News Archive

US Congress approves release of Epstein files

The Republican-controlled U.S. Congress voted almost unanimously on Tuesday to force the release of Justice Department files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an outcome President Donald Trump had fought for months before ending his opposition. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 19, 2025  6:07 am

Train services along upcountry line restricted to Nanu Oya due to derailment

Train operations along the upcountry railway line are restricted to the Nanu Oya station due to a derailment, Sri Lanka Railways Department stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 19, 2025  6:56 am

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers will occur in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 19, 2025  5:43 am

Education holds power to unite people politically, socially and economically – PM Harini

Education is a process of sharing collective knowledge and has the power to bring people together politically, socially and economically, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 19, 2025  5:44 am

Deputy FM Arun Hemachandra to attend EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum in Belgium

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra is scheduled to leave for Belgium today (19), to attend the Fourth EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 19, 2025  7:34 am

Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and services sectors expand in October

Sri Lanka’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for October 2025 recorded growth in both manufacturing and services sectors. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 19, 2025  7:16 am

India’s US exports jump despite 50% tariffs as trade tensions ease

India’s goods exports to the US rose for the first time in five months in October, jumping 14.5% from September, even as Donald Trump’s steep tariffs remain in place. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  2:47 pm

Showers to reduce from tomorrow: Met. Dept.

The low pressure area located around Sri Lanka is gradually moving away from the island and therefore the showery weather condition over the country is likely to reduce from tomorrow (19), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  4:55 pm

Train services on main line delayed

A signal failure at Orugodawatte has resulted in delays to train services on the main line, according to Sri Lanka Railways.

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  8:44 am

Heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

The low pressure area over the island continues to persist and cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island, today (18), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  6:32 am

Cabinet approval to provide Rs. 7,000 allowance police officers – Minister

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the provision of an allowance of Rs. 7,000 for police officers. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  11:28 am

Foreign Ministry responds to Harsha’s comments, clarifies plans to overhaul outdated govt websites

Responding to concerns raised by SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva in Parliament yesterday regarding the government’s outdated and non-functional official websites, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the issues stem from obsolete technological foundations used across government and diplomatic mission websites. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  10:02 am

NPP claims power in Seethawaka PS six months after the conduct of LG election

The National People’s Power (NPP) today established power in the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, over six months after the conduct of the Local Government (LG) election. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  2:35 pm

India introduces digital wallet service ‘UPI One World’ for Sri Lankan visitors

A pilot initiative to introduce UPI One World digital service for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims visiting India has been launched. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  2:05 pm

‘Kush’ worth over Rs. 113 mln found inside luggage left behind at BIA

A large consignment of “Kush” cannabis, with an estimated street value of Rs. 113,670,000, has been discovered yesterday (18) at the bonded warehouse containing luggage and belongings left behind by passengers and confiscated by customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  1:31 pm

Plane carrying Congo minister, 20 others bursts into flames; skids off runway

A chartered Embraer ERJ‑145LR carrying Democratic Republic of Congo mines minister Louis Watum Kabamba and around 20 others onboard skidded off the runway and caught fire at Kolwezi Airport on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  3:38 pm

“Don’t add fuel to the fire and make it worse”: Cabinet Spokesman on Trinco incident

If police committed any wrongdoing while removing a Buddha statue that had been placed at a temple premises in Trincomalee, an investigation will be conducted and necessary action will be taken, Cabinet Media Spokesperson, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  3:07 pm

Indian HC extends birthday wishes to ex-President Mahinda

High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, has extended his best wishes to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion of his 80th birthday which falls today (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  2:03 pm

Eminem sues Australian beach brand ‘Swim Shady’

US rapper Eminem has taken legal action against an Australian beachwear company called Swim Shady, saying its name is too similar to his trademarked rap pseudonym Slim Shady. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  6:45 pm

France’s Louvre Museum closes gallery due to structural weakness

France’s Louvre Museum on Monday closed a gallery hosting Greek vases and office spaces as its structures designed in the 1930s are in a dire state, the world’s most visited museum said, less than a month after a daring heist exposed its vulnerabilities. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  4:05 pm

Sri Lanka signs bilateral debt restructuring agreement with Denmark

Sri Lanka has signed a bilateral agreement with the Government of Denmark to restructure USD 39 million of outstanding debt, marking a key milestone in the country’s External Debt Restructuring Process. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  2:08 pm

Motorcycle used in Meetiyagoda shooting incident recovered

The motorcycle suspected to have been used in the shooting incident near a restaurant at the Kiralagahawela junction in Meetiyagoda, last night (17), has been recovered by the Baddegama Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  7:21 am

Seethawaka PS Chairman Election: Sarvajana Balaya councilor’s party membership suspended

The Sarvajana Balaya party has decided to suspend the party membership of Chandana Premanath Mudunkotuwa for acting against the party’s decision during the vote held to elect the Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  3:31 pm

Bill seeking to abolish MPs’ pensions gets Cabinet nod

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the submission of the Parliamentary Pensions Law (Repeal) Draft Bill for consideration and approval in Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  12:25 pm

Landslide early warnings issued for several districts

Early landslide warning have been issued for several districts of the island owing to the prevailing heavy rain experienced in parts of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  6:12 pm

