News Archive

Annual budget of Galle MC presented by NPP defeated

The annual budget of the Galle Municipal Council, which is controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP), has been defeated by a majority vote today (15). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  2:05 pm

Large-scale drug trafficker arrested in Wattala with over 21kg of ‘Kush’

A 34-year old large-scale drug trafficker has been arrested in Wattala by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  6:57 am

Two stabbed at entertainment complex in Japan, suspect arrested

Japanese police said on Monday (Dec 15) they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka, leaving them with non-life-threatening injuries. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  3:35 pm

6 including 2 women arrested for illegal excavations in Puthukudiyiruppu

Six suspects, including two women, have been arrested for allegedly digging a plot of land in search of artifacts in the Devi Puram area of Puthukudiyiruppu. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  10:03 am

School bus accident in Colombia kills 17, injures 20

Seventeen people were killed and 20 were injured after a bus carrying school children fell off a cliff in a rural area in northern Colombia, the local governor said on Sunday night. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  10:28 am

Sri Lanka records 5.4% GDP growth in Q3 2025

The GDP growth rate of Sri Lanka for the third quarter of 2025 has been estimated at 5.4 percent, according to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  4:37 pm

Brake defect in ex-Speaker Asoka Ranwala’s vehicle detected during inspection – Police

A defect in the braking system has been observed in the vehicle of former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala which was involved in an accident on Thursday (11) in Sapugaskanda, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  2:29 pm

No Sri Lankans injured in shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach – Dy Foreign Minister

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, has confirmed that no Sri Lankans were injured in the shooting incident that occurred at a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  11:33 am

Father and son behind Bondi Hanukkah festival shooting that killed 15, Australian police say

Two alleged gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son, police said on Monday, as Australia began mourning victims of its worst gun violence in almost 30 years. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  6:37 am

Vessel carrying humanitarian aid donated by Pakistan arrives at Colombo Harbour

A consignment of humanitarian aid donated by the Government of Pakistan to support the disaster-affected people has been brought to the Colombo Harbour aboard a special vessel. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  2:53 pm

Nawalapitiya-Kandy main road reopens after 18-day closure

The Nawalapitiya-Kandy main road, which was damaged during Cyclone Ditwah, has been reopened to vehicular traffic today (15) after remaining closed for 18 days. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  10:30 am

Hollywood director Rob Reiner and wife Michele found dead in LA home

Legendary Hollywood film-maker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  2:48 pm

School students permitted to use November SLTB season tickets during December

Schoolchildren have been permitted to travel on Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses during this month using their November season tickets. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  8:11 am

Showery conditions expected to enhance to some extent from tomorrow

Under the influence of an Easterly wave, showery conditions are expected to enhance to some extent over the island from tomorrow (16), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  6:29 am

Regions under level one and level two warnings are also susceptible to landslides - NBRO

Landslides are a natural phenomenon that occur across the world due to factors such as rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity among others. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  3:23 pm

Medical report of MP Asoka Ranwala yet to be received – Police

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated that the police have not yet received the medical report of Former Speaker and NPP Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala, who was involved in a vehicular collision at Sapugaskanda. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  8:35 am

Suspect arrested with T-56 firearm and ammunition in Batapola

A suspect has been arrested for the possession of a T-56 assault rifle, two magazines, and 45 rounds of ammunition by officers of the Ampara Division Criminal Investigation Unit. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  12:58 pm

Over 20,000 families still sheltered in relief centres following Cyclone Ditwah – DMC

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) reports that over 20,000 families affected by the recent disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah are still sheltered in relief centres. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  9:14 am

‘Zootopia 2’ reclaims No. 1 spot at box office, grosses $1B worldwide

“Zootopia 2” regained the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office with $26.3 million in its third weekend of release, according to studio estimates Sunday, as The Walt Disney Co. animated sequel became the year’s second film to gross $1 billion worldwide. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  12:57 pm

Google is turning any headphones into real-time translation earbuds

Live translation is shaping up to be one of the most practical (and competitive) uses of generative AI, with real-life implications for how people communicate across languages. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  11:49 am

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai found guilty of collusion with foreign forces

Hong Kong’s High Court on Monday found pro-democracy campaigner and tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty of collusion with foreign forces under a China-imposed national security law that could see him jailed for life. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  9:36 am

Nearly 1,000 arrested in island-wide anti-drug raids

A total of 981 individuals have been arrested yesterday (14) in island-wide raids conducted under the theme “Nation United – National Drive”, aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  1:52 pm

Former CPC Chairman Dammika Ranatunga arrested

Former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Dammika Ranatunga, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  1:25 pm

Schools to reopen tomorrow, 147 to remain closed - Education Ministry

Schools that were closed due to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah are scheduled to reopen island-wide tomorrow (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  7:36 am

Special security arrangement in urban areas and places of worship, 2,500 police personnel deployed in Western Province

Special police security arrangements have been made in urban areas and places of worship in view of the upcoming festive season, the Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  3:58 pm

Sri Lanka President condemns Bondi Beach terror attack, extends condolences

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia and has extended his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Australia. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  1:23 pm

