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CAASL to introduce licensing system for drone pilots for first time in Sri Lanka
CAASL to introduce licensing system for drone pilots for first time in Sri Lanka
For the first time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is set to introduce a licensing system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators engaged in commercial and professional activities. MORE..
New circular issued on restoring livelihoods of cyclone-affected communities
New circular issued on restoring livelihoods of cyclone-affected communities
A new circular has been issued to facilitate the restoration of livelihoods of the people impacted by the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..
Hospital services disrupted as GMOA’s token strike gets underway
Hospital services disrupted as GMOA’s token strike gets underway
The 48-hour token strike launched by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) based on several demands is currently underway. MORE..
| January 23, 2026 1:56 pm
Court temporarily lifts overseas travel ban on Prasanna Ranatunga
Court temporarily lifts overseas travel ban on Prasanna Ranatunga
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the temporary lifting of the overseas travel ban imposed on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. MORE..
Indictments filed against former Minister Chamara Sampath
Indictments filed against former Minister Chamara Sampath
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (23) that indictments have been filed in the Colombo High Court against former Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake over a corruption allegation. MORE..
Karu Jayasuriya writes to President over abolition of MPs’ Pensions
Karu Jayasuriya writes to President over abolition of MPs’ Pensions
Former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya has directed a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding the abolition of pensions for Members of Parliament. MORE..
PM Harini returns from World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos
PM Harini returns from World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who participated in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 held in Davos, Switzerland, has returned to Sri Lanka this morning (23). MORE..
Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission
Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission
Former Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and former Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Anusha Palpita, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). MORE..
‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund receives over Rs. 8.5B in contributions – Finance Secretary
‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund receives over Rs. 8.5B in contributions – Finance Secretary
The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, has provided an update on the current status of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established by the government to support reconstruction efforts following Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. MORE..
Ragama town to be developed as health, education, and transport hub – Minister
Ragama town to be developed as health, education, and transport hub – Minister
Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, informed Parliament today (23) that plans have been formulated to construct a Multimodal Transport Hub centered around Ragama town. MORE..
Japan’s Takaichi dissolves parliament after only 3 months in office, setting up snap election
Japan’s Takaichi dissolves parliament after only 3 months in office, setting up snap election
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house of Parliament on Friday, paving the way for a Feb. 8 snap election. MORE..
Trump says he’s withdrawing invitation for Carney to join his Gaza ‘Board of Peace’
Trump says he’s withdrawing invitation for Carney to join his Gaza ‘Board of Peace’
U.S. President Donald Trump said late Thursday that he is withdrawing an invitation for Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his “Board of Peace” initiative for Gaza. MORE..
Former Minister Johnston Fernando and sons further remanded
Former Minister Johnston Fernando and sons further remanded
Five suspects including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), have been further remanded until January 30 by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court. MORE..
US Embassy in Colombo warns against unauthorized employment on visitor visas
US Embassy in Colombo warns against unauthorized employment on visitor visas
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has reminded Sri Lankan travellers to ensure they comply with U.S. visa regulations before travelling to the United States. MORE..
China says it rescued Philippine crew from cargo ship near Scarborough Shoal
China says it rescued Philippine crew from cargo ship near Scarborough Shoal
The Chinese Coast Guard said on Friday it dispatched two vessels to rescue 21 Philippine crew members in a foreign cargo ship that capsized near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. MORE..
Gold tops $4,900/oz; silver and platinum extend record‑setting rally
Gold tops $4,900/oz; silver and platinum extend record‑setting rally
Gold pushed past $4,900 per ounce for the first time on Thursday, powered by ongoing geopolitical tensions, a softer U.S. dollar and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while silver and platinum prices hit fresh record highs. MORE..
Mobile lab tests reveal drug use among passenger bus drivers – Dy Minister
Mobile lab tests reveal drug use among passenger bus drivers – Dy Minister
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, stated that 10 out of 56 bus drivers tested by the mobile laboratory service, which was launched on January 21 to identify passenger bus drivers and assistants operating under the influence of drugs, were found to have used illicit narcotics. MORE..
Nuwara Eliya records today’s lowest temperature at 5°C
Nuwara Eliya records today’s lowest temperature at 5°C
The lowest temperature in Sri Lanka today (23) was recorded at the Nuwara Eliya Meteorological Station at 5.0 degrees Celsius, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..
Another suspect arrested over Jinthupitiya shooting incident
Another suspect arrested over Jinthupitiya shooting incident
Another suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting incident in Jinthupitiya, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two small children on January 16, 2026, police said. MORE..
JSC issues circular on annual salary increment criteria for Labour Tribunal Presidents
JSC issues circular on annual salary increment criteria for Labour Tribunal Presidents
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Sri Lanka has issued a circular outlining the criteria for granting annual salary increments to Presidents of Labour Tribunals. MORE..
GMOA to launch island-wide token strike today
GMOA to launch island-wide token strike today
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that a 48-hour island-wide token strike will be carried out in hospitals from 8.00 a.m. today (23). MORE..
EU wants U.S. trade deal back on track, but warns it would defend itself if threatened again
EU wants U.S. trade deal back on track, but warns it would defend itself if threatened again
EU leaders heaved a sigh of relief over Donald Trump’s U-turn on Greenland as they met for an emergency summit in Brussels late on Thursday. MORE..
Showers expected in several districts today
Showers expected in several districts today
Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Eastern provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts from today evening (23), according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..
Japan suspends world’s largest nuclear plant hours after restart
Japan suspends world’s largest nuclear plant hours after restart
Japan has suspended operations at the world’s largest nuclear power plant, hours after its restart, its operator has said. MORE..
Three dead after abutment wall collapses in Ahangama
Three dead after abutment wall collapses in Ahangama
Three individuals were killed after an abutment wall and mound of earth collapsed on them at a construction site in the Pelassa area of Ahangama, the Ahangama Police said. MORE..