News Archive

‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund receives over Rs. 8.5B in contributions – Finance Secretary

The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, has provided an update on the current status of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established by the government to support reconstruction efforts following Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  12:05 pm

Ragama town to be developed as health, education, and transport hub – Minister

Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, informed Parliament today (23) that plans have been formulated to construct a Multimodal Transport Hub centered around Ragama town. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  12:03 pm

The deal to secure TikTok’s future in the US has finally closed

The joint venture acquiring TikTok’s US assets has been formally established and has announced its leadership team, according to the company, one day before the deadline set by President Donald Trump for the app’s US assets to be spun off by Chinese parent company ByteDance. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  6:59 am

Nuwara Eliya records today’s lowest temperature at 5°C

The lowest temperature in Sri Lanka today (23) was recorded at the Nuwara Eliya Meteorological Station at 5.0 degrees Celsius, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  9:46 am

Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission

Former Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and former Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Anusha Palpita, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  12:26 pm

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and sons further remanded

Five suspects including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), have been further remanded until January 30 by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  10:32 am

Another suspect arrested over Jinthupitiya shooting incident

Another suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting incident in Jinthupitiya, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two small children on January 16, 2026, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  8:39 am

Showers expected in several districts today

Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Eastern provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts from today evening (23), according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  6:36 am

Trump says he’s withdrawing invitation for Carney to join his Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

U.S. President Donald Trump said late Thursday that he is withdrawing an invitation for Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his “Board of Peace” initiative for Gaza. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  11:16 am

Gold tops $4,900/oz; silver and platinum extend record‑setting rally

Gold pushed past $4,900 per ounce for the first time on Thursday, powered by ongoing geopolitical tensions, a softer U.S. dollar and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while silver and platinum prices hit fresh record highs. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  9:58 am

Mobile lab tests reveal drug use among passenger bus drivers – Dy Minister

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, stated that 10 out of 56 bus drivers tested by the mobile laboratory service, which was launched on January 21 to identify passenger bus drivers and assistants operating under the influence of drugs, were found to have used illicit narcotics. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  9:48 am

PM Harini returns from World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who participated in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 held in Davos, Switzerland, has returned to Sri Lanka this morning (23). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  1:04 pm

EU wants U.S. trade deal back on track, but warns it would defend itself if threatened again

EU leaders heaved a sigh of relief over Donald Trump’s U-turn on Greenland as they met for an emergency summit in Brussels late on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  6:50 am

Japan’s Takaichi dissolves parliament after only 3 months in office, setting up snap election

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house of Parliament on Friday, paving the way for a Feb. 8 snap election. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  11:25 am

US Embassy in Colombo warns against unauthorized employment on visitor visas

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has reminded Sri Lankan travellers to ensure they comply with U.S. visa regulations before travelling to the United States. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  10:24 am

GMOA to launch island-wide token strike today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that a 48-hour island-wide token strike will be carried out in hospitals from 8.00 a.m. today (23). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  7:29 am

JSC issues circular on annual salary increment criteria for Labour Tribunal Presidents

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Sri Lanka has issued a circular outlining the criteria for granting annual salary increments to Presidents of Labour Tribunals. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  8:38 am

China says it rescued Philippine crew from cargo ship near Scarborough Shoal

The Chinese Coast Guard said on Friday it dispatched two vessels to rescue 21 Philippine crew members in a foreign cargo ship that capsized near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  9:59 am

Donald Trump drops 10% tariff threat over Greenland, rules out use of force

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retracted a threat to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from eight European countries, starting in February, for opposing his push to take control of Greenland from Denmark. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  5:46 am

All stakeholders must unite to protect and rebuild the central hills

Functioning of institutions responsible for construction and land management, agriculture, livestock and environmental conservation without proper coordination has posed challenges in restoring the central hills, which were devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  5:34 am

IMF delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka today

A delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to arrive in the country today (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  6:28 am

Landslide risk prompts safety measures at Soranathota Central College

A soil embankment near Soranathota Central College, Badulla has been identified as being at risk of a landslide. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  11:19 am

1,282 leprosy patients identified in Sri Lanka in 2025: Health officials

A total of 1,282 leprosy patients were identified in the country in 2025, the Director of the Leprosy Eradication Campaign, Dr. Yasoma Weerasekara noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:27 pm

New legislation needed to regulate Social Media promotions: Media Minister

Appropriate legislation should be enacted to regulate promotions and advertisements on social media that cause distress to the public across all sectors, Minister of Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  11:25 am

Heavy rains wreak havoc in New Zealand, several people missing in landslide

Several people were missing following a landslide near a ⁠campsite in New Zealand’s North Island on Thursday (Jan 22), as heavy rains caused widespread damage, with homes being evacuated, thousands without power and roads closed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  8:45 am

