News Archive

Grammy-winning neo-soul singer D’Angelo dies at 51

Grammy-winning R&B artist D’Angelo, a pioneer of neo-soul music, died at the age of 51 on Tuesday “after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer,” his family said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  8:36 am

PM Harini to undertake official visit to India tomorrow

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is scheduled to undertake an official visit to India from 16-18 October 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  12:54 pm

Gold prices continue to surge in Sri Lanka

Gold prices in Sri Lanka have increased by over Rs. 5,000 today (15) in comparison to yesterday’s (14) rates. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  11:08 am

PNB Director transferred; New Director appointed to Police Narcotics Bureau

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hemal Prashantha, who served as the Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), has been transferred to the Police Field Force Headquarters as its Acting Commander. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  10:42 am

Man dead after earth mound collapses in mine

A man has reportedly died after a mound of earth collapsed in a mine in the Agarathenna area of the Passara Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  7:57 am

Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake prepared to appear before court

The legal counsel for Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake has informed the Court of Appeal that his client is prepared to appear before the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court in connection with the recent incident that occurred at the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s court premises. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  12:27 pm

Two STF personnel head to Nepal to help bring back ‘Ishara Sewwandi’ and 4 others

Two Special Task Force (STF) personnel have left for Nepal to assist the CID team already there to bring back the five Sri Lankan suspects, including ‘Ishara Sewwandi,’ who is a main suspect in the killing of ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  9:27 am

Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake files writ petition seeking to prevent arrest

Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake has filed a writ petition with the Court of Appeal through his lawyers seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with an alleged incident at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court premises. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  9:57 am

Kopai Police Station temporarily removed following court order

The Kopai Police Station has been temporarily removed from its current location, police sources confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  11:48 am

Narcotics haul found floating in southern seas: Over 800kg of drugs including 670kg of ‘Ice’

The exact contents of the 51 packages found floating on seas off the southern coast, which were recovered by the Sri Lanka Navy and brought to the Tangalle fisheries harbour last evening, have been revealed by the navy today. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  6:45 am

US revokes visas for six foreigners over comments made about Charlie Kirk’s death

The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it had revoked the visas of six foreigners over social media comments made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  7:19 am

Hamas hands over hostage bodies after Israel threatens aid cut

Hamas handed over more bodies of deceased hostages to Israel on Tuesday (Oct 14), one sign of progress after a number of apparent setbacks in the day since United States President Donald Trump touted his plan to end the Gaza war. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  11:32 am

Heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

The Meteorology Department states that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) and the atmospheric disturbances in the vicinity of the island are currently influencing the weather over the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  6:34 am

Bangladesh garment factory fire kills 16, toll may rise

A fire on Tuesday at a garment factory in Bangladesh and an adjacent chemical warehouse killed at least 16 people and injured others, and the death toll could rise, an official said. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  7:33 am

PM Harini returns after concluding China visit

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has returned to Sri Lanka this morning (15) after successfully concluding her visit to China to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, undertaken at the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  10:55 am

Ex-Minister Manusha Nanayakkara arrives at Bribery Commission

Former Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara has arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), to record a statement, a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  9:28 am

‘Ishara Sewwandi’ to be brought back to Sri Lanka today?

‘Ishara Sewwandi’, the fugitive female suspect wanted in connection with the murder of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne alias ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa,’ who was arrested in Nepal yesterday (14), is scheduled to be brought back to Sri Lanka today (15), according to police sources. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 15, 2025  8:18 am

Trump ‘looking forward’ to Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire deal at ASEAN summit, Malaysia says

U.S. President Donald Trump will visit Malaysia on October 26, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on Tuesday, adding that he was “looking forward” to witnessing a ceasefire deal between Southeast Asian neighbours Thailand and Cambodia. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  2:45 pm

US Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka updated

The United States of America has updated its travel advisory for Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  7:38 am

Easter Sunday attacks: Court to hear petition on commission recommendations against Nilantha Jayawardena

The Court of Appeal today (14) ordered that a hearing be held on March 24, 2025 to examine the facts of a writ petition filed requesting that instructions be issued to the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police...MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  1:58 pm

Over 62,000 tourists arrive in first 12 days of October

The number of tourists who arrived in the country in the first 12 days of October stood at 62,741, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  9:20 am

China says will ‘fight to the end’ in US trade war

China said on Tuesday it was ready to “fight to the end” in a trade war with the United States after President Donald Trump said he would impose an additional 100 per cent tariff on the world’s second-largest economy. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  8:09 am

No change in electricity tariffs for next three months – PUCSL

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided not to amend the existing electricity tariffs for this quarter. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  11:10 am

What you need to know as Microsoft ends Windows 10 support

Microsoft will cease customer support for its operating system Windows 10 on Oct. 14 and is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  8:52 am

Will electricity tariffs increase?

