News Archive

Ex-minister Ramesh Pathirana rejoins SLPP

Former Minister Ramesh Pathirana has rejoined the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and has been appointed as the party’s Benthara-Elpitiya Electoral Organiser. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:24 pm

Apple to revamp Siri as a built-in chatbot: Report

Apple plans to revamp Siri later this year by turning the digital assistant into the company’s first artificial intelligence chatbot, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  10:22 am

Three dead in shooting in Australia’s New South Wales

Three people have died after a reported shooting in a small town in New South Wales, Australia, police say. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:33 pm

Government Radiological Technologists suspend strike for seven days

The Government Radiological Technologists’ Association has decided to temporarily suspend the strike action that began yesterday (21) at 8.00 a.m. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  7:26 am

Surgeries resume at Chilaw Hospital following UNFPA-supported emergency repairs after Cyclone Ditwah

Surgical services have resumed at the District General Hospital, Chilaw, following emergency repairs supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  6:56 pm

The Eagles’ ‘Greatest Hits’ is the first album in US history to sell over 40M units

Take it easy and go quadruple diamond. The Eagles’ 1976 album “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975” the bestselling album of all time in the U.S., has officially sold over 40 million units. That’s according to new certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  3:38 pm

Taylor Swift makes history as she joins Songwriters Hall of Fame

Taylor Swift has become the youngest female artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  8:38 am

Appeals Court to review remand order in Trincomalee Buddha Statue incident

The Court of Appeal today (22) ordered that the written order and audio recording of the directive issued by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court on 19 January pertaining to the Buddha statue incident, be produced before court without delay. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  12:56 pm

Ubisoft eyes ‘major reset’ as ‘Prince of Persia’ remake among 6 games axed amid layoffs, studio closures

Six highly awaited games have been axed at French video game developer Ubisoft, as a part of what the company calls a “major organisational, operational, and portfolio reset”. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  4:53 pm

Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos signing ceremony

US President Donald Trump signed the charter to formally launch his “Board of Peace” initiative in Davos on Thursday, calling it a “very exciting day, long in the making”. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  4:15 pm

New legislation needed to regulate Social Media promotions: Media Minister

Appropriate legislation should be enacted to regulate promotions and advertisements on social media that cause distress to the public across all sectors, Minister of Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  11:25 am

PM Harini holds high-level meetings with EU, UNDP and corporate leaders in Davos

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 21 on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector, the PM’s Office said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  9:32 am

CSE donates Rs. 25 million to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

The Colombo Stock Exchange has contributed Rs. 25 million to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:58 pm

Suspect arrested with illegally imported cigarettes in Wellampitiya

An individual has been arrested with a stock of 165,200 illegally imported cigarettes from a residence in Wellampitiya, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  12:25 pm

Duo arrested with over 1kg of ‘Ice’ in Madampitiya

Two individuals have been arrested for the possession of 1 kilogram and 501 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) by the Madampitiya Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  9:04 am

Election Commission approves registration of five new political parties

The National Election Commission has granted approval to register five new political parties.

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  8:17 am

GMOA strike in Eastern Province called off

The strike launched by doctors at hospitals in the Eastern Province has been called off at 2:00 p.m. today, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:25 pm

Donald Trump drops 10% tariff threat over Greenland, rules out use of force

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retracted a threat to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from eight European countries, starting in February, for opposing his push to take control of Greenland from Denmark. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  5:46 am

Heavy rains wreak havoc in New Zealand, several people missing in landslide

Several people were missing following a landslide near a ⁠campsite in New Zealand’s North Island on Thursday (Jan 22), as heavy rains caused widespread damage, with homes being evacuated, thousands without power and roads closed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  8:45 am

1,282 leprosy patients identified in Sri Lanka in 2025: Health officials

A total of 1,282 leprosy patients were identified in the country in 2025, the Director of the Leprosy Eradication Campaign, Dr. Yasoma Weerasekara noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:27 pm

Landslide risk prompts safety measures at Soranathota Central College

A soil embankment near Soranathota Central College, Badulla has been identified as being at risk of a landslide. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  11:19 am

IMF delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka today

A delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to arrive in the country today (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  6:28 am

GMOA to launch island-wide token strike tomorrow

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that a 48-hour island-wide token strike will commence from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (23).MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  3:50 pm

Indictments filed against Arjuna Ranatunga and brother in corruption case

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (22) that indictments have been filed in the Colombo High Court against former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and his brother, Dhammika Ranatunga. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  5:35 pm

All stakeholders must unite to protect and rebuild the central hills

Functioning of institutions responsible for construction and land management, agriculture, livestock and environmental conservation without proper coordination has posed challenges in restoring the central hills, which were devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  5:34 am

