News Archive

YouTube’s $60bn revenue revealed amid paid subscriber push

Google has revealed YouTube brought in more than $60bn (Ł44bn) in revenue in 2025 as the firm targets getting more subscribers. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 7, 2026  7:49 am

Trump signs executive order announcing removal of 25% penalty tariff on India for buying Russian oil

United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday (local time), announcing that he will remove 25% tariff on India. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 7, 2026  8:55 am

2026 T20 World Cup gets underway in Colombo today

The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to get underway in Colombo today. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 7, 2026  6:49 am

Showers above 50mm expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in the Uva Province and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, Ampara and Batticaloa districts today (07), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 7, 2026  6:35 am

Two women arrested at BIA over attempt to smuggle in 436 Anthurium plants

Two Sri Lankan women were arrested in the early hours of this morning (07) for attempting to illegally smuggle a consignment of Anthurium plants valued at around Rs. 1 million into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 7, 2026  8:48 am

Trump signs executive order threatening tariffs for countries trading with Iran

US President Donald Trump has said he could impose additional tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran, in an executive order signed on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 7, 2026  7:27 am

Zayn Malik announces new album and world tour

You wait ages for former One Direction singers to drop new music, then four come along almost all at once. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  4:31 pm

Ex-Sooriyakanda OIC, constable arrested for killing of Sambar deer

The former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and a Police Constable attached to the Sooriyakanda Police station have been arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in connection with the alleged killing of a Sambar deer, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  3:48 pm

Edu. Ministry calls applications from graduates for teaching vacancies in schools

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has issued a notification calling applications from graduates for teaching vacancies in Sinhala, Tamil, and English medium schools across the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  9:59 pm

PM assures govt will not use emergency regulations to suppress media or any group

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament today (06) that the Government will under no circumstances use emergency regulations to suppress the media or any section of society. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  7:46 pm

Former Minister Keheliya’s daughter arrested

Chamithri Rambukwella, the eldest daughter of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  1:39 pm

Gen Z became first generation to be less intelligent than millennials as IQ dropped, expert

Recent studies suggest that Gen Z is the first and only generation to be less intelligent than the one before it, making millennials the only generation to outperform the younger generation that followed. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  10:19 am

President to launch compensation, housing projects for Cyclone Ditwah victims in Kandy today

The programme to commence the construction of new houses for individuals whose homes were fully or partially damaged by Cyclone Ditwah in the Kandy District, along with the awarding of compensation and the launch of several development projects, is scheduled to take place in Kandy today (06)...MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  9:56 am

Anusha Palpita further 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 further remanded until February 20 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  10:36 am

Parliament approves extension of State of Public Emergency

The extension of the State of Public Emergency has been approved by Parliament, with 106 members voting in favor and 2 voting against, a short while ago.

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  6:49 pm

Decisions and judgments of Supreme Court reflect justice in country – PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the decisions and judgments delivered within the Supreme Court complex serve as a mirror that clearly reflects the justice, democracy, and the rule of law in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  11:59 am

Bus driver arrested for cannabis use after high-speed collision in Kalutara

Two buses that allegedly travelled at high speed while racing have reportedly collided at the Wettumakada Junction within the Kalutara South Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  8:59 pm

Special traffic plan implemented at Green Path in Colombo

A special traffic management plan has been announced by the police with effect from tonight (06) in the Green Path premises along Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, within the Cinnamon Gardens Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  10:21 pm

SLTB creates history with appointment of 20 female bus conductors

In a historic first, a total of twenty newly-recruited female bus conductors have officially received their letters of appointment from the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  1:52 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 6, 2026  12:20 pm

Sri Lankan govt. to pursue reparations for colonial-era losses

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath says that the process of pursuing compensation for colonial-era losses and seek the return of looted cultural treasures is currently underway. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  6:34 pm

Construction of Gatambe Flyover resumes under President’s patronage

The resumption of construction on the Gatambe Flyover in Kandy, which had been halted for several years, commenced this afternoon (06) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  4:33 pm

Three suspects arrested with ‘Kush’ worth over Rs. 20 mln at BIA

A Sri Lankan passenger who arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ valued at over Rs. 20 million into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  7:40 am

President assures extension of emergency law solely to accelerate reconstruction

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated that the extension of the emergency law is aimed solely at speeding up the reconstruction process and will not be used as a tool for repression. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  10:37 pm

Seven school students hospitalized following violent clash in Beruwala

Seven students were admitted to Kalutara Teaching Hospital after sustaining injuries in a violent clash between students from two schools in the Beruwala area. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  12:46 pm

President’s Fund allocates over Rs. 1.9 bln for schoolchildren affected by Cyclone Ditwah

