News Archive

Youth succumbs following sudden explosion at fireworks factory in Katana

Youth succumbs following sudden explosion at fireworks factory in Katana

A youth has died following a sudden explosion at a fireworks manufacturing factory in Kimbulapitiya, Katana, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  8:11 am
H-1B visa appointments postponed for many Indians amid US’ Social Media rules

H-1B visa appointments postponed for many Indians amid US’ Social Media rules

The US State Department’s new social media vetting policy has triggered massive disruptions for H-1B visa applicants in India as many appointments have been postponed to next year. The US Embassy in India issued an advisory to the visa applicants on Tuesday night. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  10:53 am
Taliban detains 4 men for dressing up as “Peaky Blinders” characters, gives them rehabilitation

Taliban detains 4 men for dressing up as “Peaky Blinders” characters, gives them rehabilitation

Four young men were detained by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities and put into a rehabilitation program for walking around in public dressed up as their favorite characters from the hit British drama “Peaky Blinders.” MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  9:13 am
“Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund receives Rs. 1,893 million thus far

“Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund receives Rs. 1,893 million thus far

The “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, initiated to restore the country following the damage caused by Cyclone “Ditwah,” has received a total of Rs. 1,893 million in funding from domestic sources, overseas Sri Lankans, and various institutions, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  10:11 am
Over 50,000 tourists arrive in first eight days of December

Over 50,000 tourists arrive in first eight days of December

A total of 50,222 tourists have arrived in the country thus far in December, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  9:39 am
Heavy showers above 100 mm likely in Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces today

Heavy showers above 100 mm likely in Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces today

Showers or thundershowers are expected in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Central, Southern and Uva provinces today, the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  5:54 am
Floods cannot be allowed to continue to disrupt lives of Colombo residents: PM Harini

Floods cannot be allowed to continue to disrupt lives of Colombo residents: PM Harini

Floods cannot be allowed to continue to disrupt the lives of the people of Colombo, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  6:25 am
Russia sends 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka

Russia sends 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka

Russia has sent a planeload of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka after the country was struck by Cyclone Ditwah in late November, Russia’s RIA news agency reported early on Wednesday, citing Shobini Gunasekera, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Moscow. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  6:02 am
Ex-Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and three others acquitted in Greek Bond case

Ex-Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and three others acquitted in Greek Bond case

Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and three others have been acquitted from the case pertaining to the purchase of Greek Bonds in 2012.

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  1:01 pm
Individual arrested over theft of telecom transmission cables in Rambukkana

Individual arrested over theft of telecom transmission cables in Rambukkana

An individual has been arrested in connection with the theft of cables installed on a telecommunication transmission tower located in Yatagama, Rambukkana, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  7:55 am
Family dog assists in locating bodies of seven victims in Ambokka landslide

Family dog assists in locating bodies of seven victims in Ambokka landslide

Highlands surrounding the Ambokka village within the Pallepola Divisional Secretariat area in Matale, have reportedly become increasingly unstable following recent heavy rains. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  11:26 am
Homeowners in landslide-prone areas provided with reports on risk level: NBRO

Homeowners in landslide-prone areas provided with reports on risk level: NBRO

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has extended landslide warnings issued to several areas based on current ground conditions and weather forecasts. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  12:30 pm
Britain sanctions Russian, Chinese entities over disinfo, cyber threats

Britain sanctions Russian, Chinese entities over disinfo, cyber threats

Britain on Tuesday (Dec 9) sanctioned entities it accused of distorting information in favour of Russia as well as two Chinese companies for alleged cyber activities against the United Kingdom and its allies. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  8:47 am
Train delays reported along the Main Line

Train delays reported along the Main Line

Trains operating along the main line are currently experiencing delays, Sri Lanka Railways has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  7:17 am
Heavy vehicles barred from using road over Kotmale Dam: Mahaweli Authority

Heavy vehicles barred from using road over Kotmale Dam: Mahaweli Authority

Heavy vehicles have been barred from using the road over the Kotmale Dam, the Mahaweli Development Authority (MDA) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  12:00 pm
Case against Yoshitha and grandmother adjourned pending Daisy Forrest’s medical report

Case against Yoshitha and grandmother adjourned pending Daisy Forrest’s medical report

The Attorney General informed the Colombo High Court today (10) that Daisy Forrest, the grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa and a defendant in a case filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, is scheduled to undergo a psychiatric medical report tomorrow by the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  12:56 pm
Google Maps begins updating Sri Lanka’s road network – Minister

