News Archive

Minister instructs restoration of damaged elephant fences within a week

A progress review meeting on the restoration of elephant fences damaged by the Cyclone Ditwah has been held yesterday (10) under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  9:50 am

China’s Foreign Minister to arrive in Sri Lanka

The Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in the country tonight (11). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  7:17 pm

Israel on high alert for possibility of US intervention in Iran, sources say

Israel is on high alert for the possibility of any United States intervention in Iran as authorities there confront the biggest anti-government protests in years, according to three Israeli sources with knowledge of the matter. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  3:41 pm

US warns Americans to leave Venezuela immediately as armed militias set up roadblocks

The U.S. government issued a new security alert Saturday urging Americans in Venezuela to leave the country immediately, citing security concerns and the U.S. government’s inability to provide emergency assistance, according to the U.S. Embassy Caracas. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  1:40 pm

Iran vows to strike back if US attacks as regime change protests continue

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the United States and Israel want to create chaos and disorder in Iran by ordering riots, urging Iranians to distance themselves from “rioters and terrorists.” MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  6:31 pm

Man dies in road accident in Melsiripura

An individual has died following a road accident that occurred in Nabeta, Melsiripura. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  4:06 pm

Insurance scheme launched for seed paddy production farms

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board says the project to provide coverage for paddy cultivation in seed paddy production farms, has been launched enabling farmers to successfully manage their farms amid prevailing risk conditions. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  12:08 pm

Low pressure area over Gulf of Mannar weakens further

The low pressure area over the Gulf of Mannar in Sri Lanka is weakening further. Therefore, the influence of this system on the island’s weather is further gradually reducing, the Department of Meteorology announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  6:40 am

Civil Aviation Authority to introduce proper regulatory framework for drones

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) says that a proper regulatory framework will be introduced to regulate the use of drones. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  8:39 am

Ratnapura registers highest temperate while Nuwara Eliya remains below 20 °C

Ratnapura recorded the highest temperature in the island today with 33.1 °C. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  9:20 pm

US military strikes Islamic State group targets in Syria, officials say

The US and its partner forces have carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State (IS) group targets in Syria, the US Central Command (Centcom) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  6:46 am

Minister announces plans to strengthen domestic aviation to boost tourism

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake says a programme will be implemented to strengthen Sri Lanka’s domestic aviation sector in order to support the development of the tourism industry. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  10:39 am

Train operations to Kandy within one year - Dy Minister of Transport

All efforts are being taken to resume train operations to Kandy within one year, according to Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  2:09 pm

Education reforms necessary but reconsider the process: Maha Sangha

Although there is a need for educational reforms in schools, the process in which the present administration is carrying them out is not acceptable, Senior Professor Venerable Pathegama Gnanissara Thero noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  2:44 pm

Tamil Nadu CM writes to Indian PM Modi over Sri Lanka’s proposed constitutional reforms

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the central government to take proactive and high-level diplomatic steps to protect the welfare, political rights, and constitutional aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils amid proposed constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  5:18 pm

Train operations between Maho and Anuradhapura suspended from Jan. 19

Train operations between the Maho Junction and Anuradhapura railway stations will be suspended for renovation activities, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  5:52 pm

Postal Department records Rs. 13,100 million in revenue in 2025

The Sri Lanka Postal Department has exceeded the revenue target set by the Treasury for last year, the department noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  1:48 pm

Australia bushfires to burn out of control for weeks, authorities say

Australian authorities said on Sunday (Jan 11) it would take firefighters weeks to get on top of bushfires in the country’s southeast that have razed homes, cut power to thousands of homes and burned swathes of bushland. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  4:46 pm

Hollywood stars battle for awards at 2026 Golden Globes

Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and other top names will compete for top honours at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, a key event in the run-up to the Academy Awards. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  8:49 pm

Musk’s X to open source new algorithm in seven days

Elon Musk said on Saturday that social media platform X will open to the public its new algorithm, including all code for organic and advertising post recommendations, in seven days. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  11:49 am

Donald Trump tells Cuba to ‘make a deal, before it is too late’

US President Donald Trump urged Cuba on Sunday (Jan 11) to “make a deal” or face unspecified consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to Havana would now stop. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  8:30 pm

Postponed 2025 A/L exams to resume tomorrow

The remaining subjects of the 2025 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination, which were postponed due to the disaster situation in the country, are scheduled to be held from tomorrow (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  8:01 pm

NBRO extends landslide warnings despite slight reduction in rainfall

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has decided to further extend landslide warnings despite a slight reduction in rainfall, according to Dr. Wasantha Senadheera, Senior Geologist at the NBRO. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  12:32 pm

Risk of flooding in several areas subsides

The risk of flooding in several parts of the country has now subsided, according to the Department of Irrigation. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  8:52 pm

Restoration work of Northern and Talaimannar railway lines commences

Restoration work of the Northern and Talaimannar railway lines was launched today (11). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  4:31 pm

ISRO spy satellite launch tomorrow to boost India’s private space ecosystem

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its 64th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission tomorrow, marking a critical moment for India’s space program and signalling the rise of the country’s private space ecosystem. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  6:10 pm

