Arrest warrant on Osada Yapa

Arrest warrant on Osada Yapa

Colombo Traffic Court yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of Osada Yapa Abeywardena, the son of State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana for not appearing in court.

This is over a case involving a road accident near Nelum Pokuna theatre on December 19, 2016.

When the case came up before Additional Magistrate Chandana Kalansuriya, Osada Yapa Abeywardena was not present in courts and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Further magisterial inquiry was fixed for October 3.

The Cinnamon Gardens police alleged that the jeep driven by Osada Yapa Abeywardena had met with an accident near Nelum Pokuna theatre causing severe injuries to a motorcycle rider living in Colombo 10. He was later on released on bail.

Meanwhile, the Court was informed that the suspect Osada Yapa Abeywardena had already paid Rs.125,000 as compensation to the victim Mohammed Riyas, a resident of Colombo 10. The Cinnamon Gardens police had alleged that the suspect could be charged for several traffic offences including reckless driving, failing to avoid getting into a traffic accident and driving a vehicle without a valid license. Police informed court that they were intending to take legal action against the victim as well for his reckless driving.

5 Most Haunted Places In The World

5 Most Haunted Places In The World

CLOSE SHAVE FOR MOTHER DAUGHTER AS ELEPHANT FALLS ON CAR

CLOSE SHAVE FOR MOTHER, DAUGHTER AS ELEPHANT FALLS ON CAR

A teacher named W.S. Wickramasinghe of Vimukthi Mawatha, Anuradhapura and her three-year-old daughter miraculously escaped with minor injuries when an elephant crossing the road fell on the car she was driving as it struck the elephant unexpectedly near the Moragoda reserve on the Padeniya-Anuradhapura road around 5.30 am yesterday. The teacher attached to the Galnewa MMV who is seven months pregnant and her daughter were admitted to the Thalawa hospital, the Thalawa Police said.

M G Dhanushka pleads guilty Court releases him from case on conditions

M.G. Dhanushka pleads guilty; Court releases him from case on conditions

M.G. Dhanushka who became popular by singing a song titled “Hiss Tin Ekak” yesterday pleaded guilty to charges levelled against him under Intellectual Property Act for singing the songs of late M.S.Fernando without permission.

He was ordered to be released from the case on several conditions by Chief Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe Bandara. Meanwhile, Court issued an order directing the accused not to sing any song belonging to late M.S. Fernando for a period of three years. Accordingly, young singer was ordered to be released on a personal bond of Rs.500,000 with two sureties.

The Chief Magistrate decided to release the accused from the case in terms of section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code after taking into consideration the facts that he had made a payment of Rs.300,000 to the aggrieved party, pleading guilty to the charges at the inception and giving an under taking not to repeat the same offence. Young singer M .G. Dhanushka who became popular by singing “Hiss Tin Ekak” was charged to have performed on public stages singing the songs of veteran Baila maestro late M. S. Fernando for commercial purposes. In a complaint to the CID, Sarath Fernando, the son of M. S. Fernando alleged that the suspect had damaged the reputation and the goodwill of late M. S. Fernando by singing his songs in public without permission.

He further alleged that the suspect had infringed the intellectual Property Rights of M. S. Fernando intentionally by performing in public. 

How To Create The Plastic Rice

How To Create The Plastic Rice

Another area 51 in Sri Lanka Voice Of Amereca Form chilaw

Another area 51 in Sri Lanka Voice Of Amereca Form chilaw

United Kingdom holidays

United Kingdom holidays

What’s new on the UK coast this summer

Tree tents in Cornwall, beach cabins in Dorest and a thrilling cliff-side pathway in County Antrim are among the new highlights on the UK coast

New National Trust campsite, Pembrokeshire

Gupton Farm is a sandy stroll away from the beach at Freshwater West, near Castlemartin, and tucked into a sheltered hollow. It offers a wet-weather barn alongside shower block facilities. If camping doesn’t appeal, visitors can stay in the farmhouse.

Saltdean lido reopens, Sussex

This art deco beauty was snatched from the hands of property developers five years ago, given a Grade II* listing and returned to the council. Following a campaign by concerned locals, it has been restored and from 17 June, outdoor swimmers will once more be able to revel in its heated 40-metre-long, crescent-shaped pool.

