News Archive

Individual arrested at BIA with foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 2.85 mln

Individual arrested at BIA with foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 2.85 mln

An individual has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle a stock of foreign-made cigarettes valued at approximately Rs. 2.85 million into the country. MORE..

Court imposes fine on trader who sold Keeri Samba rice at inflated prices

Court imposes fine on trader who sold Keeri Samba rice at inflated prices

Legal action has been taken against the owner of a retail outlet for selling Keeri Samba rice at inflated prices and for issuing invoices under a false name as “Lanka Basmati.” MORE..

Musk’s net worth hits $600 billion, Forbes says, as SpaceX preps for IPO

Musk’s net worth hits $600 billion, Forbes says, as SpaceX preps for IPO

Elon Musk on Monday became the first person ever worth $600 billion, Forbes said, on the heels of reports that his SpaceX startup was likely to go public at a valuation of $800 billion. MORE..

Advisory issued for heavy rain for several provinces

Advisory issued for heavy rain for several provinces

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for heavy rain in the Eastern, Central, Uva Provinces and Polonnaruwa District. MORE..

Former Sri Lanka Test Cricketer and ex-SLC Chairman D.S. de Silva passes away

Former Sri Lanka Test Cricketer and ex-SLC Chairman D.S. de Silva passes away

Former Sri Lankan leg-spinner D. S. de Silva, a distinguished member of Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test cricket team in 1982, has passed away at the age of 83. MORE..

Govt to allocate Rs. 150 million to implement e-Court Project

Govt to allocate Rs. 150 million to implement e-Court Project

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to provide Rs. 150 million to the Judicial Service Commission from the provisions allocated under the Clean Sri Lanka Project to implement the e-Court Project to Digitize the Judicial System. MORE..

Japan to give $2.5 million in emergency aid to Sri Lanka

Japan to give $2.5 million in emergency aid to Sri Lanka

The Japanese government decided to extend an emergency grant of $2.5 million to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tuesday. MORE..

Another aid shipment from India arrives

Another aid shipment from India arrives

Another shipment of dry rations has been brought from India to provide relief to people affected by the cyclone “Ditwah”. MORE..

Probe underway on police conduct in accident involving MP Asoka Ranwala

Probe underway on police conduct in accident involving MP Asoka Ranwala

An investigation is currently underway on the orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to determine whether there was any dereliction of duty by police officers in connection with the road accident involving National People’s Power (NPP) Gampaha District Member of Parliament Asoka Ranwala,...MORE..

Husband axed to death by wife in Valaichchenai

Husband axed to death by wife in Valaichchenai

A 46-year-old man sustained serious injuries after being attacked with an axe in the Valaichchenai–Vahaneri area and succumbed to his injuries at the scene, police said. MORE..

Police officer arrested for soliciting bribe of Rs. 10,000

Police officer arrested for soliciting bribe of Rs. 10,000

A police officer attached to the Nilaveli Police Station has been arrested for accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000. MORE..

NBRO conducts special inspections of landslide-risk schools in Central Province

NBRO conducts special inspections of landslide-risk schools in Central Province

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has commenced special inspections of schools in the Central Province that are at risk of landslides due to adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. MORE..

Schools in six provinces to reopen today

Schools in six provinces to reopen today

The second phase of the third school term for this year will commence today (16) for all government and government-approved private schools and Pirivenas. MORE..

Son of filmmaker Rob Reiner jailed on suspicion of murdering parents

Son of filmmaker Rob Reiner jailed on suspicion of murdering parents

The son of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner has been jailed as a suspect in the killing of his parents after they were found dead in their home over the weekend, Los Angeles police said on Monday. MORE..

PM highlights global support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts in meetings with foreign envoys

PM highlights global support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts in meetings with foreign envoys

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, Sergey Viktorov, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees. MORE..

FBI arrests four people it says were planning to detonate pipe bombs on New Year’s Eve in California

FBI arrests four people it says were planning to detonate pipe bombs on New Year’s Eve in California

The Justice Department on Monday said it has arrested four people in the Los Angeles area for allegedly working together on a bomb plot that was set to take place around the city on New Year’s Eve. MORE..

Inginimitiya Reservoir spill gates to be opened – Irrigation Dept.

Inginimitiya Reservoir spill gates to be opened – Irrigation Dept.

