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Unrest at Boossa Prison brought under control - Prisons Spokesman

A group of detainees who had climbed onto the rooftop of the ‘D Ward’ at the Boossa Prison and engaged in unruly behaviour, causing damage to prison property, has been brought under control a short while ago, the Prisons Spokesman said.

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 9:23 pm

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down after 14 years at the helm of the studio that makes Star Wars, one of the highest-grossing Hollywood franchises in history. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:35 pm

Case against ex-President Mahinda’s CSO to be taken up in June

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (16) ordered that the case involving Neville Wanniarachchi, the Chief Security Officer to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, be called on June 9. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 4:32 pm

S Korea’s ex-president Yoon to be jailed for five years over martial law bid

South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol will be jailed for five years over abuse of power, obstructing justice and falsifying documents in relation to his failed martial law bid in 2024. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:00 pm

Retired Army Captain arrested with T-56 magazines and ammunition in Minuwangoda

A retired Sri Lanka Army Captain has been arrested by the Police Western Province North Crimes Range at Miriswatte in Minuwangoda, while in possession of 18 T-56 assault rifle magazines and 25 rounds of live ammunition, police said.

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 9:43 pm

Two criminal gang members and female suspect brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai

Two members of notorious organized criminal gangs, who are wanted in connection with multiple homicides, were brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai early this morning (January 16). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 9:43 am

Sri Lanka’s Speaker participates in 28th CSPOC in New Delhi

The Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has participated in the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) inaugurated under the patronage of the Indian Prime Minister. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 5:38 pm

Van carrying foreign tourists involved in collision near Gregory Lake

A van transporting a group of foreign tourists was involved in a head-on collision near the Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya along the Welimada main road, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:08 pm

Further hearing of case against Ravi Karunanayake postponed until February

The Colombo High Court today ordered that further evidence hearing in the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) owner Arjun Aloysius be called on February 06. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 4:39 pm

Netflix inks global deal to stream Sony Pictures’ films after theatrical window

Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment have reached a new agreement that would bring films such as “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” to the streaming giant’s customers worldwide after they play in cinemas, the companies said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 1:40 pm

Harry Styles announces fourth album - with intriguing title

After 1,336 days, the wait is over for Harry Styles fans - he has announced his return to music. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:17 am

US Ambassador Julie Chung pays farewell call on Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today (16) received a farewell call from the outgoing United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, as she prepares to conclude her four-year tenure as Washington’s top envoy to Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:14 pm

One person injured in shooting at Jinthupitiya

One person has reportedly been injured and hospitalized following a shooting incident at Jinthupitiya in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 10:45 pm

Wikipedia inks AI deals with Microsoft, Meta and Perplexity as it marks 25th birthday

Wikipedia unveiled new business deals with a slew of artificial intelligence companies on Thursday as it marked its 25th anniversary. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:35 pm

Three suspects arrested over shooting incident in Kohuwala

Three suspects have been arrested for aiding and abetting the shooting incident at Bodhiyawatte in Kohuwala, in which a 16-year-old girl was injured. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 7:12 am

Parents protest near Edu. Ministry demanding implementation of Grade 6 reforms

A protest organized by a group of parents of Grade 6 students commenced today (16) in front of the Ministry of Education, demanding the immediate implementation of proposed educational reforms for Grade 6 students. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:07 pm

One dead after sharp-weapon attack on two women in Ahangama

An incident involving a sharp-weapon attack on two women has been reported from the Tittagalla area of Ahangama. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:58 am

Canada, China set for ‘historic’ gains from new partnership, Carney says

Canada and China are forging a new strategic partnership that promises “historic” gains by leveraging on each other’s strengths, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 11:01 am

Govt. committed to ensuring quality education to develop responsible citizens - Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated that the Government is making every effort to ensure the quality education to nurture a developed citizen that the country requires...MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 10:20 pm

Female Buddhist monk dies following bus accident

A 77-year-old female Buddhist monk has succumbed to injuries after being hit by a bus while crossing the road at the Minnana junction on the Avissawella-Ratnapura road. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 9:21 am

Price of a cup of milk tea reduced

The price of a cup of milk tea has been reduced by Rs. 10, the All-Island Restaurant Owners’ Association announced today (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:25 am

TikTok to tighten age checks in Europe as regulators ramp up pressure

TikTok will start rolling out new age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks, it told Reuters on Friday (Jan 16), as the ByteDance-owned platform faces regulatory pressure to better identify and remove accounts belonging to children under 13. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 1:42 pm

“There’s something truly magical about Sri Lanka” - Julie Chung in farewell message

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped boost US–Sri Lanka ties during her nearly four-year tenure in the country and also the Sri Lankan people who she praised for their resilience and determination. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 1:06 pm

President issues warning to govt officials assisting drug traffickers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that his administration will never provide political protection to any individuals involved in drug trafficking. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 4:50 pm

President inaugurates ‘Windscape Mannar’ 20 MW wind power plant in Mannar

In line with the Government’s programme to achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the 20-megawatt ‘Windscape Mannar’ wind power plant constructed in Mannar by CEYLEX Renewables was officially connected to the national grid yesterday (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:58 am