Tiny homes to stay in, Isle of Wight

These cabins are part of a movement to downsize living spaces, and are built to minimise environmental impact. The brainchild of Helen and Frazer Cunningham (of Airstream campsite Vintage Vacations), they have solar power, composting toilets, woodburning stoves, water recycling and share a mandala garden (a circular garden divided by paths)

.New beach houses in Cornwall

Two glamorous, coastal high-end properties: Pentire, a penthouse apartment overlooking Fistral beach, Newquay; and Barford, a holiday home in Widemouth Bay. Each has many high-spec touches, including wood-fired hot tubs with sea views. .

Northern Ireland’s white-knuckle coastal walk reopens

The Gobbins Path runs along the cliffs of Islandmagee in County Antrim, a giddy mixture of crashing waves and suspended steel walkways. Opened in 1872, it was restored and reopened in 2015, then closed last year following a rock fall. At the end of June, visitors can again teeter along the roller-coaster cliff path just above the sea. 

Dreamland rebooted, Margate 

Catch bands including Toots and the Maytals (20 July, £29.50) at the new indoor music venue at the vintage amusement park. Reopened in May, the park is now free to enter – visitors pay for individual rides or buy an unlimited rides wristband – so it costs nothing to marvel at the Grade-II listed Scenic Railway, although it would be hard to resist a ride. 

Beach huts you can sleep in, Bournemouth

Several notches up from the usual day-use-only beach huts, these 15 lodges on the seafront near Boscombe pier are raised on a deck above the promenade and can accommodate four adults and two children overnight. They also have wifi, showers and cooking facilities. 

Hide-out, Cornwall

Kudhva means hideout in Cornish and is the name given by Louise Middleton to her innovative project in 18 hectares near Tintagel, which opens on 1 July. Curious wooden capsules on legs, designed by Ben Huggins, and Tentsile tree tents suspended over a disused quarry and a waterfall will provide accommodation. There are also solar showers, chilled-out music, a bar, cinema club, food, yoga and a truck to take surfers and boards to nearby beaches. 

Gothic castle opens its doors, Isle of Lewis

Following extensive renovation (and being featured in Channel 4’s Great British Buildings: Restoration of the Year), the upper floors of Lews Castle in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, are now open to visitors who can stay in one of several smart, lofty apartments overlooking the harbour. 

Sleep in a beach hut, Dorset

Cunningly constructed with a mezzanine floor to accommodate two adults and two children and to provide a shower room and kitchen, 34 Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis is a beach hut but not as you know it – and is excellent value given the seashore location. 

Celebrate the Cornish pasty, St Austell 

Cornucopia, a new food and drink attraction opening in St Austell this summer promises to give Cornwall’s favourite hot snack the deference it deserves. Visitors can make one of their own at the “UK’s very first pasty heritage centre”, then sample food and drink from 19 Cornish food and drink producers. There will also be an adventure area with soft play zone, sky wires and trampolines, keeping younger children entertained while older family members tuck in.

Modern Yorkshire cooking, Whitby

Local Michelin-star chef Andrew Pern opens a new Star Inn, a brasserie version of his other three Star Inns, by the harbour at Whitby in July. With its position three metres from the harbour, the menu is seafood-oriented: expect shellfish from the North Sea, potted shrimps, oysters and a Whitby crab stick and, of course, fish and chips. 

Dolphin watching from a new restaurant, Scottish Highlands

The Sun Dancer restaurant’s name is a nod to the site’s previous occupant – the Sandancer arcade. The beeps and crashes of arcade games have been replaced with calming views across the Moray Firth, and hopefully diners will spot the occasional dolphin pod from the restaurant in Nairn’s harbour. 

John regrets losing temper with media

John regrets losing temper with media

Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga regretted last Thursday’s incident where he was compelled to ask journalists to leave his residence.

He said the new found press freedom is being abused by a section of the media to bring the government into disrepute.

He said some journalists have no respect for the truth nor the basic decency to report on facts, the Minister’s media secretary and former Western Provincial Minister Lawrence Madiwela said in a statement clarifying the circumstances that led the minister to respond to the journalists at the time.

Madiwela said a meeting was held at his residence at Kandana to discuss waste disposal at Muthurajawela premises and its impact on the environment with the residents in the area.

“No journalist was invited to cover this meeting and it was open only for members of the organization protecting the Muthurajawela wetlands”, Madiwela in his statement said.

He said that Minister Amaratunga was compelled to ask the journalists to leave his residence as they were posing the same issue repeatedly with a hidden agenda in mind.

