News Archive

Case filed against Diana Gamage adjourned till Feb. 16

Further examination of evidence in the case filed against former State Minister Diana Gamage is scheduled to be conducted on February 16. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  1:59 pm

U.S. storm leaves 1 million without power, forces 10,000 flight cancellations

More than 1 million customers in the United States, as far west as New Mexico, were without electricity, and over 10,000 flights were canceled on Sunday during a monster winter storm that paralyzed eastern and southern states with heavy snow and ice. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:35 am

Another vessel and 5 suspects arrested for supplying narcotics to boats seized in southern seas

Five more suspects and another vessel, suspected of supplying narcotics to the multi-day fishing boats recently intercepted off the southern coast by the Navy with over 290 kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’), have been taken into custody at the Mirissa Fisheries Harbour. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:18 pm

India to slash tariffs on cars to 40% in trade deal with EU

India plans to slash tariffs on cars imported from the European Union to 40% from as high as 110%, sources said, in the biggest opening yet of the country’s vast market as the two sides close in on a free trade pact that could come as early as Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  9:40 am

Gold prices in Sri Lanka rise in line with global market

The price of a gold sovereign in in Sri Lanka has increased in line with the upward trend in global gold prices. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:45 am

Two arrested for illegal gem mining in Bogawantalawa

Police have arrested two individuals for engaging in illegal gem mining without a valid license in Bogawantalawa. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:45 am

Private jet crashes in flames at Maine airport with eight aboard

A private jet crashed in flames as it was taking off from a Maine airport with eight aboard, the U.S. aviation regulator said, but their fate and identities were not immediately known. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  10:21 am

Govt invites land donations to rebuild homes destroyed by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’

The project to construct houses for families whose homes were completely destroyed by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ in Sri Lanka is currently underway. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:47 am

India’s military might on full display at 77th Republic Day celebrations

India ushered in its 77th Republic Day on Monday (January 26, 2026) with a grand display of its military prowess that included missiles, warplanes, newly-raised units and lethal weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:33 pm

Apple reportedly plans to reveal its Gemini-powered Siri in February

A new and improved Siri may finally make an appearance, but this time, it could be with a Google Gemini glow up. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:47 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, today (26), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  6:29 am

GMOA to launch indefinite trade union action today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to launch an island-wide indefinite trade union action from 8.00 a.m. today (26). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:11 am

Six police officers arrested for allegedly assaulting Catholic priest further remanded

Six police officers who were arrested for allegedly assaulting a Catholic priest in Gampaha have been further remanded until January 29, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:13 pm

Death toll in Philippine boat accident climbs to 15, hundreds rescued

The death toll from a ferry boat accident in the Southern Philippines has reached at least 15, with 316 people rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Monday as the search continued for the dozens still missing. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:48 am

Heatwave warnings across Australia as millions celebrate national day

Australian authorities have issued heatwave warnings for most of the country as millions celebrate Australia Day. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  12:01 pm

First lady Melania Trump previews new film at private White House screening

First lady Melania Trump hosted a private White House screening on Saturday of a new film documenting her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the White House said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:59 am

Trump administration defends killing American in Minneapolis, contradicts videos

Officials in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration defended on Sunday the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration agents in Minneapolis, even as video evidence contradicted their version of events and as tensions grew between local law enforcement and federal officers. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  7:58 am

“Successful India makes world stable”: European Commission Chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday said that a “successful India” makes the world more “stable, prosperous and secure”, a statement that came ahead of the “historic” trade agreement between New Delhi and the 27-nation bloc. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  2:01 pm

Gold tops $5,000 for first time ever, adding to historic rally

The price of gold has risen above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time, extending a historic rally that saw the precious metal jump by more than 60% in 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  6:39 am

UK-Canada co-production ‘Baby Elephant School’ profiles Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe Sanctuary

A rare UK-Canada natural history co-pro will follow inhabitants at the world’s largest baby elephant sanctuary. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  1:21 pm

GMOA accuses Health Ministry for non-implementation of agreements

The Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, stated that the association was compelled to take professional action as previous discussions with the Minister of Health, in which agreements were reached in writing, were not implemented as promised. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:40 am

213 Public Health Management Assistants to be appointed tomorrow

A total of 213 individuals are scheduled to receive appointment letters for the position of Public Health Management Assistant tomorrow (27). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  11:47 am

Complaint lodged with CID over shortage of 40 cancer drugs and alleged sale of unregistered medicines

A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department today calling for an investigation into an alleged shortage of 40 cancer medications and claims that unregistered cancer drugs are currently circulating in the market. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  1:42 pm

Suspect arrested with over 3 kg of ‘Ice’ in Bambalapitiya

A suspect has been arrested while in possession of over 3 kilograms of ‘Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’), with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 30 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 26, 2026  8:31 am

Suspect arrested with micro pistol and ammunition in Ambalangoda

A suspect has been arrested after a micro pistol and live ammunition was found concealed inside a room of a residence in the Wathugedara area of Ambalangoda. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  7:44 am

Last two giant pandas in Japan set to leave for China

Japanese panda fans gathered Sunday for the final public viewing at Tokyo’s Ueno zoo before twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei return to China this week. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  1:05 pm

443 arrested for driving under the influence during special island-wide raid

A total of 571 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in criminal activities and also over illicit liquor and drug-related offenses during a special island-wide operation conducted yesterday (24). MORE..

