News Archive

Unidentified individuals torch Sarvajana Balaya party office in Jaffna

An unidentified group set fire to the Sarvajana Balaya Party office located in the Thavady area of Jaffna around midnight yesterday (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  8:52 am

22 killed, over 30 injured as crane collapse derails train in Thailand

A train travelling from Bangkok to Thailand’s northeast province was derailed after a construction crane fell on top of one of its carriages, killing at least 22 people and injuring at least 30, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  10:57 am

TV Derana awarded as Sri Lanka’s leading media brand at Superbrands 2025

TV Derana has been awarded as a premier national brand at the Superbrands 2025 Awards Ceremony held in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  10:28 am

Controversial Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams dies aged 68

Scott Adams, the US cartoonist who wrote and illustrated the comic strip Dilbert, has died of cancer at the age of 68. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  9:32 am

Wimal Weerawansa appears before court after arrest warrant issued

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, against whom an arrest warrant was issued today by the Colombo High Court, appeared before the court a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  12:21 pm

Prevailing showery conditions to reduce from tomorrow

The prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  6:32 am

Opposition Leader criticizes proposed electricity policy, calls for public consultation

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, has criticized the newly proposed electricity policy of the National People’s Power (NPP) government, stating that it unfairly impacts both consumers and the renewable energy sector, while disproportionately affecting low-income earners. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  12:57 pm

State Department urges US citizens to leave Iran immediately

The U.S. government has issued an urgent advisory for American citizens to leave Iran immediately, according to a notice published Tuesday by the U.S. virtual embassy in Tehran. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  8:55 am

Uganda shuts down internet ahead of election, orders rights groups to halt work

Ugandan authorities cut internet access and limited mobile services across the country on Tuesday, two days before an election in which President Yoweri Museveni will stand for a contentious seventh term after four decades in power. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  6:45 am

Retired Navy Medical Assistant arrested for soliciting bribe

A retired Navy Medical Assistant has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with accepting a bribe of Rs. 200,000. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  1:04 pm

K-Pop sensation BTS announces return with new world tour

Chart-topping K-pop boy band BTS announced on Tuesday it will embark on a concert tour starting in April after the release of its first new album in more than three years. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  12:41 pm

Court postpones verdict in ex-MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala’s murder

The Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar has announced today (14) that the delivery of the verdict in the case pertaining to the murder of former Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala has been postponed until 11 February. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  10:35 am

Police recover 12kg of ‘Ice’ and heroin from vehicle on Expressway; 2 arrested

Around 6 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Ice”) and 6 kg of heroin were recovered, and two suspects along with their vehicle were taken into custody by the Expressway Highway Police at the Godagama–Palatuwa interchange on the Southern Expressway, police said.

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  1:23 pm

UK expected to approve ‘mega’ Chinese embassy in London despite objections

Britain’s government is expected to approve a “mega” Chinese embassy close to London’s financial district after years of controversy and political wrangling over the potential security risks it poses to the U.K. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  1:15 pm

Arrest warrant issued for Wimal Weerawansa

The Colombo High Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa for failing to appear before the court in connection with a case filed by the Bribery Commission. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  11:28 am

We choose Denmark over US, Greenland’s PM says

Greenland’s prime minister has said his people would choose Denmark over the US if they were asked to make such a choice “here and now”. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  7:50 am

Two killed in head-on motorcycle collision in Puttalam

Two individuals have died in a head-on motorcycle collision that occurred in the Attawilluwa area of Puttalam last night (13), police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  7:40 am

Police intensify crack down on drunk, drug-impaired driving

Police have intensified measures against drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs, with a mobile laboratory now in operation to detect drug-impaired driving, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W. P. J. Senadeera. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  12:46 pm

Motorists urged to exercise caution on expressways due to heavy fog

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has issued a warning to motorists, urging them to exercise heightened caution while driving on expressways due to the dense fog currently affecting several regions. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  11:20 am

US approves sale of Nvidia’s advanced H200 chips to China

The US government has given chip giant Nvidia the green light to sell its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) processors in China, the Department of Commerce said on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 14, 2026  8:08 am

One Direction famed Zayn Malik teases first-ever world tour in 2026

British pop star Zayn Malik has excited fans by hinting at his first ever world tour in 2026, though specific dates for India are yet to be revealed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:58 pm

10 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters

A total of 10 Tamil Nadu fishermen have been arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters this morning (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  7:52 am

Apple teams up with Google Gemini for AI-powered Siri

Apple plans to use Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence model to power its updated version of Siri, which is set to launch later this year, the two companies announced Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  8:43 am