Roma Budget Funny Video

Roma Budget Funny Video 

Roma New Year Fun Video

Roma New Year Fun Video

Sangakkara inspired Sri Lanka stunner Mathews

Sangakkara inspired Sri Lanka stunner - Mathews

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara (centre), currently a commentator with ICC in conversation with head coach Graham Ford and captain Angelo Mathews ahead of the Champions trophy clash with India at the Oval on Thursday

LONDON, Friday: Angelo Mathews says an inspirational session in the nets with Kumar Sangakkara laid the foundations for Sri Lanka’s stunning Champions Trophy victory against India.

Sangakkara is retired from international duty, but the legendary Sri Lanka batsman is currently playing for Surrey and he took the opportunity to spend some time with his country’s emerging youngsters before Thursday’s crucial clash with India.

Still in fine form with Surrey, Sangakkara opted against coming out of retirement for the Champions Trophy, but the 39-year-old clearly still has an influence off the field.

Sri Lanka were thrashed by South Africa in their opening match last week but bounced back on Sangakkara’s temporary home ground, chasing down India’s total of 321 to win by seven wickets at The Oval.

It was Sri Lanka’s joint highest ODI run chase and kept alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Danushka Gunathilaka, standing in for the injured Chamara Kapugedera, hit 76 off 72 balls while Kusal Mendis made 89 as the pair set in motion an unlikely victory.

And Sri Lanka captain Mathews revealed some tips from Sangakkara this week helped turn the tide.

“Kusal met Sanga to get some batting tips because he is the king,” Mathews said.

“We all look up to him and take advice from him, all the batters. He taught us good things about how to play on these tracks.

“The guys met him, took a lot of advice and went out there and did it today.”

Gunathilaka’s ODI career-best innings was especially impressive as he would have been watching in the stands if Kapugedera hadn’t been ruled out with a knee injury suffered in practice on Wednesday.

Gunathilaka and Mendis put together a 159-run partnership before Mathews (52) and Asela Gunaratne (34) finished the job with eight balls to spare.

In the midst of a major rebuilding project, Sri Lanka will clinch an unexpected place in the last four if they beat Pakistan on Monday.“For Danushka to walk into a game knowing he wasn’t even in the 15 until after Chamara got injured is impressive,” Mathews said.

“He had to step in against a very strong opposition and I was very impressed with how he batted.

“He and Kusal played with a lot of freedom and that set us a platform and made it so much easier for myself and the middle order batters. “Asela’s little cameo as well really won us the game at the end so it was a fantastic batting effort.”

India seemed to be in control after Shikhar Darwan scored 125, while Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni made 78 and 63 respectively. But the holders paid the price for not pushing closer to 350 and now find themselves in a scrap to progress from Group B, where all four teams have two points with one match left to play.

“I personally thought we had enough on the board,” India captain Virat Kohli said.

“You have to give credit to the opposition as well. We are not invincible. We are playing against a champion side.

“These are the top eight teams in the world so there are no guarantees.

“We have to consolidate and then explode at the end, that’s how we play. We’re not a side that always plays explosive cricket for the 50 overs. “But if a team has that kind of mindset and executes their shots you have to take your hat off and sometimes say, ‘well done’.” India must beat South Africa on Sunday to avoid a humiliating exit. “Every game is a quarter-final now,” Kohli said.

“All teams are on two points and you have to win all your games to go through. We are very clear about the situation.” – AFP

Top 9 Cricketers and their Super Luxurious Homes

Top 9 Cricketers and their Super Luxurious Homes

Train service to collect relief goods to function tomorrow

Train service to collect relief goods to function tomorrow

A train collecting relief goods for people affected by landslides and floods will function tomorrow under the theme ‘’Puravesi Athwela' humanitarian train’.

The train will leave the Kankesanturai Station at 6.30 a.m.

There on the train will stop at Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Madawachchiya, Anuradhapura, Maho, Ganewatta, Kurunegala, Polgahawela, Alawwa, Ambepussa, Meerigama, Veyangoda, Gampaha, Ganemulla, Ragama, Hunupitiya, Kelaniya, Dematagoda, Maradana, Colombo Fort, Mount Laviniya, Moratuwa and Panadura stations.

Relief goods which will be collected are:

Kitchen utensils, cleaning equipment, dry rations, clothes for school children and adults, bed sheets, pillow covers, towels, women's sanitary products, mosquito nets, Dettol, Harpic and soap, medical drugs, school stationery, toys and books for libraries.

