Sri Lanka records highest-ever annual tourist arrivals in 2025
Sri Lanka has officially surpassed its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals within a calendar year, with 2,333,797 visitors recorded in 2025 as of today (Dec. 29). MORE..
- At least 16 killed after fire rages through Indonesia retirement home
- Airport employees protest over outstanding bonus payments for 2025
- Sri Lanka records highest-ever annual tourist arrivals in 2025
- Dense fog hits operations at Delhi airport; 128 flights cancelled and 8 diverted
- Bottled water drinkers ingest 90,000 more microplastic particles each year, study finds
- Police to enforce criminal law for drunk and reckless driving amid rising road accidents
- Four Sri Lankans arrested with over 20kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA
- Public pays final respects to legendary singer Latha Walpola
- Budget of NPP-led Udunuwara PS defeated for second time
- Chief Prelates request President to declare May 30 as Vesak Poya
Hot News
Chief Prelates request President to declare May 30 as Vesak Poya
The Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Chapters have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting him to declare 30 May, 2026 as the Vesak Poya Day, since two Poya days fall on the month of May 2026. MORE..
Budget of NPP-led Udunuwara PS defeated for second time
The second reading of the 2026 budget of the Udunuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, which is under the control of the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated by a majority of two votes. MORE..
Public pays final respects to legendary singer Latha Walpola
The remains of legendary Sri Lankan singer Latha Walpola lie in state at a private funeral parlor in Borella today (29), allowing the public to pay their final respects to the iconic songstress. MORE..
Four Sri Lankans arrested with over 20kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA
Four Sri Lankan passengers, including two women, were arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning while attempting to smuggle a consignment of “Kush” cannabis with an estimated street value of over Rs. 200 million. MORE..
Police to enforce criminal law for drunk and reckless driving amid rising road accidents
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety W. G. J. Senadhira, has stated that motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol or engaging in reckless driving will face action under criminal law in addition to traffic regulations. MORE..
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1 hour ago
Dense fog hits operations at Delhi airport; 128 flights cancelled and 8 diverted
Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were hit by dense fog Monday morning, leading to the cancellation of 128 flights and diversion of eight others, airport sources said. MORE..
Airport employees protest over outstanding bonus payments for 2025
Several airport trade unions staged a protest today (29), calling for the payment of five basic salaries as bonuses for 2025, as previously promised by the Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Harsha Abeywickrama. MORE..
At least 16 killed after fire rages through Indonesia retirement home
A fire at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia’s on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police official was quoted as saying on Monday by state news agency Antara. MORE..
Bathing of Pinnawala elephants at Ma Oya resumes following clearance of debris
The Department of National Zoological Gardens has announced that the practice of taking elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the Ma Oya River for bathing—temporarily suspended due to recent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka—has now resumed. MORE..
Train services between Colombo and Chilaw resume today
Train services between Colombo Fort and Chilaw on the Puttalam railway line will resume from today (29), the Department of Railways announced. MORE..
Decline in air quality observed across Sri Lanka – NBRO
A notable decline in air quality has been observed across several parts of the island, according to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). MORE..
Tamil Nadu CM urges Jaishankar to build pressure on Sri Lanka over fishermen arrests
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, on Sunday wrote to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to prevent the continued detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and to secure the swift release of those currently in custody, along with their fishing boats. MORE..
Nepal’s former rapper to run for PM in key vote after Gen Z protests
Two popular leaders have formed an alliance ahead of March parliamentary elections in Nepal that will challenge the older parties which have dominated the Himalayan nation’s politics for over three decades, party officials and analysts said on Monday. MORE..
‘Sri Lanka should be on every Indian’s itinerary in 2026’ – envoy
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, highlighted the strong tourism links between the two countries, noting that India continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest source of tourists. MORE..
Fire breaks out at rubber factory in Horana
A fire has broken out at a factory manufacturing rubber products in the Vavulagala area of Horana this morning (29). MORE..
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4 hours ago
Budget of NPP-led Udunuwara PS defeated for second time
The second reading of the 2026 budget of the Udunuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, which is under the control of the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated by a majority of two votes. MORE..
Public pays final respects to legendary singer Latha Walpola
The remains of legendary Sri Lankan singer Latha Walpola lie in state at a private funeral parlor in Borella today (29), allowing the public to pay their final respects to the iconic songstress. MORE..
Four Sri Lankans arrested with over 20kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA
Four Sri Lankan passengers, including two women, were arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning while attempting to smuggle a consignment of “Kush” cannabis with an estimated street value of over Rs. 200 million. MORE..
Police to enforce criminal law for drunk and reckless driving amid rising road accidents
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety W. G. J. Senadhira, has stated that motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol or engaging in reckless driving will face action under criminal law in addition to traffic regulations. MORE..
Dense fog hits operations at Delhi airport; 128 flights cancelled and 8 diverted
Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were hit by dense fog Monday morning, leading to the cancellation of 128 flights and diversion of eight others, airport sources said. MORE..
