News Archive

Sufficient stocks of LP gas secured; no need for panic buying - Litro

Litro Gas Lanka Limited has issued a special statement is to address recent concerns regarding a temporary shortage of LP gas cylinders in the market, and to assure the public that sufficient stocks have been secured and that there is no need for panic buying. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  12:31 pm

Court sets date to hear Namal Rajapaksa’s case over ‘Krrish’ deal

The Colombo High Court has scheduled the hearing of the case filed against Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa in connection with the controversial ‘Krrish’ project deal on April 02, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  10:04 am

AI infrastructure is next frontier of economic and cultural cooperation - President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka is prepared to share common values on artificial intelligence, ensuring that no one is left behind and to move forward collectively through mutual learning based on ethical principles. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  6:26 pm

CID probes 8 bank accounts linked to female lawyer remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that it is investigating eight bank accounts opened using forged documents allegedly by Attorney-at-Law Thamara Abeyratne, who was remanded in connection with the ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder case. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  5:51 pm

Army Sergeant among 4 arrested over soldier’s death and cover-up at Kuttigala camp

Sri Lanka Army Spokesman, Brigadier Waruna Gamage, says steps will be taken to suspend the Sergeant attached to the Kuttigala camp in Embilipitiya, who was remanded on charges of covering up the death of a soldier who died after coming into contact with an unauthorized power line at the camp. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  3:52 pm

Fonseka urges President to pardon those sentenced to death over Amarakeerthi killing

The former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has made a special request to the President to grant a pardon to the individuals who were sentenced to death over the killing of former Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  6:24 am

President Dissanayake holds bilateral talks with French President Macron

A bilateral discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and President of France Emmanuel Macron took place this afternoon (19), according to the President’s Media Division.

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  9:54 pm

Canada revises express entry immigration rules, adds military roles

Canada introduced new immigration priority categories on Wednesday to bring in skilled workers in fields ranging from research and health care to aviation, and to include certain military recruits. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  1:49 pm

Rs. 556 million worth of technical equipment handed over to police

A stock of essential technical equipment worth Rs. 556 million has been provided to the Police Department by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  8:27 am

UK Deputy PM David Lammy concludes official visit to Sri Lanka

The Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Lammy, has concluded his official visit to Sri Lanka yesterday (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  9:03 am

Taylor Swift named best-selling artist of the year for sixth time

Taylor Swift was 2025’s best-selling global artist of the year, the IFPI said on Wednesday (Feb 18), marking the sixth time she won the title from the organisation that represents the recorded music industry. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  8:26 am

President to address ‘AI Impact Summit 2026’ in Delhi today

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to address the ‘AI Impact Summit 2026’ in Delhi today.

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  5:47 am

22 Indian fishermen arrested poaching in Sri Lankan waters

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard have seized four Indian fishing boats and apprehended 22 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar and off the Delft Island, Jaffna. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  4:40 pm

Heavy rains hit Batticaloa, several roads inundated

Heavy rains have been reported in the Batticaloa District in recent days affecting day-to-day activities of the residents. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  10:37 am

Foreign nationals driving without valid licenses to be prosecuted - Sri Lanka Police

Sri Lanka Police have warned that foreign nationals who drive without a valid driving license in the country will be prosecuted to ensure the safety of both visitors and local residents amid rising traffic accidents involving foreign nationals. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  1:53 pm

South Korea’s ex-President Yoon sentenced to life in prison for insurrection

A South Korean court ordered life in jail on Thursday for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, after holding him guilty on charges of abuse of authority and masterminding an insurrection, stemming from his December 2024 attempt to impose martial law. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  1:06 pm

Tech firms will have 48 hours to remove abusive images under new UK law

Tech platforms would have to remove intimate images which have been shared without consent within 48 hours, under a proposed UK law. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  9:13 am

Zuckerberg defends Meta in landmark social media addiction trial

Mark Zuckerberg, the boss of Instagram-owner Meta Platforms, struggled in court on Wednesday to defend his company from claims it targeted young users as he was confronted with multiple internal documents. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  10:32 am

Ukraine’s officials to boycott Paralympics over Russian flag decision

Ukrainian officials will boycott the Paralympic Winter Games, Kyiv said on Wednesday, after the International Paralympic Committee allowed Russian athletes to compete under their national flag. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  7:56 am

President holds talks with Bhutan’s PM and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince

A bilateral discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was held this afternoon (19). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  10:30 pm

President Anura Kumara meets Brazilian President Lula in Delhi

A bilateral discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Brazilian President Lula da Silva was held this afternoon (19), according to the President’s Media Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  10:05 pm

Sharp rise in rabies cases linked to cats, health officials warn

A significant rise in rabies transmission from cats in Sri Lanka have been reported, according to health authorities. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  1:20 pm

Bill Gates a no-show at India AI summit, event marred by organisational chaos

Bill Gates pulled out of India’s AI Impact Summit hours before his scheduled keynote address on Thursday, dealing another blow to a flagship event already marred by organisational lapses, a robot bungle and delegate complaints over traffic disruptions. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  11:20 am

