News Archive

Trading at CSE temporarily halted

Trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has been temporarily halted due to irregularities in the pricing of a newly listed company. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  10:27 am

Renowned inventor Rohan De Lanerolle secures five awards at Asia Awards 2026

Renowned Sri Lankan inventor Rohan De Lanerolle Snr has won five prestigious awards at the Asia Awards 2026 held in India. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  8:40 am

US Ambassador Julie Chung to depart Sri Lanka after four-year tenure

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung will depart Sri Lanka on January 16 after almost four years of dedicated service, marking the conclusion of her tenure as the United States’ top diplomat in Colombo, according to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  9:33 am

US discussing options to acquire Greenland, including use of military, says White House

US President Donald Trump has been discussing “a range of options” to acquire Greenland, including use of the military, the White House said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  5:39 am

Powerful magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes near Baculin, Philippines, USGS says

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck 68 km (42 miles) east of Baculin in the Philippines, at a depth of 10 km (6 miles) on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  9:20 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

Fishermen advised not to venture into sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee

Naval and fishing communities have been warned not to venture to the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil until further notice. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  9:50 am

Opposition MPs begin signing no-confidence motion against Education Minister

Opposition members of Parliament have commenced signing a no-confidence motion against Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  12:06 pm

Landslide evacuation warnings issued for three DS areas extended

The Level 3 (Red) landslide evacuation warnings issued for three Divisional Secretariat divisions in two districts have been extended by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  11:22 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

Six dead and hundreds of flights cancelled as snow causes chaos across Europe

Intense snowfall and icy weather conditions have caused widespread travel disruption across Europe, with six reported killed in weather-related incidents on the continent. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  9:01 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

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

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

Low-pressure system in Bay of Bengal currently about 700km from Batticaloa

The low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is currently situated about 700 km southeast of Batticaloa and is expected to approach Sri Lanka’s eastern coast by tomorrow (08), the Department of Meteorology has warned. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  9:19 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

NIE approves removal of questionable lesson from Grade 6 English module: PM Harini

The National Institute of Education (NIE) has approved the removal of the questionable lesson from the Grade 6 English module which created huge controversy after it was confirmed that the material contained a reference to an inappropriate website, the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  10:15 am

Indian Army Chief arrives in Sri Lanka

The Chief of the Army Staff of India, General Upendra Dwivedi, arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago on a two-day official visit, the Indian Ministry of Defence announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  11:06 am

Vehicular movement on Somawathiya Road suspended due to overflow of Mahaweli River

Vehicular movement along the Somawathiya–Sungavila Road has been suspended with effect from 8:30 a.m. today (07), following severe flooding caused by the overflow of the Mahaweli River, according to the Pulasthipura Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  12:23 pm

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

Discussion underway to table No-Confidence Motion against Education Minister

The opposition is preparing to table a no-confidence motion against Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  11:38 am

Seaplane crashes into Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya

A seaplane that was preparing to land crashed into Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya this afternoon (07). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  12:49 pm

iPhone will get 200MP cameras in 2028, says Morgan Stanley

Researchers from investment bank Morgan Stanley say Apple will add Samsung’s 200MP cameras to the iPhone in 2028, and also add suppliers to potentially reduce costs. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  10:20 am

Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill presented to Parliament by Justice Minister

The Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, which seeks to repeal the Parliamentary Pensions Law (No. 1 of 1979), has been presented in Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 7, 2026  11:42 am

The ‘magical’ blue flower changing farmers’ fortunes in India

“Until a few years ago, the butterfly pea flower was just another climbing plant in my village,” says Nilam Brahma who lives in Anthaigwlao, a village in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  12:48 pm

Father, daughter killed in house fire; Four others hospitalized

A father and his daughter have been reported dead, while four other family members were hospitalized with burn injuries after a fire broke out in a home at Galenbindunuwewa, Anuradhapura, police said.