NPP activist arrested for pelting stones at SLPP Gampaha PS member’s residence

An individual, alleged to be an activist affiliated with the National People’s Power (NPP), has been arrested for pelting stones at the residence of a member of the Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), in Ambaraluwa, Weliweriya. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  11:15 am

Govt. will not reverse its programs despite any disaster – President

The government will never use the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah as an excuse to reverse or halt its official programs, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  11:41 am

Several education sector trade unions to meet President today

A discussion is scheduled to be held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and several education sector trade unions today (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:56 pm

Two Russian nationals rescued after being swept away by strong currents at Ahungalla Beach

Two Russian nationals who went sea bathing at Ahungalla Beach were rescued after being swept away by strong water currents. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  7:09 am

Inauguration ceremony of Rebuilding Sri Lanka national program underway

The inauguration ceremony of the Rebuilding Sri Lanka national program has commenced at the Lotus Hall of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:57 am

US pledges additional US$ 2 million humanitarian assistance for Sri Lanka

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka today announced an additional $2 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, bringing total U.S. assistance for the response to $4 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:44 pm

Outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung pays farewell call on President

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has paid a courtesy call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  9:34 am

Oil prices gain on Iran supply disruption concerns

Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday, as heightened concerns surrounding Iran and potential supply disruptions outweighed the prospect of increased crude supply from Venezuela. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  8:58 am

Case against Ramith Rambukwella fixed for pre-trial conference

The case filed against Ramith Rambukwella, the son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, on charges of allegedly acquiring assets through unlawful means, has been ordered to be recalled on February 11 for pre-trial conferences. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:05 pm

Sri Lanka should seek to revise IMF targets: CBSL Governor

Sri Lanka should seek to change the targets agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  6:07 am

Motorcyclist arrested for damaging vehicles near Diyatha Uyana

An individual has been arrested for damaging several vehicles with the use of a sharp object while riding a motorcycle in Battaramulla. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  1:10 pm

Education reforms related to Grade 6 deferred to 2027 - Cabinet Spokesman

A decision has been taken to defer the implementation of the proposed education reforms related to Grade 6 until 2027, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:16 pm

Extensive consultations to be held on proposed National Electricity Policy

A broad discussion should be held with all relevant stakeholders before arriving at a final decision on the draft prepared for the proposed National Electricity Policy of Sri Lanka, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development has emphasized. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:44 pm

‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ national programme launch today

The inauguration of ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ national programme will take place in Colombo today (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  7:35 am

Suspect linked to criminal incident arrested with firearm in Thalahena

An individual linked to a criminal incident has been arrested with a firearm in Thalahena yesterday (12), police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  6:41 am

Cabinet approves increase in festival advance for state employees

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to increase the festival advance granted for state employees to Rs. 15,000. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:39 pm

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

Several spells of showers are expected in the Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern and Central provinces today (13), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  5:50 am

Paddy prices to be increased from upcoming season – Dy Agriculture Minister

Steps have been taken to increase the price of paddy starting from the upcoming season, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  8:20 am

Donald Trump announces 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he had imposed a 25% tariff on goods from countries with commercial ties to Iran, a move that could put pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests enter a third week. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  5:51 am

Strike launched by GMOA at hospitals in Eastern Province

A strike has been launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) at all hospitals in the Eastern Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  11:18 am

IOC instructs National Olympic Committee to hold AGM by end of April

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has instructed the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to hold its Annual General Meeting /Elective General Assembly by the end of April. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:28 am

Cabinet approves recruitment of over 23,000 teachers

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to recruit over 23,000 teachers for the state services. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:12 pm

Forest Conservation Dept. Officer arrested for soliciting bribe

An officer attached to the Forest Conservation Department has been arrested by investigating officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe amounting to Rs. 30,000 and a bottle of alcohol. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:16 pm

Traffic congestion on Southern Expressway following accident

An accident along the Southern Expressway between the Kurundugahahetekma and Welipenna exits this morning has caused heavy traffic congestion. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:33 am

SLBFE provides benefits exceeding Rs. 1 bln for Sri Lankan migrant workers in 2025

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has provided benefits exceeding Rs. 1 billion in 2025 for the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  1:51 pm

Appeals applications on Grade 06 admissions accepted online from today

The acceptance of appeal applications for Grade 6 school admissions for the year 2026, based on the results of the 2025 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, has commenced, the Ministry of Education has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:28 pm

Veteran journalist Iqbal Athas passes away

Veteran Sri Lankan journalist and defence columnist Iqbal Athas has passed away at the age of 81. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:13 am