News Archive

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

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..

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

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..

Showery conditions expected to reduce from today

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..

Ailing astronaut returns to Earth early in NASA’s first medical evacuation

Ailing astronaut returns to Earth early in NASA’s first medical evacuation

An ailing astronaut returned to Earth with three others on Thursday, ending their space station mission more than a month early in NASA’s first medical evacuation. MORE..

Two killed in fatal tipper truck accident in Jaffna

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..

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

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..

Another crane collapses in Thailand killing 2 people, police say

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

Industry bodies flag gaps in Draft National Electricity Policy

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, together with several leading industry chambers associations, have submitted joint observations on the Draft National Electricity Policy, stating that a number of critical issues have not been adequately addressed. MORE..

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

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..

Showers expected in several districts tomorrow

Showers expected in several districts tomorrow

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Kaluthara, Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts after 4.00 p.m. tomorrow (16) while mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

Three traders fined Rs. 1 mln each for selling rice at inflated prices

Three traders fined Rs. 1 mln each for selling rice at inflated prices

The Welisara Magistrate’s Court has fined three traders Rs. 1 million each for selling rice at inflated prices above the stipulated control prices. MORE..

Suspect arrested over gold necklace thefts and drug possession

Suspect arrested over gold necklace thefts and drug possession

A suspect who fled after stealing gold necklaces using stolen motorcycles has been arrested by the police. MORE..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

Wimal Weerawansa appears before court after arrest warrant issued

Wimal Weerawansa appears before court after arrest warrant issued

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, against whom an arrest warrant was issued today by the Colombo High Court, appeared before the court a short while ago. MORE..

Two killed in head-on motorcycle collision in Puttalam

Two killed in head-on motorcycle collision in Puttalam

Two individuals have died in a head-on motorcycle collision that occurred in the Attawilluwa area of Puttalam last night (13), police said. MORE..

Arrest warrant issued for Wimal Weerawansa

Arrest warrant issued for Wimal Weerawansa

The Colombo High Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa for failing to appear before the court in connection with a case filed by the Bribery Commission. MORE..

Police recover 11kg of ‘Ice’ and heroin from vehicle on Expressway; 2 arrested

Police recover 11kg of ‘Ice’ and heroin from vehicle on Expressway; 2 arrested

Around 6 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Ice”) and 5 kg of heroin were recovered, and two suspects along with their vehicle were taken into custody by the Expressway Highway Police at the Godagama–Palatuwa interchange on the Southern Expressway, police said. MORE..

Unidentified individuals torch Sarvajana Balaya party office in Jaffna

Unidentified individuals torch Sarvajana Balaya party office in Jaffna

An unidentified group set fire to the Sarvajana Balaya Party office located in the Thavady area of Jaffna around midnight yesterday (13). MORE..

Sri Lankan husband admits murdering ex-wife in UK

Sri Lankan husband admits murdering ex-wife in UK

A Sri Lankan-born husband has admitted stabbing his ex-wife to death on a quiet suburban street in Cardiff, Wales. MORE..

Uganda shuts down internet ahead of election, orders rights groups to halt work

Uganda shuts down internet ahead of election, orders rights groups to halt work

Ugandan authorities cut internet access and limited mobile services across the country on Tuesday, two days before an election in which President Yoweri Museveni will stand for a contentious seventh term after four decades in power. MORE..

Motorists urged to exercise caution on expressways due to heavy fog

Motorists urged to exercise caution on expressways due to heavy fog

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has issued a warning to motorists, urging them to exercise heightened caution while driving on expressways due to the dense fog currently affecting several regions. MORE..

Trinco Buddha statue incident: Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and others remanded

Trinco Buddha statue incident: Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and others remanded

Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, and five other individuals have been remanded until January 19 by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court for allegedly violating coastal conservation laws by placing a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Vihara on November 16, 2025. MORE..

State Department urges US citizens to leave Iran immediately

State Department urges US citizens to leave Iran immediately

The U.S. government has issued an urgent advisory for American citizens to leave Iran immediately, according to a notice published Tuesday by the U.S. virtual embassy in Tehran. MORE..

