News Archive

UK Deputy PM David Lammy to visit Sri Lanka tomorrow to strengthen bilateral ties

The Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Lammy is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow (17). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  2:19 pm

Wild New Zealand storm disrupts transport, leaves thousands without power

Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted flights, trains and ferries, forcing the closure of roads across large parts of New Zealand’s North Island on Monday, while snapping power links to tens of thousands. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  2:52 pm

Over 800 prisoners currently on death row in Sri Lanka - Ministry

A total of 817 local and foreign individuals who have been sentenced to death are currently held in prisons across the country, the Ministry of Justice and National Integration has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  3:21 pm

‘Women must step forward to carry forward the change we have begun’ - PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that no one will be allowed to drag the country’s future backward by inciting racism, and emphasized that women must step forward to carry forward the change that has been initiated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  9:43 am

Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US

Iran is pursuing a nuclear agreement with the U.S. that delivers economic benefits for both sides, an Iranian diplomat was reported as saying on Sunday, days before a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  6:39 am

Train services on Colombo–Puttalam line resume following cyclone Ditwah disruptions

Train services on the Colombo–Puttalam railway line, which were suspended due to the damage caused by the Cyclone Ditwah, have resumed earlier this morning (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  10:16 am

US conducts first air transport of nuclear microreactor in bid to show technology’s viability

The U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense on Sunday for the first time transported a small nuclear reactor on a cargo plane from California to Utah to demonstrate the potential to quickly deploy nuclear power for military and civilian use. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  12:20 pm

BASL members to refrain from appearing for court cases today

Members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) are refraining from appearing before courts island-wide on behalf of any cases today (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  6:51 am

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva to arrive in Sri Lanka today

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  8:28 am

GMOA to withdraw from health data reporting from Feb. 18

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced its decision to withdraw from the reporting of health data with effect from February 18.

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  12:50 pm

Case against Namal Rajapaksa over ‘Krrish’ deal adjourned

The Colombo High Court has ordered the postponement of the case filed against Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa regarding the controversial ‘Krrish’ project deal until February 19. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  10:32 am

Asgiri Anu Nayake Thero calls for calm amid criticism of Buddhist clergy

Members of the Buddhist clergy should respond with equanimity to allegations directed at them by certain sections of society, the Anu Nayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Narampanawa Ananda Thero stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  4:10 pm

State universities face 50% lecturer shortage; Crisis worsens at Rajarata University

The Students’ Union of the Faculty of Management at the Rajarata University says that there is an approximately 50% shortage of lecturers and professors within the state university system, adding that the issue has become particularly severe at the Rajarata University. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  7:17 am

Modi to visit Israel soon for key talks with Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel later this month as the two countries seek to further deepen bilateral ties in key areas, especially defence, agriculture and counter-terrorism, official sources confirmed on Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  12:48 pm

Police inspection in Tissamaharama: 23 school buses and 3 vans deemed unfit for road use

School buses and vans transporting students to Tissamaharama were subjected to a sudden inspection by police, authorities said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  2:09 pm

Three including woman arrested at BIA with over 16 kg of ‘Kush’

Three individuals, including a woman, have been apprehended at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by the Airport Police Narcotics Division in Wellampitiya while in possession of over 16 kilograms of ‘Kush’ narcotics. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  7:38 am

‘Wuthering Heights’ dominates global box office with $82 million, ‘GOAT’ scores $47.6 million worldwide

“Wuthering Heights” was No. 1 at the global box office with $82 million, ranking as the top worldwide debut of the year. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  8:02 am

Lawyers stage protest march over killing of lawyer and wife in Akuregoda

A protest march has been staged today (16) by a group of lawyers led by the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) over the murder of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda, Thalangama last week. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  1:58 pm

Two brothers arrested in Kottawa in relation to Akuregoda murders

Two brothers have been arrested in Kottawa for allegedly aiding and abetting the killing of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda, Thalangama last week. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  3:56 pm

Leaders gather for New Delhi AI summit as warnings grow over societal risks

A global artificial intelligence summit kicks off in New Delhi on Monday with big issues on the agenda, from job disruption to child safety, but some attendees warn the broad focus could diminish the chance of concrete commitments from world leaders. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  9:41 am

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva arrives in Sri Lanka

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  4:03 pm

Govt. announces minimum purchase prices for paddy

The government has officially announced the minimum prices at which the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) will purchase paddy from farmers.