Airport employees protest over outstanding bonus payments for 2025
Several airport trade unions staged a protest today (29), calling for the payment of five basic salaries as bonuses for 2025, as previously promised by the Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Harsha Abeywickrama. MORE..
At least 16 killed after fire rages through Indonesia retirement home
A fire at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia’s on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police official was quoted as saying on Monday by state news agency Antara. MORE..
Bathing of Pinnawala elephants at Ma Oya resumes following clearance of debris
The Department of National Zoological Gardens has announced that the practice of taking elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the Ma Oya River for bathing—temporarily suspended due to recent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka—has now resumed. MORE..
Train services between Colombo and Chilaw resume today
Train services between Colombo Fort and Chilaw on the Puttalam railway line will resume from today (29), the Department of Railways announced. MORE..
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Technology
Bottled water drinkers ingest 90,000 more microplastic particles each year, study finds
Daily consumers of bottled water ingest over 90,000 more microplastic particles than people who drink tap water, according to a new review of research that calls for urgent regulatory measures to manage the risks. MORE..
Amazon halts plans for drone delivery in Italy
Amazon halts plans for drone delivery in Italy
Amazon said on Sunday it has decided not to pursue plans to deliver goods by drone in Italy, saying that while it had made good progress with aerospace regulators, broader business regulatory issues did not support the project. MORE..
China issues drafts rules to regulate AI with human-like interaction
China issues drafts rules to regulate AI with human-like interaction
China’s cyber regulator on Saturday issued draft rules for public comment that would tighten oversight of artificial intelligence services designed to simulate human personalities and engage users in emotional interaction. MORE..
Google might finally allow Gmail users to change email addresses: Here’s how
Google might finally allow Gmail users to change email addresses: Here’s how
Google is preparing a change that could finally address a long-standing issue for Gmail users - having to live with an old email address forever. MORE..
Entertainment
French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot dies at 91
French film legend Brigitte Bardot has died at 91, her foundation said Sunday. MORE..
‘Jana Nayagan’ Audio Launch: Vijay gets emotional at his final film-related event
‘Jana Nayagan’ Audio Launch: Vijay gets emotional at his final film-related event
The grand audio launch of Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan will be held at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Malaysia today. MORE..
Ariana Grande breaks Spotify record on Christmas Eve
Ariana Grande breaks Spotify record on Christmas Eve
Ariana Grande, the singer became the No.1 artist in the world, in terms of Spotify monthly listeners, surpassing The Weeknd for the coveted spot, on Wednesday (Dec.24). MORE..
Arkansas Powerball player strikes $1.8bn jackpot on Christmas Eve
Arkansas Powerball player strikes $1.8bn jackpot on Christmas Eve
A Powerball player in Arkansas won a whopping $1.817bn (£1.34bn) jackpot in a Christmas Eve drawing, making it the second-largest lottery prize ever claimed. MORE..
Exchange Rates
Country |
Buying |
Selling |
|---|---|---|
USA
U.S.Dollar |
305.8808 | 313.4702 |
UK
Sterling Pound |
411.8509 | 424.7217 |
Europe
Euro |
358.9592 | 370.6028 |
Switzerland
Swiss Franc |
384.9348 | 400.2507 |
Canada
Canadian Dollar |
222.6060 | 230.6368 |
Australia
Australian Dollar |
203.4783 | 212.7204 |
Singapore
Singapore Dollar |
236.5952 | 245.8221 |
Japan
Japanese Yen |
1.9487 | 2.0148 |
Country |
Currency |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
Bahrain
|
Dinar | 821.3161 |
Kuwait
|
Dinar | 1,007.8756 |
Oman
|
Rial | 804.4627 |
Qatar
|
Riyal | 84.9219 |
Saudi Arabia
|
Riyal | 82.5717 |
UAE
|
Dirham | 84.3253 |
Sports
Former Black Caps all-rounder retires from cricket aged 35
Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirements from all forms of cricket. MORE..
Cristiano Ronaldo, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal: All the winners at Globe Soccer awards
Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring influence and Ousmane Dembele’s breakout year shared the spotlight as the Globe Soccer Awards 2025 unfolded in Dubai, celebrating the standout performers of the global game. MORE..
Pakistan T20I squad for Sri Lanka series announced
Shadab Khan has returned to Pakistan’s T20I squad, while uncapped batter and part-time wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay has earned a first call-up for the three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka in January. MORE..
Dhaka Capitals assistant coach dies after collapsing ahead of BPL game
Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki died after collapsing suddenly at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium during a Bangladesh Premier League match on Saturday. Jaki fell on the ground minutes before his team’s opening match against Rajshahi Warriors in the BPL. MORE..
Dhammika Prasad appointed bowling and assistant coach of USA cricket team
Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Dhammika Prasad has been appointed as the bowling coach of the USA national cricket team in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. MORE..