Over 1500 awareness programs conducted by CAA in 2025

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says it has conducted a total of 1,540 consumer awareness programs during the year 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  9:19 am

Two including 16-year old electrocuted to death in separate incidents

Two individuals, including a 16-year-old boy, have reportedly died after being electrocuted in separate incidents reported from the Kuchchaveli and Rasnayakapura Police areas. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  7:12 am

Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder and rhythm guitarist, dead at 78

Veteran rock musician Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead’s rhythm guitarist who helped guide the legendary jam band through decades of change and success, has died at age 78, according to a statement posted to his verified Instagram account on Saturday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  8:50 am

Death toll from Iran protest violence ‘reaches 116’

The death toll from violence surrounding nationwide protests challenging Iran’s leadership has reached at least 116 people, activists say. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  10:36 am

Nobel Institute says Peace Prize cannot be transferred after Machado suggestion

The Norwegian Nobel Institute said the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked, following remarks by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado suggesting she might give her 2025 award to U.S. President Donald Trump. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  8:33 am

CID launches probe into Public Security Ministry website breach

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an inquiry following reports that the official website of the Ministry of Public Security was targeted by external parties. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  11:09 am

National Visual Record Exhibition on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in February

The government is preparing to publish a National Visual Record on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka and the subsequent recovery and reconstruction process with the President’s Media Division taking the lead role in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  2:28 pm

Showers above 50 mm expected in Eastern, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces

Showers have been predicted in the Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and the Hambantota district tomorrow (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 11, 2026  3:14 pm

Death toll climbs after trash site collapse buries dozens in Philippines

Hard hat-wearing rescue workers and backhoes dug through rubble in search of survivors on Saturday (Jan 10) in the shadow of a mountain of garbage that buried dozens of landfill employees in the central Philippines, killing at least four. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  11:38 am

After 25 years of talks, EU & Mercosur agree to the highly contested free trade agreement

The European Union on Friday reached a free trade agreement with South American countries, 25 years after talks began, despite opposition from farmers in several European countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  5:40 pm

US seizes fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela, officials say

US forces have seized another tanker in the Caribbean Sea, officials say, as the Trump administration continues its efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  9:38 am

Muslim public servants to be granted flexible work schedules during Ramadan

The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has instructed state institutions to arrange work shifts for Muslim public servants to enable them to observe religious practices during the holy month of Ramadan. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  4:33 pm

Negombo pharmacy owner arrested for possession of various narcotics

A 32-year-old resident of Negombo was apprehended with a range of narcotics during a search of a suspicious vehicle near the Periyamulla–Eththukala railway crossing. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  8:37 am

CEB employees who applied for voluntary retirement write to Energy Minister over delays

Employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), who applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), have written to Minister of Energy, Engineer Kumara Jayakody, highlighting several issues they are facing, including the delay in gazetting the ‘Appointed Date’ for CEB Restructuring. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  6:40 pm

TIN mandatory for vehicle registration and ownership transfer from January 5

The Department of Motor Traffic has made it mandatory to enter the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in new vehicle registration and ownership transfer data systems of the Department of Motor Traffic during vehicle registration and transfer of ownership. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  6:02 pm

Traffic restrictions on Colombo-Kandy road in Kadawatha due to construction

The Police have announced that traffic on the Colombo-Kandy Road will be restricted in the Kadawatha area due to ongoing construction activities. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  10:33 am

Trump says US will do something on Greenland ‘whether they like it or not’

US President Donald Trump on Friday continued to press for U.S. control of Greenland, telling reporters: “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not.” MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  7:32 am

Police foil attempt to kill businessman in Mattakkuliya; 4 arrested with firearm

Police have arrested four suspects along with a firearm and ammunition in connection with an alleged attempt to shoot and kill a businessman in Mattakkuliya, Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  4:17 pm

Deep depression likely to weaken into a depression; heavy showers expected in Northern parts of the island

The Department of Meteorology states that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located about 100 km north-northeast of Trincomalee at 4:00 a.m. today (10 January). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  7:26 am

Magnitude 6.8 earthquake strikes off Indonesia’s Talaud Islands

An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Talaud Islands on Saturday (Jan 10), the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  10:55 pm

Galenbindunuwewa house fire claims fourth victim as 15-year-old girl succumbs

A 15-year-old girl who sustained critical injuries in a recent house fire in the Galenbindunuwewa area of Anuradhapura has succumbed to her injuries, bringing the death toll from the incident to four, police confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  5:11 pm

Rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman sells for $15 million

A rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman and also was once stolen from the home of actor Nicolas Cage has been sold for a record $15 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  11:53 am

Opposition to begin public signature drive for no-confidence motion against Education Minister

The General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has announced that the collection of public signatures in support of the no-confidence motion against Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, will commence today (10 January). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  8:43 am

Sajith, Dilith lead opposition protest to ‘protect free education’

Several opposition political parties staged a protest this evening (10) under the theme “Let’s Protect Free Education”, against the proposed education reforms and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 10, 2026  7:12 pm