News Archive

Six injured in head-on collision of two buses in Haldummulla

Six passengers were injured in a head-on collision involving a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus and a private bus in the Soragune area of Haldummulla. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  11:29 am

Seven dead, 82 missing in Indonesian landslide, disaster agency says

Seven people have died and 82 are missing after a landslide hit in Indonesia’s West Java province, Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday, amid reports of heavy rain in the area. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  1:50 pm

Ukraine, Russia, US to discuss fraught issue of territorial concessions in Abu Dhabi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the future of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region will be a key focus as negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States meet in Abu Dhabi on Friday for talks to end Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  6:59 am

Sri Lanka lacks financial resilience to withstand internal or external shocks – Bandula

Former Minister Bandula Gunawardena has stated that Sri Lanka currently lacks the financial strength required to withstand either domestic natural disasters or sudden external shocks arising from foreign countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  12:32 pm

Man hacked to death over personal dispute in Embilipitiya

A 39-year-old man was killed with sharp weapons yesterday (23) in the Weerasinghapura area of Embilipitiya following the escalation of a personal dispute. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  8:38 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Northwestern provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  6:35 am

Colombo ranked world’s most unaffordable city for property buyers in 2026

Colombo has been ranked the most unaffordable city in the world for buying property, according to the latest Property Prices Index from Numbeo, the world’s largest cost-of-living database. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  1:02 pm

Dalada Maligawa requires Rs. 1,500M annual income to sustain operations: Diyawadana Nilame

The Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Pradeep Nilanga Dela, stated that an annual income of Rs. 1,500 million is required to maintain the operations of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  2:40 pm

Showers forecast across several provinces over next 36 hours – Met. Dept

The Department of Meteorology says showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces, as well as in the Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts, during the next 36 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  4:54 pm

Sajith expresses optimism after another round of SJB–UNP talks

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stated that discussions between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) have made positive progress, expressing optimism about a successful outcome. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  3:41 pm

Sri Lanka records over 194,000 tourist arrivals in first 22 days of 2026

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has reported that a total of 194,553 tourists have arrived in the country during the first 22 days of 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  10:57 am

Nearly 2,000 cybercrimes reported in 2025, over 300 arrested - Police

Sri Lanka Police revealed that 318 individuals were arrested in connection with various cybercrimes within the past year (2025). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  6:56 pm

India and EU set for ‘mother of all deals’ as Trump’s tariff uncertainty looms

European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations next Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  1:37 pm

China investigating top general over serious violations, says defence ministry

China’s most senior general is under investigation, China’s defence ministry said on Saturday, in the highest-profile purge to date of senior military leadership just as Beijing modernises its forces and tries to further project its might. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  9:48 pm

Gunman arrested in shooting of 16-year-old girl in Kohuwala

The suspected gunman involved in the shooting incident of a 16-year-old girl in the Bodhiyawatte area of Dehiwala has been arrested, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  8:36 am

Deputy Secretary General of Parliament interdicted

The Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, has reportedly been temporarily interdicted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  1:14 pm

GMOA strike continues for second consecutive day

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has stated that the strike launched yesterday (23) by doctors has entered its second consecutive day today (24), as the government has not responded positively to their concerns so far. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  8:14 am

FM Vijitha Herath speaks with Venezuelan counterpart in phone call

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, said he held a telephone conversation yesterday (23) with Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Yván Gil Pinto. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  9:30 am

11 arrested with drug haul in two fishing boats seized off southern coast

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has apprehended a total of 11 suspects along with two multi-day fishing trawlers in the deep seas off the southern coast for possession of heroin and the synthetic drug ‘ICE’ (crystal methamphetamine). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  10:33 am

Morning frost in Nuwara Eliya with minimum temperature at 7.8°C today

Due to the cold weather prevailing during the morning hours, ground frost was reported in several areas of Nuwara Eliya today (24). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  11:27 am

Over 8,000 flights cancelled in US amid winter storm

More than 8,000 flights across the US set to take off over the weekend have been cancelled as a major storm expected to wreak havoc across much of the country bears down, threatening to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  5:15 pm

Suspect wanted under ‘Red Notice’ repatriated from India – Police

Following direct discussions conducted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) with the Government of India, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, and Indian security authorities, an organized criminal who was the subject of an international ‘Red Notice’ and residing overseas has been repatriated to Sri Lanka from India by air. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  8:26 pm

Chinese lantern festival lights up for Lunar New Year

In southwest China’s Sichuan province, the annual Zigong International Lantern Festival kicked off on Friday, showcasing the centuries-old art of illuminated lanterns on a grand scale. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  9:07 am

ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland at T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India due to security concerns. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  3:53 pm

Meta halts teens’ access to AI characters globally

Meta Platforms said on Friday it will suspend teenagers’ access to its existing AI characters across all of its apps worldwide, as it builds an updated iteration of those for teen users. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  12:20 pm