Opposition Leader criticizes proposed electricity policy, calls for public consultation

Opposition Leader criticizes proposed electricity policy, calls for public consultation

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, has criticized the newly proposed electricity policy of the National People’s Power (NPP) government, stating that it unfairly impacts both consumers and the renewable energy sector, while disproportionately affecting low-income earners. MORE..

Education Ministry issues special announcement on 2026 school academic activities

Education Ministry issues special announcement on 2026 school academic activities

The Ministry of Education has issued a statement regarding the conduct of school academic activities beginning from January 21, 2026. MORE..

Police intensify crack down on drunk, drug-impaired driving

Police intensify crack down on drunk, drug-impaired driving

Police have intensified measures against drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs, with a mobile laboratory now in operation to detect drug-impaired driving, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W. P. J. Senadeera. MORE..

Controversial Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams dies aged 68

Controversial Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams dies aged 68

Scott Adams, the US cartoonist who wrote and illustrated the comic strip Dilbert, has died of cancer at the age of 68. MORE..

Arrest warrant against Wimal Weerawansa recalled

Arrest warrant against Wimal Weerawansa recalled

The Colombo High Court today ordered the recall of the arrest warrant issued against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa after he appeared before the court through his legal counsel. MORE..

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 Western Province. MORE..

We choose Denmark over US, Greenland’s PM says

We choose Denmark over US, Greenland’s PM says

Greenland’s prime minister has said his people would choose Denmark over the US if they were asked to make such a choice “here and now”. MORE..

Stock market’s ASPI records new all-time high

Stock market’s ASPI records new all-time high

The Colombo Stock Exchange’s benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) hit a new all-time high of 23,708.70 points today (14), surpassing the previous record of 23,659.70 points set on 12 November 2025. MORE..

Retired Navy Medical Assistant arrested for soliciting bribe

Retired Navy Medical Assistant arrested for soliciting bribe

A retired Navy Medical Assistant has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with accepting a bribe of Rs. 200,000. MORE..

US approves sale of Nvidia’s advanced H200 chips to China

US approves sale of Nvidia’s advanced H200 chips to China

The US government has given chip giant Nvidia the green light to sell its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) processors in China, the Department of Commerce said on Tuesday. MORE..

UK expected to approve ‘mega’ Chinese embassy in London despite objections

UK expected to approve ‘mega’ Chinese embassy in London despite objections

Britain’s government is expected to approve a “mega” Chinese embassy close to London’s financial district after years of controversy and political wrangling over the potential security risks it poses to the U.K. MORE..

SOC reviews amendment bills seeking to curb drug trafficking in high seas

SOC reviews amendment bills seeking to curb drug trafficking in high seas

The attention of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection has been drawn to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. MORE..

Court postpones verdict in ex-MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala’s murder

Court postpones verdict in ex-MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala’s murder

The Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar has announced today (14) that the delivery of the verdict in the case pertaining to the murder of former Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala has been postponed until 11 February. MORE..

K-Pop sensation BTS announces return with new world tour

K-Pop sensation BTS announces return with new world tour

Chart-topping K-pop boy band BTS announced on Tuesday it will embark on a concert tour starting in April after the release of its first new album in more than three years. MORE..

Badulla District Labour Office receives bomb threat email

Badulla District Labour Office receives bomb threat email

A bomb scare was reported at the Badulla District Labour Office this morning (14) following the receipt of an anonymous email warning of an explosive device within the office premises. MORE..

Prevailing showery conditions to reduce from tomorrow

Prevailing showery conditions to reduce from tomorrow

The prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

No electricity tariff revision for first quarter of 2026 - PUCSL

No electricity tariff revision for first quarter of 2026 - PUCSL

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided not to implement an electricity tariff revision for the first quarter of 2026 due to the failure of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to submit a formal tariff revision proposal within the due time. MORE..

22 killed, over 30 injured as crane collapse derails train in Thailand

22 killed, over 30 injured as crane collapse derails train in Thailand

A train travelling from Bangkok to Thailand’s northeast province was derailed after a construction crane fell on top of one of its carriages, killing at least 22 people and injuring at least 30, police said. MORE..