An allocation of Rs. 1,925,010,000.00 has been made from the President’s Fund to provide a Rs. 10,000 allowance for schoolchildren in all districts affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  10:47 am

Train services on main line delayed

Trains operating along the main railway line are currently experiencing delays, according to Sri Lanka Railways. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  8:22 am

Special traffic plan in Colombo during 2026 ICC T20 World Cup matches

A special traffic plan will be implemented in Colombo during the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament, which will be held from February 07 to March 08, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  8:09 am

Russian general shot several times in Moscow

A high-profile general in Russia’s military has been shot several times and wounded in Moscow. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  4:17 pm

Govt ready to commence paddy purchases in upcoming season – Dy Minister

The Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation, Aravinda Senarath, informed Parliament today (06) that the government has completed all necessary arrangements to commence the purchasing of paddy. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  11:05 am

2025 O/L tuition classes prohibited from midnight on Feb 11

The Department of Examinations has announced that the conducting of tuition classes and other activities targeting students facing the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination will be prohibited from midnight on 11 February (Wednesday) until the conclusion of the examination. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  2:19 pm

Iran, US nuclear talks in Oman were a good start, Iran’s top diplomat says

High-stakes nuclear talks between Iran and the United States held in Oman on Friday were a good beginning and will continue, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  8:24 pm

JVP’s Tilvin Silva meets Jaishankar, discuss strengthening India–Sri Lanka ties

A meeting has been held in New Delhi between the General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Tilvin Silva, accompanied by a delegation from Sri Lanka, and Minister of External Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  6:43 pm

NASA will finally let astronauts take smartphones to the Moon

NASA is about to make a small but meaningful change that feels very human. For the first time, astronauts heading toward the Moon will be allowed to carry modern smartphones, including iPhones. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  1:06 pm

Fairly heavy showers expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

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

Woman arrested with ‘Hashish’ and ‘Kush’ worth over Rs. 15 mln

A woman was arrested by the Western Province North Crime Division during an operation carried out in the Nirmala Mawatha area of Boralesgamuwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  11:32 am

Sri Lanka’s foreign policy firmly anchored in economic diplomacy – FM

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism stated that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy is firmly anchored in economic diplomacy, with a strong focus on trade, investment, tourism promotion, and innovation. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  3:37 pm

US says Trump prefers diplomacy with Iran but warns he has military options

The White House said on Thursday that diplomacy is President Donald Trump’s first choice for dealing with Iran and he will wait to see whether a deal can be struck at high-stakes talks, but also warned that he has military options at his disposal. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  6:45 am

Speaker requested to amend standing orders to prevent verbal harassment of women MPs

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has submitted a request yesterday (05) to the Speaker of Parliament, requesting amendments to the Standing Orders of Parliament in order to prevent conduct or statements by Members of Parliament... MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  8:33 pm

President Anura Kumara launches Mahaiyawa underpass project

The construction of the Mahaiyawa Underpass Bridge on the Kandy–Jaffna Road (A-009), a key entry point to Kandy City, commenced this morning (06) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  4:00 pm

No new laws on seine nets, only enforcing existing regulations – Fisheries DG

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has stated that no new laws have been enacted regarding the use of seine nets, and that only existing legislations are being enforced. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  7:17 pm

SC rules Parliamentary Pensions Repeal Bill can be passed with simple majority

The Supreme Court has determined that no provision in the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution, and that it can be enacted by Parliament with a simple majority, Speaker of the House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  9:57 am

Police enhance security measures for 2026 ICC T20 World Cup matches

Sri Lanka Police has announced that a total of 1,500 police officers and 600 traffic police officers will be deployed to ensure the safety and security of both local and foreign spectators attending the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  9:01 am

Laugfs Gas increases prices

Laugfs Gas has announced new domestic gas refill prices for February 2026, effective from midnight today (06). MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  10:00 pm

Former Minister Keheliya’s daughter granted bail

Chamithri Rambukwella, the eldest daughter of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, has been granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  5:21 pm

Norway investigates former PM Jagland over alleged Epstein links

Police in Norway have opened a corruption investigation into the country’s former Prime Minister Thorbjřrn Jagland over his alleged links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  11:50 am

Court defers decision on Dayasiri’s petition over SLFP General Secretary post

The Colombo District Court today (06) ordered that the delivery of the verdict on the case filed by Member of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara be postponed until February 17. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  11:24 am

Bombing at mosque in Pakistan kills at least 31 and wounds scores

A massive bombing ripped through a Shiite mosque on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital during Friday prayers, killing 31 people and wounding at least 169 others, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | February 6, 2026  5:00 pm

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. MORE..

(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 in Hunupitiya, Colombo, today (05). MORE..

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