Largest drug seizure in recent history achieved in 2025: Police

The largest quantity of drugs seized by law enforcement officials in recent history was recorded in 2025, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  10:38 am

Matale Police crackdown on illegal street racing, 10 motorcycles seized

Several individuals have been arrested along with 10 high-engine capacity motorcycles that were being used for illegal street racing along the Sangamitta Mawatha in Matale. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  12:19 pm

Doctors at National Eye Hospital to strike today over irregular transfers

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that doctors at the Colombo National Eye Hospital will commence a strike today (22) in protest against irregular staff transfers. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  8:26 am

Global stocks stage dramatic rebound after Trump announces Greenland framework

Global shares rebounded on Wednesday (Jan 21) from a selloff the previous session after US President Donald Trump said a framework ⁠on a future deal over Greenland has been reached.

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  7:44 am

Hollywood isn’t pushing unreasonably high beauty standards - Ashton Kutcher

US actor Ashton Kutcher has said he believes Hollywood is not pushing unreasonably high beauty standards, adding that wider society is to blame for the increasing desire to look perfect. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:01 pm

Mainly dry weather will prevail in most parts of the island today

The prevailing dry weather conditions are expected to change from tomorrow (23), the Department of Meteorology has warned. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  5:32 am

Temperature in Nuwara Eliya drops to 3.5°C

The lowest temperature recorded today (22) was reported in Nuwara Eliya, measuring 3.5°C, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  10:12 am

Four petitions filed in Supreme Court challenging Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions

Four petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Bill seeking to abolish the pension scheme for Members of Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  11:48 am

Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero gives statement to CID over Grade 6 module

Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero, President of the Association of Educational Professionals, has arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning (22) to provide a statement regarding the Grade 6 English language module issue. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  6:56 pm

Gem or Not? Value of suspected gemstone found in Galaha revealed

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority has issued its investigative report on the suspected gemstone found in Galaha, Kandy recently. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  9:37 am

PM reaffirms Sri Lanka’s commitment to feminist and intersectional leadership

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to feminist, intersectional leadership and called on global actors to ensure that women and marginalised communities are not only participants, but principal architects of the policies shaping the future global order. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  7:05 am

SC determination on MPs’ Pension Repeal Bill to be submitted to Speaker

The Supreme Court has concluded its review of the petitions filed challenging the bill submitted to Parliament for the abolition of parliamentary pensions. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  2:55 pm

Oman and Indonesian naval ships arrive at Colombo Port

The Royal Navy of Oman ship ‘AL SEEB’ arrived at the Port of Colombo today (22) on a logistics replenishment visit, the Sri Lanka Navy said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  4:29 pm

No Cabinet discussion on removal of Attorney General – Justice Minister

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, stated that no discussion regarding the removal of the Attorney General took place during the Cabinet meeting. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  4:09 pm

US set to quit World Health Organization

The US is due to officially exit the World Health Organization on Thursday, in the face of warnings it will hit both U.S. health and global health and also in violation of a U.S. law that requires Washington to pay the U.N. health agency $260 million in fees that it owes. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 22, 2026  1:49 pm

Government Radiologic Technologists to begin token strike at 8am

The Government Radiological Technologists’ Association has decided to launch a 24-hour token strike at 8.00 a.m. in all hospitals across the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  6:54 am

Schools to reopen today

The second phase of the first school term for the 2026 academic year in government and government-approved private schools is scheduled to commence today (21). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  6:04 am

PM Harini holds discussions with ADB President in Davos

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has held discussions with the President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda in Davos, Switzerland. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  6:39 am

High-benefit pension scheme for fishermen introduced

A high-benefit pension scheme for fishermen has been introduced by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in collaboration with the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  7:58 am

OpenAI rolls out age prediction on ChatGPT

OpenAI on Tuesday said it is rolling out age prediction on ChatGPT globally, to determine whether an account is likely owned by a minor, as the artificial intelligence startup prepares to allow adult content on the popular chatbot. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  7:26 am

Prevailing dry weather conditions expected to change from Friday

The prevailing dry weather conditions across the country are expected to change from Friday (23), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  5:54 am

Close associate of foreign-based criminal arrested with firearm

An individual has been arrested by the Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division for the possession of a firearm and a locally manufactured hand grenade. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  7:38 am

Individual arrested with 61kg of ICE valued at Rs. 900 million in Nittambuwa

An individual has been arrested for the possession of over 61kg of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) in Pinnagolla Estate, Nittambuwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  8:17 am

Europe to suspend approval of US trade deal as global markets fall

The European Parliament is planning to suspend approval of the US trade deal agreed in July, according to sources close to its international trade committee. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  7:02 am

Ex-Minister Nandana Gunathilake to be laid to rest today

The final rites of former Minister, late Nandana Gunathilake will be performed at the Wadduwa Public Playground today. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 21, 2026  7:21 am