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UK to consult on social media ban for under 16s

The British government will consult on whether social media should be banned for under-16s in the UK. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 10:58 am

Sri Lanka’s proposed counterterrorism law risks further abuses – HRW

The Sri Lanka government’s proposed counterterrorism legislation includes numerous provisions similar to the current abusive law and risks facilitating the same kind of repression, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said today. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 10:52 am

Police introduce contact numbers to provide information for systematic anti-narcotics operations in 2026

With the commencement of the New Year, the Sri Lanka Police have introduced a dedicated and streamlined mechanism enabling the public to directly provide information to Divisional Officers-in-Charge (OICs) regarding the distribution of illicit narcotics across the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 9:22 am

Trump says he will ‘100%’ carry out Greenland tariffs threat, as EU vows to protect its interests

Donald Trump has vowed to “100%” follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on European countries who oppose his demand to take control of Greenland. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 6:41 am

Trump threatens 200% tariffs on French wines to get Macron to join ‘Board of Peace’

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes, a move he claimed would push French President Emmanuel Macron to join Trump’s Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 12:41 pm

Govt earned Rs. 904 bln from vehicle imports, more than double the expected income

The government has generated a total income of Rs. 904 billion from vehicle imports, significantly surpassing the initially projected target of Rs. 441 billion. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 12:15 pm

At least 13 children killed in school bus crash in South Africa

Preliminary reports indicate 11 schoolchildren died at the scene, with two others succumbing to their injuries later in hospital. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 11:23 am

Last-minute revision in Grade 6 English language module carried out without proper methodology: Minister Bimal

It has been revealed that a last-minute revision to the Grade 6 English language module introduced under the new education reforms was carried out without following the proper methodology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 8:29 am

Trump to meet global CEOs in Davos, with US policy in spotlight

Donald Trump is expected to meet global business leaders in Davos on Wednesday, sources familiar with the matter said, as the U.S. President’s presence looms large over the annual gathering of the global elite in Switzerland. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 11:21 am

Cold weather triggers rise in viral infections across Sri Lanka - Health experts

Health authorities have reported an increase in the spread of several viral diseases coinciding with the prevailing cold weather conditions in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 9:51 am

Mainly dry weather expected in most parts of the island today

Mainly dry weather will prevail in the most parts of the island, today (20), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 6:30 am

Ex-ministers Mahindananda and Nalin Fernando’s appeals fixed for hearing

The Supreme Court today (20) fixed a date for the hearing of the appeals filed by former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando against their convictions on corruption charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 10:56 am

Chinese companies ready to invest in dairy farms and agri produce in Sri Lanka

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has announced plans to invest in Sri Lanka. The proposed investments aim to utilise unused land in the country to develop large-scale dairy farms and export-oriented agricultural products, including vegetables and fruits. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 12:22 pm

Celebrated Italian fashion designer Valentino dies aged 93

Valentino Garavani, the jet-set Italian designer whose high-glamour gowns — often in his trademark shade of “Valentino red” — were fashion show staples for nearly half a century, has died at home in Rome, his foundation announced Monday. He was 93. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 12:18 am

Sajith vows to ensure justice for foreign employment scam victims

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has stated that he intends to re-submit facts to the Parliament regarding a major scam in which over 640 individuals were allegedly defrauded by two foreign employment agencies. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 12:38 pm

Five suspects including woman arrested over Jinthupitiya shooting

Five suspects, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the shooting incident in Jinthupitiya, which resulted in the death of one person and caused injuries to two small children on 16 January, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 9:52 am

Heavy snow in US strands drivers in 100-vehicle crash

Law enforcement officials said on Monday (Jan 19) that they were working to clear roads after a 100-vehicle crash occurred on snow-blanketed roads in the northern state of Michigan. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 9:50 am

Suspect arrested with over Rs. 283 mln, two vehicles in Ibbagamuwa

A suspect has been arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act with Rs. 283,300,000 in cash and two vehicles suspected to have been illegally acquired. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 7:34 am

Sri Lanka Police expresses gratitude for UAE’s continued support in combating transnational crimes

Sri Lanka Police has expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its relevant authorities for their cooperation in the successful deportation of three wanted suspects to Sri Lanka on January 15. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 20, 2026 12:14 pm

Japan PM Takaichi to dissolve parliament Friday and call national election

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will dissolve parliament Friday and call a national election to seek voter backing for increased spending and a new security strategy expected to accelerate Japan’s defence build up. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 2:57 pm

Foreign-made pistol found in abandoned water tank in Keselwatta

A foreign-manufactured pistol has been discovered from an abandoned water tank within an apartment complex in the Keselwatta area. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 9:25 am

Govt keen to promote cashless economy and introduce digital IDs

Extensive discussions have been held at a review meeting at the Presidential Secretariat pertaining to the progress of projects planned by the government to promote a cashless economy in Sri Lanka, including the digitalisation of government institutions, promotion of QR transactions and the completion of the digital identity card project. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 4:10 pm

Trinco Buddha Statue Incident: Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and others further remanded

Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, and six other individuals who were arrested and subsequently remanded for allegedly violating coastal conservation laws by placing a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Viharaya have been further remanded. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 4:29 pm

Govt commits to global best practices for child and caregiver well-being: Minister

The Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, stated that the government has undertaken numerous initiatives to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) and care. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 9:03 am

