News Archive

No extension of school hours this year - Education Ministry

The Ministry of Education has decided not to extend school hours this year, citing concerns over the adverse effects on schools and the transport system in several areas due to the recent disasters.

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  8:13 am

Navy arrests 11 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing off Jaffna

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 11 Indian fishermen for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  10:29 am

Litro Gas expected to maintain prices for January

It has been reported that the prices of Litro domestic LP Gas cylinder refills will remain unchanged for the month of January 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  10:57 am

CAA collects over Rs. 285 mln in fines from raids in 2025

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has collected over Rs. 285 million in fines from raids carried out over the past year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  8:27 am

79-year old woman attacked to death following dispute in Agalawatta

An 84- year old man has allegedly attacked his wife yesterday (1), leaving her critically injured and resulting in her death in the Delpawatta area in Agalawatta, according to police. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  9:25 am

China’s Xi to host South Korea’s Lee from Sunday amid Japan tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit starting on Sunday, signalling Beijing’s intent to strengthen ties with Seoul amidst strained relations with Japan over Taiwan. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  10:57 am

One killed, 02 injured in shooting incident in Kaduwela

One person has been killed and two others had reportedly sustained injuries in a shooting incident reported in the Koratota area in Kaduwela, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  6:19 am

Will Smith sued for sexual harassment, wrongful termination by tour violinist

Brian King Joseph, a violinist and finalist of season 13 of America’s Got Talent, is suing Will Smith, claiming he was fired for reporting an incident of sexual harassment. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  10:00 am

Italy says US has sharply cut proposed pasta duties after a review

The United States sharply lowered proposed new duties on several Italian pasta makers following a preliminary review of their alleged anti-dumping activities, the Italian foreign ministry said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  7:09 am

Showery conditions expected to enhance in several provinces

Showery condition is expected to enhance in Eastern, Northern and Uva provinces during the coming days, due to the development of a low-level atmospheric disturbance to the East of Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  6:41 am

President receives blessings from Chief Prelates of Amarapura and Ramanna Maha Nikayas

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid visits to chief Buddhist prelates to receive blessings for the New Year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  10:29 am

Vijay’s last film Jana Nayagan clocks record advance sales, earns INR 150 mln worldwide

After a massive audio launch in Malaysia for his film Jana Nayagan, advance bookings have now begun for ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay’s upcoming political actioner. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  10:09 am

Flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Afghanistan kill at least 17 people

The season’s first heavy rains and snowfall ended a prolonged dry spell but triggered flash floods in several areas of Afghanistan, killing at least 17 people and injuring 11 others, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s national disaster management authority said Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 2, 2026  11:40 am

Asgiriya Chief Prelate urges everyone to set aside divisions and rebuild the country

Everyone should work together by setting aside ethnic differences to rebuild the country, emphasized the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya chapter of Siam Nikaya, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero in his New Year message. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  9:49 am

Sri Lanka Navy honours foreign warships for disaster assistance

Highlighting the spirit of global and regional cooperation, the Sri Lanka Navy today acknowledged the invaluable support by foreign warships, which had arrived to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, extending much-needed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations,... MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  5:20 pm

President calls for unity and determination to rebuild Sri Lanka in his New Year message

The dawn of a new year offers us an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past while planning afresh with optimism for the future, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  5:41 am

Drunk driver who ignored police orders kills officer on New Year’s Eve

An officer attached to the Ambalantota Police who was on duty on New Year’s Eve has died after being run over by a car driven by an individual who was under the influence, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  12:51 pm

SLTB launches new digital payment system for bus services

Under the nationwide initiative to introduce innovative digital solutions, the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development today (01) launched a new program for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  9:12 pm

MTV shuts down remaining music channels worldwide after 44 years on air

MTV is set to shut down its remaining music-only channels worldwide, bringing an end to 44 years of round-the-clock music broadcasting and prompting an outpouring of nostalgia from viewers. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  3:50 pm

Energy Ministry to transfer CEB assets to six new companies before Feb. 1

The process of transferring Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) assets to six newly established companies must be completed before February 1, 2026, the Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Professor Udayanga Hemapala has notified the CEB. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  1:56 pm

Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm likely in several provinces today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Eastern, Central, North-central and Uva provinces today (01), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  6:56 am

France plans social media ban for children under 15

France will make a fresh attempt to protect children from excessive screen time, proposing a ban on social media access for children under 15 by next September, according to a draft law seen by AFP. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  9:24 am

Sri Lankan FM meets Tarique Rahman, conveys condolences on ex-Bangladesh PM’s death

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who is currently visiting Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on Acting Chairman of Bangladesh National Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman on Wednesday night (December 31). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  1:54 pm

Sri Lankan man arrested by ICE no longer a professor at US State University, officials say

A Ferris State University associate professor from Sri Lanka who was placed on administrative leave is no longer employed by the university, a school official has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  2:14 pm

Close associate of organized criminal arrested with narcotics in Dondra

An individual has been arrested in Gandara, Dondra for the possession of 115 grams and 200 milligrams of heroin, 23 grams and 700 milligrams of crystal methamphetamine(‘Ice’) and approximately Rs. 500,000 in cash suspected to have been earned through drug trafficking, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  9:28 am

