News Archive

Crown Princess’s son arrested for alleged assault before rape trial in Norway

The son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been arrested by police on suspicion of assault, before he goes on trial in Oslo on Tuesday on 38 charges, including the rape of four women. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  6:43 am

Ex-minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s cousin arrested in money laundering probe

Bandara Rambukwella, a cousin of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, has been arrested on allegations of money laundering by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  7:43 am

CEB restructuring enters final stage, liquidation to be announced by February

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) restructuring programme has reached its final stage. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  7:14 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Several spells of shower will occur in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Matale districts, today (03), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  6:32 am

SpaceX acquires xAI in record-setting deal as Musk looks to unify AI and space ambitions

Elon Musk said on Monday that SpaceX has acquired his artificial-intelligence startup xAI in a record-setting deal that unifies Musk’s AI and space ambitions by combining the rocket-and-satellite company with the maker of the Grok chatbot. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  7:29 am

Constitutional Council to decide on AG appointment today

The Constitutional Council is scheduled to meet today (03) at 12.00 noon at the Parliament Complex, under the patronage of its Chairman, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  6:59 am

Couple arrested with ‘Ice’ worth Rs. 8 million in Puttalam

A married couple has been arrested yesterday (01) in a raid conducted by the Narcotics Control Unit of the Puttalam Police for possession of 524 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  9:43 am

Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish use Grammy stage to call out Trump’s anti-immigrant crackdown

American singer Billie Eilish used her Grammy acceptance speech on Monday to call out Donald Trump administration’s anti-immigrant crackdown, after Puerto Rican rapper-singer Bad Bunny did the same. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  1:57 pm

Son of Norway’s crown princess to go on trial on rape and other charges

The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess will go on trial Tuesday on multiple charges including rape in a high-profile case that has been an embarrassment to the royal family. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  12:34 pm

A/L 2025: Biosystems Technology practical exam to begin on Feb. 7

The practical examination for Biosystems Technology subject for the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination will commence on February 7, the Department of Examinations has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  8:08 pm

GMOA to intensify trade union action from today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) says it will intensify its ongoing trade union action from this morning (02), following a lack of response from relevant authorizes regarding several of their key demands. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  7:42 am

China executes four more Myanmar mafia members

China has executed four members of the Bai family mafia, one of the notorious dynasties that ran scam centres in Myanmar, state media report. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  5:06 pm

CID ordered to arrest Chamal Rajapaksa’s son Shamindra who is currently in US

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest Shamindra Rajapaksa, the youngest son of former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa who is currently in the United States. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  4:20 pm

Oracle shares fall as investors assess up to $50 billion AI funding plan

Oracle shares fell about 4 per cent in premarket trading on Monday, after it outlined plans to raise $45 billion to $50 billion this year to expand its cloud infrastructure, fueling investor concerns about its rising debt load. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  5:15 pm

Rs. 3 billion drug haul seized from fishing boat sent to Govt Analyst

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (02) ordered that the drug stock worth over Rs. 03 billion, recently seized by the Sri Lanka Navy and brought to Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour, be referred to the Government Analyst for examination and to call for an analytical report. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  11:52 am

Special shuttle service for devotees visiting Gangaramaya for sacred relics exposition

A special shuttle bus service has been arranged for devotees visiting the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, for the exposition of the sacred bodily relics to be brought from Gujarat India. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  6:58 pm

Donald Trump threatens to “sue” Trevor Noah after 2026 Grammys Epstein joke

US President Donald Trump has taken to social media to denounce the Grammys show and take aim at host Trevor Noah, after the last awards were handed out Sunday night. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  1:57 pm

Three nabbed with turtle meat and eggs in Mannar

Three individuals have been arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy with 17kg of turtle meat, 39 turtle eggs and a dinghy, during a search operation conducted in the Nachchikuda beach area of Mannar. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  2:23 pm

Five-year-old boy detained by ICE has returned to Minnesota, lawmaker says

Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have returned to their home in a Minneapolis suburb after being detained by U.S. immigration officers and held at a detention facility in Texas, a lawmaker said on Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  7:30 am

Exams Dept. issues special notice on O/L admission cards

The Department of Examinations has issued a special notice regarding the issuance of admission cards for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination 2025 (2026). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  6:59 pm

STF officer commits suicide with service firearm

An officer attached to the Special Task Force (STF) camp in Katukurunda, Kalutara, has committed suicide by shooting himself with his service firearm, said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  11:24 am

Dalai Lama wins first Grammy, cites shared universal responsibility

The Dalai Lama — one of the world’s most revered spiritual voices — has added an unexpected new honour to his life of accolades, winning his first Grammy Award at the age of 90. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  10:03 am

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000

Gold prices in Sri Lanka have reduced considerably, in line with a reduction in the global market. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  3:33 pm

Israel reopens Gaza’s Rafah border crossing to Egypt, with limits

Israel reopened the border between Gaza and Egypt on Monday for people on foot, a move that would allow Palestinians to leave the enclave and let back in those who want to return after fleeing Israel’s war in the enclave. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  2:55 pm

Fisheries Minister condemns Indian Coast Guard attack on Sri Lankan fishermen

Strong objections are being raised against an attack carried out by Indian Coast Guard officers on a group of Sri Lankan fishermen based on false allegations, the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  7:42 pm

