News Archive

Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen over shipment of weapons for separatists that arrived from UAE

Saudi Arabia bombed the port city of Mukalla in Yemen on Tuesday over what it described as a shipment of weapons for a separatist force there that arrived from the United Arab Emirates. The UAE did not immediately acknowledge the strike. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  9:06 am

India authorities undertake strict measures to control avian flu in Kerala

Indian authorities have undertaken strict measures in the southern state of Kerala following the outbreak of bird flu (avian influenza H5N1), officials said Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  6:22 pm

Special traffic and security plan in Colombo for New Year 2026 celebrations

Sri Lanka Police state that a large number of people and vehicles are expected to arrive in Colombo from outlying areas to celebrate the New Year 2026 tomorrow (31), particularly around the Galle Face Green area. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  7:49 am

Rajarata University lecturers launch strike

The lecturers of the Rajarata University have withdrawn from all duties today (30) and commenced a strike action. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  12:08 pm

Colombo-Kandy road temporarily closed for traffic at Kiribathgoda

The Colombo-Kandy main road has been temporarily closed for traffic at Kiribathgoda due to a fire in two shops. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  2:12 pm

Govt seeks to expand agreement with Israel to deploy additional workers

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to expand the agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Israel signed to deploy workers within two more sectors in Israel. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  2:58 pm

President issues stern warning to tax evaders

The law will be enforced without hesitation, irrespective of status against those who attempt to evade taxes, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  7:30 pm

Ex- Minister Dullas writes to Donald Trump seeking tariff reduction on Sri Lankan imports

Former Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has directed a letter to US President Donald Trump seeking a reduction in tariffs on Sri Lankan imports from the current levels to 12% for a period of one year. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  8:05 pm

Fairly heavy rainfalls about 75 mm likely in several provinces tomorrow

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Eastern, Central, Northcentral and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district tomorrow (31), according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  3:17 pm

Former Minister Johnston Fernando’s son arrested

Johan Fernando, the son of former Minister Johnston Fernando, has been arrested today (30) by the Financial Crimes Investigation Department (FCID), police confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  12:37 pm

Sri Lanka’s Parliament passed 26 bills in 2025

The Department of Communication of Parliament stated that the Parliament of Sri Lanka has passed a total of 26 Government Bills during the one-year period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, during the first session of the Tenth Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  10:41 am

Minister reveals reasons for increase in illegal gemstone exports in Sri Lanka

Minister of Industry, Sunil Handunnetti, stated that there has been a noticeable increase in the illegal export of gemstones from Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  11:12 am

Fire breaks out at two shops in Kiribathgoda

UPDATE: Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Kandy-Colombo road in Kiribathgoda after the fire broke out at two shops. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  1:29 pm

Alleged Bondi gunmen acted alone and did not train in the Philippines, police say

The two alleged gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach were not part of a wider terror cell and acted alone, Australian police have said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  2:37 pm

Trump warns Iran of possible strike, urges Hamas to disarm after meeting Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States could support another major strike on Iran were it to resume rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs and warned Hamas of severe consequences if it does not disarm. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  6:38 am

Chairman of Ganga Ihala Korale PS granted bail

The NPP Chairman of the Ganga Ihala Korale Pradeshiya Sabha, Indika Upul Gunasekera, who was arrested in connection with an alleged assault incident, has been released on bail. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  12:56 pm

Matugama PS Secretary hospitalised following alleged assault by Chairman

The Chairman of the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha, which is controlled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has allegedly assaulted the Secretary of the same local council. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  1:31 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Polonnaruwa districts, today (30), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  6:29 am

Meta to buy Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI

Meta said on Monday it would acquire Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus as the technology giant accelerates efforts to integrate advanced AI across its platforms. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  11:23 am

China to crack down on AI firms to protect kids

China has proposed strict new rules for artificial intelligence (AI) to provide safeguards for children and prevent chatbots from offering advice that could lead to self-harm or violence. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  4:42 pm

Beyonce declared a billionaire by Forbes magazine

US singer Beyonce is now a billionaire, Forbes magazine said Monday (Dec 29), becoming only the fifth musician to achieve such a milestone. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  6:53 am

China’s Communist Party pledges RMB 1 mln in relief supplies to Sri Lanka

The Communist Party of China (CPC) will provide relief assistance worth RMB 1 million to Sri Lanka, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  4:10 pm

4 dead, 9 injured after bus hits pedestrians in Mumbai’s Bhandup

Four people were killed and nine others injured after they were hit by a BEST bus in Mumbai on Monday. The incident happened in Mumbai’s Bhandup around 10 pm, officials said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  10:27 am

Unit 2 of Norochcholai power plant expected to be reconnected to national grid in two weeks

The two generators undergoing maintenance at the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant are scheduled to be reconnected to the national power grid on January 14 and January 18, 2026, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  5:06 pm