US Pacific Fleet Commander calls on Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, discuss maritime security

The Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, has met with Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, at the Ministry of Defence today (19). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  8:25 pm

Defence Ministry reaffirms commitment to welfare of veterans

The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the ensuring welfare of veterans during its Public Day program, held at the Ministry premises. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  7:02 am

Five nabbed over expressway incident in Mattala remanded

Five individuals arrested over attempting to enter the Southern Expressway from the Mattala Exit in a bus without seat belts and for obstructing police duties have been remanded by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  7:29 am

Over 300 drunk drivers arrested in daily police operations

A total of 29,608 individuals were inspected yesterday (18) as part of the daily search operations carried out across the country, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  11:52 am

India’s Reliance to build AI data centres in $110 billion investment push

India’s Reliance Industries and telecoms arm Jio will invest $109.8 billion over the next seven years to build artificial intelligence and data infrastructure, its billionaire chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  2:00 pm

President Anura Kumara meets Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi yesterday (19). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  6:45 am

King Charles says ‘law must take its course’ after Andrew arrest

Britain’s King Charles III said Thursday “the law must take its course” after police arrested his brother, the former prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct when he was a trade envoy. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  8:43 pm

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

Showers will occur at times in the Uva, Central and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa district today (19), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  5:46 am

Sri Lanka still lacking infrastructure to gain maximum benefit of AI technology: President

Sri Lanka still does not possess advanced infrastructure to gain maximum benefit of the AI technology, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  1:33 pm

PM Harini reveals allowances and benefits of MPs

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today revealed allowances and benefits provided to Members of Parliament at present. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  11:08 am

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Koehler to visit Sri Lanka

Admiral Steve “Web” Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from February 19 to February 21, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  12:23 pm

Trump kicks off his Board of Peace, with eye on Gaza and beyond

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 19) gathers allies to inaugurate the Board of Peace, his new institution focused on progress on Gaza but whose ambitions reach much further. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  3:27 pm

Special traffic plan near Premadasa stadium from noon

A special security program and traffic plan will be implemented by Sri Lanka Police in view of the Sri Lanka–Zimbabwe T20 World Cup encounter to be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo this afternoon. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  8:04 am

Indian Navy chief holds bilateral talks with Sri Lankan counterpart

India’s Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K. Tirpathi has had an interaction with the Commander of the Sri Lanka Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda on the sidelines of the International Fleet Review at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  7:20 pm

LAUGFS Gas issues clarification, assures uninterrupted supply

LAUGFS Gas PLC, one of the largest supplier of LP Gas in Sri Lanka, today issued statement to address recent concerns regarding the temporary shortage of its LP Gas cylinders in the market and to assure the public that necessary measures have been taken to ensure continued supply. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  5:55 pm

King Charles’ brother Andrew arrested by police - British media

A UK police force has arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  4:01 pm

Do not give away Diego Garcia, Trump tells UK in fresh attack on Chagos deal

“Do not give away Diego Garcia,” US President Donald Trump has said as he criticised the UK’s plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back an important military base. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  6:10 am

Australia bans citizen trying to return from IS camp in Syria

Australia has barred a citizen linked to the Islamic State (IS) group from the country for up to two years. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  8:45 am

Minimum electricity tariff will increase under new Electricity Policy: Champika Ranawaka

The minimum electricity tariff will increase with the introduction of the new National Electricity Policy, former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  9:49 am

Fire breaks out in Sri Pada Reserve posing threat to biodiversity

A forest fire has reportedly broken out today (19) on a mountain range within the Sri Pada Reserve located in front of the Sri Pada peak. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  7:45 pm

South Korea court convicts ex-President Yoon for insurrection in martial law case

A South Korean court on Thursday found former President Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of leading an insurrection during his botched attempt to place the country under martial law in December 2024. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  12:29 pm

Former CID Officer expresses regret over arrest of Nathasha Edirisooriya under ICCPR Act

A former Officer-in-Charge of the Computer Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department today expressed regret before the Supreme Court over the arrest of comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, over allegations of insulting Buddhism. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 19, 2026  12:17 pm

Peru’s Congress removes President Jose Jeri after 4 months in office

Peru’s Congress voted on Tuesday to censure the country’s interim president, effectively ending the brief tenure of Jose Jeri after just over four months in office. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 18, 2026  7:09 am

Sri Lanka can achieve higher growth if necessary structural reforms take place: IMF Chief

While noting the repeated setbacks Sri Lanka has faced in recent years, Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the IMF has expressed confidence that the country is poised to achieve higher growth, provided that necessary structural reforms are initiated and sustained. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 18, 2026  5:34 am

Former Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake to be produced in court today

Former Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake is scheduled to be produced in court once again today (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 18, 2026  6:47 am

Several Arab, Islamic countries welcome holy month of Ramadan

Several Arab and Islamic countries will welcome the holy month of Ramadan today, while others will start fasting a day later.

(0)Comments | February 18, 2026  6:14 am

Heavy rainfall above 75 mm expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Central, Uva, Eastern and Southern provinces today (18), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 18, 2026  5:36 am