News Archive

Validity period of vouchers to purchase school shoes extended

The validity period for vouchers worth Rs. 3000 issued to selected schoolchildren, Piriven students, and Seela Mathas for the purchase of shoes in 2026 has been extended. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  6:33 pm

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  12:25 pm

Former Minister Johnston and sons further remanded

Five suspects including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), have been further remanded until February 20 by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  2:48 pm

Low-pressure area likely to form over southeastern Bay of Bengal – Met. Dept

The Department of Meteorology has stated that a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeastern Bay of Bengal around February 15. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  11:24 am

New Secretary appointed to Ministry of Digital Economy

Waruna Sri Dhanapala has been appointed as Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  2:27 pm

Norway’s former PM, Thorbjoern Jagland, accused of aggravated corruption over Epstein links

Norway has been rocked by the release of millions of files that allegedly show politicians and top diplomats had extensive contact with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  7:17 am

Education transformation is essential to rebuild the country - PM

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that, aligning with the development activities carried out under the new education reforms,...MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  11:40 am

Berlin Film Festival kicks off with a nod to new voices from Michelle Yeoh

The Berlin Film Festival opened on Thursday night with the message that new voices matter as Hollywood legend Michelle Yeoh recalled how the festival supported her early in her career. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  7:09 am

Former Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana passes away

Veteran politician and former Minister Professor Tissa Vitharana has passed away at the age of 91, according to family members. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  8:57 am

Sri Lanka briefs EU on steps taken towards advancing reconciliation

The European Union (EU) and Sri Lanka convened the 27th Session of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  4:32 pm

Landslide early warnings issued to areas in two districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early landslide warnings for several areas in two districts within the Central Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  8:10 am

Woman killed, 3 injured after elephant rampage in Valaichchenai

A woman has died while three others sustained injuries after being attacked by a wild elephant that stormed into the Valaichchenai town in Batticaloa this morning. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  9:49 am

Sri Lanka’s strategic location affords ‘outsized importance’, but can become target for coercion – US official

In a high-level hearing before the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, a top official of the US State Department underscored the critical strategic importance of Sri Lanka to global energy security and maritime commerce. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  6:15 pm

Second phase of first school term for 2026 ends

The second phase of the first school term for 2026 concluded today (13), the Ministry of Education announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  1:54 pm

Shooting at South Carolina State University leaves two dead, one wounded

Two people were killed and one other was wounded in a shooting on Thursday night at a dormitory of South Carolina State University, a historically Black college, prompting a campus lockdown, school officials said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  12:55 pm

Sajith claims all five coal shipments to Lakvijaya Plant were substandard

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged that all five shipments of coal imported for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai contained substandard coal. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  1:54 pm

US, Taiwan finalise deal to cut tariffs, boost purchases of US goods

Trump administration officials signed a final reciprocal trade agreement that confirmed a 15% U.S. tariff rate for imports from Taiwan, while committing Taiwan to a schedule for eliminating or lowering tariffs on nearly all U.S. goods. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  9:24 am

President Dissanayake congratulates Bangladesh on democratic elections

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended his best wishes to the people of Bangladesh for reaffirming their faith in democracy following the country’s elections. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  3:59 pm

Bangladesh’s BNP wins big in historic parliamentary election

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide parliamentary election on Friday, local TV stations showed, securing a resounding mandate in a pivotal vote that is expected to restore political stability in the South Asian nation. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  6:59 am

New ‘John Wick’ game with Keanu Reeves in lead role announced

Lionsgate and Saber Interactive have announced a new AAA video game based on the John Wick franchise, with the project revealed during Sony’s State of Play showcase. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  2:37 pm

Vehicle importers predict price hikes with new tax from April 1

The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has stated that a 2.5% tax has been introduced on imported vehicles, effective from April 01, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  12:38 pm

30kg of Kerala cannabis seized in Masar

A total of 30 kilograms of Kerala cannabis, with an estimated street value of approximately Rs. 10.5 million, has been seized during a joint operation conducted in the Masar area of the Palai police division. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  2:25 pm

Three sentenced to death over Waskaduwa murder in 2008

Three individuals have been sentenced to death today (13) by the Kalutara High Court in connection with the 2008 Waskaduwa murder case. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  6:54 pm

Passport services resume as Immigration Dept. computer system restored

The computer system at the Department of Immigration and Emigration has been fully restored, and passport services at the main office in Battaramulla and regional offices have returned to normal, the department announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  10:15 am

Two suspects arrested over financial fraud targeting women

Two suspects including a woman have been arrested by the North Western Province Unit of the Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID) for their alleged involvement in two instances of financial fraud. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  9:02 am