Renowned Indian filmmaker Prabhu Deva arrives in Sri Lanka

SriLankan Airlines announced that it had the honour of welcoming the renowned Indian film director, actor, dancer, and choreographer, Prabhu Deva, on board a flight from Chennai to Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  12:08 pm

Tax relief for imported dates in view of Ramadan fasting

The government has decided to provide tax relief for imported dates received as donations or gifts in view of the upcoming Ramadan fasting period. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  3:13 pm

Cyclone Ditwah caused Rs. 21 bln loss to Sri Lanka’s health sector – Minister

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that Sri Lanka’s national health system has incurred losses amounting to Rs. 21 billion as a result of the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  8:49 am

NDDCB reports uptick in ‘Ice’ users in Sri Lanka; Over 60,000 addicts arrested in first 10 months of 2025

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has reported a rise in the use of the narcotic substance crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’), in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  9:19 am

Nallur PS member arrested with stock of Kerala cannabis

A member of the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha has been arrested in the Chemmani area of Jaffna while in possession of a stock of Kerala cannabis. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  12:49 pm

Cabinet nod to increase financial relief provided for entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah

The government has decided to introduce a new loan scheme named ‘Comprehensive disaster relief loan scheme’ to provide working capital loan facilities to micro, small scale and large scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  2:54 pm

UNP-SJB representatives meet in Colombo

A meeting has taken place between representatives of the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  5:48 pm

Auditor General Appointment: Constitutional Council acted beyond its authority - Nalinda

The Constitutional Council has acted beyond its limits, while the President has remained within the constitutional framework during the process to appoint the Auditor General, Cabinet spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  6:05 pm

Four new automatic clearance gates to be installed at BIA

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the installation of additional automatic passenger clearance gates at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  3:47 pm

Ex-Minister Douglas Devananda admitted to Mahara Prison Hospital

Former Minister Douglas Devananda, who was arrested and remanded, has been admitted to the Mahara Prison Hospital. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  2:05 pm

China fires rockets towards Taiwan in war games simulating blockade

China fired rockets toward Taiwan on Tuesday and deployed new amphibious assault ships alongside bomber aircraft and warships to encircle the island on the second day of its most extensive war games aimed at rehearsing a blockade. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  11:01 am

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, dies at 80

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, died after a prolonged illness, her opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party said on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  7:39 am

Let’s lead Sri Lanka to economic success with new plans in 2026 – President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on all state officials to work collectively, with renewed plans and strategies, to lead Sri Lanka towards economic success in 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  4:31 pm

Govt decides to liquidate Sahasya Investment Company

The government has decided to liquidate the Sahasya Investment Company which was established with the objective of maintaining highways, determining strategic methods for further development of the expressways and utilizing modern technologies to minimize costs to maintain the expressways. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  2:42 pm

Proposal approved to construct teachers quarters at 14 schools in plantation areas

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to implement a project to construct quarters for teachers at 14 selected schools within plantation areas. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  3:03 pm

Public consultation begins on National Electricity Policy

The process of obtaining public views on the proposed National Electricity Policy is currently underway, according to the Ministry of Energy. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  3:33 pm

Flood damage assessment to major and medium-sized rivers to begin next month

The Department of Irrigation has directed its attention to conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to river basins, tanks, and anicuts due to the recent flood situation resulting from heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  12:30 pm

IMF delegation to visit Sri Lanka in first half of next year

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka during the first half of next year. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  11:06 am

Galle MC meeting adjourned following heated opposition protests

A tense situation has unfolded today (30) during a special general meeting of the Galle Municipal Council. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  11:37 am

Inquiry launched after Grade 6 English language module contained reference to inappropriate website

The distribution of a newly printed Grade 6 English language module has been suspended with immediate effect following the confirmation that it contained a reference to an inappropriate website, the Ministry of Education has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  7:02 pm

FR filed over alleged failure to take measures to minimize disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah

A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed before the Supreme Court by an attorney from Kandy over the alleged failure by authorities to take necessary measures to minimize the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  2:08 pm

Two generators at Norochcholai power plant under repair

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said that two generators at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai are currently out of service due to repair work. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  8:06 am

Sri Lankan-born Prof. Nishan Canagarajah knighted in 2026 King’s New Year Honours

University of Leicester’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah has been knighted in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  1:33 pm

Ex-SJB councillor arrested for assaulting former NPP candidate in Dodangoda

A former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Pradeshiya Sabha member has been arrested by the Dodangoda Police for allegedly assaulting a former National People’s Power (NPP) Local Government candidate in Dodangoda. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 30, 2025  11:27 am

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Polonnaruwa districts, today (29), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:33 am

US and Ukraine ‘a lot closer’ on peace deal, Trump says after meeting with Zelenskiy

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging that the fate of the disputed Donbas region remains a key unresolved issue. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:52 am