News Archive

Fairly heavy rainfall above 75 mm expected in parts of the island today

The prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue over the Northern and Eastern parts of the island due to the influence of the Easterly wave, the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  5:55 am

Three suspects arrested in connection with torturing and setting fire to wild elephant in Mihinthale

A total of three individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged torture and setting fire to a wild elephant in Seeppukulam, Mihinthale, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  8:02 am

Port workers among 5 arrested with illegally imported cigarettes worth Rs. 330 mln

The Excise Department’s Special Investigation Unit has seized a total of 2,030,000 sticks of illegally imported cigarette, estimated to be worth around Rs. 330 million, in the Wellampitiya area. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  11:11 am

Putin says Russia will take more land in Ukraine if Europe sinks peace moves

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday Russia would take more land in Ukraine by force if Kyiv and European politicians whom he cast as “young pigs” did not engage over U.S. proposals for a peace settlement. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  9:07 am

Dialog launches Sri Lanka’s largest 5G network, connecting over 1.5 million subscribers

Dialog Axiata PLC today announced the commercial launch of Dialog 5G Ultra, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital evolution and its transition into the 5G era. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  7:14 pm

PM Harini appreciates timely assistance by China for disaster response efforts

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has expressed her appreciation for the timely assistance extended by the Government of China during Sri Lanka’s recent disaster response efforts. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  7:10 am

Ex-podcaster Dan Bongino stepping down as FBI deputy director

Dan Bongino has said he will leave his role as the FBI’s deputy director in January. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  11:27 am

Kuliyapitiya Crimes OIC transferred after assault video goes viral on social media

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Crimes Division of the Kuliyapitiya Police Station has been transferred in relation to an allegation of assaulting a person. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  7:46 am

EU provides over €2.35 mln humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

The European Union (EU) has allocated a total of Euro 2.35 million of financial assistance to Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  3:57 pm

Schools in Central Province closed tomorrow and Monday

A decision has been taken to close all schools in the Central Province on Friday (December 19) and Monday due to the prevailing inclement weather conditions, says the Chief Secretary of the Central Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  6:11 pm

NBRO warns public to avoid unstable areas following heavy rainfall in Udadumbara

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has reported that the Udadumbara area in the Kandy District has received over 200 mm of rainfall, raising serious concerns over landslide risks in the region. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  12:44 pm

Case against Namal Rajapaksa over ‘Krrish’ deal to be recalled in February

The Colombo High Court today (18) ordered that the case filed against Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa in connection with the controversial ‘Krrish’ project deal be recalled on February 16, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  11:07 am

The Oscars to leave ABC and stream on YouTube starting in 2029

The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, the latest big change in Hollywood. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  10:13 am

ADB mobilizes $40M emergency trade finance support for Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a $40 million emergency assistance facility under its Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  1:59 pm

Over 93,000 tourists visit Sri Lanka in first two weeks of December

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has reported that over 93,000 tourists have arrived in the country during the first two weeks of December 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  12:05 pm

Julie Chung praises Starlink, Microsoft, and MIT for disaster relief efforts in Sri Lanka

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, highlighted the support of American companies and institutions for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  10:36 am

Two former Members of Parliament pass away

Former Anuradhapura District Member of Parliament Janak Mahendra Adikari and former Deputy Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, S. C. Muthukumarana, have reportedly passed away. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  9:27 am

Opposition seeks probe on failure to minimise damage from Cyclone Ditwah

A proposal seeking to establish a Parliamentary Select Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the alleged lack of preparedness to minimise the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah has been submitted to the Speaker of Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  1:33 pm

Heavy rains worsen conditions for displaced Gazans, UN warns

Heavy rains over the past week have compounded the already dire living conditions of the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, UN agencies say. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  6:19 am

Multiple reservoirs at full capacity; Downstream residents urged to stay alert

The Mahaweli Authority has announced that the Victoria, Randenigala, and Rantembe reservoirs have reached spill levels due to the prevailing heavy rainfall. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  11:44 am

Peter Arnett, Pulitzer-winning war correspondent who reported from Vietnam to Baghdad, dies at 91

Peter Arnett, the renowned journalist who reported from the front lines of some of the most dangerous wars of the modern era, has died at the age of 91. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  2:40 pm

Supplementary sum of Rs. 500B to be presented to Parliament today

A supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion is to be presented to Parliament today (18) to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster situation. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  8:41 am

Two Sri Lankan fishing vessels seized by Maldivian Coast Guard after foreign intelligence tip

Two Sri Lankan fishing vessels were seized near Kelaa in Haa Alifu Atoll yesterday during an operation conducted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) based on intelligence shared by foreign sources, Maldivian media reported today. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  6:46 pm

Warner Bros favours Netflix offer over $108bn Paramount bid

Warner Bros Discovery has told its shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance’s $108.4bn (£80.75bn) takeover bid. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  3:21 pm

Police warn against misuse of ‘119’ hotline; Legal action against offenders

Sri Lanka Police says it has observed significant misuse of the ‘119’ emergency hotline by certain members of the public, prompting the need for greater public awareness and enforcement action. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  4:41 pm