Saudi crown prince to visit US with defence, AI, nuclear on agenda

A visit by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler to the White House for talks on Tuesday with U.S. President Donald Trump aims to deepen decades-old cooperation on oil and security while broadening ties in commerce, technology and potentially even nuclear energy. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  11:59 am

Hamas rejects UN Gaza resolution, says international force would become party to conflict

Hamas rejected the United Nations Security Council passing a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, saying it fails to meet Palestinians’ rights and demands and seeks to impose an international trusteeship on the enclave that Palestinians and resistance factions oppose. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  7:26 am

Israeli PM Netanyahu calls for Hamas’ expulsion from the region, after UN vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday called for Hamas to be expelled from the region, a day after the U.N. Security Council endorsed President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war that offers the Palestinian militant group amnesty. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  6:37 pm

X.com faces outage again: Users unable to access accounts

Elon Musk’s X was down for thousands of users in the U.S. on Tuesday, according to Downdetector.com. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  5:48 pm

Supreme Court dismisses FR petition against ex-CBSL Governor Cabraal

The Supreme Court has dismissed, without taking up for hearing, a fundamental rights petition filed by Venerable Thiniyawala Palitha Thero against a group including former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Ajith Nivard Cabraal. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  12:06 pm

Writ filed seeking order to prevent demolition of portion of Trincomalee Sambuddha Bodhiraja temple

A writ petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal requesting the issuance of an order to prevent the demolition of a portion of the Trincomalee Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  4:34 pm

No firm is immune if AI bubble bursts, Google CEO tells BBC

Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said no company would be unscathed if the artificial intelligence boom collapses, as soaring valuations and heavy investment in the sector fuel concerns of a bubble. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  3:19 pm

Gazette to be issued imposing price control on 350 types of medicines

Controlled prices have been set for a wide range of medicines and relevant gazette notification will be issued shortly, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  4:12 pm

GMOA to continue trade union action

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) stated that the ongoing trade union action will continue today (18), citing the absence of a satisfactory solution to the concerns raised by the union. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  8:15 am

Couple swept away by flash floods in Boralanda: Husband’s body also recovered

The body of the man who went missing after being swept away by flash floods along with his wife in the Kandepuhulpola area of Boralanda, Welimada, yesterday (18), has also been recovered. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  11:30 am

President to call for report on recent Trincomalee incident from Public Security Ministry

A report will be called from the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security on the recent Trincomalee incident, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  5:49 pm

Over 20 tons of drugs seized so far this year - Public Security Minister

Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that over 20 tons of narcotics have been seized since January 01 up to this date. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  2:42 pm

Veteran radio icon Chithra Kalubowila passes away

Veteran radio presenter and journalist Chithra Kumari Kalubowila has passed away at the age of 68, family sources confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  12:48 pm

Married couple swept away by flash floods in Boralanda; one body recovered

A married couple has reportedly been swept away by flash floods in the Kandepuhulpola area of Boralanda in Welimada. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  9:23 am

Bitcoin slides below $90,000 as traders grow cautious

Bitcoin fell below $90,000 for the first time in seven months on Tuesday in the latest sign that investor appetite for risk is drying up across financial markets. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  7:28 pm

Teacher arrested in connection with sexual abuse of Moratuwa school student remanded

A teacher, who was taken into custody in connection with the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student, has been remanded. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  5:33 pm

Police recover suspected narcotics parcel washed ashore in Bentota

A parcel containing an estimated 20 to 25 kilograms of suspected narcotics substance has washed ashore and was recovered by police on Bentota Beach this morning, police said.

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  9:21 am

Gambling Regulatory Authority Act to be implemented from Dec. 1

The government has decided to implement the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act from December 01, 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  10:13 am

UN Security Council adopts US resolution on Trump’s Gaza plan

The UN Security Council on Monday voted to adopt a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and authorizing an international stabilization force for the Palestinian enclave. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  6:53 am

Investigations underway into politicians linked to underworld - Public Security Minister

Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that information regarding politicians allegedly linked to the underworld has emerged during the interrogations of recently arrested organized criminals and their associates including ‘Ishara Sewwandi’. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  12:15 pm

200kg of suspected narcotics found floating at sea off Beruwala

A total of two parcels containing around 100 kilograms each of suspected narcotics were recovered during a joint operation conducted by the Western Province  North Police Crime Division and the Sri Lanka Navy this morning (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  11:01 am

BBC ‘determined to fight’ Trump defamation claim

The BBC is determined to fight any legal action filed by U.S. President Donald Trump and sees no basis for a defamation case over its editing of one of his speeches, its chair said on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  6:43 am

Abidur Chowdhury, celebrated designer behind iPhone Air, leaves Apple

Abidur Chowdhury, the celebrated designer of iPhone Air fame, has left Apple, unsettling the consumer electronics giant’s design team, news agency Bloomberg reported on November 18. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  4:41 pm

Woman sentenced to life in prison for heroin possession

The Colombo High Court has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment after she was found guilty of possessing and trafficking 42.23 grams of heroin. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  1:12 pm

SC adjourns verdict on petitions challenging ASP promotions in 2019

The Supreme Court has adjourned the announcement of its verdict on the Fundamental Rights petitions filed by 148 Chief Inspectors of Police (CIs), who claim they suffered severe injustice due to irregularities in the marking process of the interviews held for promotion to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 2019. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 18, 2025  10:52 am