News Archive

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara appears before CID

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning (July 18), said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  10:47 am

‘Red’ warning issued for strong winds and rough seas

A ‘Red’ warning has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for strong winds and rough seas in the areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  10:18 am

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm likely in some areas

Showers will occur at times in the Sabaragamuwa province and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (18), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  6:00 am

Bangladesh Bank honours Sri Lankan bankers for foiling 2016 cyber heist

Bangladesh’s central bank (Bangladesh Bank) hosted a special award ceremony to formally recognise officials from Sri Lanka’s Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC) for their role in preventing a US$20 million fraudulent transaction during the infamous 2016 Bangladesh Bank reserve heist incident. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  7:04 pm

Wild elephant killed in train collision at Gallella

A wild elephant was killed early this morning (18) after being struck by a train traveling from Colombo to Batticaloa. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  9:52 am

Rajitha’s anticipatory bail application rejected

An anticipatory bail application filed by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, seeking his release on anticipatory bail before he is arrested by the Bribery Commission, was on Friday rejected by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  3:50 pm

At least 3 dead after explosion at LA County Sheriff’s Department training facility

At least three people have died in an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s training facility on Friday morning, according to US Attorney General Pam Bondi. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  10:08 pm

Night-time tourist access to be introduced at Nine Arch Bridge

The Railway Department, in collaboration with the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), has launched a new initiative aimed at increasing the appeal of the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella and its surrounding areas to both local and international tourists. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  9:30 am

Motorcycle used in Dehiwala shooting found abandoned

The motorcycle suspected to have been used in the Dehiwala shooting incident this morning (18) has been found abandoned on the roadside in front of a temple on the Piliyandala alternative road. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  8:43 pm

US designates Pakistani group’s offshoot as ‘terrorist’ organization over Kashmir attack

The U.S. government designated The Resistance Front, considered an offshoot of the Pakistani extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a “foreign terrorist organization” over the April 22 Islamist militant attack in India-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  10:29 am

“We cannot do this by dividing; we must all come together” – PM on education reforms

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that open discussions, suggestions, and criticisms based on factual information concerning the new education reforms are of great importance. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  8:44 am

Air India cockpit recording suggests captain cut fuel to engines before crash, source says

A cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots of the Air India flight that crashed last month supports the view that the captain cut the flow of fuel to the plane’s engines, said a source briefed on U.S. officials’ early assessment of evidence. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  4:48 pm

White House says Trump diagnosed with vein condition after questions about bruises

Donald Trump is suffering from a chronic vein condition, the White House announced on Thursday, after days of speculation regarding photographs showing bruising on the US president’s hand. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  6:18 am

EU warns of ‘grant scam’ targeting young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs

The European Union in Sri Lanka and the Maldives has issued an alert warning of a scam by an individual impersonating an official from the European Union (EU), claiming to provide grants or funds, in particular to young entrepreneurs. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  5:56 pm

Stephen Colbert says ‘The Late Show’ will end after 33 years

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026 after 33 years on air, the CBS television network announced in a surprise statement on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  6:55 pm

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank imposes new caps on vehicle loan ratios

In a decisive move to strengthen macroprudential policy and mitigate systemic financial risks, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), acting as the Macroprudential Authority, has issued new Directions to licensed financial institutions to impose maximum caps on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for vehicle-related credit facilities. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  3:09 pm

Sri Lanka to hold virtual talks with US Trade Representative on tariff reduction

The Ministry of Finance has initiated ongoing discussions aimed at reducing the trade tariffs proposed to be imposed by the United States on exports from Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  12:26 pm

One injured in shooting near Dehiwala railway station

A shooting incident has been reported near the Dehiwala Railway Station, a short while ago, said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  11:33 am

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena further remanded

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena has been further remanded until August 01 after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  11:24 am

Tea traders call for legal action against low-quality production practices

A meeting was held yesterday (17) at the Presidential Secretariat between the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and officials from institutions related to the tea industry. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  1:52 pm

‘Pretty Little Baby’ singer Connie Francis dies at 87

Connie Francis, who was at one time the world’s biggest-selling female artist, has died at the age of 87. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 18, 2025  1:28 pm

Court grants bail to woman arrested over discovery of gold-plated T-56 firearm

The Colombo High Court today (17) ordered the release on bail of a woman who was in remand custody in connection with the recent discovery of a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle in her possession at a prominent apartment complex in Colombo 05. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  3:29 pm

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree accused of supporting ex-LTTE member

Sri Lankan-born Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, has been accused of supporting a former member of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in obtaining Canadian citizenship. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  7:45 am

Denmark aims to host world’s most powerful quantum computer

The Novo Nordisk Foundation and Denmark’s state-owned credit fund said on Thursday they will invest in what they say will be the world’s most powerful quantum computer, aiming to revolutionize areas such as drug discovery and materials science. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  3:36 pm

UK to lower voting age to 16 in landmark electoral reform

The British government said on Thursday (Jul 17) it planned to give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all United Kingdom elections in a major overhaul of the country’s democratic system. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  5:34 pm

Huge fire ravages Belgium’s Tomorrowland music festival main stage, days ahead of opening