The Irrigation Department announces that it is planned to release 1,000 cubic feet of water per second from the Inginimitiya reservoir at around 7.30 a.m. today (16).

CHEC Port City Colombo donates Rs. 10M, provides critical support for Sri Lanka’s recovery

CHEC Port City Colombo donates Rs. 10M, provides critical support for Sri Lanka’s recovery

As Sri Lanka grapples with the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd., the project company of Port City Colombo, has stepped forward to support the nation’s recovery efforts with both financial and on-ground assistance. MORE..

Police Sergeant dies after being hit by speeding motorcycle

Police Sergeant dies after being hit by speeding motorcycle

A Police Sergeant attached to the Welipenna Police Station has reportedly died after being struck by a speeding motorcycle on the Aluthgama-Mathugama road, the Welipenna Police confirmed. MORE..

Sri Lanka has entered second phase of post-disaster recovery – PM Harini

Sri Lanka has entered second phase of post-disaster recovery – PM Harini

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka, Isabelle Catherine Martin, has conveyed Canada’s condolences over the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah and reaffirmed Canada’s readiness to extend further support to Sri Lanka during the recovery process. MORE..

Tourist arrivals exceed 2.2 million this year

Tourist arrivals exceed 2.2 million this year

A total of over 2.2 million tourists have reportedly arrived in the country so far this year. MORE..

People living in low-lying areas of Kaudulla Reservoir urged to remain vigilant

People living in low-lying areas of Kaudulla Reservoir urged to remain vigilant

The Department of Irrigation has announced that it expects to open the spill gates of the Kaudulla Reservoir shortly. MORE..

BBC says will fight Trump’s US$10 billion defamation lawsuit

BBC says will fight Trump’s US$10 billion defamation lawsuit

The BBC said on Tuesday (Dec 16) it would fight a US$10 billion lawsuit brought by United States President Donald Trump against the British broadcaster over a documentary that edited his 2021 speech ahead of the US Capitol riot. MORE..

Sri Lanka to co-host Asian Regional Debt Management Conference

Sri Lanka to co-host Asian Regional Debt Management Conference

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to co-host the 2026 Asian Regional Debt Management Conference in Sri Lanka. MORE..

Bondi gunman’s Indian family had no knowledge of his radicalisation, Indian police say

Bondi gunman’s Indian family had no knowledge of his radicalisation, Indian police say

Indian police said on Tuesday that the dead gunman in Australia’s Bondi beach shooting incident, Sajid Akram, was originally from the southern Indian city of Hyderabad but had limited contact with his family in India. MORE..

RDA incurs Rs. 75 billion loss due to roads and bridges destroyed by disaster

RDA incurs Rs. 75 billion loss due to roads and bridges destroyed by disaster

Officials of the Ministry of Transport and Highways and Urban Development stated that, due to the destruction of roads and bridges caused by the disaster situation that occurred across the island, it has been preliminarily estimated that the Road Development Authority has incurred a loss of approximately Rs. 75 billion. MORE..

Former Minister C.B. Rathnayake granted bail

Former Minister C.B. Rathnayake granted bail

Former Minister C. B. Rathnayake, who was remanded following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over an investigation, has been granted bail. MORE..

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Under the influence of the Easterly wave flow affecting the weather over the island, the prevailing showery conditions over the Northern and Eastern provinces are expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

All schools in Uva Province to reopen on December 29 - Secretary

All schools in Uva Province to reopen on December 29 - Secretary

A decision has been taken to reopen all schools in the Uva Province on December 29, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe said. MORE..

Trump sues the BBC for defamation over editing of January 6 speech

Trump sues the BBC for defamation over editing of January 6 speech

President Donald Trump sued the BBC on Monday for defamation over edited clips of a speech that made it appear he directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, opening an international front in his fight against media coverage he deems untrue or unfair. MORE..

Cabinet approves signing MoUs between several Sri Lankan and foreign universities

Cabinet approves signing MoUs between several Sri Lankan and foreign universities

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to enter into Memoranda of Understanding between a number of Sri Lankan and Foreign Universities. MORE..

Landslide warnings issued for several districts extended; Red alerts lifted

Landslide warnings issued for several districts extended; Red alerts lifted

Early landslide warnings issued for several districts have been extended, after considering the current ground conditions and recent rainfall received in parts of the island. MORE..

Budget of NPP-led Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha defeated

Budget of NPP-led Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha defeated

The inaugural budget of the Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, where the National People’s Power (NPP) holds power, has been defeated. MORE..

