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Internet and phones cut in Iran as protesters heed exiled prince’s call for mass demonstration
Internet and phones cut in Iran as protesters heed exiled prince’s call for mass demonstration
Iran’s government cut off the country from the internet and international telephone calls Thursday night as a nighttime demonstration called by the country’s exiled crown prince drew a mass of protesters to shout from their windows and storm the streets. MORE..
Schools in landslide-prone areas of Badulla District to close early today
Schools in landslide-prone areas of Badulla District to close early today
All schools located in Divisional Secretariat Divisions within the Badulla District have been instructed to close early by 11.00 a.m. today (09). MORE..
Suspect arrested with T56 firearm detained for further investigations
Suspect arrested with T56 firearm detained for further investigations
The Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court has granted permission to the Meetiyagoda Police to conduct further investigations after issuing a detention order on a suspect arrested in possession of a T56 firearm and 16 rounds of ammunition. MORE..
Main suspect in Waikkala illicit liquor incident detained
Main suspect in Waikkala illicit liquor incident detained
The main suspect in the incident where six people died due to poisoning from illicit liquor in Waikkala, has been detained under a two-day detention order. MORE..
Highest rainfall recorded from Ampara during the past 24 hours
Highest rainfall recorded from Ampara during the past 24 hours
The highest rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours was reported from the Ampara area, measuring 38 millimetres, Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara said this morning (09). MORE..
Venezuelan government begins releasing political prisoners
Venezuelan government begins releasing political prisoners
The Venezuelan government has begun releasing detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups, in what officials described as a goodwill gesture. MORE..
US Senate votes to curb military action in Venezuela, Trump says oversight could last years
US Senate votes to curb military action in Venezuela, Trump says oversight could last years
The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday to advance a resolution that would bar President Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization, even as Trump said U.S. oversight of the troubled nation could last years. MORE..
Deep depression in Bay of Bengal likely to intensify further
Deep depression in Bay of Bengal likely to intensify further
The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka (At 04:00 a.m. on Jan 9, 2026 located about 200 km South east of Batticaloa) is very likely to intensify further and move northwestwards towards the coast of Sri Lanka between Pottuvil and Trincomalee in the evening today (09), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..
Govt formulating policy to ensure child protection in use of technology - PM Harini
Govt formulating policy to ensure child protection in use of technology - PM Harini
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated the government is in the process of formulating a national policy to ensure child protection in the use of technology. MORE..
Mahaweli Authority issues update on water levels of major reservoirs
Mahaweli Authority issues update on water levels of major reservoirs
The Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka has issued a special announcement on the current water levels of the Victoria, Randenigala and Rantambe reservoirs within the Mahaweli reservoir system. MORE..
Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake appointed Presidential Advisor on Maritime, Ports and Logistics
Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake appointed Presidential Advisor on Maritime, Ports and Logistics
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Dr Mahinda Parakrama Dissanayake as Advisor to the President on Maritime, Ports and Logistics, with immediate effect, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). MORE..
Minor earth tremor reported in Ududumbara
Minor earth tremor reported in Ududumbara
A minor earth tremor measuring 2.2 on the Richter Scale has been reported in the Ududumbara area at 5.05 p.m. today (08). MORE..
Circular issued on providing Rs. 5 million for homes destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah
Circular issued on providing Rs. 5 million for homes destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah
A circular has been issued by the Defence Ministry with regard to providing Rs. 5 million to families whose houses were completely destroyed due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, for the purpose of rebuilding their homes. MORE..
Colombo stock market posts record trading day
Colombo stock market posts record trading day
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has posted a record trading day as daily turnover crossed Rs. 12.32 billion on Thursday (Jan. 08). MORE..
US seizes Russian-flagged tanker, another tied to Venezuela as Trump widens oil push
US seizes Russian-flagged tanker, another tied to Venezuela as Trump widens oil push
The US seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, one sailing under Russia’s flag, as part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to dictate oil flows in the Americas and force Venezuela’s socialist government to become an ally. MORE..
Discussions held with foreign unis on establishing technology R&D institution in Sri Lanka
Discussions held with foreign unis on establishing technology R&D institution in Sri Lanka
A discussion has been held focusing on several key proposals, including the establishment of a technology research and development institution in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening international academic collaboration and innovation-driven research. MORE..
Fatal road accidents increased last year; 14 elephants killed by trains in 2025 – Dy. Minister
Fatal road accidents increased last year; 14 elephants killed by trains in 2025 – Dy. Minister
Deputy Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Prasanna Gunasena says that the number of fatal accidents recorded in 2025 have slightly increased in comparison to the previous year (2024). MORE..
Sri Lanka to receive ten Bell 206 helicopters from US under defense program
Sri Lanka to receive ten Bell 206 helicopters from US under defense program
The United States has announced it will provide ten TH-57 (Bell 206 Sea Ranger) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) at no cost for the equipment itself with delivery expected early this year. MORE..
Sri Lankan garment exports granted tariff-free access to UK from Jan. 01
Sri Lankan garment exports granted tariff-free access to UK from Jan. 01
The Sri Lankan garment manufacturers have secured unprecedented access to the UK market under liberalised trade rules, the British High Commission in Colombo said. MORE..
Strict action against drivers operating vehicles under the influence of narcotics – Minister
Strict action against drivers operating vehicles under the influence of narcotics – Minister
Strict legal action will be enforced against individuals who operate vehicles under the influence of not only alcohol but also any form of narcotic substances, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake has stated. MORE..
| January 8, 2026 2:43 pm
Direct Bangladesh-Pakistan flights to resume after 14 years
Direct Bangladesh-Pakistan flights to resume after 14 years
Bangladesh and Pakistan are to resume direct flights after more than a decade, Dhaka’s national airline said on Thursday (Jan 8), as ties warm and regional power balances shift. MORE..
500 tabs issued to police officers in line with introduction of new digital insurance card
500 tabs issued to police officers in line with introduction of new digital insurance card
A total of 500 tablet devices have been issued to traffic police officers in the Western Province, enabling efficient access to the enhanced Sri Lanka Police Road Accident Data Management System and facilitating the verification of the new digital insurance e-card (e-card). MORE..
Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fire risk
Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fire risk
Parts of Australia will face catastrophic fire conditions on Friday, when heatwaves are expected to hit most of the country. MORE..
Deep depression in the vicinity of Sri Lanka to bring heavy showers and gusty winds to several areas
Deep depression in the vicinity of Sri Lanka to bring heavy showers and gusty winds to several areas
The depression in the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka has intensified into a deep depression, the Department of Meteorology has confirmed. MORE..
Matugama PS chairman granted bail
Matugama PS chairman granted bail
The Chairman of the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha, Kasun Munasinghe, has been granted bail by the Matugama Magistrate’s Court. MORE..