News Archive

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara Districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  2:36 pm

Indian HC briefs Asgiriya, Malwatta chief prelates on cyclone relief efforts

The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recently paid his respects to the Mahanayake Theros of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  10:55 am

Sri Lanka records USD 7.19B remittances in first 11 months of 2025

Sri Lanka recorded USD 673.4 million in workers’ remittances in November 2025, according to data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  9:54 am

Over 13,500 businesses affected by adverse weather - Ministry

The Ministry of Industry and Enterprise Development has reported that the Industry Disaster Support Center (IDSC) has received data on 13,698 businesses affected by the recent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  3:42 pm

Govt plans compensation or land allocation for people in landslide-hit areas

The Land Commissioner General’s Department (LCGD) has initiated measures to conduct a survey of lands affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with particular attention to areas impacted by landslides in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  1:00 pm

26 arrested after police raid drug-fuelled party in Theldeniya

A total of 26 suspects—22 men and four women—were arrested by Theldeniya Police after an illegal “Facebook party” was raided, during which a quantity of illicit narcotics was seized. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  7:46 am

Chilaw General Hospital flood damage exceeds Rs. 1,200M: Minister

The Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that the Chilaw General Hospital, which was affected by recent flooding in Sri Lanka, has sustained damages exceeding Rs. 1,200 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  1:54 pm

Authorities aim to clear flood-generated waste in Colombo suburbs within 10 days

The Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Thilak Hewawasam, stated that authorities expect to completely remove accumulated garbage in the flood-affected suburbs of Colombo, following Cyclone Ditwah, within approximately 10 days. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  2:34 pm

Ministry urges public to avoid sharing details of disaster-affected children

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has urged all parties to refrain from disseminating any information related to children who have become vulnerable due to the recent disaster situation in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  4:46 pm

Parliament to convene on Dec.18 following PM’s request – Speaker

The Parliament of Sri Lanka will convene on 18 December 2025, at 9.30 a.m., Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced today (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  9:03 am

US envoy nominee flags China concerns, backs Sri Lanka reforms

American President Donald Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to Sri Lanka told lawmakers that Washington will prioritise maritime security, economic reforms and countering China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean nation, as Sri Lanka seeks recovery from its 2022 economic crisis and a devastating cyclone this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  12:17 pm

Thailand vows to keep fighting Cambodia, despite Trump’s ceasefire claim

Thailand’s leader vowed to keep fighting on the disputed border with Cambodia as fighter jets struck targets on Saturday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had brokered a ceasefire. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  2:01 pm

Nobel Peace Prize committee condemns “brutal” arrest of Iranian laureate Narges Mohammadi

Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was arrested in a “brutal” manner in Iran and must be released immediately, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prize, said on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  12:01 pm

Iran seizes oil tanker carrying illegal fuel, Sri Lankans among 18 crew members – report

Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, Iranian media said overnight Friday to Saturday, adding that 18 crew members from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were on board. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  5:23 pm

Special festive advance granted to public officials

A circular has been issued to provide a special advance payment of up to Rs. 4,000 to public officials in view of the festive season. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  2:09 pm

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

The Meteorology Department states that several spells of showers will occur in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva, Central, and North-Western Provinces. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  7:15 am

Thailand and Cambodia agree to halt fighting, Trump says

US President Donald Trump has said the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia will halt fighting “effective this evening”. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  7:22 am

US, Sri Lanka discuss cyclone relief, R&D cooperation & investment opportunities

A discussion recently took place between US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, at the US Embassy in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  11:01 am

Sri Lanka, Italy renew bilateral agreement on Mutual Recognition of Driving Licenses

The Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Italy formally renewed the Bilateral Agreement for the Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences between the two countries yesterday (12) in Rome, Italy. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  11:49 am

36 major reservoirs across Sri Lanka continue to spill - Irrigation Dept

The Irrigation Department has reported that 36 major reservoirs and over 46 medium-sized reservoirs across the country are currently spilling, according to Director of Irrigation (Water Management) H.M.P.S.D. Herath. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  12:32 pm

Steps underway to promptly reopen Hakgala Botanical Garden

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody participated in an inspection visit to initiate measures to reopen the Hakgala Botanical Garden promptly, which has been temporarily closed due to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 13, 2025  6:15 pm

Two police officers arrested over Rs. 5,000 bribe

A Police Constable and a Police Sergeant attached to the Diyabeduma Police Station have been arrested by Bribery Commission officers yesterday (11) on charges of seeking a bribe of Rs. 5,000 from a motorcyclist. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  9:24 am

Gold prices in Sri Lanka increase by around Rs. 3,000 today

Gold prices in Sri Lanka have risen following a significant increase in the price of gold in the world market. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  11:19 am

Former Speaker Asoka Ranwala hospitalised after vehicle involved in accident

Further information has been revealed regarding the accident involving a jeep driven by former Speaker and Member of Parliament Asoka Ranwala, which resulted in a head-on collision with a car. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  8:42 am

Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits Japan’s northeast region, tsunami advisory issued

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 hit Japan’s northeastern region on Friday, prompting a tsunami advisory for waves up to 1 metre (39 inch) high from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  9:01 am

