News Archive

Energy Ministry to transfer CEB assets to six new companies before Feb. 1

Energy Ministry to transfer CEB assets to six new companies before Feb. 1

The process of transferring Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) assets to six newly established companies must be completed before February 1, 2026, the Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Professor Udayanga Hemapala has notified the CEB. MORE..

Colombo inflation remains unchanged at 2.1% in December 2025

Colombo inflation remains unchanged at 2.1% in December 2025

The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) basis, remains unchanged at 2.1% in December 2025, compared to the month of November, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). MORE..

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor at historic subway station

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor at historic subway station

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight Thursday, taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. MORE..

Central Bank announces closure of Public Debt Department

Central Bank announces closure of Public Debt Department

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced the closure of the Public Debt Department (PDD) and the transfer of the LankaSecure Division of the PDD to the Payments and Settlements Department (PSD), effective today (01). MORE..

Sri Lanka Rupee depreciates by 5.6% against US dollar in 2025

Sri Lanka Rupee depreciates by 5.6% against US dollar in 2025

The Sri Lanka rupee had depreciated by 5.6 per cent against the US dollar in 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has confirmed. MORE..

Ranil greets Sajith for New Year and discusses future plans

Ranil greets Sajith for New Year and discusses future plans

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended New Year greetings to Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in a phone conversation. MORE..

154-year-old Amsterdam church engulfed in flames on New Year’s Eve

154-year-old Amsterdam church engulfed in flames on New Year’s Eve

An iconic church in Amsterdam has been partially destroyed after a fire ripped through its spire in the early hours of New Year’s Day. MORE..

Sri Lanka Navy honours foreign warships for disaster assistance

Sri Lanka Navy honours foreign warships for disaster assistance

Highlighting the spirit of global and regional cooperation, the Sri Lanka Navy today acknowledged the invaluable support by foreign warships, which had arrived to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, extending much-needed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations,... MORE..

Drunk driver who ignored police orders kills officer on New Year’s Eve

Drunk driver who ignored police orders kills officer on New Year’s Eve

An officer attached to the Ambalantota Police who was on duty on New Year’s Eve has died after being run over by a car driven by an individual who was under the influence, police stated. MORE..

President calls for unity and determination to rebuild Sri Lanka in his New Year message

President calls for unity and determination to rebuild Sri Lanka in his New Year message

The dawn of a new year offers us an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past while planning afresh with optimism for the future, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

Asgiriya Chief Prelate urges everyone to set aside divisions and rebuild the country

Asgiriya Chief Prelate urges everyone to set aside divisions and rebuild the country

Everyone should work together by setting aside ethnic differences to rebuild the country, emphasized the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya chapter of Siam Nikaya, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero in his New Year message. MORE..

MTV shuts down remaining music channels worldwide after 44 years on air

MTV shuts down remaining music channels worldwide after 44 years on air

MTV is set to shut down its remaining music-only channels worldwide, bringing an end to 44 years of round-the-clock music broadcasting and prompting an outpouring of nostalgia from viewers. MORE..

Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm likely in several provinces today

Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm likely in several provinces today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Eastern, Central, North-central and Uva provinces today (01), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

France plans social media ban for children under 15

France plans social media ban for children under 15

France will make a fresh attempt to protect children from excessive screen time, proposing a ban on social media access for children under 15 by next September, according to a draft law seen by AFP. MORE..

Sri Lankan FM meets Tarique Rahman, conveys condolences on ex-Bangladesh PM’s death

Sri Lankan FM meets Tarique Rahman, conveys condolences on ex-Bangladesh PM’s death

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who is currently visiting Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on Acting Chairman of Bangladesh National Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman on Wednesday night (December 31). MORE..

Sri Lankan man arrested by ICE no longer a professor at US State University, officials say

Sri Lankan man arrested by ICE no longer a professor at US State University, officials say

A Ferris State University associate professor from Sri Lanka who was placed on administrative leave is no longer employed by the university, a school official has confirmed. MORE..

Close associate of organized criminal arrested with narcotics in Dondra

Close associate of organized criminal arrested with narcotics in Dondra

An individual has been arrested in Gandara, Dondra for the possession of 115 grams and 200 milligrams of heroin, 23 grams and 700 milligrams of crystal methamphetamine(‘Ice’) and approximately Rs. 500,000 in cash suspected to have been earned through drug trafficking, police stated. MORE..

Concessionary loan scheme announced to purchase paddy in Maha Season

Concessionary loan scheme announced to purchase paddy in Maha Season

A pledge loan scheme for Small and Medium Scale Paddy Millers and Cooperative Societies, at a concessionary interest rate has been announced to purchase paddy in the 2025/2026 Maha Season. MORE..