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

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, today (25), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  6:32 am

Large number of local and foreign tourists visit Nuwara Eliya amid record low temperatures

A large number of local and foreign tourists have visited Nuwara Eliya during the weekend holiday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  11:15 am

Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff over pending trade deal with China

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it follows through on a trade deal with China and warned Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that a deal would endanger his country. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  7:05 am

Climber Alex Honnold scales 101-floor skyscraper without safety gear

American climber Alex Honnold has successfully scaled a Taiwan skyscraper without a rope, harness or safety equipment. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  2:40 pm

Indian products must be synonymous with top quality: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged industry and start ups to focus on quality and resolve to make excellence a benchmark in manufacturing. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  1:57 pm

Russian national drowns while swimming at Bentota Beach

A Russian woman has died after drowning while swimming at Bentota Beach. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  11:01 am

Two fishing boats seized with narcotics off southern coast brought to Dikkowita Harbour

Two multi-day fishing trawlers along with 11 suspects, taken into custody by the Sri Lanka Navy on suspicion of transporting a large consignment of narcotics in deep seas off the southern coast, have been brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  7:01 am

Four including woman killed in separate road accidents

Four people, including a woman, have been killed in separate road accidents reported from several areas, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  12:09 pm

US storm leaves 160,000 without power, forces thousands of flight cancellations

More than 4,000 flights were canceled in the U.S. on Saturday ahead of a monster winter storm that has already cut power to more than 160,000 electricity customers as far west as Texas, and threatened to paralyze eastern states with heavy snowfall. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  10:22 am

Three arrested at BIA for attempting to smuggle ‘Kush’ and ‘Hashish’

Three passengers attempting to smuggle a consignment of “Kush” and “Hashish” valued at Rs. 133.94 million into the country have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by Airport Customs officers and a group of officers of Customs Narcotics Control Unit. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  10:06 am

Myanmar’s junta leader dismisses critics as military allies head for landslide election win

Myanmar’s junta chief on Sunday dismissed foreign criticism of the war-torn country’s general election as a final round of voting took place, with the military-backed party having secured a majority of seats in previous rounds. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  3:22 pm

Shah Rukh Khan’s King release date announced

The much-anticipated release date of Siddharth Anand’s King, led by Shah Rukh Khan, is out. Set to be a major festive release, the film will hit the screens on December 24, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  10:50 am

Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm likely in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces tomorrow

Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in the Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts tomorrow (26), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  2:56 pm

WHO chief says U.S. reasons for withdrawal ‘untrue’

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday depicted as ‘untrue’ the reasons given by the United States for its withdrawal from the global health watchdog. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  11:47 am

Today marks 28 years since LTTE bombing at Kandy Dalada Maligawa

Today marks 28 years since the LTTE terrorists carried out a bomb attack on the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  11:40 am

Federal immigration agents kill another US citizen in Minneapolis, sparking protests

U.S. immigration agents shot and killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis on Saturday, officials said, sparking fierce protests and condemnations from local leaders in the second such incident this month. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  6:41 am

Sri Lankan arrested with over 8 kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

A Sri Lankan has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ cannabis with an estimated street value of Rs. 82.2 million, into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  8:46 am

Six Gampaha Crimes Division officers arrested for allegedly assaulting Catholic priest

Six officers of the Gampaha Division Crimes Investigation Bureau have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a Catholic priest, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  2:38 pm

Govt to launch digital platform to guide village-level development projects

The government has decided to introduce a new digital system to strengthen planning and oversight of village-level development projects under ‘Prajashakthi National Movement’, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  10:56 am

Shanakiyan raises concerns about move to suspend Deputy Secretary General of Parliament allegedly without an inquiry

Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has raised concerns about the decision to suspend Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff Chaminda Kularatne from his post allegedly without a charge sheet, an inquiry, or even a right to be heard. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  2:13 pm

Over 280 kg of drugs worth Rs. 4.5 bln recovered from intercepted fishing trawlers

The two multi-day fishing trawlers and the 11 suspects taken into custody in deep seas off the southern coast and brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour have undergone further inspection, where the seized narcotics were weighed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  9:10 am

250 ‘Health and Wellness Centres’ to be established islandwide – Health Minister

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, says steps will be taken to establish 250 ‘Health and Wellness Centres’ across the country to strengthen preventive healthcare services. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  8:45 am

IFC announces investment program worth US$ 166 million to support Sri Lankan businesses

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a high-impact investment program of US$ 166 million to support Sri Lankan businesses and accelerate the country’s transition from economic stabilization to sustainable growth. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 25, 2026  12:37 pm