Google Maps begins updating Sri Lanka’s road network – Minister

Google Maps has commenced updating information pertaining Sri Lanka’s road network covering around 12,000 kilometers, Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  10:29 am
Zelenskiy says he is open to elections if US ensures security

Zelenskiy says he is open to elections if US ensures security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he was prepared to hold elections within three months if the U.S. and Kyiv’s other allies could ensure the security of the vote. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  6:55 am
Sri Lanka secures US$ 30 million World Bank loan for renewable energy projects

Sri Lanka secures US$ 30 million World Bank loan for renewable energy projects

The Government of Sri Lanka has arranged a loan of US$ 30 million from the International Development Association of the World Bank Group to finance the implementation of the secure, affordable and sustainable energy for Sri Lanka Project. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  6:41 am
Landslide in Bogahapathana, no injuries or casualties reported

Landslide in Bogahapathana, no injuries or casualties reported

A landslide has been reported in Bogahapathana, Meegahakiula. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  8:57 am
Significant flooding reported after heavy rainfall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Significant flooding reported after heavy rainfall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has experienced heavy rainfall that has led to significant flooding and traffic congestion across the city. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  1:23 pm
Elon Musk’s X says would comply with Australia’s Social Media ban

Elon Musk’s X says would comply with Australia’s Social Media ban

Elon Musk’s X has announced it would comply with Australia’s world-leading crackdown banning under-16s from social media. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 10, 2025  8:21 am
UN pledges US$4.5 million to support Sri Lankans affected by Cyclone Ditwah

UN pledges US$4.5 million to support Sri Lankans affected by Cyclone Ditwah

The United Nations has allocated US$4.5 million (LKR 1.38 billion) from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on 28 November. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  2:06 pm
Level 3 (Red) landslide evacuation warning issued to several areas in four districts

Level 3 (Red) landslide evacuation warning issued to several areas in four districts

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) has instructed District Secretaries to evacuate people living in landslide-prone areas in the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Matale to designated safe centers. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  7:35 am
Trump urges Cambodia, Thailand to honour ceasefire as fighting reignites

Trump urges Cambodia, Thailand to honour ceasefire as fighting reignites

US President Donald Trump expects Cambodia and Thailand to “fully honor” their ceasefire commitments following renewed clashes along their disputed border that has forced thousands of people to flee, a senior administration official said on Monday (Dec 8). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  6:47 am
Qatar underscores commitment to continue humanitarian role in Sri Lanka

Qatar underscores commitment to continue humanitarian role in Sri Lanka

The State of Qatar has underscored its commitment to continuing its humanitarian role and supporting its partners in Sri Lanka to ensure an effective and sustainable response to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  2:22 pm
Former Chairman of SLBFE Mohammed Hilmi granted bail

Former Chairman of SLBFE Mohammed Hilmi granted bail

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), Mohammed Hilmi who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an alleged corruption charge. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  11:21 am
Former Assistant Government Analyst further remanded

Former Assistant Government Analyst further remanded

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the further remand of the former Assistant Government Analyst, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on corruption charges, until December 22. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  11:43 am
Thailand-Cambodia fighting spreads along contested border as civilian toll rises

Thailand-Cambodia fighting spreads along contested border as civilian toll rises

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand escalated along their contested border on Dec 9, as the South-east Asian neighbours both said they would not back down in defending their sovereignty. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  1:07 pm
223,000 motorcycles, 55,000 cars and 13,000 three-wheelers registered in 2025 – DMT

223,000 motorcycles, 55,000 cars and 13,000 three-wheelers registered in 2025 – DMT

Motorcycles account for the highest number of vehicle registrations recorded so far this year (2025), the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  2:41 pm
Yellow anaconda hatchling goes missing from Dehiwala Zoo

Yellow anaconda hatchling goes missing from Dehiwala Zoo

A Yellow Anaconda hatchling has reportedly gone missing from the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  2:12 pm
Sri Lanka’s death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah climbs to 638

Sri Lanka’s death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah climbs to 638

The death toll due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country in the past few days caused by Cyclone Ditwah has increased to 638 as of today (09), the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  12:04 pm
Advisory issued for heavy rainfall above 100 mm

Advisory issued for heavy rainfall above 100 mm

The Department of Meteorology has issued an ‘Amber’ advisory for heavy rainfall above 100 millimeters over the next 24 hours in parts of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  8:40 am
Trump warns of new tariffs on India, says they should not “Dump Rice” in US