PM Harini holds high-level meetings with EU, UNDP and corporate leaders in Davos

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 21 on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector, the PM’s Office said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  9:32 am

Ex-minister Ramesh Pathirana rejoins SLPP

Former Minister Ramesh Pathirana has rejoined the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and has been appointed as the party’s Benthara-Elpitiya Electoral Organiser. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:24 pm

GMOA strike in Eastern Province called off

The strike launched by doctors at hospitals in the Eastern Province has been called off at 2:00 p.m. today, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:25 pm

Suspect arrested with illegally imported cigarettes in Wellampitiya

An individual has been arrested with a stock of 165,200 illegally imported cigarettes from a residence in Wellampitiya, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  12:25 pm

Election Commission approves registration of five new political parties

The National Election Commission has granted approval to register five new political parties.

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  8:17 am

GMOA to launch island-wide token strike tomorrow

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that a 48-hour island-wide token strike will commence from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (23).MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  3:50 pm

Duo arrested with over 1kg of ‘Ice’ in Madampitiya

Two individuals have been arrested for the possession of 1 kilogram and 501 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) by the Madampitiya Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  9:04 am

US set to quit World Health Organization

The US is due to officially exit the World Health Organization on Thursday, in the face of warnings it will hit both U.S. health and global health and also in violation of a U.S. law that requires Washington to pay the U.N. health agency $260 million in fees that it owes. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:49 pm

CSE donates Rs. 25 million to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

The Colombo Stock Exchange has contributed Rs. 25 million to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:58 pm

Largest drug seizure in recent history achieved in 2025: Police

The largest quantity of drugs seized by law enforcement officials in recent history was recorded in 2025, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  10:38 am

Matale Police crackdown on illegal street racing, 10 motorcycles seized

Several individuals have been arrested along with 10 high-engine capacity motorcycles that were being used for illegal street racing along the Sangamitta Mawatha in Matale. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  12:19 pm

Doctors at National Eye Hospital to strike today over irregular transfers

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that doctors at the Colombo National Eye Hospital will commence a strike today (22) in protest against irregular staff transfers. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  8:26 am

Global stocks stage dramatic rebound after Trump announces Greenland framework

Global shares rebounded on Wednesday (Jan 21) from a selloff the previous session after US President Donald Trump said a framework ⁠on a future deal over Greenland has been reached.

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  7:44 am

Hollywood isn’t pushing unreasonably high beauty standards - Ashton Kutcher

US actor Ashton Kutcher has said he believes Hollywood is not pushing unreasonably high beauty standards, adding that wider society is to blame for the increasing desire to look perfect. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:01 pm

Mainly dry weather will prevail in most parts of the island today

The prevailing dry weather conditions are expected to change from tomorrow (23), the Department of Meteorology has warned. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  5:32 am

Temperature in Nuwara Eliya drops to 3.5°C

The lowest temperature recorded today (22) was reported in Nuwara Eliya, measuring 3.5°C, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  10:12 am

Four petitions filed in Supreme Court challenging Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions

Four petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Bill seeking to abolish the pension scheme for Members of Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  11:48 am

Appeals Court to review remand order in Trincomalee Buddha Statue incident

The Court of Appeal today (22) ordered that the written order and audio recording of the directive issued by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court on 19 January pertaining to the Buddha statue incident, be produced before court without delay. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  12:56 pm

SC determination on MPs’ Pension Repeal Bill to be submitted to Speaker

The Supreme Court has concluded its review of the petitions filed challenging the bill submitted to Parliament for the abolition of parliamentary pensions. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:55 pm

PM reaffirms Sri Lanka’s commitment to feminist and intersectional leadership

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to feminist, intersectional leadership and called on global actors to ensure that women and marginalised communities are not only participants, but principal architects of the policies shaping the future global order. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  7:05 am

Gem or Not? Value of suspected gemstone found in Galaha revealed

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority has issued its investigative report on the suspected gemstone found in Galaha, Kandy recently. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  9:37 am

Apple to revamp Siri as a built-in chatbot: Report

Apple plans to revamp Siri later this year by turning the digital assistant into the company’s first artificial intelligence chatbot, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  10:22 am

Three dead in shooting in Australia’s New South Wales

Three people have died after a reported shooting in a small town in New South Wales, Australia, police say. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:33 pm

Government Radiological Technologists suspend strike for seven days

The Government Radiological Technologists’ Association has decided to temporarily suspend the strike action that began yesterday (21) at 8.00 a.m. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  7:26 am

The Eagles’ ‘Greatest Hits’ is the first album in US history to sell over 40M units

Take it easy and go quadruple diamond. The Eagles’ 1976 album “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975” the bestselling album of all time in the U.S., has officially sold over 40 million units. That’s according to new certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  3:38 pm