Concessionary loan scheme announced to purchase paddy in Maha Season

A pledge loan scheme for Small and Medium Scale Paddy Millers and Cooperative Societies, at a concessionary interest rate has been announced to purchase paddy in the 2025/2026 Maha Season. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  10:16 am

Police Sub-Inspector arrested on bribery charges

A Sub-Inspector attached to the Kinniya Police Station has been arrested on bribery charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  8:50 am

Let’s step into New Year with renewed energy and hope to succeed in 2026: PM Harini

Transforming all the challenges the country experienced in the past year into sources of strength, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya invited Sri Lankans to step into 2026 with renewed energy, hope and determination. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  6:05 am

“Zootopia 2” breaks record to become top-grossing Disney animation film

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2” surpassed 2019’s “Frozen 2” to become its highest-grossing film ever, the company said on Wednesday, marking a bright spot in a year when global box office continues to trail pre-pandemic levels. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  12:16 pm

Three including 2 women stabbed to death in Mawanella; suspect arrested

Three people, including two women, were stabbed to death in the Kondeniya area of Mawanella, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  5:42 pm

World welcomes 2026 after a year of Trump, truces and turmoil

New Year’s Eve revellers toasted the end of 2025 on Wednesday (Dec 31), waving goodbye to 12 months packed with Trump tariffs, a Gaza truce and vain hopes for peace in Ukraine. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  7:18 am

Let’s strive to find just and lasting solutions to problems of all citizens - Opposition Leader

The New Year 2026 will be a challenging year for the country and from today all Sri Lankans must find common ground to address the issues, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  6:34 am

Sri Lanka CERT warns of growing cyber threats as complaints exceed 12,600 in 2025

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has received more than 12,650 complaints related to social media misuse and cybersecurity incidents in 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  1:51 pm

Around 40 killed, 100 injured in explosion in Swiss ski resort bar

Around 40 people have been killed and 100 injured, most of them seriously, after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss officials said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  5:05 pm

President reviews resettlement of Ankumbura–Gankotuwa landslide victims

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the temporary shelter operating at the Sri Sudarshanaramaya Temple, Welgala, Poojapitiya in Kandy, this afternoon (01), to inquire into the well-being of families displaced by the landslide in the Ankumbura, Gankotuwa area and to review ongoing resettlement efforts. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  9:51 pm

President pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy this morning (01), where he paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings for the New Year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  2:34 pm

Sri Lanka usher in 2026 with vibrant New Year’s celebrations

Colombo was illuminated by a fireworks show as Sri Lanka welcomed the dawn of the new year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  5:05 am

Oil prices log steepest annual drop since 2020

Oil prices fell on Wednesday and recorded an annual loss of nearly 20%, as expectations of oversupply increased in a year marked by wars, higher tariffs, increased OPEC+ output and sanctions on Russia, Iran and Venezuela. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  8:19 am

NIE Director General temporarily steps down pending inquiry into ‘Grade 6 module’ controversy

The Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana, has decided to temporarily step down from her position until the conclusion of the inquiry into the controversial Grade 6 English module. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  6:57 pm

Sri Lanka received humanitarian aid from 22 countries for victims of Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka has received humanitarian assistance from 22 foreign countries and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, according to the Ministry of Defence. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  4:35 pm

154-year-old Amsterdam church engulfed in flames on New Year’s Eve

An iconic church in Amsterdam has been partially destroyed after a fire ripped through its spire in the early hours of New Year’s Day. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  3:45 pm

Laugfs hikes domestic LP gas prices

Laugfs Gas has announced an increase in domestic LP Gas refill prices, effective from today, 01 January 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  9:39 pm

Several killed in fire at New Year’s party in Swiss ski resort, police say

Several people have been killed and others injured after a fire at a new year’s party at an Alpine ski resort in southern Switzerland, a police spokesperson said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  12:33 pm

Bulgaria officially adopts euro, becoming 21st eurozone member

Bulgaria - the poorest country in the European Union - has become the 21st member of the eurozone - leapfrogging more obvious and prosperous candidates like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  9:34 am

Couple arrested at BIA with cigarettes worth Rs. 5.25 million

A couple who attempted to smuggle a consignment of foreign-manufactured cigarettes worth Rs. 5.25 million into the country has been arrested at the arrival terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  11:25 am

Upgrading of 76 rural roads begins under “Punarudayata Maga” programme

Upgrading of 76 rural roads across the country commenced today (01) under the “Punarudayata Maga” (Path to Renaissance) programme, which aims to improve the standard of life in rural communities and enhance public transportation facilities. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  2:54 pm

Colombo inflation remains unchanged at 2.1% in December 2025

The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) basis, remains unchanged at 2.1% in December 2025, compared to the month of November, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  7:32 am

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor at historic subway station

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight Thursday, taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  2:17 pm

Central Bank announces closure of Public Debt Department

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced the closure of the Public Debt Department (PDD) and the transfer of the LankaSecure Division of the PDD to the Payments and Settlements Department (PSD), effective today (01). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  11:09 am

Sri Lanka Rupee depreciates by 5.6% against US dollar in 2025

The Sri Lanka rupee had depreciated by 5.6 per cent against the US dollar in 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 1, 2026  8:01 am