A huge fire has consumed the main stage of Belgium’s world-famous Tomorrowland festival, days ahead of its planned opening on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  6:37 am

Three police SIs interdicted over misconduct at spa in Matara

Three police officers attached to police stations within the Matara Division have been interdicted following allegations of misconduct. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  1:35 pm

Owner of Hambantota Bird Park arrested over illegal import of motorcycles

The owner of a Bird Park in Nagarawawa, Hambantota, has been arrested today (17) by a special police team for allegedly concealing illegally imported motorcycles in a warehouse. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  2:52 pm

Hambantota Bird Park owner remanded

The owner of a Bird Park in Nagarawawa, Hambantota, who was arrested earlier today (17) by a special police team for allegedly concealing illegally imported motorcycles in a warehouse, has been remanded. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  4:15 pm

Two suspects arrested for aiding and abetting Borella shooting incident

Two individuals who are suspected of aiding and abetting the recent shooting incident in Borella have been arrested by Borella Police in the Sahaspura area. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  9:50 am

Indictments served on ex-Minister Keheliya and family

Former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife Kusum Priyadarshini Epa, their three daughters, and son-in-law have been indicted on charges of unlawfully acquiring assets, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  10:59 am

Showers expected in several areas today

Showers will occur at times in the Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  6:21 am

Largest Mars rock ever found on Earth sells for $4.3m at auction

An “unbelievably rare” piece of Mars - the largest ever found on Earth - has sold for $4.3m (£3.2m) at a New York auction on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  7:09 am

Kandy Esala Perahera to take to the streets on July 30

The Sri Dalada Esala Perahera of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is scheduled to commence on July 25. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  8:06 am

Donald Trump says India and US very close to finalising trade deal

Washington and Delhi are “very close” to finalising a trade deal, US President Donald Trump has said, as high-level talks between the two sides continue. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  2:59 pm

US says ‘specific steps’ agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus

Israel’s military struck the Syrian defence ministry in Damascus and government forces in southern Syria on Wednesday, as deadly sectarian fighting in the mostly Druze province of Suweida continued for a fourth day. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  6:55 am

Newborn found abandoned in paddy field in Paragahadeniya

A newborn has been found abandoned in a paddy field in Paragahadeniya, Mawathagama earlier today, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  7:12 pm

Danish woman nabbed with ‘Kush’ worth over Rs. 50 million at BIA

A Danish national woman has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle a consignment of Kush cannabis, estimated to be worth over Rs. 50 million, into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  12:36 pm

US offers 0% duty on 70–80% of Sri Lankan exports: Dy Minister

The United States has offered to accept 70 to 80% of products exported from Sri Lanka without imposing any tariffs, Deputy Minister of Economic Development (Prof.) Anil Jayantha Fernando stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  2:15 pm

History, Aesthetics, and Vocational subjects mandatory under new education reforms – PM

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasized the need to prevent the spread of false information that History and Aesthetics subjects have been removed under the new education reforms, and to stop politicizing education and children’s lives for political gain. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  1:44 pm

Two arrested over abduction and murder of youth in Kahawatta remanded

Two individuals arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of a youth in Kahawatta have been remanded until July 28. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  2:41 pm

Shah Rukh Khan will not visit Sri Lanka due to unavoidable reasons - Organiser

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan who was scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on 2 August, will not visit the country as planned, according to organisers. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  3:55 pm

President inaugurates wax museum at historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has officially declared opened the Wax Museum at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy today (17). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  6:21 pm

AI to record Hansard reports and minutes of Parliament committee meetings?

A pilot test of a secure AI platform to modernize the system of preparing Hansard reports and minutes of committee meetings in Parliament has been conducted during a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  8:04 pm

Petition filed seeking order to recover compensation paid to ex-Ministers and MPs for property damage

The Supreme Court today (17) ordered that a fundamental rights petition filed requesting an order be issued to recover the compensation money that had been paid to former Ministers and Members of Parliament by the government after their houses and properties were damaged by fire, be taken up for clarification of facts on November 13. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  5:14 pm

Sectoral Oversight Committee to convene today on Electricity (Amendment) Bill

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development is scheduled to convene again today (July 17) to consider the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  9:27 am

Fire at mall in Iraq leaves at least 60 dead

A massive fire in a hypermarket in al-Kut city in eastern Iraq has left at least 60 people dead and 11 others missing, the city’s health authorities and two police sources told Reuters on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  11:37 am

Rainy conditions expected to enhance from today

The Meteorology Department says that, due to the prevailing active southwest monsoon conditions, rainy conditions are expected to be enhanced, particularly in areas over the western slope of the central hills during the next few days, from today (July 18). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  10:20 am

Pope expresses sadness after Israeli strike on Gaza church kills three

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for a Gaza ceasefire after three people sheltering in the Catholic church in Gaza City were killed in an Israeli strike. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  8:44 pm

Canadian PM backs Public Safety Minister over letters supporting Sri Lankan’s immigration case

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed confidence in Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree following a report that Anandasangaree, prior to becoming a minister, wrote letters supporting the immigration application of Senthuran Selvakumaran, a Sri Lankan man barred from Canada due to alleged affiliation with the Tamil Tigers. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 17, 2025  10:42 am