Donators are expected to hand over their goods to the closest railway station.

This project is organised by the President’s Secretariat Office and the Railway Department.

Sri Lanka vs India Highlights 8 June 2017

Sri Lanka vs India Highlights 8 June 2017

Rich People In India

Rich People In India-Mukesh Ambani

Bermuda Triangle The Real Truth

Bermuda Triangle - The Real Truth

Wonder Woman of Amazonian princesses

Wonder Woman : of Amazonian princesses

W onder Woman the much awaited Superhero Hollywood movie commenced screening at the fully refurbished Liberty cinema from June 2 parallel to its worldwide premier in the United States.

The enthralling movie based on the 1941 DC Comics character brings to fore the divine and compassionate demigoddess called Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman who has brains, sensuality and who is destined to fight against evil.

The movie is directed by Patty Jenkins and Wonder Womanis played by Gal Gadot.

Wonder Woman is the first summer tent pole superhero film directed by a woman, and Jenkins is the first woman to direct a superhero film with a female protagonist.

Wonder Woman is also the first full-length feature film based on the character, following her first appearance in 2016’s Batman v Superman.

Wonder Woman's origin story in DC comics relates that she was sculpted from clay by her mother and given life by Aphrodite along with superhuman powers as gifts by the Greek Gods.

However, in recent years artists updated her profile and Diana, the princess of Amazons has been depicted as the daughter of Zeus, and jointly raised by her mother Hippolyta and her aunts Antiope and Menalippe, on the sheltered island paradise called Themyscira. There she was groomed to be an unconquerable warrior.

                                                      Movie synopsis

In this 2017 movie Diana meets an American pilot Steve Trevor who comes out of the blues and tells her about the massive conflict that's raging in the outside world. Convinced that she can stop the threat, Diana leaves her home for the first time.

The war brings her face-to-face with Ares, the evil son of Zeus who happens to be her brother. Fighting alongside men in a war to end all wars, she finally discovers her full powers and true destiny. With her weapon ‘The lasso of Truth’ and superhuman strength to perform hand-to-hand combat, she vanquishes enemies while experiencing sorrows of war.

Alongside Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Chris Pine of Star Trek fame plays US military pilot Steve Trevor.

Also joining the bandwagon to provide unstoppable entertainment are Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, Robin Wright as General Antiope, the sister of Hippolyta and Diana's aunt, Danny Huston as General Erich Ludendorff, an ambitious and iron fisted general of the German Army during World War I, David Thewlis as Ares, the treacherous son of Zeus based on the Greek mythological god of War and Elena Anaya as Doctor Maru aka Doctor Poison, a mad female scientist who is associated with General Ludendorff and specializes in chemistry such as poisons.

                                                          True believers

Wonder Woman is not only made for ‘true believers’ who read DC comics but for all cinema lovers who seek for adventurous escapism. Director of the film Patty Jenkins and the screenplay writers Allan Heinberg, Geoff Johns and Patty Jenkins have carefully associated with all attributes of the character in the comic books, evolved for decades.

Wonder Woman in DC comics is projected as having a bisexual persona. She has a passive approach towards nudity and thinks the need for men only arises in reproduction. “When it comes to pleasures of the skin, men are not mandatory”, once she tells her companion American pilot Steve Trevor. However with his ‘above average’ skills in sexuality, Trevor entices her to dance with him in a romantic atmosphere that leads to one night stand.

Skyline Entertainment and Consultancy Pvt Ltd, a leading distributor of Hollywood films in Sri Lanka in association with Liberty by Scope Cinemas, presents the premier of Wonder Woman for the Sri Lanka market.

Skyline Entertainment and Consultancy Pvt Ltd is the market leader for English film distribution in the Sri Lanka market with an aim to revamp the film industry. 

APPLE PARK Mid May 2017 Sunset Flight

APPLE PARK: Mid-May 2017 - Sunset Flight

No pressure on underdogs Sri Lanka says Mathews

No pressure on underdogs Sri Lanka says Mathews

London: Angelo Mathews insists there is no pressure on Sri Lanka in their crucial Champions Trophy clash against India on Thursday because the defending champions are expected to thrash his underdogs.

Mathews’ side must beat India at The Oval to keep alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, but the odds are against a Sri Lanka team hit by injury and suspension.