Bangladesh to hold first vote since uprising

Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on Feb 12, authorities said, its first national vote since a deadly student-led uprising forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India last year. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  6:40 am

Foreign humanitarian aid to be systematically distributed, Sri Lankan officials confirm

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Rtd) Aruna Jayasekara, together with members of the committee appointed to ensure the proper coordination and distribution of foreign humanitarian aid, conducted an inspection visit today (12) at the Orugodawatta Warehouse Complex... MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  3:13 pm

Trump signs order to block states from enforcing own AI rules

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at blocking states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  3:27 pm

Game of the Year 2025 — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 breaks records with 9 awards across categories

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 became the central headline of The Game Awards 2025 after sweeping nine awards across major categories, including the top honour, Game of the Year. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  2:38 pm

District Secretary urges drivers to avoid nighttime travel to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon has urged motorists to refrain from using any roads leading into Nuwara Eliya during nighttime hours, citing heightened landslide risks caused by prevailing weather conditions. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  10:44 am

Bus driver saves 14 passenger lives after brake failure in Badulla

The driver of a bus belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Depot in Kekirawa, operating from Badulla to Anuradhapura this morning (12), has reportedly managed to save the lives of 14 passengers by carefully steering the vehicle into an embankment after its brakes suddenly failed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  12:50 pm

Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI, license characters for Sora video tool

Walt Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and will let the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video generator, a deal that could reshape how Hollywood makes content. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  11:13 am

Nine dead as bus crashes into ravine amid heavy fog in India

Nine people died and dozens were injured after a bus lost control and plunged into a ravine on a hilly stretch in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri district in India this morning. The incident took place near the Tulasipakalu village. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  11:43 am

Police vow impartial probe into vehicle collision involving MP Asoka Ranwala

Sapugaskanda Police Station has initiated an investigation into a head-on collision involving a vehicle driven by former Speaker and NPP Member of Parliament Asoka Ranwala, which injured several including an infant. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  12:48 pm

Thai PM moves to dissolve parliament, setting stage for elections

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Thursday that he is “returning power to the people,” moving to dissolve parliament and clear the way for elections earlier than previously anticipated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  8:03 am

Bulgarian government resigns after weeks of street protests

Bulgaria’s government resigned on Thursday after less than a year in power, following weeks of street protests over its economic policies and its perceived failure to tackle corruption. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  8:25 am

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara Districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  2:27 pm

Reddit sues Australia over social media ban, citing free speech threat

Message board website Reddit on Friday filed a lawsuit in Australia’s highest court seeking to overturn the country’s social media ban for children, calling it an intrusion on free political discourse and setting the stage for a protracted legal battle. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  11:31 am

Suspect arrested for Rs. 6.86 million online fraud via Telegram

The North Western Provincial Sub-Unit of the Computer Crime Investigation Division has arrested a suspect for allegedly defrauding money via the internet. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  10:42 am

Cabinet approves women’s recruitment for all positions in Sri Lanka Railways – AG tells court

The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today (12) that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the recruitment of women for all positions within the Sri Lanka Railways (SLR). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  12:57 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern and North-Central provinces and in Puttalam and Trincomalee districts, today (12), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  6:28 am

Govt to provide Rs. 5,000 nutrition allowance to pregnant mothers

The government has announced that, in light of the nationwide prevailing disaster situation and the upcoming festive season, arrangements have been made to provide a nutrition allowance of Rs. 5,000 to pregnant mothers. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  1:24 pm

Former Speaker and NPP MP Asoka Ranwala arrested

Former Speaker and NPP Member of Parliament Asoka Ranwala, who was involved in a vehicular collision in Sapugaskanda last night, has been arrested by the police. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  1:41 pm

Landslide red warnings extended as NBRO cautions against unnecessary travel

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has announced that the ‘Level-3’ (Red) landslide evacuation warnings currently issued to 33 Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) across four districts have been further extended. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  11:47 am

Suspect wanted on 88 warrants arrested in Athurugiriya

A suspect wanted on 88 warrants has been arrested by the Athurugiriya Police officers yesterday (11). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  7:58 am

Singapore to contribute US$100,000 to support relief efforts in Sri Lanka

The Singapore government will contribute US$100,000 (S$129,000) as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross’ (SRC) public fundraising efforts for the humanitarian crisis resulting from the recent cyclone in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  4:11 pm

Government issues revised excise license fee structure

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has issued Excise Notification No. 03/2025, introducing a revised fee structure for excise-related licenses across multiple categories. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  10:23 am

Australia strengthens educational, migration, and security partnerships with Sri Lanka

The Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka has highlighted a recent visit by Australia’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, and International Education, Julian Hill, aimed at strengthening Australia–Sri Lanka relations across multiple sectors. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  11:58 am

Sri Lankan-led UK team harnesses AI to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster readiness

How Sri Lanka Can Rebuild Stronger After Cyclone Ditwah: Advanced Artificial Intelligence Technologies Offer a New Hope for Disaster Prediction, Management & Recovery... By Dr. Nalinda Somasiri

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  4:34 pm

ADB approves $200M to improve water, food security in North Central Sri Lanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to support the ongoing Mahaweli Development Program, Sri Lanka’s largest multiuse water resources development initiative. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 12, 2025  11:47 am