The final decision regarding the revision of electricity tariffs will be announced by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka today. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  5:44 am

Foreign nationals eligible for free visa must obtain ETA prior to arrival in Sri Lanka from Oct. 15

The Government of Sri Lanka has announced that, effective tomorrow (October 15), all foreign nationals eligible for a free tourist visa must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their arrival in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  7:15 am

Several packages suspected to contain narcotics recovered in southern seas

A number of packages suspected to contain narcotics have been recovered by the Sri Lanka Navy while floating in seas off the Southern coast. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  12:07 pm

‘Now the rebuilding begins,’ says Trump as he signs Gaza peace plan

US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have signed a declaration for bringing peace to Gaza at a summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el- Sheikh. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  5:41 am

IMF chief says world lacks ethical, regulatory base to manage rise of AI

Countries around the world lack the regulatory and ethical foundations needed to manage the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Monday (Oct 13), urging civil society groups to “ring the alarm bells.” MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  6:48 am

Cabinet approval to import Ponni Samba rice due to Keeri Samba shortage

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to allow rice importers to import up to 520 metric tons of Ponni Samba rice per importer without permits, as an alternative to Keeri Samba, which is reported to be in short supply in the local market. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  3:36 pm

Heavy showers above 100mm expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (14), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  5:40 am

Phone numbers of Australia PM and Donald Trump Jr publicly listed on website

The private phone numbers of several high-profile figures including Australia’s Prime Minister and Donald Trump Jr have been published on a US website. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  12:59 pm

Constable involved in Mt. Lavinia court incident transferred to Piliyandala Police

The police constable involved in the incident with a lawyer at the Mount Lavinia Court premises has been transferred from the Mount Lavinia Police Station to the Piliyandala Police Station. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  11:07 am

Local gold price hits another all-time high, price of 22-carat sovereign surges to Rs. 337,600

The price of a 22-carat gold sovereign in Sri Lanka has surpassed Rs. 330,000 for the first time today (14). MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  10:47 am

New time-based tariff scheme for BESS approved

The government has approved the introduction of a Time-Based Tariff Scheme for Battery Energy Storage Systems integrated with Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic installations, the Ceylon Electricity Board said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  6:24 am

Three MRI scanners at Colombo National Hospital out of service?

Three MRI scanners at the Colombo National Hospital are currently non-operational, the Government Radiological Technologists’ Association (GRTA) has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  10:27 am

‘Ishara Sewwandi’ arrested in Nepal

‘Ishara Sewwandi’, the fugitive female suspect wanted in connection with the murder of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa,’ has reportedly been arrested in Nepal. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  7:49 am

Taylor Swift net worth surpasses $2 billion following ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album success

Taylor Swift’s net worth surpassed $2 billion by October 2025, with financial growth attributed to her latest album “The Life of a Showgirl” and additional major projects. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  3:40 pm

At least 44 people dead after torrential rains in Mexico

At least 44 people were killed in Mexico after days of heavy rains and flooding, the government said on Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  9:46 am

Indian officials seize drugs worth Rs 500 million trafficked from Sri Lanka

Officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) India have seized drugs worth around Rs 500 million illegally transported from Colombo to Bengaluru. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  7:02 am

PM Harini holds talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is in Beijing for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  12:27 pm

‘Ratama Ekata’ National Operation to combat drug menace gets Cabinet nod

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to establish a National Operational Council to implement an emergency rapid program titled “Ratama Ekata – National Operation,” an initiative which aims to eradicate the drug menace and rehabilitate drug addicts through broad public participation. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  4:03 pm

Cache of ammunition found near school in Thalawa

A stock of live ammunition and empty cartridges has been discovered near Mudunegama Maha Vidyalaya in Thalawa, earlier today (14). MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  11:41 am

Police reveal how Ishara Sewwandi fled to Nepal

Ishara Sewwandi, who is wanted as a main suspect in the murder of organized crime gang member Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, was arrested in Nepal following a special operation carried out in that country, under diplomatic assistance, Police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  2:39 pm

Ex-Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne granted bail

The Kurunegala High Court has granted bail to former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), Admiral (Retired) Nishantha Ulugetenne.

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  11:35 am

Shasheendra Rajapaksa granted bail

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who was arrested and remanded by the Bribery Commission on allegations of offenses under the Public Property Act. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  12:17 pm

Motor Traffic Dept. confirms no disruptions to its services

The Department of Motor Traffic states that its operations are continuing without any interruptions. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  1:41 pm

Special meeting today to expedite restoration of online government services affected across 8 departments

A special meeting with relevant officials is scheduled to be held today to expedite the restoration of online government services that were disrupted, impacting eight departments. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  8:51 am

Court dismisses anticipatory bail application by Manusha Nanayakkara

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, seeking release prior to a possible arrest by the Bribery Commission. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  10:47 am

Ex-President Gotabaya clarifies media reports on Kataragama building

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa states that certain media outlets have incorrectly reported that a building constructed by another individual near the Menik Ganga in Kataragama belongs to him. MORE..

(0)Comments | October 14, 2025  11:54 am