News Archive

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

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

Ten police teams deployed to probe Akuregoda shooting of lawyer and wife

Ten police teams, including personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Special Task Force (STF), have been deployed to investigate the killing of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda this evening (13), Sri Lanka Police stated.

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  10:42 pm

President agrees on immediate action plan during talks with protesting fishermen

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Madel (beach seine net) fishermen who engaged in a protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat was held this afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  9:41 pm

Lawyer and wife killed in Akuregoda shooting: ‘Karandeniya Sudda’ ordered hit?

The two persons, including a woman, who were shot dead this evening (13) near a supermarket in Akuregoda have been identified as an attorney who had represented the underworld figure known as “Karandeniya Sudda,” and his wife, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  8:03 pm

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

MP Dilith Jayaweera claims Trinco Buddha statue incident used to stir national unrest

The leader of the Sarvajana Balaya and Member of Parliament, Dilith Jayaweera, today (13) claimed that the recent incident involving a Buddha statue in Trincomalee was deliberately used by the government to create unrest in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  10:06 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ports Minister steps down from committee probing controversial release of 323 containers

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunatilaka, has resigned from the Special Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to look into the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port without being subjected to mandatory physical inspection. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  9:07 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

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

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

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

Indian team reaches Colombo for high-octane clash against Pakistan

The Indian cricket team led by Suryakumar Yadav reached Colombo on Friday evening for the high-stakes T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan on Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  10:27 pm

BASL condemns shooting of lawyer and wife in Akuregoda

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly condemned the tragic shooting and assassination of an Attorney-at-Law and his wife today (13) at Akuregoda by a group of unidentified assailants. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  9:46 pm

Colombo will always stand as neutral venue for India-Pakistan engagements – MP Namal

Sri Lankan Member of Parliament (MP) and former Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has emphasized that Colombo could serve as a neutral venue for the resumption of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 13, 2026  8:59 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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