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Over 1,800 kg of heroin seized in 2025 – Police Media Spokesman
Over 1,800 kg of heroin seized in 2025 – Police Media Spokesman
Sri Lanka Police have seized 1,821 kilograms and 174 grams of heroin during raids conducted in 2025, Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated. MORE..
Man arrested at BIA while attempting to smuggle in 390 mobile phones valued at Rs. 34 mln
Man arrested at BIA while attempting to smuggle in 390 mobile phones valued at Rs. 34 mln
An individual has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle 390 mobile phones into the country, Sri Lanka Customs stated. MORE..
At least 5,000 killed in Iranian unrest, officials say
At least 5,000 killed in Iranian unrest, officials say
At least 5,000 people have been killed in protests in Iran, including about 500 security personnel, an Iranian official in the region said on Sunday, citing verified figures and accusing “terrorists and armed rioters” of killing “innocent Iranians”. MORE..
Namal criticizes past governments’ approach to national development
Namal criticizes past governments’ approach to national development
Every government which came to power in recent years focused solely on fulfilling its immediate responsibilities, without giving due consideration to positioning Sri Lanka on the global map, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa stated. MORE..
| January 18, 2026 7:09 pm
Computer literacy rises to 38.4 pct in first half of 2025
Computer literacy rises to 38.4 pct in first half of 2025
Sri Lanka’s computer literacy rate has risen to 38.4 percent in the first half of 2025, the latest survey by the Department of Census and Statistics show. more..
Police issue guidelines amidst surge in financial scams
Police issue guidelines amidst surge in financial scams
The general public has been once again requested to exercise extreme caution when using social media platforms owing to a surge in financial scams online. MORE..
Several sections of Northern Railway Line to be temporarily closed for renovation work
Several sections of Northern Railway Line to be temporarily closed for renovation work
The Northern Railway Line will be temporarily closed at several sections starting tomorrow (19) for renovation and maintenance work. MORE..
Strengthening primary healthcare key to controlling non-communicable diseases – Health Minister
Strengthening primary healthcare key to controlling non-communicable diseases – Health Minister
The primary challenge facing the country’s free healthcare sector is the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Minister of Health and Mass Media has stated. MORE..
Man hacked to death following dispute over pigeons
Man hacked to death following dispute over pigeons
A man has been hacked to death following a dispute over pigeons in Meegahawatta, Peliyagoda this afternoon (18), police stated. MORE..
Frost covers several areas in Nuwara Eliya, range of vegetation affected
Frost covers several areas in Nuwara Eliya, range of vegetation affected
Ground frost was observed in several areas in Nuwara Eliya in the past few days following a sharp drop in temperature. MORE..
Israel objects to US announcement of leaders who will help oversee next steps in Gaza
Israel objects to US announcement of leaders who will help oversee next steps in Gaza
Israel has objected to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of American leaders who will help oversee the next steps in Gaza. MORE..
Court imposes heavy fines on three pharmacy owners for regulatory violations
Court imposes heavy fines on three pharmacy owners for regulatory violations
Court has imposed fines totaling Rs. 950,000 on owners of three private pharmacies for operating in violation of regulations issued by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). MORE..
Over 800 arrested in island-wide anti-drug raids
Over 800 arrested in island-wide anti-drug raids
A total of 882 individuals have been arrested during island-wide raids conducted yesterday (17) under the “Nation United - National Drive” campaign aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country. MORE..
Defeated political forces attempting to reignite ethnic divisions – Dy Minister
Defeated political forces attempting to reignite ethnic divisions – Dy Minister
Defeated political movements are making attempts to once again instigate ethnic divisions within the country, Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara has stated. MORE..
World’s first legally binding treaty to protect oceans and marine life takes effect
World’s first legally binding treaty to protect oceans and marine life takes effect
The world’s first legally binding agreement to protect marine life in international waters has taken effect, marking a historic moment for ocean conservation after nearly two decades of negotiations. MORE..
Train services to Palaviya to resume after 53 days
Train services to Palaviya to resume after 53 days
Steps have been taken to resume train services from Colombo to Palaviya starting tomorrow (19), the Department of Railways has announced. MORE..
Youth shot dead in Alawwa
Youth shot dead in Alawwa
A youth has been shot dead in Wilgamuwa, Alawwa, last night (17), police stated. MORE..
| January 18, 2026 2:17 pm
Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill challenged in Supreme Court
Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill challenged in Supreme Court
Petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court seeking a determination that several clauses in the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill are unconstitutional. MORE..
Political interests not important to us; what matters is, only children – PM Harini
Political interests not important to us; what matters is, only children – PM Harini
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the objective of the government is to use data and policy to provide what is best for children. Political interests or any other considerations are not important to us; what matters is, only the children, she said. MORE..
Road restoration underway in Kotmale following damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah
Road restoration underway in Kotmale following damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah
The road restoration work has commenced under a special labour operation in the Kotmale Panangammana area and the Kotmale Maha Peella Ella, which were among the areas most severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..
Indians lead Sri Lanka tourists’ arrival in 2025
Indians lead Sri Lanka tourists’ arrival in 2025
Sri Lanka received a total of 2.3 million tourists in 2025, with Indian travellers accounting for the largest share, according to figures released by the tourism authority. MORE..
Indonesian authorities find wreckage of missing surveillance plane with 11 on board
Indonesian authorities find wreckage of missing surveillance plane with 11 on board
Indonesian authorities said on Sunday they had located the wreckage of a fisheries surveillance plane that went missing in South Sulawesi province near a fog-covered mountain, but were still searching for the 11 people on board. MORE..
CEB employees seek Presidential intervention over delayed voluntary retirement process
CEB employees seek Presidential intervention over delayed voluntary retirement process
A group of employees who have applied for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) has written to the President, requesting intervention to safeguard the livelihoods of the 2,200 staff members who have applied for the VRS introduced under the CEB restructuring framework. MORE..
Special police operation at Colombo-Katunayake Expressway and Kadawatha Interchange
Special police operation at Colombo-Katunayake Expressway and Kadawatha Interchange
All vehicles exiting the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway and the Kadawatha Interchange have been inspected this morning (18), as part of a special operation aimed at preventing drug trafficking and other criminal activities. MORE..
| January 18, 2026 10:35 am
EU and Mercosur sign trade deal after 25 years of negotiations
EU and Mercosur sign trade deal after 25 years of negotiations
Top officials from the EU and the South American bloc Mercosur signed a free trade agreement on Saturday in Paraguay, paving the way for the European Union’s largest-ever trade accord after 25 years of negotiations. MORE..