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IMF Executive Board approves US$206M in emergency financial support for Sri Lanka
IMF Executive Board approves US$206M in emergency financial support for Sri Lanka
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a disbursement of SDR150.5 million (about US$206 million, equivalent to 26 percent of quota) for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). MORE..
2 dead, 6 injured after man stabs people, throws smoke grenade at Taiwan metro station
2 dead, 6 injured after man stabs people, throws smoke grenade at Taiwan metro station
Two people were killed and six others injured after a man carried out a stabbing attack and threw a smoke grenade at a metro station in Taiwan on Friday, local media reported. MORE..
No traces of alcohol in samples obtained from MP Asoka Ranwala - Police
No traces of alcohol in samples obtained from MP Asoka Ranwala - Police
The Police Spokesman has stated that no traces of alcohol were detected in the blood and urine samples obtained from former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala. MORE..
Flood warning extended for low-lying areas of Mahaweli River Basin
Flood warning extended for low-lying areas of Mahaweli River Basin
The Department of Irrigation has announced that the flood warning issued for several low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River Basin has been extended for a further 24 hours. MORE..
Detention order issued on Sampath Manamperi extended
Detention order issued on Sampath Manamperi extended
Sampath Manamperi, who is currently in the custody of the Police Western Province North Crimes Division over allegations of concealing two containers of raw materials allegedly used in the production of the drug “Ice” (crystal methamphetamine) and possession of weapons, was produced before the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court today (19). MORE..
Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate approved in Parliament
Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate approved in Parliament
The Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster situation and to rebuild destroyed infrastructure, presented to Parliament yesterday for the approval of Parliament, was approved in Parliament today (19). MORE..
Rs. 50,000 allowance for 3 months for over 17,000 homes impacted by disaster: President
Rs. 50,000 allowance for 3 months for over 17,000 homes impacted by disaster: President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that families of a 17,648 homes identified as completely destroyed, partially damaged or designated as unsafe by the NBRO after the recent disaster, will be provided with a monthly allowance of Rs. 50,000 for three months. MORE..
| December 19, 2025 6:11 pm
Showers expected in several provinces tomorrow
Showers expected in several provinces tomorrow
Several spells of showers will occur in the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts tomorrow (20), according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..
Not possible to abolish executive presidential system without introducing new constitution - PM
Not possible to abolish executive presidential system without introducing new constitution - PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that steps are being taken to abolish the Executive Presidency and establish a parliamentary system of government, including the appointment of a President without executive powers. MORE..
Somawathiya-Sungavila road to remain closed for vehicles
Somawathiya-Sungavila road to remain closed for vehicles
Vehicular movement along the Somawathiya - Sungavila main road has been further suspended after the roadway leading to the historic Somawathiya Chaitya was inundated by rising floodwater. MORE..
President to attend parliamentary debate on supplementary estimate
President to attend parliamentary debate on supplementary estimate
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to attend parliament today (19) and deliver a special statement, according to the President’s Media Division. MORE..
Earthquake jolts northern Afghanistan
Earthquake jolts northern Afghanistan
A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Afghanistan early on Friday, including the capital Kabul, according to the US Geological Survey. MORE..
‘Unofficial Magistrate’: BASL condemns Kaduwela Mayor’s claim
‘Unofficial Magistrate’: BASL condemns Kaduwela Mayor’s claim
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today expressed its deep concern regarding the treatment of an Attorney-at-Law who “faced obstruction and hindrance” while representing an Animal Welfare Association at an inquiry conducted by the Mayor of the Kaduwela Municipal Council, Ranjan Jayalal Perera. MORE..
CoPF approves supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion
CoPF approves supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion
The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster, the Department of Communication of Parliament said in a statement. MORE..
Over 29,000 businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah – Industry Ministry
Over 29,000 businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah – Industry Ministry
The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development has revealed that 29,649 places of business including registered export manufacturing factories across Sri Lanka have been affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..
Train services to resume between Badulla and Ambewela from tomorrow
Train services to resume between Badulla and Ambewela from tomorrow
The Department of Railways has decided to operate train services between Badulla and Ambewela along the Upcountry Railway Line from tomorrow (20). MORE..
‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund surpasses Rs. 4.2 billion – Finance Secretary
‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund surpasses Rs. 4.2 billion – Finance Secretary
The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established by the government to provide relief to those affected by recent disasters caused by Cyclone Ditwah, has received a total of Rs. 4,286 million to date, Finance Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said. MORE..
Landslides reported in Udadumbara and Walapane; Residents urged to remain vigilant
Landslides reported in Udadumbara and Walapane; Residents urged to remain vigilant
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has confirmed that several landslides have occurred in the Udadumbara area of Kandy, following rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters over the past 48 hours. MORE..
Trump suspends green card lottery program that let Brown University, MIT shootings suspect into US
Trump suspends green card lottery program that let Brown University, MIT shootings suspect into US
President Donald Trump suspended the green card lottery program on Thursday that allowed the suspect in the Brown University and MIT shootings to come to the United States. MORE..
GovPay surpasses Rs. 2 billion in digital transactions in 2025 – Digital Economy Ministry
GovPay surpasses Rs. 2 billion in digital transactions in 2025 – Digital Economy Ministry
GovPay, Sri Lanka’s Government Digital Payment Platform, has concluded the year 2025 by surpassing Rs. 2 billion in total digital transaction value, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey, the Ministry of Digital Economy said. MORE..
Dasun Shanaka to captain Sri Lanka T20 team until 2026 World Cup
Dasun Shanaka to captain Sri Lanka T20 team until 2026 World Cup
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chief Selector Pramodya Wickremesinghe has confirmed that Dasun Shanaka will continue as the captain of the Sri Lanka T20I squad until the conclusion of the 2026 T20I World Cup. MORE..
IMF Executive Board to review Sri Lanka’s US$ 200 mln emergency financing request today
IMF Executive Board to review Sri Lanka’s US$ 200 mln emergency financing request today
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to review the government’s request for emergency financial assistance amounting to SDR 150.5 million (approximately USD 200 million) under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) today (19), according to the IMF Executive Board calendar. MORE..
Suspected gunman in Brown University shooting found dead, official says
Suspected gunman in Brown University shooting found dead, official says
The suspect in the mass shooting at Brown University last weekend is dead, a U.S. attorney said, as authorities investigate whether the same person killed a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor two days after the rampage at Brown. MORE..
National Hospital’s Deputy Director Dr. Bellana suspended from duties
National Hospital’s Deputy Director Dr. Bellana suspended from duties
Measures have been taken to suspend the official duties of Dr. Rukshan Bellana, who served as the Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital. MORE..
Highest rainfall in past 24 hours recorded in Udadumbara
Highest rainfall in past 24 hours recorded in Udadumbara
The highest rainfall recorded during the 24-hour period ending at 6.00 a.m. today (19) was reported from the Udadumbara area, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). MORE..