News Archive

Man arrested at BIA with over 1kg of ‘Kush cannabis’

An individual who attempted to smuggle in 1 kilogram of ‘Kush cannabis’ into the country has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 5, 2026  6:26 am

Israeli strikes kill 20 in Gaza

At least 20 Palestinians, including several children and a paramedic, have been killed and almost 40 others wounded in Israeli strikes in Gaza, hospitals say.

(0)Comments | February 5, 2026  5:39 am

Exposition of sacred Devnimori relics begins at Gangaramaya

The exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha is scheduled to begin at the Gangaramaya Temple today.

(0)Comments | February 5, 2026  5:38 am

Showers above 75mm expected in parts of the island

Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Hambantota district. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 5, 2026  5:38 am

Iran-US nuclear talks to take place on Friday in Oman

Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will take place Friday in Oman, the Iranian foreign minister said, as tensions between the countries remain high following Tehran’s bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 5, 2026  6:47 am

78th Independence Day Celebrations: Sri Lanka Navy performs customary 25-gun salute

The Sri Lanka Navy performed its customary 25-gun salute to the nation in view of the 78th Independence Day celebrations. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  12:26 pm

Special presidential pardons to 49 prisoners in view of Independence Day

A total 49 prisoners are scheduled to receive special presidential pardons today in view of the 78th National Independence Day celebrations. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  6:44 am

China unveils world’s fastest full-size humanoid robot ‘Bolt’

Zhejiang University and Shanghai robotics company JingShi Technology announced the launch of Bolt, a full-size humanoid robot that reached a peak running speed of 10 meters per second, which they said is the fastest full-size running robot in the world. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  11:55 am

Exposition of sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha to begin at Gangaramaya

The exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics is scheduled to begin at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo today (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  9:57 am

President calls for unity and determination to rebuild Sri Lanka in his Independence Day message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on all citizens to join hands in unity, determination and brotherhood to rebuild Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  5:38 am

President worship Sacred Devnimori Buddha Relics brought to Gangaramaya Temple

The Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka under the full patronage of the Government of India, were placed for exposition at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya today (04), where President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived to lead the initial worship ceremony. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  4:39 pm

India shares spirit of celebration as Sri Lanka’s trusted and dependable partner: Indian HC

India shares the spirit of celebration as Sri Lanka’s trusted and dependable partner, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  2:39 pm

Collision with Greek coast guard boat leaves 15 migrants dead

At least 15 migrants have died after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Greek coast guard vessel off the coast of the island of Chios late on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  4:48 pm

King Charles reaffirms UK–Sri Lanka partnership in Independence Day message

His Majesty King Charles III has sent a special message of felicitation to the President and the people of Sri Lanka as the nation celebrates its 78th Independence Day today (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  9:08 am

China to ban hidden door handles on cars starting in 2027

China will ban hidden door handles on cars, commonly used on Tesla’s electric vehicles and many other EV models, starting next year. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  10:00 pm

Watch Live: Independence Day celebrations begin

Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day celebrations have kicked off at the Independence Square in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  7:31 am

Donald Trump signs bill to end partial US government shutdown

President Donald Trump signed a roughly $1.2 trillion government funding bill Tuesday that ends the partial federal shutdown that began over the weekend and sets the stage for an intense debate in Congress over Homeland Security funding. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  11:08 am

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

Several spells of showers will occur in the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya and Matale districts today (04), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  6:05 am

India and Sri Lanka exchange MoU on exposition of Sacred Devnimori Buddha Relics

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the exposition of the historic Sacred Devnimori Buddha Relics in Sri Lanka was exchanged between Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi and the Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  10:34 pm

Let’s use our human resource and build a new economically strong Sri Lanka: President

We have to build a new economically strong Sri Lanka by making use of the country’s human resource while setting aside differences, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  8:41 am

President arrives at Independence Square for Independence Day celebrations

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived at the Independence Square in Colombo to participate in the Independence Day celebrations. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  8:02 am

Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha arrives in Sri Lanka

The sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), at around 1:00 p.m. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  1:10 pm

Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa reflects on national pride on 78th Independence Day

Independence Day is a remembrance of winning freedom for the motherland and a celebration of the pride of all Sri Lankans, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  12:52 pm

Sri Lanka celebrates 78th Independence Day today

The 78th National Independence Day - themed “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” - is to be celebrated ceremoniously today at the Independence Square in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  5:14 am

Relatives of missing persons stage ‘black flag’ protest in Kilinochchi

Relatives of persons who went missing during Sri Lanka’s decades-long war staged a protest in the Kilinochchi town today (04), which is Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day, stating that they have no freedom without their missing loved ones. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  6:18 pm

Chinese President Xi extends well wishes to Sri Lankan President on 78th Independence Day

