News Archive

Travel Photographer of the Year 2025: Snapshot of Sri Lankan boy named People’s Choice Winner

After more than 20,000 entries, a panel of international experts has selected the best images in the world of travel photography over the past 12 months. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  1:05 pm

Probe on release of 323 containers from Colombo Port without inspection to conclude within three months

The Select Committee of Parliament appointed to look into and report to Parliament on the controversial release of 323 containers from the Colombo Harbour without undergoing mandatory inspection has decided to meet every Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  3:25 pm

Radiologic Technologists temporarily suspend planned strike

The Government Radiological Technologists’ Association has decided to temporarily suspend the indefinite strike that was scheduled to commence tomorrow (28) across all hospitals in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  6:45 pm

Individual staging hunger strike opposite Presidential Secretariat hospitalized

An individual engaged in a hunger strike staged by a group of Development Officers in front of the Presidential Secretariat, demanding permanent employment, has been hospitalized. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  5:30 pm

Heated situation between police and protesters in front of Presidential Secretariat

A tense situation has arisen between police and a group of individuals staging a satyagraha in front of the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  1:59 pm

China cancels flights on 49 routes to Japan amid renewed travel warnings

China has cancelled all scheduled flights on 49 air routes with Japan as the Chinese foreign ministry reiterated travel warnings, urging citizens to avoid visiting Japan, especially during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  4:02 pm

Aswesuma Jan. allowance to be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts tomorrow

The January allowance for beneficiaries who qualified for the first and second phases of the Aswesuma program, as well as the January elderly allowance applicable under both phases, will be deposited into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, tomorrow (28), the Ministry of Finance has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  3:01 pm

Few showers expected in parts of the island today

A few showers may occur in North-central and Eastern provinces, today (27), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  6:38 am

WhatsApp is not secure: Elon Musk comes after Meta in latest X post

Billionaire Elon Musk took to X to slam Meta’s WhatsApp after whistleblowers said private chats on the messaging platform can be read by the company, despite promises of end-to-end encryption. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  11:01 am

Radiologic technologists to launch island-wide strike tomorrow

The Government Radiologic Technologists’ Association (GRTA) has decided to launch an island-wide continuous strike in government hospitals starting from 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (28). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  10:20 am

Substandard coal imports affect electricity generation; Experts urge Kelanitissa plant activation

The Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant should be operated in order to compensate for the electricity generation loss suffered by the national power grid due to the importation of substandard coal, energy experts have stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  2:31 pm

Sly Dunbar, prolific legend of reggae, dies aged 73

Reggae legend Sly Dunbar, who played with everyone from Bob Marley to The Rolling Stones, has died at the age of 73. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  7:49 am

India, EU finalise landmark trade deal, PM Modi says

India and the European Union have finalised a landmark trade deal, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, as the two sides seek to hedge against fickle ties with the U.S.. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  12:30 pm

Court informed ‘Keselwatte Dinusha’ is being held under detention orders

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court was informed today that organized criminal ‘Keselwatte Dinusha’ is currently being held under detention orders for questioning. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  4:41 pm

India-EU “Mother Of All Deals” will boost manufacturing, support services: PM Modi

As India and the European Union (EU) move closer to finalising a landmark free-trade agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the move, saying the trade pact will boost the manufacturing sector and support services between two of the largest economies. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  10:58 am

President to inaugurate ‘Godanagamu Adhishtanaye Sanhinda’ national programme today

To rapidly restore religious sites damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and make them available for worship and other religious activities, the government will launch the national programme “Godanagamu Adhishtanaye Sanhinda”, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (27), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  7:39 am

Police inspect 65 vehicles in Ginigathhena, 12 suspended for safety violations

A vehicle inspection operation targeting traffic passing through Ginigathhena town was carried out last evening (26) with the participation of the Nuwara Eliya District Chief Motor Traffic Inspector and police. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  2:06 pm

President launches ‘Godanagamu Adhishtanaye Sanhinda’ national programme

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a special authority will be established this year to ensure the protection of the Central Highlands. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  1:34 pm

Govt allocated additional Rs. 220 bln to facilitate public sector salary increase – Minister

The government has had to allocate an additional Rs. 220 billion in 2026 to fund basic salary increases granted to doctors and the entire public service, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  7:30 pm

FCID records statement from ex-Minister P Harrison

Former Minister P. Harrison has recorded a statement with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  4:53 pm

Shiranthi Rajapaksa summoned to FCID

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, has been summoned to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  7:10 am

Violent attack on school teacher in Oddamavadi caught on CCTV camera

CCTV footage has captured a violent attack on a teacher using a sharp weapon at a school in the Oddamavadi area, within the Valaichenai Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  11:33 am

