News Archive

Six police officers arrested for allegedly assaulting Catholic priest further remanded

Six police officers who were arrested for allegedly assaulting a Catholic priest in Gampaha have been further remanded until January 29, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:13 pm

Private jet crashes in flames at Maine airport with eight aboard

A private jet crashed in flames as it was taking off from a Maine airport with eight aboard, the U.S. aviation regulator said, but their fate and identities were not immediately known. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  10:21 am

Govt invites land donations to rebuild homes destroyed by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’

The project to construct houses for families whose homes were completely destroyed by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ in Sri Lanka is currently underway. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:47 am

2019 Easter Attacks: Case against Hemasiri, Pujith to be taken up once again in March

The Colombo High Court has ordered that the case filed against former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara—who are accused of criminal negligence and failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks despite having received prior intelligence—be taken up again on 23 March. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  3:07 pm

India’s military might on full display at 77th Republic Day celebrations

India ushered in its 77th Republic Day on Monday (January 26, 2026) with a grand display of its military prowess that included missiles, warplanes, newly-raised units and lethal weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:33 pm

Case filed against Diana Gamage adjourned till Feb. 16

Further examination of evidence in the case filed against former State Minister Diana Gamage is scheduled to be conducted on February 16. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  1:59 pm

Nine including foreign couple injured in car-van collision on Anuradhapura–Kandy road

At least nine individuals, including a foreign couple, have been injured following a head-on collision between a car and a van on the Anuradhapura–Kandy main road. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  5:11 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, today (26), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  6:29 am

GMOA to launch indefinite trade union action today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to launch an island-wide indefinite trade union action from 8.00 a.m. today (26). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:11 am

Sectoral Oversight Committee approves Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Bill and the Judicature Amendment Bill

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection has approved the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  6:20 pm

Sajith pledges full support for proper implementation of education reforms

The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa has assured that he would extend his full support if educational reforms are implemented in a proper and effective manner. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  2:25 pm

Political leaders share stage at 77th Indian Republic Day celebrations in Colombo

A special reception to welcome distinguished guests was held at the India House in Colombo this evening (26) in commemoration of the 77th Republic Day of India. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:47 pm

Central Bank likely to hold rates ahead of IMF review, experts say

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka is expected to maintain its key interest rate at 7.75% on Wednesday, a Reuters poll found, as an International Monetary Fund delegation reviews the sixth tranche of a crucial $2.9 billion package. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  4:25 pm

Apple reportedly plans to reveal its Gemini-powered Siri in February

A new and improved Siri may finally make an appearance, but this time, it could be with a Google Gemini glow up. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:47 pm

Immigration officials foil Bangladeshi national’s attempt to leave for Spain using forged visa

A Bangladeshi national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to travel to Spain using a forged visa. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  5:34 pm

Egoda Uyana Police Traffic OIC killed in road accident

The Officer-in-Charge of the Traffic Division of the Egoda Uyana Police Station has died in a road accident in Moronthuduwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  9:21 pm

30% of Sri Lanka’s adult population suffers from mental health issues – Experts

Approximately 30% of Sri Lanka’s adult population suffers from mental health issues, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Madhushani Dias has revealed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  2:37 pm

20 injured following accident involving two buses and lorry in Yalkumbura

At least 20 individuals have sustained injuries following an accident involving two buses and a lorry along the Bibile–Badulla Road in Yalkumbura this afternoon (26), police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  3:29 pm

Death toll in Philippine boat accident climbs to 15, hundreds rescued

The death toll from a ferry boat accident in the Southern Philippines has reached at least 15, with 316 people rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Monday as the search continued for the dozens still missing. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:48 am

Heatwave warnings across Australia as millions celebrate national day

Australian authorities have issued heatwave warnings for most of the country as millions celebrate Australia Day. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:01 pm

Israel says it has retrieved remains of final Gaza hostage

The Israeli military says it has retrieved the body of the last hostage in Gaza, paving the way for the next phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan to get under way. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  9:53 pm

Israel to reopen Gaza crossing after search for last dead hostage’s body ends

Israel says it has agreed to reopen the Gaza Strip’s key border crossing with Egypt only after an operation to retrieve the body of the last remaining Israeli hostage in the territory is complete. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  5:01 pm

Gunmen storm Mexico football pitch and kill at least 11 people

At least 11 people were killed and another dozen injured when gunmen opened fire on locals who had gathered at a football pitch in the city of Salamanca in central Mexico on Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  6:36 pm

First lady Melania Trump previews new film at private White House screening

First lady Melania Trump hosted a private White House screening on Saturday of a new film documenting her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the White House said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:59 am

Trump administration defends killing American in Minneapolis, contradicts videos

Officials in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration defended on Sunday the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration agents in Minneapolis, even as video evidence contradicted their version of events and as tensions grew between local law enforcement and federal officers. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:58 am

UK-Canada co-production ‘Baby Elephant School’ profiles Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe Sanctuary

A rare UK-Canada natural history co-pro will follow inhabitants at the world’s largest baby elephant sanctuary. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  1:21 pm