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the 78th anniversary of the independence of Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  2:36 pm

“Let’s reflect on our history while firmly focusing on future”: Sajith

As we mark 78 years since gaining independence, it is vital to reflect on the country’s history while firmly focusing on the future, stated the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in his Independence Day message. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  6:58 am

Dilith calls for creation of economically independent state in his Independence Day message

Our overarching purpose must be to create an economically independent state replete with evolved people, stated the leader of the Sarvajana Balaya, Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  7:12 am

Mobile phones, SIM cards and drugs recovered at Galle Prison

A stock of unclaimed mobile phones, SIM cards and narcotics was discovered during a search operation carried out in cell blocks A, B, C and D of the Galle Prison within yesterday (03), according to prison officers. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  6:51 pm

9,158 Army personnel promoted in view of 78th Independence Day

A total of 9,158 Sri Lanka Army personnel have been promoted in view of the 78th Independence Day celebrations. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  6:20 am

Sabina Yousaf returns to Sri Lanka after securing third place at Mrs. World 2025

Sabina Yousaf, who represented Sri Lanka at the 41st Mrs. World Pageant held in the United States, returned to the island early this morning (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  10:01 am

Rubio hails US–Sri Lanka ties on National Day

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Sri Lanka on their National Day, highlighting what he described as a growing partnership rooted in shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  8:55 am

Special traffic plan in Colombo in view of Independence Day celebrations

A special traffic plan will be implemented in Colombo today in view of 78th National Independence Day celebrations. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  5:37 am

Human Rights Watch warns US heading to ‘authoritarianism’

Human Rights Watch warned on Wednesday (Feb 4) that President Donald Trump was turning the United States into an authoritarian state as democracy declines globally to its lowest ebb in four decades. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  2:14 pm

9 workers killed after truck falls into ravine in central Philippines

A truck veered off a downhill mountain road and plunged into a ravine in the central Philippines, killing nine workers on board, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  8:05 pm

Set aside narrow political interests in pursuit of national progress – PM Harini

The time is apt for all Sri Lankans to work together, setting aside narrow political interests in the pursuit of national progress, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in her Independence Day message. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  6:36 am

Draco Malfoy becomes unlikely Lunar New Year symbol in China

An unlikely Lunar New Year mascot has popped up in China this year - Draco Malfoy. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  12:57 pm

Horana-Colombo private bus strike enters Day Three

The strike launched by private buses operating along the Horana–Colombo ‘120 route’ has entered day three. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  10:53 am

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of ex-Libyan leader, reportedly shot dead

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former leader Col Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been shot dead. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  9:35 am

Youth arrested over ‘Podi Dimuthu’ murder in Ambalangoda reveals more details

Sri Lanka Police have uncovered several significant details regarding the shooting to death of organised criminal Dimuthu Sampath, alias ‘Podi Dimuthu’, following the arrest of an 18-year-old youth connected to the recent murder in Ambalangoda. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  4:34 pm

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  2:37 pm

Over 45,000 drivers pay traffic fines using ‘GovPay’ App in 2025: Police

More than 40,000 drivers have made payments in 2025 using the ‘GovPay’ application introduced to pay fines for traffic violations, the Police Media Division has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  12:00 pm

Two including Thai national arrested with 3kg of heroin

An individual has been arrested for the possession of 3 kilograms and 18 grams of heroin last evening (03) in Kiribathgoda, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  8:26 am

Minister Anil Jayantha joins Independence Day celebrations in Dubai

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, attended the 78th National Independence Day celebration organised by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai today (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  9:15 pm

Deputy Minister announces plans for new Mental Health Act

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni stated that steps will be taken to introduce Sri Lanka’s Mental Health Act in the near future. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  7:48 pm

Lord Buddha’s sacred relics from Gujarat to arrive in Sri Lanka today

The holy relics of Lord Buddha, preserved at the Department of Archaeology of Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara, began their journey to Colombo on Tuesday, with chief minister Bhupendra Patel attending a ceremony to mark their departure. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  8:24 am

Gazette issued on competitive exam for recruitment of graduates to Teacher Service

Applications are invited for the recruitment of graduates, both those currently employed in the public service and those who are not, to the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service, to fill existing vacancies in Sinhala, Tamil, and English mediums at National and Provincial schools across the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 4, 2026  1:39 pm

CEB restructuring enters final stage, liquidation to be announced by February

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) restructuring programme has reached its final stage. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  7:14 am

Constitutional Council to decide on AG appointment today

The Constitutional Council is scheduled to meet today (03) at 12.00 noon at the Parliament Complex, under the patronage of its Chairman, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  6:59 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Several spells of shower will occur in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Matale districts, today (03), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 3, 2026  6:32 am