US President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed his ally Benjamin Netanyahu as the longtime Israeli prime minister ​struggles for an edge in next week's parliamentary election.

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, who was hospitalized during the satyagraha launched at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, has rejoined the protest at the park.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings for several areas across multiple districts due to prevailing rainy weather.

Police in Paris said on Sunday (Oct 18) they had arrested a "record" 855 people over protest violence in the capital the day before, with the prosecutor's office saying more than 500 were being held in custody.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for Northern, North-Central, Eastern, North-Western provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts for tomorrow (19).

Iran's offer to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days is still on ​the table, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Iranian media ‌outlets on Sunday.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an “Amber” advisory for rough seas in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

The Norochcholai coal power plant, which was shut down as a precautionary measure following yesterday’s (17) sudden islandwide power outage, will not be reconnected to the national grid for several days, the National System Operator (NSO) has announced.

The cremation ceremony of the late Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Sirivimala Thera has been scheduled for 4.00 p.m. on October 21 (Wednesday) at the Getambe Urban Grounds in Kandy, according to the funeral committee.

On the instructions of the Secretary to the Defence Ministry, a special military team has been deployed to locate the wild elephant 'Agbo', with the objective of ensuring the elephant's safety, the Ministry of Environment stated.

Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who was granted bail and was receiving treatment at the National Hospital of Colombo, has been transferred to Nawaloka Hospital, hospital sources have confirmed.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated that decisions delivered by the judiciary represent the authoritative interpretation of the law and that the government will abide by all such rulings.

Deputy Chief Prelate of the Ramanna Sect and Chief Incumbent of the Getambe Rajopavanaramaya in Kandy, Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Sirivimala Thera has passed away at the age of 95, sources say.

The Ceylon Teachers' Union (CTU) has warned that a serious teacher shortage has emerged within the school system, citing irregularities in the gazette notification issued for teacher recruitment.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that steps will be taken to introduce new curricula for Grades 2 and 6 next year.