News Archive

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  9:49 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  7:00 pm

Low-pressure over Bay of Bengal to intensify into deep depression within next 12 hours

The low-pressure area located over the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka is highly likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  8:54 am

Advisory for flood preparedness issued by Irrigation Department

Based on forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology, enhanced rainfall is expected in river basins located within the Uva, Eastern, Central, North Central, and Northern Provinces, the Department of Irrigation has warned. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  5:40 am

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  5:50 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  12:23 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  1:48 pm

Train operations on coastal line disrupted following accident in Ambalangoda

Train operations have been disrupted following an accident in Ambalangoda. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  8:11 am

Sri Lanka, India underscore shared commitment to regional stability and security

The Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  7:41 am

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  2:48 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  4:23 pm

Sri Lanka’s economy expected to grow by around 4-5% in 2026 – CBSL Governor

Sri Lanka’s economy has been projected to grow by around 4 - 5% this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  10:46 am

Spotify expands its monetisation program

Spotify is expanding its monetisation programme for creators and introducing new tools for video podcasters, as it aims to better compete with YouTube and Netflix in the booming market. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  12:54 pm

Bruno Mars returns with The Romantic in February, his first album in 10 years

Bruno Mars has completed his next album. Title The Romantic, it’s slated to be released on Feb 27, with new music also dropping on Friday (Jan 9). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  9:36 am

Low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal intensified into deep depression

The low-pressure area established over the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka has intensified into a deep depression as of this morning (08). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  9:57 am

Tech firms must block unsolicited nude images under new UK rules

Technology companies in Britain will be required to block unsolicited sexual images under online safety rules taking effect on Thursday, as governments worldwide step up efforts to curb abuse and risks linked to artificial intelligence. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  9:26 am

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  9:08 pm

Trump invites Colombia president to White House after threats

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 7) invited his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening him with military action over alleged drug trafficking. MORE..

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

Main suspect in Waikkala illicit liquor incident arrested

The main suspect in the incident where six people died due to poisoning from illicit liquor in Waikkala has been arrested by the Wennappuwa Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  9:22 am

UN chief says ready to offer good offices to support possible dialogue in Venezuela

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday expressed the availability of his good offices to support a possible inclusive national dialogue in Venezuela, his spokesperson said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  6:51 am

Depression in Bay of Bengal likely to cross Sri Lanka tomorrow – Met. DG

The depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to cross Sri Lanka tomorrow (09) between 5:30p.m. and 11:30p.m., the Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  11:17 am

Vijay’s Jana Nayagan movie release postponed

The planned January 9 release of ‘Jana Nayagan’, the much-anticipated film widely billed as actor-politician Vijay’s final appearance on screen, was postponed on Wednesday, hours after the Madras High Court reserved its order on a petition challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s decision to withhold a censor certificate. MORE..

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

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  5:42 pm

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..

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

Depression over Bay of Bengal to intensify into deep depression, Showers above 100 mm predicted in several areas

The depression over the Bay of Bengal, located to the southeast of Sri Lanka, was centered about 490 km southeast of Pottuvil, at 11:30 p.m. yesterday, the Department of Meteorology has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  5:39 am

22,000 deaths annually in Sri Lanka due to tobacco and cigarette use

Nearly 22,000 deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka due to the use of tobacco and cigarettes, the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre states. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  7:12 am

Sri Lanka’s official reserve assets increased to US$ 6.82 billion

Sri Lanka’s official reserve assets have increased by 13.1% to US$ 6.825 billion in December 2025, compared to US$ 6.034 billion in November 2025, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  6:27 am

Sri Lanka seeking to deploy additional personnel to UN Peacekeeping missions

Discussions have been held pertaining to the deployment of additional personnel to United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  12:10 pm

Police launch new initiative to prevent cybercrimes

A new initiative has been launched to prevent cybercrimes, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  8:33 am

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  1:28 pm

Ex- Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa’s case fixed for trial on Jan. 27

The Colombo High Court has ordered that the case filed against former Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and seven others be taken up for trial on January 27, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  10:43 am

Technical officer attached to Wattala PS arrested for soliciting bribe

A technical officer at the Welisara sub-office of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha has been arrested by the Bribery Commission for soliciting a bribe of Rs. 50,000. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  10:21 am

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  2:43 pm

Litro Gas prices to remain unchanged in January

The prices of Litro Gas domestic cylinder refills will remain unchanged for the month of January 2026, the Litro Gas Company has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  6:45 am

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  1:51 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  4:10 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  5:00 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  10:40 pm

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..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  6:37 pm

Public urged to remain vigilant as water levels of rivers may rise rapidly - Irrigation Dept.

The Department of Irrigation has warned that water levels of rivers and reservoirs could rise rapidly if the island experiences high-intensity rainfall due to the low-pressure area established over the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  11:22 am

Donald Trump withdraws US from more than 60 international organisations

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a proclamation withdrawing the United States from 35 non-United Nations organisations and 31 UN entities that “operate contrary to US national interests,” the White House said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  5:41 am

Post-disaster housing reconstruction to commence tomorrow

The inauguration of the project to construct new houses and provide compensation to those who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah, under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ initiative, is scheduled to commence tomorrow (09) in the Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  12:10 pm

Postponed 2025 A/L exams to be held from Jan. 12-20

The Department of Examinations has announced that the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) 2025 examinations, which were postponed due to the disaster situation in the country, will be held from January 12 to January 20, 2026.

(0)Comments | January 8, 2026  11:37 am

Indian Army Chief to arrive in Sri Lanka today

The Chief of the Army Staff of India, General Upendra Dwivedi is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on a two-day visit today, the Indian Defence Ministry has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  5:38 am

Special traffic plan around Kelaniya Temple for annual perahera

Police have announced a special traffic plan in view of the annual Duruthu Perahera of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  7:22 am

Electricity consumers to foot the bill for street lights?

The proposed new electricity policy includes a proposal to recover the cost of street lighting in a given area from the electricity bills of area residents, the Electricity Consumers’ Association has claimed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  8:33 am

Four arrested in Jaffna for illegal possession and sale of prescription drugs

A total of four individuals have been arrested in Jaffna along with a stock of prescription drugs that were being illegally sold. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  7:54 am

Low-pressure area likely to intensify into depression during next 12 hours

The low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka is likely to intensify into a depression during the next 12 hours, the Department of Meteorology has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  5:37 am

Trump says Venezuela will send up to 50 million barrels of oil to US

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Jan 6) that Venezuela’s interim government will deliver up to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, and that the proceeds “will be controlled by me” as president. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  6:52 am

Man linked to Kohuwala shooting arrested in Badowita

An individual linked to a recent shooting incident in which a girl sustained injuries in Bodhiyawatta, Kohuwala has been arrested. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  6:19 am