Draft National Electricity Policy presented to Energy Minister

Draft National Electricity Policy presented to Energy Minister

The draft National Electricity Policy has been presented to Minister of Energy, Engineer Kumara Jayakody. MORE..

Rs. 25,000 relief allowance already disbursed to 50% of affected people – Minister

Rs. 25,000 relief allowance already disbursed to 50% of affected people – Minister

The Rs. 25,000 relief allowance has been already disbursed to more than 50% of the people who were affected by recent floods and landslides, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. MORE..

Australia police says Bondi attack gunmen travelled to Philippines

Australia police says Bondi attack gunmen travelled to Philippines

Australian police said on Tuesday that the two alleged gunmen behind the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach travelled to the Philippines last month, and that the reasons for their trip were under investigation. MORE..

Police receive several complaints regarding circulation of counterfeit currency notes

Police receive several complaints regarding circulation of counterfeit currency notes

Police say complaints have been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the circulation of counterfeit currency notes during the festive season. MORE..

Death toll from Bolivia floods rises to 20; at least two dozen missing

Death toll from Bolivia floods rises to 20; at least two dozen missing

The death toll in Bolivia from floods triggered by an overflowing river in the eastern Santa Cruz region has climbed to 20 and is expected to rise as rescue teams reach previously inaccessible areas, Deputy Civil Defense Minister Alfredo Troche said on Monday. MORE..

Paddy Marketing Board to release rice stocks through Sathosa and cooperative network

Paddy Marketing Board to release rice stocks through Sathosa and cooperative network

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to process paddy stocks purchased by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) and release the rice to the market. MORE..

Four spill gates of Rajanganaya Reservoir opened

Four spill gates of Rajanganaya Reservoir opened

Steps have been taken to open four spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir, the Department of Irrigation has announced. MORE..

Case against Shasheendra Rajapaksa to be taken up in March 2026

Case against Shasheendra Rajapaksa to be taken up in March 2026

The bribery case filed against former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who is currently out on bail after being produced before court, will be taken up again on March 13, 2026, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

Cabinet approves expansion of storage facilities for Medical Supply Division

Cabinet approves expansion of storage facilities for Medical Supply Division

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to enhance storage facilities for the Medical Supply Division under the Ministry of Health and Mass Media. MORE..

Parliament likely to meet on Dec. 18 and 19 - Cabinet Spokesman

Parliament likely to meet on Dec. 18 and 19 - Cabinet Spokesman

The government is hoping to hold Parliamentary sittings on Thursday (18) and Friday (19), Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa noted. MORE..

Turkey bound flight attempts to re-land at BIA due to technical issue

A Turkey bound flight with 202 passengers which took off from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) preparing to re-land due to a technical issue.

Sri Lanka leads winter travel surge among Indians

Sri Lanka leads winter travel surge among Indians

Indian travellers are changing their winter holiday choices, with Sri Lanka emerging as the fastest-growing destination this season, according to a report by Atlys. MORE..

25 Sri Lankans rescued from cybercrime centers in Myanmar repatriated

25 Sri Lankans rescued from cybercrime centers in Myanmar repatriated

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar, has successfully facilitated the rescue and repatriation of 25 Sri Lankan nationals who had been trafficked in cybercrime centers in Myawaddy, Myanmar. MORE..

New National Cricket Selection Committee appointed

New National Cricket Selection Committee appointed

Pramodya Wickramasinghe has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Cricket Selection Committee, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stated. MORE..

Announcement regarding Ministry directive on Third Term Tests

Announcement regarding Ministry directive on Third Term Tests

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has reiterated its directive prohibiting the conduct of third-term school examinations for students in Grades 6 to 10 for the 2025 academic year. MORE..

Police Sergeant interdicted over close contact with ‘Duplicate Sewwandi’

Police Sergeant interdicted over close contact with ‘Duplicate Sewwandi’

A Police Sergeant has been interdicted for allegedly maintaining close contact with a female suspect, Nanda Kumar Thakshee, who is currently being held under a 90-day detention order in connection with the murder of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa,’ at the Aluthkade court complex. MORE..

Govt. grants special leave to state officials affected by Cyclone Ditwah

Govt. grants special leave to state officials affected by Cyclone Ditwah

The government has decided to grant special leave to state officials who were unable to report to work due to floods, landslides, and road blockages. MORE..