Woman arrested for impersonating Police Inspector in Pettah

A woman who was impersonating a Police Inspector has been arrested near a lodge in Pettah. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 2:20 pm

Interpol ‘Red Notice’ issued against 95 underworld figures hiding overseas – Police Spokesman

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said that Interpol ‘Red Notices’ have been obtained against 95 Sri Lankan organised criminal figures currently hiding overseas. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 12:29 pm

IMF says Sri Lanka’s electricity pricing policy remains tied to cost recovery

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that there is no immediate change to the electricity pricing objectives under Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported program, reaffirming the importance of maintaining cost recovery in the utility sector. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:25 am

China and Canada announce tariffs relief after a high-stakes meeting between Carney and Xi

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Canadian PM Mark Carney have announced lower tariffs, signalling a reset in their countries’ relationship after a key meeting in Beijing. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 8:46 pm

ITAK opposes government’s ‘Praja Shakthi’ programme

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has expressed strong opposition to the ‘Praja Shakthi’ national programme implemented by the government. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 1:25 pm

SLTDA launches special program to achieve annual tourism targets

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has launched a special program aimed at achieving the national tourism targets set for this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 9:14 am

Mainly fair weather expected to prevail today

Mainly fair weather will prevail in the most parts of the island, today (16), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:36 am

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado says she presented Nobel medal to Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she had presented her Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday during a high-stakes encounter that could affect how Trump seeks to shape the South American country’s political future. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 16, 2026 6:45 am

Showery conditions expected to reduce from today

Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from today (15), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 6:49 am

Two killed in fatal tipper truck accident in Jaffna

Two individuals have reportedly died in a road accident that had occurred in the Navathkuli area of Thenmarachchi on the Jaffna-Mannar main road. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 2:28 pm

UNDP confirms widespread economic fallout from Cyclone Ditwah, calls for inclusive access to recovery financing

Nearly all communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka suffered damage to homes, roads and other critical infrastructure, according to a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assessment released on Wednesday, underscoring the scale of recovery needs and the urgency of accessible financing for the most vulnerable. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 8:16 am

Iran warns of retaliation if Trump strikes, US withdraws some personnel from bases

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 9:35 am

Another crane collapses in Thailand killing 2 people, police say

A crane collapsed in Thailand on Thursday, crushing two vehicles and killing two people, police said, a day after a crane accident in the northeast caused the deaths of 32 train passengers. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 10:29 am

Sri Lanka ranked 93rd in Henley Passport Index 2026 with access to 39 destinations

Sri Lanka has climbed up to the 93rd rank in the Henley Passport Index 2026, with access to 39 destinations, according to the latest global passport rankings released by Henley & Partners. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 1:21 pm

The full list of 75 countries where Trump is suspending visa processing

The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, marking one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the United States. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 11:36 am

Opposition Leader emphasizes cultural awareness and respect for nature in Thai Pongal message

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa extended his heartfelt wishes to Tamil communities across Sri Lanka and worldwide “wishing everyone a meaningful celebration of this cultural festival, with a true understanding of the spirit of Thai Pongal.” MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 7:47 am

UK-based couple donates £2,000 to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

A UK-based couple residing near the Sri Lankan High Commission to the United Kingdom have donated £2,000 to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 12:06 pm

President calls for national unity and collective reconstruction on Thai Pongal Day

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Thai Pongal message, highlighted the festival’s profound spiritual, cultural, and environmental significance, describing it as a celebration of gratitude, renewal, and collective hope for the future. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 6:50 am

PM Harini urges ‘“New Era of Revival” amid challenges in Thai Pongal message

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, in her message for Thai Pongal, has extended her heartfelt greetings to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad who celebrate the Thai Pongal festival, describing it as a proud tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 7:14 am

Singapore’s opposition leader stripped of title after conviction for lying

Singapore’s Leader of the Opposition in parliament, Pritam Singh, has been stripped of his title by the prime minister following a vote by lawmakers. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 2:31 pm

Dilith Jayaweera extends Thai Pongal greetings, highlights importance of social values

The leader of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ and Member of Parliament entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera in his Thai Pongal Day message has extended his heartfelt greetings to all Tamil devotees celebrating Thai Pongal today. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 8:47 am

Safety guidelines issued for Sri Lankans in Israel amid Middle East tensions

In view of the current and escalating unrest in the Middle East region, a set of guidelines for Sri Lankans working and residing in Israel has been issued by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 9:44 am

After exceeding 2025 revenue target, IRD aims for Rs. 2,402 billion in 2026

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has been set a revenue target of Rs. 2,402 billion for the fiscal year 2026, the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue Nandana Kumara said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 1:57 pm

55-year-old attacked to death in Nawalapitiya over personal dispute

A personal dispute between two brothers-in-law has reportedly ended in a fatal assault in the Gondennawa area of Nawalapitiya Police Division, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 12:29 pm

Indian Defence Minister calls for honouring IPKF soldiers’ sacrifices in Sri Lanka

The sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago should be honoured, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, appearing to criticise the governments in the 1990s for not publicly recognising their contributions. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 15, 2026 11:23 am

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