Sri Lanka looked like tournament also rans when they lost to South Africa by 96 runs in their Group B opener last weekend.

Already in the midst of a rebuilding project following the retirement of several stars, Sri Lanka will be without Upul Tharanga, banned for his team’s slow over rate, against India, while batsman Chamara Kapugedera may miss out due to injury.

Mathews knows India, who thrashed Pakistan in their first group match, are firm favourites to maintain their 100 percent record.

But the Sri Lanka captain hopes being written off will allow his team to play with enough freedom to spring a surprise.

“People will want India to come in and thrash us, and it’s just all the pressure is off us,” Mathews told a press conference at The Oval on Wednesday.

“We are happy to walk in as the underdogs. I mean, no one really expects us to win the championship. Which takes a lot of pressure out of the guys.

“We just have to go out there, just express ourselves and be aggressive.

“That is our brand of cricket, being aggressive and positive.”

Tharanga’s absence is a blow for Sri Lanka and Mathews, who missed the South Africa match due to a calf injury, pulled no punches as he slammed the stand-in skipper and his team-mates for failing to keep up with the required over rate.

“The over rate was an issue. It was pathetic. I call it pathetic because of the whole team, and the captain was warned several times, and there’s no excuse at all but to take responsibility for that because nobody else can take responsibility on it,” Mathews said.

“The whole team is responsible, including the captain. It’s a very hard job on the field, and he has to look into so many things.

“The rest of the players has to support them. Most of the teams play with four seamers and they have not had an issue.

“We played only three and we’ve had an issue. That has been addressed and it will not happen again.”

While Mathews is aware he is in charge of a largely inexperienced group still finding their way on the international stage, he expects them to rise to the challenge sooner rather than later.

“The guys are learning every single day. If you look at most of the guys, they haven’t played a lot of international cricket,” he said.

“The more you play, the more you learn. Everyone has to step up with their roles because we can’t just expect things to fall in line.

“We’ve got to make it happen, and we’ve got to make it happen soon.”

It might be hard to see too many signs of progress against the might of India and Mathews, who will return to the line-up as a batsman but may not bowl, conceded Virat Kohli’s group are formidable.

“They’re a force in world cricket no matter where they play. They’ve played fantastic cricket over so many years,” he said.

“It’s very hard to beat them unless we are on top of our game.


“We will all have to pull our socks up and give a great performance.” AFP

How I Made My Own iPhone in China

How I Made My Own iPhone - in China

Lanka not affected by Qatar crisis

Lanka not affected by Qatar crisis

As the diplomatic crisis in Qatar continues, Sri Lankan authorities assure that all dealings between Sri Lanka and Qatar will proceed as normal. On Monday Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt to cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing its fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member of undermining security in the region by siding with Iran and claiming that it supported the Islamic Brotherhood and ‘Iranian-backed terrorist groups’. Amidst chaos in the Gulf, confusion reigned at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday as false reports surfaced that banks at the BIA had stopped exchanging Qatari Riyals. When Daily News contacted representatives from the BIA branches of Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, and Commercial Bank, they confirmed that the banks were still exchanging Riyals. The BIA Duty Manager claimed that the Central Bank (CB) had informed banks not to accept Riyals, but the CB released a statement categorically denying that it had informed banks not to exchange Riyals.

A representative from the airport’s Sampath Bank branch refused to give any information on the matter over the phone.

Some private money changers, however, have not been buying Riyals for the past three days.

Sri Lankan Airlines in the meantime assured that they would continue to operate its flights to Doha, Qatar as per schedule despite the diplomatic tensions in the Middle East.

Sri Lankan Airlines said they were closely monitoring the situation in the region and added that the regional tension has not affected them. Sri Lankan Airline flights to Doha which operate on a daily basis will function as usual.

Etihad Airways and Emirates however suspended all flights to and from Qatar yesterday, as UAE airspace and territorial waters are closed off for Qatari vessels and aircraft. Foreign media also reported that Qatar Airways had in turn suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt until further notice.

Sources indicate that Sri Lankan Airlines could benefit from the termination of flights from the United Arab Emirates to Qatar, as customers flying between Sri Lanka and the two countries might take their business to the airline. Foreign Employment Minister Thalatha Athukorale reassured that Sri Lankans in Qatar will not have any issues due to the diplomatic tensions in the Middle East.

“It is an issue between the regional countries. The decision has not caused any problem for Sri Lankans living there”, she said.