Speaker endorses certificate on three key Bills

The Speaker of the Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced to the House today that he endorsed the certificate on three Bills yesterday (17). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  11:39 am

Magistrate’s decision to reject plaint against Deshabandu was unlawful - Colombo HC rules

The Colombo High Court has ruled that the decision of the former Colombo Chief Magistrate to reject a private complaint filed against then Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon was contrary to the law. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  2:32 pm

Level 3 landslide warnings issued to residents of seven DS areas in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya

Level 3 ‘Red’ landslide warnings have been issued to residents of seven Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  6:52 am

Suspects remanded for setting fire to wild elephant in Mihinthale

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has ordered that the three suspects arrested in connection with the alleged torture and setting fire to a wild elephant in the Sippukulama area of Mihintale be remanded until December 24. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  4:56 pm

Disciplinary inquiry on several police officers over negligence in probing MP Asoka Ranwala’s accident

Sri Lanka Police have confirmed that several officers were found negligent in performing their duties regarding the road accident involving former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) Gampaha District Member of Parliament, Asoka Ranwala. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 18, 2025  10:49 am

Rob and Michele Reiner’s son Nick charged with murder in parents’ deaths

Prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed murder charges against Nick Reiner over the deaths of his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  10:28 am

Vice Chairman of Standing Committee of National People’s Congress of China arrives in Sri Lanka

Wang Dongming, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, has arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  6:15 am

Police constable taken into custody with ‘Ice’ while in uniform

A police constable attached to the Dematagoda Police has been arrested in Dematagoda by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  10:41 am

Japanese bride weds AI groom after breaking off her engagement; ChatGPT persona proposed to her

In a unique ceremony that signals the deepening emotional bonds between humans and artificial intelligence, a Japanese woman, Yurina Noguchi, recently married an AI-generated persona named Lune Klaus Verdure. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  11:47 am

Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, according to the New South Wales Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  11:53 am

Harsha reiterates ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund should be approved by Parliament as statutory fund

The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund should be approved by Parliament as a statutory fund, the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva reiterates. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  7:52 am

Heavy showers above 100mm likely at some places today

The prevailing showery conditions over the Northern and Eastern parts of the island are expected to continue further during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  5:41 am

IMF Executive Board to review Sri Lanka’s US$ 200 million emergency financing request on Friday

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to review the government’s request for emergency financial assistance amounting to approximately USD 200 million under the Rapid Financing Instrument on Friday (19), according to the IMF Executive Board calendar. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  11:16 am

Doctors at Anuradhapura Hospital launch strike citing lack of adequate security

Doctors attached to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital have launched a strike, citing the lack of adequate security. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  12:35 pm

Individual hacked to death in Matugama, area residents set fire to suspect’s house

An individual has been hacked to death in Matugama following the escalation of a personal dispute. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  8:26 am

Missing yellow anaconda hatchling found at Dehiwala Zoo

The Yellow Anaconda hatchling which was reported missing from the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens recently, has been recovered. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  12:27 pm

75kg of Kerala cannabis seized from boat in Maradankerni

An individual has been taken into custody near a forested area along the Manalkadu, Maradankerni coastline with a stock of Kerala cannabis. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  10:03 am

Donald Trump expands travel ban and restrictions to include an additional 20 countries

The Trump administration announced Tuesday it was expanding travel restrictions to an additional 20 countries and the Palestinian Authority, doubling the number of nations affected by sweeping limits announced earlier this year on who can travel and emigrate to the U.S.

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  5:43 am

15-hour water cut in Mahara and Gampaha today

A 15-hour water cut will be in effect for residents of Mahara and Gampaha from 4:00 p.m. today, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  8:57 am

EU humanitarian aid worth EUR 500,000 arrives in Sri Lanka

A special cargo flight carrying 69,000 kilograms of disaster relief humanitarian aid, valued at around EUR 500,000, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake early this morning (17) from Germany and Luxembourg. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  9:29 am

Foreign-made firearm and ammunition recovered based on Kehelbaddara Padme’s testimony

A foreign-manufactured firearm and a stock of ammunition have been recovered based on information revealed during the interrogation of an underworld gang member known as “Kehelbaddara Padme”, who is currently being held under a detention order. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  7:17 am

Probe launched to arrest person responsible for torturing and setting fire to wild elephant in Mihintale

Investigations have been launched into a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a man torturing and setting fire to a wild elephant in the Ambagahawala area of Seeppukulama, Mihintale, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  12:36 pm

PM Harini assures to address salary concerns of govt translators

Officials of the Government Translators’ Service Union met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss several issues including salary concerns. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  10:27 am

Turkish Airlines flight safely returns to BIA after technical issue

A Turkish Airlines aircraft that departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) bound for Istanbul, Turkey, last night (16) has managed to make a safe return and land at the BIA after experiencing a technical fault in its landing gear system. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  5:41 am

Oil prices jumps as Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers leaving, entering Venezuela

Oil prices climbed sharply on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered “a total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, raising fresh geopolitical tensions at a time of concerns over demand. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 17, 2025  6:49 am