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Janani Imathma crowned winner of ‘Derana Dream Star - Season 12’

Janani Imathma was crowned the winner of “Derana Dream Star Season 12”, at the Grand Finale held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Saturday night (17). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 18, 2026 1:10 am

Three associates of ‘Dubai Ishara’ arrested with heroin in Gampola

Three suspects involved in the sale of narcotics linked to “Dubai Ishara”—a major drug trafficker operating a local drug network from Dubai—were arrested by the Gampola Police this morning (17). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 12:06 pm

Jinthupitiya Shooting: Victim succumbs to injuries

Police have confirmed that the individual who was critically injured in a shooting incident last night (16) in the Jinthupitiya area in Colombo, has succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the National Hospital of Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 7:01 am

Special announcement on 2025 A/L Home Economics practical exam

The Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka, has issued a special announcement regarding the practical examination for the subject of Home Economics for the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination (2025). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 2:35 pm

Demerit points system for traffic offences to be implemented from July-end

The demerit points system for drivers who violate traffic laws is scheduled to be implemented from the end of July, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 6:18 pm

‘Are you dead?’ Chinese app for single living goes viral

An app called “Are you dead” targeted at people living alone has gone viral in China, with surging downloads and widespread commentary on social media, prompting the company to introduce a subscription fee and change its name for a global audience. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 3:31 pm

Education reform process will not be reversed - PM Harini

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed that the ongoing education reform process will proceed without hindrance, emphasizing that the government has not taken a single step back from implementing transformative changes in the education sector. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 7:17 pm

When does the Nasa Moon mission launch and who are the Artemis II crew?

The first crewed Moon mission in more than 50 years could be launched by Nasa as soon as the first week of February. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 2:30 pm

Musk’s Starlink faces high-profile security test in Iran crackdown

Iran’s crackdown on dissidents is shaping up as one of the toughest security tests yet for Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has served as a lifeline against state-imposed internet blackouts since its deployment during the war in Ukraine. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 10:44 am

Eric Meyer tipped to be appointed next US Ambassador to Sri Lanka

Eric Meyer is set to be appointed as the next United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, according to reports indicating that U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated him for the diplomatic post. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 9:03 am

Indian Army constructs third Bailey bridge in Sri Lanka, restoring connectivity

The Indian Army has successfully constructed a third Bailey bridge on Sri Lanka’s B-492 Highway, linking Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in the Central Province, restoring a critical lifeline that was severed for over a month following Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 10:27 am

ChatGPT to carry adverts for some users

Adverts will soon appear at the top of the AI tool ChatGPT for some users, the company OpenAI has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 12:18 pm

Mainly dry weather expected over most parts of the country

The Meteorology Department states that mainly dry weather will prevail over most parts of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 7:40 am

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa calls on Chief Prelates of Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters

Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, and Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni have paid a visit to the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and received their blessings. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 4:37 pm

Trump says 8 European countries will be charged 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland, setting up a potentially dangerous test of U.S. partnerships in Europe. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 10:14 pm

Shooting in South African township leaves 7 dead

Gunmen killed seven people in a township outside the South African city of Cape Town early on Saturday in an incident believed to be extortion-related, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 4:00 pm

Rare purple star sapphire, claimed to be biggest of its kind, unveiled in Sri Lanka

A Purple Star Sapphire weighing 3,563 carats which is claimed to be the world’s biggest of its kind was unveiled on Saturday in the Sri Lankan capital by the owners, who are ready to sell the precious stone which is estimated to be worth at least $300 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 9:50 pm

MP Asoka Ranwala’s wife hospitalized after vehicle involved in accident

Former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Asoka Ranwala’s wife has been hospitalized following a car accident, Biyagama Police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 1:14 pm

Nuwara Eliya records lowest temperature at 8°C today

The lowest temperature in Sri Lanka today (17) was recorded at the Nuwara Eliya Meteorological Station at 8.0 degrees Celsius, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 12:08 pm

Indonesian ATR aircraft with 11 on board goes missing, debris seen on mountain

An Indonesian ATR 42-500 aircraft has gone missing near Makassar, with videos circulating on social media appearing to show debris on a mountain close to the area where contact with the plane was lost, according to flight-tracking data and local media reports. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 5:20 pm

Son arrested for assaulting father to death in Madawachchiya

A 67-year-old father of two was killed following an assault at a residence in the Kadawatgama area of Madawachchiya yesterday (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 9:08 am

Iran’s leader Khamenei blames Trump for inciting deadly protests

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed President Donald Trump for weeks of protests after rights groups said a violent crackdown by security forces had claimed thousands of lives. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 7:27 pm

Sri Lanka welcomes over 130,000 tourists in first 15 days of 2026

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has reported that a total of 131,898 tourists visited the country during the first 15 days of 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 11:17 am

Trump threatens new tariffs on countries opposed to Greenland takeover

US President Donald Trump has threatened to place tariffs on nations that do not go along with his ambitions to annex Greenland. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 9:30 am