Man and woman shot dead inside car in Akuregoda

Two persons including a woman are reported dead following a shooting incident in Akuregoda, a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  5:39 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50mm likely in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in the Central, Uva, Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts today (13), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  6:32 am

SC reviews recovery of excise duty arrears from defaulting liquor manufacturers

The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today (13) that all measures have been taken to recover arrears of excise duty from alcohol manufacturing companies that have defaulted on payments. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  7:13 pm

Over 800 arrested in island-wide anti-drug raids yesterday: Police

A total of 820 individuals were arrested during island-wide raids conducted yesterday (12) under the “Nation United – National Drive” campaign. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  12:34 pm

Protesting fishermen to meet President for discussion today

Fishermen engaged in a Satyagraha campaign in front of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, demanding permission to carry out Madel (seine net) fishing activities using tractor-mounted winches, have been granted a discussion with the President this evening (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  2:17 pm

Fishermen end ‘Satyagraha’ over seine fishing ban after talks with President

The Satyagraha campaign launched by a group of fishermen demanding the lifting of the government’s ban on the use of tractor-mounted winches for Madel (seine net) fishing has been called off, a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  5:07 pm

Former DMT Deputy Commissioner arrested over bribery allegations

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested a former Deputy Commissioner of the Motor Vehicle Transfer Division of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  9:32 am

Case against ex-Minister Keheliya and family fixed for trial

The Colombo High Court today ordered that the case filed by the Bribery Commission against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his family members, over allegations of illegal acquisition of assets, be taken up for hearing on April 27. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  1:52 pm

Retired Water Board GM arrested on corruption charges

A retired former General Manager of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has been arrested yesterday (12) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on corruption-related charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  12:44 pm

Worker injured in fire at fireworks workshop in Andiambalama

A 35-year-old worker has been hospitalized following a fire that broke out at a fireworks workshop in Andiambalama, Katunayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  8:21 am

Bangladesh votes in landmark election after Gen Z revolution

Bangladesh heads to the polls on Thursday, marking a return to democracy after the 2024 ouster of long‑time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z‑driven uprising, in an election seen as pivotal for the country’s stability. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  5:38 am

Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek dies aged 48

Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role in US teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died aged 48 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  6:26 am

WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app

Russia has attempted to “fully block” Meta-owned WhatsApp in the country, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday, as it promotes home-grown platforms and seeks greater control over its internet space. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  7:23 am

Monthly drug review meetings proposed to ensure continuous medicine supply in hospitals

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni has proposed the conduct of monthly drug review meetings in every hospital to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  6:09 am

Police identify 18-year-old as suspect in Canada mass shooting

An 18-year-old has been named as the suspect in a shooting that killed eight people and injured dozens more in British Columbia, Canada. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  6:39 am

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50mm likely in some areas today

Showers will occur at times in the Central, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in the Hambantota district today (12), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  5:36 am

Police warn of circulation of emails using name of CID Director

It has come to the attention of the authorities that an individual or group is currently circulating a fraudulent email to the general public, falsely claiming to be from the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Shani Abeysekara, the Police Media Division said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  10:30 am

24 deaths by drowning so far this year – Police

A total of 24 individuals have died due to drowning incidents so far this year, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  8:58 am

Sri Lanka Navy earns US$ 600,000 in four months from merchant vessel security operations

The Sri Lanka Navy has generated nearly US$ 600,000 in foreign exchange within four months by providing security services to international merchant vessels. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  7:52 am

Sri Lanka extend condolences over mass shooting in Canada

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath has extended his condolences to the Government and people of Canada over the mass shooting that occurred yesterday in British Columbia. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  7:34 am

Sri Lanka, EU to hold Joint Commission meeting today

Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) will hold the 27th Session of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo today (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  5:37 am

JVP delegation discusses tourism, cultural ties with Kerala Chief Minister

The JVP delegation, led by its General Secretary Tilvin Silva, which is currently in India met Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday to discuss measures to boost tourism and strengthen cultural ties. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  9:21 am

Narcotics, firearm and forged number plates seized following interrogation of female suspect

A stock of narcotics, a firearm and several forged vehicle number plates have been uncovered by officers attached to the Mount Lavinia Police based on information revealed during the interrogation of a detained female suspect. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  8:41 am

US House votes to rescind Trump tariffs on Canada

US House lawmakers voted on Wednesday (Feb 12) to reject Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, sweeping aside the president’s last-gasp threat of election consequences for Republicans to deliver a rare rebuke on his signature economic policy. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  8:00 am

Sectoral Oversight Committee approves bill to abolish pensions for MPs

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection has approved the Bill seeking to abolish pension benefits for Members of Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 12, 2026  7:04 am