Minister Athukorale said there were no problems so far in the diplomatic circle as well.

She requested migrant workers to inform the embassy there if they had any plans to return to Sri Lanka. “We will take initiatives to bring them back to the country, if there are any issues”, she said.At present 140,000 Sri Lankans live and work in Qatar apart from another 1.5 million foreign nationals working there.

“All countries have responsibility over their citizens working in Qatar. Therefore, the government will take appropriate measures when needed”, she said. “If you need to know any information please contact the Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar without believing in fake news”, she said.

Measures to protect historic Payagala Caves from landslides

Measures to protect historic Payagala Caves from landslides

Multidisciplinary evaluation report has been sought on the historical Pahiyangala cave to decide on steps needed to protect it from landslide threat, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said.

The minister made this observation in reply to a question by JVP MP Dr Nalinda Jayatissa in Parliament today. The MP asked what immediate measures the Ministry has taken to conserve the site in the face of recent landslide threat.

Kariyawasam, observing that the Ministry’s special attention has been drawn to this matter, said that he inspected the site along with the Heads of Archaeological Department and Central Cultural Fund.

He said the Buddhist monks in the site have been asked to evacuate, adding that arrangements would be made to provide them with alternative place to stay.

He said once the report is submitted, the ministry would decide the future measures, adding that foreign expertise would be sought if necessary.  

24-Year Old In Mattakkuliya Shot Dead

24-Year-Old In Mattakkuliya Shot Dead

Nadal and Djokovic into quarters as champion Muguruza exits

Nadal and Djokovic into quarters as champion Muguruza exits

Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas during their tennis match at the Roland Garros French Open on June 4 in Paris. AFP

Paris,Sunday: Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal and title-holder Novak Djokovic surged into the French Open quarter-finals for a record-equalling 11th time on Sunday, but reigning women's champion Garbine Muguruza crashed out in the last 16.

Nadal continued his ruthless form at Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to match Roger Federer's mark of last-eight appearances in Paris.

The 14-time major winner has dropped just 20 games in four matches as he strives to become the first man to win 10 titles at a single Grand Slam.

"I'm happy because Roberto is a very good player. It's very important for me to be in the quarter-finals one more time," said Nadal, who turned 31 on Saturday.

"Probably I didn't play as well as I did the other day, but I still played well."

The fourth seed will meet compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, through to his first Slam quarter-final, for spot in the last four after the latter stunned Canada's Milos Raonic.

Carreno Busta, seeded 20th, needed seven match points to clinch a thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 win over the fifth-seeded Raonic.

Djokovic also became an 11-time quarter-finalist as he sauntered past Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-3.

The Serb needed 75 minutes to clinch the opening set but then outclassed the 19th seed to set up a showdown with Dominic Thiem.

"There's no easy match in a Grand Slam quarter-final, it will be very difficult for both of us," said Djokovic of his upcoming challenge.

The Serb also confirmed that coach Andre Agassi had, as planned, already left Paris.

Austrian sixth seed Thiem thrashed Argentina's Horacio Zeballos 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarters for a second straight year.

Japan's Kei Nishikori fought off a fierce challenge from South Korea's Hyeon Chung in an all-Asian tussle held over from Saturday following rain to clinch a place in the last 16.

Chung quickly forced the contest into a fifth set as play resumed on Sunday, but the world number 67 double faulted on match point to gift Nishikori a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 6-4 victory.

"I think the rain helps me a lot, because I was really down in the fourth set and mentally I wasn't ready," admitted Nishikori, who faces Fernando Verdasco next.

Karen Khachanov will play Andy Murray in the fourth round after the giant Russian beat American 21st seed John Isner 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3). Kristina Mladenovic ensured the host nation will have two women in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1994 after dumping out fourth seed Muguruza 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

"I'm sad. It's a very painful defeat here in the French Open," said Muguruza, who left Court Suzanne Lenglen angrily wagging her finger at the crowd. "I just think that they sometimes should be a little bit more respectful," she added, as Mladenovic thrived on the partisan support.

The French 13th seed is through to just her second Slam quarter-final -- after the 2015 US Open -- and will face Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky for a spot in the last four. The Swiss 30th seed, a 2015 semi-finalist, defeated 2002 runner-up Venus Williams 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 to guarantee a first-time major champion will be crowned next Saturday. .AFP 

University demonstrator run over by train

University demonstrator run over by train

A female demonstrator attached to the Peradeniya University’s Science Facility died after being knocked down by the Colombo-Badulla Podimenike express train while she was walking across the Peradeniya Railway bridge (Kalu Palama) around 9 a.m on June 3. She was identified as Tharindi Wijesiriwardena of Kalagama, Pannipitiya.