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero admitted to hospital

Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, who is currently in remand custody, has been admitted to the Trincomalee District General Hospital for a medical examination. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  1:08 pm

State Vesak Festival to be held on May 30 - Minister

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. Chandana Abeyratne says that this year’s State Vesak Festival will be held on May 30, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 24, 2026  4:21 pm

New circular issued on restoring livelihoods of cyclone-affected communities

A new circular has been issued to facilitate the restoration of livelihoods of the people impacted by the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  2:23 pm

CAASL to introduce licensing system for drone pilots for first time in Sri Lanka

For the first time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is set to introduce a licensing system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators engaged in commercial and professional activities. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  2:26 pm

Sri Lanka’s Hatton among National Geographic’s top gourmet stays to book in 2026

Sri Lanka’s iconic tea heritage has been highlighted by National Geographic Traveller (UK) as part of a global feature on food-focused travel experiences around the world. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  4:11 pm

Indian specialist medical team arrives in Sri Lanka to assist Cyclone Ditwah victims

A team of five specialist doctors from the Indian state of Kerala have arrived in Sri Lanka today (23) to provide essential medical services to people affected by Cyclone Ditwah, who are currently staying at “Suraksha” relief camps in the Badulla District. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  6:56 pm

Two fishing boats seized with 270 kg of ‘Ice’ and heroin off southern coast

Two multi-day fishing trawlers transporting a large haul of drugs in the deep seas off the southern coast have been taken into custody during a joint operation by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  8:33 pm

Harry Styles announces global tour dates with 30 nights in New York City

Harry Styles is officially getting ready for a seven-city residency, with the singer announcing his upcoming world tour, Together Together, on Thursday via Instagram. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  2:12 pm

Ex-President Ranil calls on Malwathu and Asgiriya Chief Prelates

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has visited the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Buddhist Chapters and received their blessings, this morning (23). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  4:27 pm

Govt. focused on providing pension for private, semi-govt workers: Dy Minister

The government has focused on providing a pension to the employees in the private sector and the semi-government sector, Deputy Minister of Labor Mahinda Jayasinghe said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  7:00 pm

Anusha Palpita remanded

Former Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and former Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Anusha Palpita, has been remanded until February 6 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  3:19 pm

Trump says US ‘armada’ heading toward Iran

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an “armada” heading toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  5:14 pm

480 arrested for drug driving so far this year – Public Security Minister

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated that 480 motorists found to be driving under the influence of narcotic substances have been arrested during the first 22 days of this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  5:16 pm

CEB restructuring process to continue further

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has announced that the restructuring process will continue further and has reached the final stage. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  6:43 pm

CSD members donate day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

The members of the Civil Security Department have donated a day’s salary to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which was established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country following the devastation caused by cyclone Ditwah, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  3:26 pm

Rare Sri Lankan leopard gives birth to 3 cubs in Singapore Zoo

Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs were born in the Singapore Zoo on January 1, bringing the population of the rare animal in Mandai Wildlife Reserve to seven. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  4:52 pm

Universities (Amendments) Bill passed with amendments in Parliament

The Universities (Amendments) Bill has been passed in Parliament with amendments, following its third reading, the Speaker of the House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced.

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  5:47 pm

Third berth at Colombo Port’s ECT enters service

The Colombo East Container Terminal of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority marked a pivotal operational milestone today (23) with the commissioning of its third berth at the Port of Colombo, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  4:03 pm

“We are ready to step down when people decide on a change” - PM Harini

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated she is prepared to step down from the position of Prime Minister once the people of the country decide that a change is necessary. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  7:31 pm

AI could be smarter than all of humanity in five years, says Elon Musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said artificial intelligence (AI) is on track to become smarter than all of humanity combined within the next five years — a shift he believes will change how people work, move and even find purpose. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  4:27 pm

Indictments filed against former Minister Chamara Sampath

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (23) that indictments have been filed in the Colombo High Court against former Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake over a corruption allegation. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  1:35 pm

US completes withdrawal from World Health Organisation

The US has finalised its withdrawal from the World Health Organisation, one year after President Donald Trump announced America was ending its 78-year-old commitment, federal officials said Thursday. But it’s hardly a clean break. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  3:17 pm

Hospital services disrupted as GMOA’s token strike gets underway

The 48-hour token strike launched by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) based on several demands is currently underway. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  1:56 pm

PM and Opp. Leader agree on civil society reps to Constitutional Council

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa have agreed on the appointments of civil society representatives to the Constitutional Council (CC). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  5:46 pm

Sri Lankan arrested for facilitating friend’s visit to UK on his visa, boarding pass

A Sri Lankan-origin UK national has been arrested by the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) police for allegedly facilitating another person’s travel to the UK with his visa and boarding pass. The accused, Kandiya Rajagopal, had given his visa and boarding pass to his friend Sharushan Kunasekaran, who used them to travel to the UK. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 23, 2026  6:10 pm