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  2:54 pm

2025 O/L examination to begin tomorrow at over 3,500 centres

The 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination is scheduled to commence tomorrow (17). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  7:01 am

Cricket fans flew in 15 private jets to witness yesterday’s India-Pakistan match in Colombo

A large number of cricket fans from around the world landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on 15 private jets to witness the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match held in Colombo on 15 February 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  3:55 pm

25 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka Navy

Twenty-five Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy while allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan high seas in the Palk Strait earlier this morning (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  12:45 pm

Apple’s cheapest MacBook with iPhone chip to launch in March

Apple’s most affordable MacBook in years could be just weeks away. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  12:29 pm

Parcel containing live ammunition, SIM cards recovered in Wattala

A parcel containing live ammunition has been taken into custody by the police in the Gaala Junction area in Wattala. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  8:30 am

Special announcement for 2025 O/L exam candidates

The Commissioner General of Examinations, A. K. S. Indika Kumari Liyanage, has urged candidates sitting for the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination to pay close attention to the official examination timetable. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  10:37 am

President Dissanayake pays last respects to late Prof. Tissa Vitarana

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has paid his final respects to the late veteran politician and former minister, Professor Tissa Vitarana. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  9:50 am

UNP warns killing of lawyer threatens integrity of legal system

The United National Party (UNP), in a statement, said that the killing of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife on Friday, 13 February 2026, in broad daylight, poses a serious threat to the integrity of Asia’s oldest Western-based legal system. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  1:39 pm

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers will occur in Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Hambantota districts, today (16), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  6:30 am

Tamil Nadu CM urges PM Modi to solve citizenship issues of 89,000 Sri Lankan Tamils

With just two months to go for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a “humane and pragmatic” resolution to the long-pending citizenship issue and legal status of Sri Lankan Tamils living in the state for over four decades. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 16, 2026  9:42 am

Suspect arrested with over 270kg of Kerala cannabis in Ragama

A suspect has been arrested in the Ragama area with 271 kilograms and 835 grams of Kerala cannabis. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  9:14 am

Govt must explain murders occurring in high security zones even during state of emergency – Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has issued a special statement condemning the double homicide that took place in Akuregoda, Thalangama. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  12:32 pm

NPP lawyers condemn Akuregoda double murder, urge swift justice

The lawyers of the National People’s Power (NPP) have issued a statement condemning the shooting death of a lawyer, Buddhika Mallawarachchi, and his wife in the Akuregoda, Thalangama area on 13 February 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  1:06 pm

Sri Lanka government approval rating increases to 65%: Survey

The approval rating of the government has increased to 65% in early-February 2026, in the latest round of the Gallup style “Mood of the Nation” poll conducted by Verité Research. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  1:55 pm

Fairly heavy showers expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Hambantota districts, today (15), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  6:25 am

Six arrested in Lunugala-Bulugolla area for illegal excavation of artifacts

Six individuals have been arrested in connection with illegal excavations in search of artifacts in the Lunugala and Bulugolla areas. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  10:48 am

Three killed in separate motorcycle accidents in Matara and Damana

Three individuals have reportedly died in separate road accidents that occurred in the Matara and Damana areas, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  10:07 am

“Mutual respect, religious coexistence, and peaceful unity are eternal treasures of our country”- Opposition Leader’s Maha Shivaratri message

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa extended his greetings to Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and around the world on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  8:08 am

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin urges prompt repatriation of Indian fishermen released by Sri Lankan court

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, requesting immediate action to ensure the return of Tamil Nadu fishermen released by a Sri Lankan court to their home state. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  11:58 am

President urges solidarity and spiritual consciousness in Maha Shivaratri message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his message to mark Maha Shivaratri, stated that with the hope that the darkness of ignorance be dispelled and the light of wisdom be kindled, the sacred festival devoutly observed by Hindus around the world falls today (15). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  7:31 am

Vehicle used in Akuregoda double murder found burning in Galle

The car suspected to have been used by the gunmen involved in the double homicide that took place at Akuregoda in Thalangama, has been found on an access road in the Kuttiyawatta area of Agaliya, Galle. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  6:42 am

Special traffic and security plan in Colombo for T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan

Sri Lanka Police says a comprehensive traffic and security plan has been implemented for today’s (15) 2026 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  8:39 am

Motorcycle suspected to be linked to Kalutara shooting recovered in Bandaragama

A motorcycle suspected to have been used in the shooting incident reported last night (15) in the Wadiyamankada area of Kalutara North has been recovered in the Bandaragama area. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  11:11 am

Cardinal warns of family breakdown in Sri Lanka, stresses society’s strength lies in family

The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has expressed concern over the disintegration of family structures in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  11:37 am

Obama addresses racist video shared by Trump depicting him as an ape

Former US President Barack Obama has indirectly addressed a racist video posted on President Donald Trump’s social media, telling a podcast host that the “shame” and “decorum” that once guided public officials is now lost. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  7:05 am

PM Harini calls for unity, compassion and faith on Maha Shivaratri

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has extended her warmest greetings to the Hindu community of Sri Lanka and to devotees across the world on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  7:33 am

Several factions oppose CEB’s proposal to increase electricity tariffs

Several parties have expressed opposition to the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) proposal to increase electricity tariffs by 13.56% for the second quarter of 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  1:54 pm

Son of Iran’s last shah urges US military intervention in Iran

Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi on Saturday said U.S. military intervention in Iran could save lives and urged President Donald Trump’s administration not to spend too long negotiating with Tehran’s clerical rulers on a nuclear deal. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 15, 2026  10:46 am