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Coastal line train delays expected today and tomorrow – Railway Dept
Coastal line train delays expected today and tomorrow – Railway Dept
Sri Lanka Railways has announced that trains operating on the Coastal Line between Colombo Fort and Wellawatte railway stations may experience delays of about 15 minutes today (31) and tomorrow (01) due to essential maintenance work to upgrade the signaling system. MORE..
US government partially shuts down despite last minute funding deal
US government partially shuts down despite last minute funding deal
The United States federal government has partially shutdown despite a last-ditch funding deal approved by the US Senate. MORE..
Dy Minister outlines govt measures to rebuild industries affected by Cyclone Ditwah
Dy Minister outlines govt measures to rebuild industries affected by Cyclone Ditwah
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe has stated that the government is taking measures to provide the necessary support to rebuild industries devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..
President extends declaration of essential services following Cyclone Ditwah
President extends declaration of essential services following Cyclone Ditwah
In response to the ongoing post-disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended the declaration of certain services as essential public services under the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979. MORE..
Sri Lankans in Israel urged to remain vigilant amid rising tensions – Embassy
Sri Lankans in Israel urged to remain vigilant amid rising tensions – Embassy
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel has advised Sri Lankan nationals residing in Israel to remain vigilant in light of escalating security developments across the Middle East. MORE..
More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in east Congo, official says
More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in east Congo, official says
More than 200 people were killed this week in a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of the province where the mine is located, told Reuters on Friday. MORE..
Father kills teenage daughter with sharp weapon over mobile phone dispute
Father kills teenage daughter with sharp weapon over mobile phone dispute
A 14-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her father with a sharp weapon following a dispute over a mobile phone last night (30), according to police. MORE..
UN risks ‘imminent financial collapse’, secretary general warns
UN risks ‘imminent financial collapse’, secretary general warns
The United Nations is at risk of “imminent financial collapse” due to member states not paying their fees, the body’s head has warned. MORE..
GMOA to convene special Executive Committee meeting
GMOA to convene special Executive Committee meeting
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that it will hold a special Executive Committee meeting today (31) to decide on future actions in relation to its unresolved issues. MORE..
Venezuela announces amnesty bill that could lead to mass release of political prisoners
Venezuela announces amnesty bill that could lead to mass release of political prisoners
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists detained for political reasons. MORE..
Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island
Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island
Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Central provinces, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..
Magistrate orders CID to record statements from teachers trained on controversial module
Magistrate orders CID to record statements from teachers trained on controversial module
Gangodawila Magistrate Ruwanthika Marasinghe today (30) ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to record statements from teachers trained using the controversial education module and to conclude investigations without delay. MORE..
Suspect arrested with foreign-made firearm and ammunition
Suspect arrested with foreign-made firearm and ammunition
A suspect arrested in possession of a foreign-manufactured firearm and two live rounds of ammunition has been remanded until 12 February 2026, in accordance with an order issued today (30) by the Wattala Magistrate. MORE..
President to meet school development officers on hunger strike
President to meet school development officers on hunger strike
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has decided to hold discussions with a group of School Development Officers who are currently staging a hunger strike in front of the Presidential Secretariat, demanding permanent employment. MORE..
| January 30, 2026 8:59 pm
Over 2 million foreign cigarettes destroyed at Kerawalapitiya
Over 2 million foreign cigarettes destroyed at Kerawalapitiya
A total of 2,032,804 sticks of foreign cigarettes, illegally brought into the country over the past four months, were destroyed today (30) at the Waste to Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya. MORE..
| January 30, 2026 7:39 pm
Govt. to introduce digital entry pass to tourist attractions and expedite tourist visas
Govt. to introduce digital entry pass to tourist attractions and expedite tourist visas
A meeting has been held this morning (30) at the Presidential Secretariat between Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath and members of the Presidential Task Force responsible for implementing the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Programme. MORE..
Ministry of Defense issues notice on firearms licenses
Ministry of Defense issues notice on firearms licenses
The Ministry of Defense has issued a special announcement urging all individuals and institutions holding firearms licenses to renew their licenses for the year 2026 as the renewal period is slated to end tomorrow (31). MORE..
GMOA, health sector trade unions agree to work together on common issues
GMOA, health sector trade unions agree to work together on common issues
A discussion has been held yesterday (29) between the Executive Committee of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and representatives of all health sector trade unions. MORE..
Ministry clarifies removal of former AASL Chairman Harsha Abeywickrama
Ministry clarifies removal of former AASL Chairman Harsha Abeywickrama
The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has issued a statement rejecting reports circulating on social media platforms regarding the removal of former Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), Harsha Abeywickrama. MORE..
Worried families in India urge return of crew on ship seized by Iran
Worried families in India urge return of crew on ship seized by Iran
The families of 16 Indian seafarers held in Iran since December say they are anxious about the fate of their loved ones as the geopolitical situation in the region remains tense. MORE..
President proposes another name for vacant Auditor General post
President proposes another name for vacant Auditor General post
Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake stated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed another name for the currently vacant post of Auditor General. MORE..
Revision of electoral registers to resume tomorrow
Revision of electoral registers to resume tomorrow
The process of revising the electoral registers is scheduled to recommence tomorrow (31). MORE..
Colombo inflation rises to 2.3% in January 2026
Colombo inflation rises to 2.3% in January 2026
The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis, increased to 2.3% in January 2026, compared to 2.1% in December 2025, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). MORE..
60% of public transport drivers in Colombo addicted to drugs - Minister
60% of public transport drivers in Colombo addicted to drugs - Minister
Minister of Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake stated that around 60% of drivers engaged in passenger transport services in Colombo and its suburban areas are severely addicted to drugs. MORE..
Compensation for Cyclone Ditwah victims in final stages – Ministry Secretary
Compensation for Cyclone Ditwah victims in final stages – Ministry Secretary
The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, S. Aloka Bandara, today (30) said that the process of providing relief assistance and compensation to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah is currently in its final stages. MORE..