France’s National Assembly approves banning under-15s from social media

France’s National Assembly on Monday backed legislation to ban children under 15 years old from social media on Monday, amid growing concerns about online bullying and mental health risks. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  10:03 am

SOC requests quality reports on imported coal consignments in 3 vessels

The Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Infrastructure and Strategic Development has reviewed matters relating to coal imported to Sri Lanka with particular focus on quality assurance and import procedures. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  7:09 pm

30 people dead from effects of winter storm as more freezing cold pummels US

Many in the U.S. faced another night of below-freezing temperatures and no electricity after a colossal winter storm heaped more snow Monday on the Northeast and kept parts of the South coated in ice. At least 30 deaths were reported in states afflicted with severe cold. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  9:09 am

The highest temperature in the country today (27) was recorded from the Ratnapura Meteorological Station at 34.7°C, the Department of Meteorology noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  7:59 pm

Former Minister P. Harrison appears before FCID

Former Minister P. Harrison has appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) at around 8:45 a.m. today (27). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  9:37 am

Six police officers arrested for assaulting Catholic priest interdicted

The six police officers attached to the Gampaha Police Divisional Crime Detective Bureau (DCDB), who were arrested and later remanded for allegedly assaulting a Catholic priest, have been interdicted, Sri Lanka Police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  10:50 am

A boat carrying 25 French tourists capsized off the Omani coast, three killed

Three French tourists were killed when a boat capsized off the coast of Oman, the Omani police said on Tuesday in a post on X. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  3:06 pm

Trump raises US tariffs on South Korea imports to 25%

US President Donald Trump has announced he is raising tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% after accusing Seoul of “not living up” to a trade deal reached last year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  6:48 am

Australian heatwave fans bushfires, towns evacuated, Melbourne endures hottest day in 17 years

A major heatwave across Australia’s southeast stoked bushfires, forced hundreds of residents in rural towns to evacuate and brought record-breaking temperatures, with Melbourne recording its hottest day in nearly 17 years. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  2:21 pm

Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp to trial premium subscriptions

Technology giant Meta is set to trial premium subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp users in the coming months in its latest experiment with paid services. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  11:25 am

Shiranthi Rajapaksa seeks two weeks’ time to appear before FCID

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who was summoned to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (27), has informed that she is unable to do so due to personal reasons. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  8:29 am

Woman Police Constable arrested with heroin in Badulla

A Woman Police Constable attached to the Badulla Police Divisional Crime Detective Bureau (DCDB) has been arrested by the Ambagasduwa Police while in possession of 04 grams and 200 milligrams of heroin, police said.

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  10:26 am

Victoria Beckham honoured in Paris amid family rift

Victoria Beckham escaped the bitterness of a family feud with a trip to Paris on Monday to receive an award from the culture ministry for her contribution to the fashion and entertainment industries. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  5:10 pm

Netherlands, Sri Lanka hold discussions to strengthening bilateral ties

A high-level discussion has been held to explore avenues to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  6:13 pm

Chief Prelates urge appointment of permanent Auditor General

Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters have expressed concern over the prolonged delay in appointing a permanent Auditor General, warning that the post which remained vacant for nearly eight months has led to attempts by certain parties to create disputes over state financial management. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  3:06 pm

Dr. Rukshan Bellana leaves CID after recording statement

Former Acting Deputy Director of the National Hospital of Colombo, Dr. Rukshan Bellana has left the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) a short while ago after recording a statement, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  12:02 pm

Nipah virus outbreak in India triggers Asia airport screenings

An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal state has sparked concern in parts of Asia, with some tightening screening measures at airports. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  2:39 pm

SLBFE aims to send 310,000 workers for foreign employment in 2026

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, has announced a target to deploy 310,000 Sri Lankan workers for overseas employment in 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  4:28 pm

Police highlight growing drug abuse among schoolchildren

Police are maintaining close surveillance over the prevalence of drug abuse among schoolchildren, the Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  1:52 pm

Sri Lanka must be developed socially and culturally: President

The foremost responsibility of any government is to look after the people and that the present government has already begun fulfilling this duty by ensuring that all economic benefits achieved as a nation flow to the people and society at large, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  7:08 pm

84 arrested last year over bribery allegations – CIABOC

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) says that a total of 84 individuals have been arrested in 2025 for accepting bribes. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  8:10 am

Cabinet Spokesman explains reason behind Parliament Deputy Secretary General’s suspension

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today (27) detailed the reasons behind the suspension of the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff, Chaminda Kularatne from his post. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  6:01 pm

Denmark and Greenland prime ministers to visit Berlin and Paris

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland said on Tuesday they will visit Berlin and Paris to shore up support amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats against the Arctic island. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 27, 2026  1:44 pm

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

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

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

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

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