Concerns raised as Sri Lanka see spike in crime among 16–22-year-olds

Criminal behavior among youth aged between 16 and 22 years has increased over the past 10 years, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Tharaka Fernando stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  4:32 pm

Specialist warns of growing mental health issues linked to mobile phone addiction

A number of adolescents have developed various mental health disorders as a result of excessive dependence on mobile phones, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Senani Wijethunga has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:04 pm

173 individuals remain missing following Cyclone Ditwah

A total of 173 individuals remain unaccounted due to landslides and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  5:45 pm

Complaint lodged with CID over shortage of 40 cancer drugs and alleged sale of unregistered medicines

A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department today calling for an investigation into an alleged shortage of 40 cancer medications and claims that unregistered cancer drugs are currently circulating in the market. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  1:42 pm

Obama, Clinton say killings by immigration agents should be wake-up call for US

Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton issued pointed calls on Sunday for Americans to stand up and defend their values after the second killing of a citizen in Minneapolis by immigration agents that Donald Trump blamed on Democratic “chaos”. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  2:33 pm

French lawmakers to vote on social media ban for children

French lawmakers on Monday (Jan 26) were set to vote on draft legislation to ban social media for under-15s, an effort championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  5:08 pm

Suspect arrested with over 3 kg of ‘Ice’ in Bambalapitiya

A suspect has been arrested while in possession of over 3 kilograms of ‘Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’), with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 30 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:31 am

Gold hits record above $5,100 as geopolitics drive safe‑haven rush

Gold prices marched to record levels above $5,100 on Monday, as investors sought a safe haven away from international political tension, and silver and platinum also scaled all-time highs. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:53 pm

Station Masters threaten to launch trade union action over unresolved issues

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association has warned that unless existing issues are resolved promptly, it may be compelled to launch trade union action. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  6:02 pm

213 Public Health Management Assistants to be appointed tomorrow

A total of 213 individuals are scheduled to receive appointment letters for the position of Public Health Management Assistant tomorrow (27). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:47 am

GMOA accuses Health Ministry for non-implementation of agreements

The Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, stated that the association was compelled to take professional action as previous discussions with the Minister of Health, in which agreements were reached in writing, were not implemented as promised. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:40 am

Two arrested for illegal gem mining in Bogawantalawa

Police have arrested two individuals for engaging in illegal gem mining without a valid license in Bogawantalawa. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:45 am

President to inaugurate programme to restore religious sites damaged by Cyclone Ditwah

The government has decided to launch a national programme under the theme “Godanagamu Adhishtanaye Sanhinda” to promptly restore religious sites damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and make them available for worship and other religious activities. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  4:54 pm

“Successful India makes world stable”: European Commission Chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday said that a “successful India” makes the world more “stable, prosperous and secure”, a statement that came ahead of the “historic” trade agreement between New Delhi and the 27-nation bloc. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  2:01 pm

Gold tops $5,000 for first time ever, adding to historic rally

The price of gold has risen above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time, extending a historic rally that saw the precious metal jump by more than 60% in 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  6:39 am

U.S. storm leaves 1 million without power, forces 10,000 flight cancellations

More than 1 million customers in the United States, as far west as New Mexico, were without electricity, and over 10,000 flights were canceled on Sunday during a monster winter storm that paralyzed eastern and southern states with heavy snow and ice. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:35 am

Another vessel and 5 suspects arrested for supplying narcotics to boats seized in southern seas

Five more suspects and another vessel, suspected of supplying narcotics to the multi-day fishing boats recently intercepted off the southern coast by the Navy with over 290 kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’), have been taken into custody at the Mirissa Fisheries Harbour. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:18 pm

SC informed orders have been issued preventing local agents of MV X-Press Pearl from leaving the country

The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today that orders have been obtained from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and the Colombo High Court to prevent the directors of the local agent company of the MV X-Press Pearl from leaving the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  3:19 pm

India to slash tariffs on cars to 40% in trade deal with EU

India plans to slash tariffs on cars imported from the European Union to 40% from as high as 110%, sources said, in the biggest opening yet of the country’s vast market as the two sides close in on a free trade pact that could come as early as Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  9:40 am

Coal tender controversy results in significant daily losses – Patali

The country is losing approximately two gigawatt-hours of electricity per day due to the controversial coal tender, former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:19 pm

Gold prices in Sri Lanka rise in line with global market

The price of a gold sovereign in in Sri Lanka has increased in line with the upward trend in global gold prices. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:45 am

Katunayake logs today’s highest temperature

The highest temperature recorded in the country today (26) was 34.6°C, reported from the Katunayake Meteorological Station, the Department of Meteorology noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:30 pm

Sri Lanka’s export earnings top US$ 17 billion in 2025

The total export earnings of Sri Lanka in 2025 has been recorded at US$ 17,252.15 million, exceeding the figures recorded in 2024, Sri Lanka Customs data indicates. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  3:21 pm

Federal immigration agents kill another US citizen in Minneapolis, sparking protests

U.S. immigration agents shot and killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis on Saturday, officials said, sparking fierce protests and condemnations from local leaders in the second such incident this month. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  6:41 am