Police Inspector and Constable arrested over missing firearm

A Police Inspector and a Police Constable have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a pistol and a magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition from the Matugama Police Station, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  8:22 am

Sajith urges Govt to absorb Development Officers into Teacher Service

The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to recruit Development Officers into the Teacher Service. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  5:28 pm

Chaminda Kularatne lodges complaint at Bribery Commission against Speaker

The suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff, Chaminda Kularatne has arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to lodge a complaint. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  4:00 pm

School dev. officers stage protest over unaddressed demands

A protest organized by the School Development Officers’ Association commenced this morning (02) in front of the Presidential Secretariat, citing the lack of solutions to their long-standing grievances. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  1:27 pm

SC dismisses FR petitions challenging ASP promotions in 2020

The Supreme Court has decided to dismiss seven Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed by 145 Chief Inspectors of Police who challenged the promotions to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) based on applications called for in 2020. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  9:29 am

Peliyagoda Manning Market goes digital with new Online Payment System

The Peliyagoda Manning Market has officially launched a digitalization initiative with a new online payment system. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  5:36 pm

Special traffic and security plan announced for exposition of Sacred Relics from India

Sri Lanka Police have announced extensive security arrangements and a special traffic management plan ahead of the exposition of Sacred Relics brought from India, scheduled to be held at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple from 05 February, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  7:16 am

‘Victory is certain’: Vijay to party supporters as TVK marks 3rd anniversary

Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party marks its 3rd anniversary, vowing to capture power in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections through a people’s movement. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  1:07 pm

Iran President orders nuclear talks with US as Trump hopeful of deal

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, local media said Monday, after US leader Donald Trump said he was hopeful of a deal to avert military action against the Islamic Republic. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  8:39 pm

NPP’s Chinthaka Hewapathirana elected new Chairman of Weligama PS

Chinthaka Hewapathirana of the National People’s Power (NPP) has been elected as the new Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  11:37 am

AG’s Department Legal Officers express concern over baseless allegations on Attorney General

The Attorney General’s Department Legal Officers’ Association has expressed concern over the circulation of unfounded and baseless personal attacks directed at the Attorney General (AG), Parinda Ranasinghe (Jnr), PC, and officers of the Attorney General’s Department in the discharge of their official duties. MORE...

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  8:17 am

Demonstration held in Nedunkerny calling for halt to Kivul Oya Reservoir Project

A group of people staged a protest today (02) in Nedunkerny, demanding that the proposed ‘Kivul Oya Reservoir Project’, which is expected to be launched to provide irrigation facilities for farming to the residents of Welioya and Northern Province, be halted. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  3:52 pm

49 prisoners to be pardoned on Independence Day

A decision has been taken to grant special presidential pardons to 49 prisoners in view of the 78th National Independence Day on February 4. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  6:17 pm

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ becomes first K-Pop Grammy winner ever

Golden, the inescapable hit from the movie KPop Demon Hunters, has become the first ever K-Pop song to win a Grammy Award. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  6:42 am

Indian tax on animal imports spells setback for billionaire Ambani family’s zoo

India’s budget introduced a customs duty of 30% on imports of animals and birds from Monday, a move set to boost expenses for the nation’s most prominent zoo, run by the family of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  2:59 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

Several spells of shower will occur in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Hambanthota district, today (02), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  6:24 am

Steven Spielberg achieves EGOT status with Grammy win for ‘Music by John Williams’

The filmmaker achieved EGOT status, winning a Grammy Award in the best music film category for the documentary “Music by John Williams,” a tribute to his longtime collaborator and the composer behind some of cinema’s most enduring scores. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  8:44 am

Grammys 2026 full winners list: Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish among top winners

The 68th Grammy Awards have taken place in Los Angeles, with Kendrick Lamar the night’s biggest winner for the second year in a row. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  12:34 pm

FM appreciates World Bank Executive Director’s backing for Sri Lanka’s development agenda

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath has expressed the country’s appreciation for the World Bank’s multisectoral partnership and its ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s development agenda in a post on X (formerly Twitter). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  4:53 pm

SLBFE conducts awareness programs to combat foreign employment scams

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has decided to conduct a series of awareness programs for police officers, focusing on anti-human trafficking laws, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act, and effective investigative techniques. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  4:14 pm

Woman dies in road accident in Anuradhapura

A woman has died in a road accident that occurred at the Matale Junction in Anuradhapura this afternoon (02), police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  2:17 pm

Minister inspects Kotikambokka Vein Quartz Deposit, orders measures to prevent illegal mining

The Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, conducted a field inspection yesterday (01) at the Kotikambokka Vein Quartz Deposit in the Monaragala District, where mining activities are currently suspended. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  11:11 am

SJB activists express dissent amid Beruwala Urban Council controversy

A heated situation arose at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party activists’ meeting in the Beruwala electorate. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  6:40 pm

UNP to launch new digital initiative to improve organizational operations

The United National Party (UNP) will officially launch its new digital initiative at the party headquarters in Sirikotha on Wednesday (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  6:05 pm

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and others further remanded

Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, and six other individuals, have been further remanded until 09 February, 2026 by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 2, 2026  10:14 am