GMOA doctors resume strike in Eastern Province

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced that the strike launched by doctors in all government hospitals across the Eastern Province will resume from 8.00 a.m. today (19), as the government has failed to respond to their demands. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 6:43 am

Three arrested over circulation of video abusing woman on social media

An individual has been arrested by the Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women in connection with a video circulating on social media depicting a woman being abused. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 2:52 pm

Factory explosion in China kills two, injures 84

A huge explosion at a factory in northern China has killed two people and injured 84 others, with eight people still missing, state media reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 10:39 am

Parents stage silent protest near Edu. Ministry demanding Grade 6 reforms

A group of parents has launched a continuous silent protest this morning (19) in front of the Ministry of Education, urging the immediate implementation of the recently suspended proposed education reforms for Grade 6 students. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 1:08 pm

Death toll in Karachi mall fire jumps to 11

Firefighters in Karachi began searching on Monday for more than 60 missing people after a massive fire destroyed a shopping mall in Pakistan’s most populous city, while the death toll from the disaster rose to 11. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 12:53 pm

Railway station masters threaten to launch trade union action over several demands

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union has threatened to launch a trade union action citing several unresolved demands. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 4:23 pm

NGJA revises taxation method for imported rough gemstones to support industry

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has announced a revision to the taxation methodology for importing rough gemstones, aiming to provide relief to industry stakeholders and support the country’s goal of achieving $1 billion in annual gem export earnings. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 1:37 pm

PM Harini departs for World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed Sri Lanka earlier this morning (19) to participate in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, the PM’s Office said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 8:06 am

Special traffic plan in Colombo in view of Sri Lanka-England cricket series

A special traffic plan will be in place in Colombo during the upcoming Sri Lanka-England cricket matches to be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 3:12 pm

Colombo HC records witness evidence in case against Mervyn Silva

The case filed by the Bribery Commission against former Minister Mervyn Silva, over allegations that he acquired assets in excess of his lawful income during his tenure as a minister, was taken up again before the Colombo High Court today. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 4:44 pm

Over 1,000 imported salt containers stranded at Colombo Port for six months

It has been revealed that more than 1,000 containers of salt imported into the country have been held at the Colombo Port warehouses for over six months after the expiry of the approved import period. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 7:51 am

Trump justifies threats to take over Greenland, citing Nobel Peace Prize snub

US President Donald Trump told Norway’s prime minister he no longer needed to think “purely of peace” after failing to win the Nobel Peace Prize, in a message published Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 4:12 pm

Transport Minister promises corruption-free development

The present administration aims to advance the country’s development without theft or corruption, the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayaka stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 5:06 pm

President to chair special discussion on exposition of sacred Buddha relics from India

A special discussion regarding the exposition of the Sacred Relics of Buddha, which will be brought down from India, will be held on January 21, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, according to Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 11:51 am

Parliamentary Sub-Committee reviews execution of principal transfers in national and provincial schools

The implementation of transfers of Principals in National and Provincial Schools and related matters, together with the existing human resource shortages in schools, has been discussed recently at the meeting of the Parliamentary Sub-Committee. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 12:36 pm

Two high-speed trains derail in Spain, police sources say 21 people killed

A high-speed train derailed and smashed into another oncoming train in southern Spain on Sunday, pushing the second train off the tracks and down an embankment in a collision that police sources confirmed to Reuters had killed at least 21 people. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 6:53 am

Search operation launched to locate two missing fishermen

Two individuals, who set out for fishing in a boat early this morning (19) from Wella, Chilaw have been reported missing, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 3:41 pm

19-year old arrested for aiding and abetting Kaduwela shooting incident

Another individual who had allegedly aided and abetted the shooting incident that occurred on January 01, 2026 in Menikagara Road, Koratota, Nawagamuwa, in the Kaduwela area, has been arrested. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 7:57 am

Decline in air quality observed across several areas; CEA advises caution

The Media Spokesperson for the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Dr. Ajith Gunawardena says that a decline in air quality has been reported in multiple parts of the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 1:05 pm

Baladaksha Mawatha flyover declared open

The Baladaksha Mawatha flyover was declared open to the public today (19). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 1:21 pm

Chile fires kill at least 18 as firefighters battle extreme heat, winds

Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in two regions in the south of the country on Sunday as raging wildfires forced at least 20,000 people to evacuate and left at least 18 people dead. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 9:03 am

Public to be notified on ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’ donations through its website

The official website related to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” national programme has been launched under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 2:19 pm

‘Send Your Name to the Moon’: NASA opens public participation for Artemis II mission

NASA Artemis II: As part of one of its historic missions, NASA has invited people from around the world to become part of its Artemis II mission by sending their names to space. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 12:28 pm

China’s population falls for fourth straight year

China’s population fell for the fourth straight year in 2025 as its birth rates sunk to a record low, despite the government rolling out a spate of incentives to boost them. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 2:44 pm

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026: Colombo among best food cities; Galle in top 5 honeymoon destinations

Sri Lanka has received significant international recognition in the “Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best 2026”, with Colombo and Galle being named among the world’s top destinations under two categories, marking a major boost for the country’s tourism and hospitality industries. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 11:54 am

Grama Niladhari officers withdraw from disbursement of Rs. 5 million cyclone relief grant

The Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance has decided to withdraw from the process of disbursing the Rs. 5 million government grant allocated for residential properties that were partially damaged as a result of cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 19, 2026 1:56 pm

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