Dammika Ranatunga granted bail, Bribery Commission informs court ex-Minister Arjuna Ranatunga will be arrested

Former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), Dammika Ranatunga, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today has been granted bail. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 15, 2025  4:09 pm

Gunshots heard in Sydney’s Bondi Beach as police urge people to stay away

The police have taken two people into custody after gunshots were reported at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, according to New South Wales Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  2:02 pm

Leakage reported in pipeline from ship unloading crude oil at Colombo Port brought under control

The leak caused by an explosion at a crude oil unloading buoy located at the Colombo Port in the early hours of today has now been brought under control. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  9:04 pm

Transport Minister inspects damaged Balana section of Upcountry railway line

Minister Bimal Rathnayaka has inspected the Balana section of the Upcountry railway line which was severely damaged due to recent landslides. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  5:56 pm

Several injured after shooting in Sydney’s Bondi Beach, two people arrested

Two people have been arrested at Bondi Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs as NSW Police respond to reports of an active shooter on Sunday evening.

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  2:30 pm

Govt seeks to nurture responsible human resource that protects environment: PM Harini

The government is seeking to nurture a responsible human resource that loves and protects the environment, demonstrates leadership, upholds compassion and a sense of collectivity and values democracy, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  7:56 pm

Death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah continues to rise

The number of deaths linked to Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall in Sri Lanka more than two weeks ago continues increase, according to the Disaster Management Center (DMC). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  8:14 pm

Two dead, eight injured after shooting at Brown University in US

Two people were killed and eight critically wounded on Saturday (Dec 13) in a shooting at Brown University, the prestigious Ivy League school in Rhode Island, authorities said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  5:41 am

No link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths in young adults: AIIMS

A year-long autopsy-based study conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi on Sunday found no scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccination to sudden deaths among young adults — reaffirming that the vaccines are safe and effective. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  9:31 pm

One of the alleged shooters in deadly attacks at Sydney’s Bondi Beach named

One of the alleged shooters in the deadly attacks at Bondi Beach in Sydney was Naveed Akram, a man from the city’s south-west, according to a senior law enforcement official. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  4:55 pm

UAE relief teams conclude humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka

Relief teams from the United Arab Emirates have concluded their humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka as part of the urgent response launched by the UAE, to support those affected by Cyclone Ditwah and the landslides that struck the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  2:15 pm

Luxury Cruise Ship with 400 passengers arrives in Colombo

A luxury cruise ship belonging to the Ritz-Carlton fleet, carrying 400 passengers, arrived today (14) at the Colombo Port. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  6:22 pm

Bystander who tackled armed man at Sydney’s Bondi Beach shooting hailed as hero

A bystander captured on video tackling and disarming an armed man during an attack in which 12 people were shot dead at a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday (Dec 14) has been hailed as a hero whose actions potentially saved lives. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  8:36 pm

Tourist arrivals in December top 70,000

A total of 70,023 tourists have arrived in the country thus far in December, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  4:18 pm

Individual arrested for assaulting worker in viral social media footage

An individual has been taken into custody by the Katugastota Police in connection with an incident in which a worker engaged in removing soil and boulders from eroded sections of the Kandy– Gohagoda road was assaulted. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  7:04 pm

Floods and landslides in Indonesia’s Sumatra kill over one thousand people

Severe floods and landslides in Indonesia’s Sumatra have killed more than 1,000 people, rescuers said, as authorities step up relief operations following weeks of torrential rain. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  1:52 pm

World leaders express horror, revulsion at Bondi Beach shooting

World leaders queued up on Sunday (Dec 14) to express their horror and revulsion at a mass shooting which killed 11 people at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  6:40 pm

Foreign-made revolver discovered in Ekala by police

Police have recovered a foreign-made revolver that had been concealed with the alleged intention of committing a crime. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  3:36 pm

Showers expected to increase from Tuesday

The Department of Meteorology says under the influence of an easterly wave, showery conditions in the country are expected to increase to some extent from Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  5:23 pm

Indian aircraft carrying 25MT of essential supplies including medicine arrives

An aircraft carrying 25 metric tons of essential supplies, including 17 types of critical medicines and stocks of dry rations necessary to sustain the country’s healthcare services arrived from India. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  7:29 pm

Number of houses destroyed in recent disaster surpasses 6,000

The total number of houses completely destroyed across Sri Lanka due to the severe disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah has surpassed 6,000, according to the latest report issued by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  1:37 pm

Few showers expected in parts of the island today

A few showers may occur in Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces, today (14), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  6:35 am

Guidelines issued on distributing disaster relief funds

Guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of Defence to District and Divisional Secretaries pertaining to the distribution of disaster relief funds to the affected people across the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  2:50 pm

Another group linked to murder of Modara Devalaya Committee Chairman arrested

The wife of underworld figure Anura Pushpakumara also known as “Batu Meeya,” who was recently arrested for aiding and abetting the murder of Warusavithana Mirantha, the Chairman of the Modara Devalaya Committee in Ambalangoda, has been taken into custody. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 14, 2025  10:03 pm