Trump warns of new tariffs on India, says they should not “Dump Rice” in US

US President Donald Trump has warned that he may introduce new tariffs on agricultural imports, especially on rice imports from India and fertiliser from Canada, as trade talks with both countries continue without major progress. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  9:38 am
Special mobile service to assist owners of disaster-damaged vehicles: DMT

Special mobile service to assist owners of disaster-damaged vehicles: DMT

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) states that information is currently being collected regarding vehicles destroyed and damaged due to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  12:56 pm
Heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

The Northeast monsoon conditions are gradually establishing over the island, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  6:34 am
New Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya appointed

New Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya appointed

Thilina Madushanka has been appointed as the Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Ada Derana reporter said.

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  11:08 am
Health officials warn of potential spread of eye diseases in safe shelters

Health officials warn of potential spread of eye diseases in safe shelters

The College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka (COSL) has issued a warning regarding the potential spread of eye diseases in safe shelters housing individuals affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  12:02 pm
Advisory issued for severe lightning

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Sabaragamuwa, Western and Southern provinces and in Kurunegala district, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  12:43 pm
Sluice gate of Upper Kotmale Reservoir opened

Sluice gate of Upper Kotmale Reservoir opened

A sluice gate of the Upper Kotmale Reservoir has been opened due to rains in catchment areas, the Department of Irrigation has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  3:27 pm
NBRO extends landslide warnings, identifies 15,000 high-risk areas

NBRO extends landslide warnings, identifies 15,000 high-risk areas

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) reports that about 15,000 landslide-prone locations have been identified across the country, and nearly 5,000 families residing in those high-risk areas have already been relocated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  11:06 am
Indian Army speeds up bridge repairs, medical aid in Sri Lanka under Op Sagar Bandhu

Indian Army speeds up bridge repairs, medical aid in Sri Lanka under Op Sagar Bandhu

The Indian Army has stepped up its humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, accelerating bridge restoration work and expanding medical support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  10:41 am
President Anura Kumara expresses gratitude to Donald Trump for standing with Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara expresses gratitude to Donald Trump for standing with Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for standing with Sri Lanka yet again at a time of need. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  3:05 pm
Over 5,000 houses completely destroyed across Sri Lanka by Cyclone Ditwah

Over 5,000 houses completely destroyed across Sri Lanka by Cyclone Ditwah

The total number of houses completely destroyed across Sri Lanka due to the severe disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah has surpassed 5,000, according to the latest report issued by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  11:35 am
One-fifth of Sri Lanka inundated by cyclone Ditwah - UNDP analysis

One-fifth of Sri Lanka inundated by cyclone Ditwah - UNDP analysis

An estimated 2.3 million people – more than half of them women – were living in areas flooded by Cyclone Ditwah that struck Sri Lanka on 28 November. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  11:56 am
India deploys another helicopter for disaster rescue operations in Sri Lanka

India deploys another helicopter for disaster rescue operations in Sri Lanka

A MI-17 helicopter provided by the Indian government arrived at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Base in Katunayake at 11.50 a.m. today (09), following the return of two previously deployed MI-17 helicopters to India for essential maintenance. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  1:47 pm
Irrigation Dept. lowers several reservoir water levels ahead of expected rainfall

Irrigation Dept. lowers several reservoir water levels ahead of expected rainfall

The Department of Irrigation reports that water levels in several major reservoirs across the country are being further reduced in response to rainfall forecasts for the coming days. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  10:02 am
Measures implemented to register deaths of persons reported dead or missing after Cyclone ‘Ditwah’

Measures implemented to register deaths of persons reported dead or missing after Cyclone ‘Ditwah’

The Registrar General’s Department of Sri Lanka has announced that the necessary legal provisions have been implemented to register the deaths of individuals who died or went missing due to landslides and floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  8:02 am
3 Idiots 2: Sequel with original cast set to begin filming in 2026

3 Idiots 2: Sequel with original cast set to begin filming in 2026

One of India’s most recognisable films, 3 Idiots, is set for a sequel nearly 15 years after it first arrived in cinemas. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  1:39 pm
Youth murdered with sharp weapon over financial dispute in Panadura

Youth murdered with sharp weapon over financial dispute in Panadura

A youth has been murdered with a sharp weapon in the Walana Road area of the Panadura South Police Division, according to police. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 9, 2025  10:04 am