Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa says he will announce within 48 hours the party from which he will contest the August 17 parliamentary election.

The administration of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has recently decided to double the salary of the bank's three deputy governors, internal sources say.

SLFP chairman - President Maithripala Sirisena's decision not to grant candidacy to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa under the ticket of the SLFP or UPFA still remains unchanged, SLFP treasurer - Labour minister S.B. Nawinna says.

Former president Chandrika Kumaratunga has decided to give political leadership to groups that are alarmed and dejected by the possibility of president Maithripala Sirisena’s giving nominations to Mahinda Rajapaksa from the SLFP to contest the general election.

Sinha FM and CSN TV have a new management partner, who will serve as the manager for both channels very soon, according to reports reaching Sri Lanka Mirror.

Veediye Virodaya street drama group states that if Mahinda Rajapkasa stood in for an election there are number of civil organizations which are making preparations to defeat him.