Several train services including night mail trains to resume

The Railway Department of Sri Lanka has taken steps to resume several train services, including the night mail trains from Colombo Fort to Trincomalee and Batticaloa, which were suspended due to Cyclone “Ditwah”. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 12:27 pm

Trump appoints Tony Blair, Marco Rubio and more to Gaza ‘board of peace’

The White House has announced names of the so-called “Board of Peace” that will, under President Donald Trump’s plan, supervise the temporary governance of Gaza. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 17, 2026 7:45 am

Parents protest near Edu. Ministry demanding implementation of Grade 6 reforms

A protest organized by a group of parents of Grade 6 students commenced today (16) in front of the Ministry of Education, demanding the immediate implementation of proposed educational reforms for Grade 6 students. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:07 pm

ITAK opposes government’s ‘Praja Shakthi’ programme

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has expressed strong opposition to the ‘Praja Shakthi’ national programme implemented by the government. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 1:25 pm

SLTDA launches special program to achieve annual tourism targets

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has launched a special program aimed at achieving the national tourism targets set for this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 9:14 am

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado says she presented Nobel medal to Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she had presented her Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday during a high-stakes encounter that could affect how Trump seeks to shape the South American country’s political future. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:45 am

Interpol ‘Red Notice’ issued against 95 underworld figures hiding overseas – Police Spokesman

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said that Interpol ‘Red Notices’ have been obtained against 95 Sri Lankan organised criminal figures currently hiding overseas. MORE..

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

Female Buddhist monk dies following bus accident

A 77-year-old female Buddhist monk has succumbed to injuries after being hit by a bus while crossing the road at the Minnana junction on the Avissawella-Ratnapura road. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 9:21 am

Netflix inks global deal to stream Sony Pictures’ films after theatrical window

Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment have reached a new agreement that would bring films such as “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” to the streaming giant’s customers worldwide after they play in cinemas, the companies said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 1:40 pm

Price of a cup of milk tea reduced

The price of a cup of milk tea has been reduced by Rs. 10, the All-Island Restaurant Owners’ Association announced today (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:25 am

Case against ex-President Mahinda’s CSO to be taken up in June

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (16) ordered that the case involving Neville Wanniarachchi, the Chief Security Officer to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, be called on June 9. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 4:32 pm

Van carrying foreign tourists involved in collision near Gregory Lake

A van transporting a group of foreign tourists was involved in a head-on collision near the Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya along the Welimada main road, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:08 pm

Harry Styles announces fourth album - with intriguing title

After 1,336 days, the wait is over for Harry Styles fans - he has announced his return to music. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:17 am

“There’s something truly magical about Sri Lanka” - Julie Chung in farewell message

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped boost US–Sri Lanka ties during her nearly four-year tenure in the country and also the Sri Lankan people who she praised for their resilience and determination. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 1:06 pm

President issues warning to govt officials assisting drug traffickers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that his administration will never provide political protection to any individuals involved in drug trafficking. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 4:50 pm

Mainly fair weather expected to prevail today

Mainly fair weather will prevail in the most parts of the island, today (16), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:36 am

President inaugurates ‘Windscape Mannar’ 20 MW wind power plant in Mannar

In line with the Government’s programme to achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the 20-megawatt ‘Windscape Mannar’ wind power plant constructed in Mannar by CEYLEX Renewables was officially connected to the national grid yesterday (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:58 am

One dead after sharp-weapon attack on two women in Ahangama

An incident involving a sharp-weapon attack on two women has been reported from the Tittagalla area of Ahangama. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:58 am

Woman arrested for impersonating Police Inspector in Pettah

A woman who was impersonating a Police Inspector has been arrested near a lodge in Pettah. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 2:20 pm

Canada, China set for ‘historic’ gains from new partnership, Carney says

Canada and China are forging a new strategic partnership that promises “historic” gains by leveraging on each other’s strengths, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 11:01 am

Three suspects arrested over shooting incident in Kohuwala

Three suspects have been arrested for aiding and abetting the shooting incident at Bodhiyawatte in Kohuwala, in which a 16-year-old girl was injured. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 7:12 am

Wikipedia inks AI deals with Microsoft, Meta and Perplexity as it marks 25th birthday

Wikipedia unveiled new business deals with a slew of artificial intelligence companies on Thursday as it marked its 25th anniversary. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:35 pm

IMF says Sri Lanka’s electricity pricing policy remains tied to cost recovery

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that there is no immediate change to the electricity pricing objectives under Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported program, reaffirming the importance of maintaining cost recovery in the utility sector. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:25 am

S Korea’s ex-president Yoon to be jailed for five years over martial law bid

South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol will be jailed for five years over abuse of power, obstructing justice and falsifying documents in relation to his failed martial law bid in 2024. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:00 pm

Two criminal gang members and female suspect brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai

Two members of notorious organized criminal gangs, who are wanted in connection with multiple homicides, were brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai early this morning (January 16). MORE..

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

Further hearing of case against Ravi Karunanayake postponed until February

The Colombo High Court today ordered that further evidence hearing in the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) owner Arjun Aloysius be called on February 06. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 4:39 pm

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