Union Minister for road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, on 9 July.

Sri Lanka stands accused of having violated international rugby regulations by including to Fijians to the national team for the ARFU rugby tournament in 2014.