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  7:49 am

A new Grammy category honors album covers, and the artists that make them

When it came time to decide the cover image for Wet Leg’s sophomore album, the British indie rock band packed items that might provide inspiration — velvet worms sewn by guitarist Hester Chambers, an oversized head of hair from a music video shoot, lizard-like gloves — and headed to an Airbnb. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  10:53 am

Election law violation case against ex-Minister Harin Fernando adjourned

Former Minister Harin Fernando has appeared before the Badulla Magistrate’s Court this morning (6 January) in connection with an ongoing case concerning alleged violations of election laws during the last General Election. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  11:27 am

Hyundai to deploy humanoid robots at US factory from 2028

Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots at its US manufacturing plant in Georgia starting in 2028, marking a step toward automating higher-risk and repetitive manufacturing tasks, the South Korean company says. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  12:50 pm

Galenbindunuwewa House Fire: Death toll rises as suspect’s wife dies

The death toll from the tragic house fire in Galenbindunuwewa has risen to three following the passing of the suspect’s wife while undergoing treatment. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  11:14 am

Zelenskyy appoints ex-Canadian deputy premier as economic adviser

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday signed a decree appointing former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as an adviser on economic development. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  12:35 pm

Five dead after consuming suspected illicit liquor in Waikkala

A total of five individuals have reportedly died in Waikkala, Wennappuwa, following the suspected consumption of illicit liquor. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  11:25 am

Over 700 arrested in nationwide special police operations

The police have identified a total of 27 individuals directly involved in various criminal activities as part of a special nationwide crime and drug prevention operation. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  11:48 am

Gold prices in Sri Lanka surge amid global tensions

Gold prices continue to rise globally following the U.S.’s capturing of the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  12:23 pm

Organized criminal gang member arrested with firearms and heroin

A member of an organized criminal gang has been arrested during a special operation carried out by the Police Special Task Force (STF). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  10:26 am

Trump administration sets meetings with oil companies over Venezuela, source says

The administration of President Donald Trump is planning to meet with executives from U.S. oil companies later this week to discuss boosting Venezuelan oil production after U.S. forces ousted its leader Nicolas Maduro, according to a source familiar with the matter. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  9:20 am

Pulathisi Intercity and Ella Odyssey train services to resume

The Railway Department has announced the resumption of the Pulathisi Intercity Train service, with operations scheduled to recommence from January 9, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  12:12 pm

Parliament to convene today for first sitting of 2026

Parliament is scheduled to convene today (06) for the first time this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  7:06 am

Venezuela swears in interim president after defiant Maduro pleads not guilty

Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president in a parliamentary session that began with demands for the release of ousted leader Nicolás Maduro from US custody. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  12:37 pm

GMOA to consider actions over unresolved health sector issues tomorrow

A special Central Committee meeting of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) is scheduled to be held tomorrow (07) to discuss possible actions in response to the government’s failure to intervene and address issues affecting the health sector. MORE..

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

Landslide evacuation warning issued to several areas in Central Province

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a level 3 ‘Red’ landslide evacuation warning for three areas in two districts within the Central Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  1:31 pm

Ousted Maduro pleads not guilty to US drug charges

Toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to narcotics charges after President Donald Trump’s stunning capture of him rattled world leaders and left officials in Caracas scrambling to regroup. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  6:46 am

Heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast of the Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

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

Major Titanic exhibition set for Liverpool in 2026

A major Titanic exhibition is set to come to Liverpool in 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  12:37 pm

Six fishermen arrested with over 850kg of shark meat

A total of six fishermen have been arrested along with over 850 kilograms of illegally harvested shark fish meat during a special search operation conducted today (6) by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  1:47 pm

New Bill submitted to Parliament to address microfinance loan issues

National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi has announced that a new bill has been submitted to Parliament with the objective of addressing the persistent issues associated with microfinance loans. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  9:16 am

Landslide disrupts traffic on Welimada–Maspanna road following heavy rainfall

A landslide has occurred in Bambarapana along the Welimada–Maspanna road due to continuous rainfall. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  2:12 pm

Opposition requests chairmanship of committee probing Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ preparedness

The Chief Opposition Whip, Gayantha Karunathilaka, today requested in Parliament that the chairmanship of the Special Committee, proposed to be appointed to investigate the lack of preparedness for Cyclone ‘Ditwah,’ be assigned to the opposition. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  1:31 pm

Shots fired near Venezuela presidential palace: Witnesses

Shots were fired late on Monday (Jan 5) near Venezuela’s presidential palace, witnesses said, days after United States forces captured the now-deposed President Nicolas Maduro in a military raid. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  8:16 am

Nuwara Eliya temperature drops to 14°C, 173 mm rainfall recorded in Lahugala

The lowest temperature in Sri Lanka today (06) was recorded from the Nuwara Eliya Meteorological Station as 14.2 degrees Celsius, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 6, 2026  1:40 pm