Peradeniya police said investigations revealed that after graduating from the Peradeniya university she had received a posting as a computer instructor. She had been awarded the degree at the university convocation held on May 25. She had been boarded in a house at Peradeniya. Investigations are continuing directed by OIC of the Peradeniya Police Chief Inspector Kamal Ariyawasna

44-year old man arrested for sexually abusing 11 year-old girl

44-year-old man arrested for sexually abusing 11-year-old girl

Gamgamuwa Police arrested a 44-year-old married person who has sexually abused a school girl of eleven years.

The suspect was a close friend of the victim’s father who frequently visited that house. While the parents were away, the suspect had accompanied the girl into the hut on a tree and had abused the girl on several occasions.

The girl had confessed this incident to her class teacher and thereafter Galgamuwa police had arrested the suspect.

The suspect was produced before Galgamuwa Magistrate L.T.Warusavithana and was ordered to be kept in remand custody until June 09.

US warns Beijing on South China Sea islands

US warns Beijing on South China Sea islands

The US will not accept China's militarisation of man-made islands in the South China Sea, Defence Secretary James Mattis has warned.

Speaking at a security conference in Singapore, he said such moves undermined regional stability.

China's territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea are contested by several nations.

At the same time, Gen Mattis praised Beijing's efforts to restrain North Korea's missile and nuclear activity.

His comments came shortly after the UN Security Council expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea in response to a series of missile tests conducted this year.

The council voted unanimously to back the sanctions after weeks of negotiations between the US and China.

In his speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue forum, Gen Mattis said: "We oppose countries militarising artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims.

"We cannot and will not accept unilateral, coercive changes to the status quo."

President Donald Trump and other senior US officials have repeatedly stated that they would protect its interests in the South China Sea, a key shipping route.

During his nomination hearing earlier this year, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that the US was "going to have to send China a clear signal that first the island-building stops, and second your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed."

In response, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing would "remain firm to defend its rights in the region".

But in Singapore Gen Mattis also struck a positive note on US-China relations, saying that while competition between the two countries "is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable".

The biggest question amongst Asian delegates attending the forum has been how much of a role the US will continue to play in this increasingly tense region, the BBC's Karishma Vaswani in Singapore reports.

She adds that Gen Mattis sought to reassure his peers that the US was not turning its back on Asia.

What is the South China Sea dispute?

Rival countries have wrangled over territory in the South China Sea for centuries, but tension has steadily increased in recent years.

Its islets and waters are claimed in part or in whole by Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

Beijing has been building artificial islands on reefs and carrying out naval patrols in waters also claimed by these other nations.

Although the previous US administration of Barack Obama insisted it was neutral, it spoke out strongly against the island-building and sought to build ties with, and among, the South East Asian nations whose claims overlap those of China.

In July 2016, an international tribunal ruled against Chinese claims, backing a case brought by the Philippines, but Beijing said it would not respect the verdict.

The frictions have sparked concern that the area is becoming a flashpoint with global consequences.

THOUSANDS OF DEAD FISH IN NANDIKADAL LAGOON

THOUSANDS OF DEAD FISH IN NANDIKADAL LAGOON

Thousands of dead fish washed ashore at Wattuwakal in the Nandikadal lagoon yesterday. Fishermen say the high temperature in the lagoon is believed to have caused the deaths of the fish. Picture by Killinochchi Group Correspondent

Murder in Gall

Murder in Gall

Death toll from landslides floods rises to 208

Death toll from landslides, floods rises to 208

The Disaster Management Centre said today that the death toll from the prevailing adverse weather condition has risen to 208.

Ninety-two individuals are missing and 677, 241 are displaced.

Search and rescue missions are underway.

ARMY HELPING with REBUILDI,NG ACTIVITIES

ARMY HELPING with REBUILDING ACTIVITIES

Hundreds of Army personnel deployed to flood hit areas have now focused on disaster relief supplies and restoring the worst-affected areas by opening public roads. Picture shows Army personnel helping a group of displaced people reach a welfare camp.

Accident Kalutara Drill video General Hospital SriLanka

Accident Kalutara Drill video General Hospital SriLanka.