Police Sub-Inspector arrested on bribery charges

Police Sub-Inspector arrested on bribery charges

A Sub-Inspector attached to the Kinniya Police Station has been arrested on bribery charges. MORE..

Let’s step into New Year with renewed energy and hope to succeed in 2026: PM Harini

Let’s step into New Year with renewed energy and hope to succeed in 2026: PM Harini

Transforming all the challenges the country experienced in the past year into sources of strength, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya invited Sri Lankans to step into 2026 with renewed energy, hope and determination. MORE..

“Zootopia 2” breaks record to become top-grossing Disney animation film

“Zootopia 2” breaks record to become top-grossing Disney animation film

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2” surpassed 2019’s “Frozen 2” to become its highest-grossing film ever, the company said on Wednesday, marking a bright spot in a year when global box office continues to trail pre-pandemic levels. MORE..

Oil prices log steepest annual drop since 2020

Oil prices log steepest annual drop since 2020

Oil prices fell on Wednesday and recorded an annual loss of nearly 20%, as expectations of oversupply increased in a year marked by wars, higher tariffs, increased OPEC+ output and sanctions on Russia, Iran and Venezuela. MORE..

World welcomes 2026 after a year of Trump, truces and turmoil

World welcomes 2026 after a year of Trump, truces and turmoil

New Year’s Eve revellers toasted the end of 2025 on Wednesday (Dec 31), waving goodbye to 12 months packed with Trump tariffs, a Gaza truce and vain hopes for peace in Ukraine. MORE..

Let’s strive to find just and lasting solutions to problems of all citizens - Opposition Leader

Let’s strive to find just and lasting solutions to problems of all citizens - Opposition Leader

The New Year 2026 will be a challenging year for the country and from today all Sri Lankans must find common ground to address the issues, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa noted. MORE..

Sri Lanka CERT warns of growing cyber threats as complaints exceed 12,600 in 2025

Sri Lanka CERT warns of growing cyber threats as complaints exceed 12,600 in 2025

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has received more than 12,650 complaints related to social media misuse and cybersecurity incidents in 2025. MORE..

Around 40 killed, 100 injured in explosion in Swiss ski resort bar

Around 40 killed, 100 injured in explosion in Swiss ski resort bar

Around 40 people have been killed and 100 injured, most of them seriously, after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss officials said on Thursday. MORE..

President pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

President pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy this morning (01), where he paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings for the New Year. MORE..

Sri Lanka usher in 2026 with vibrant New Year’s celebrations

Sri Lanka usher in 2026 with vibrant New Year’s celebrations

Colombo was illuminated by a fireworks show as Sri Lanka welcomed the dawn of the new year. MORE..

Upgrading of 76 rural roads begins under “Punarudayata Maga” programme

Upgrading of 76 rural roads begins under “Punarudayata Maga” programme

Upgrading of 76 rural roads across the country commenced today (01) under the “Punarudayata Maga” (Path to Renaissance) programme, which aims to improve the standard of life in rural communities and enhance public transportation facilities. MORE..

NIE Director General temporarily steps down pending inquiry into ‘Grade 6 module’ controversy

The Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana, has decided to temporarily step down from her position until the conclusion of the inquiry into the controversial Grade 6 English module. MORE..

Sri Lanka received humanitarian aid from 22 countries for victims of Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka received humanitarian aid from 22 countries for victims of Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka has received humanitarian assistance from 22 foreign countries and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, according to the Ministry of Defence. MORE..

Couple arrested at BIA with cigarettes worth Rs. 5.25 million

Couple arrested at BIA with cigarettes worth Rs. 5.25 million

A couple who attempted to smuggle a consignment of foreign-manufactured cigarettes worth Rs. 5.25 million into the country has been arrested at the arrival terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MORE..

Three including 2 women stabbed to death in Mawanella; suspect arrested

Three including 2 women stabbed to death in Mawanella; suspect arrested

Three people, including two women, were stabbed to death in the Kondeniya area of Mawanella, police said. MORE..

Several killed in fire at New Year’s party in Swiss ski resort, police say

Several killed in fire at New Year’s party in Swiss ski resort, police say

Several people have been killed and others injured after a fire at a new year’s party at an Alpine ski resort in southern Switzerland, a police spokesperson said. MORE..

Bulgaria officially adopts euro, becoming 21st eurozone member

Bulgaria officially adopts euro, becoming 21st eurozone member

Bulgaria - the poorest country in the European Union - has become the 21st member of the eurozone - leapfrogging more obvious and prosperous candidates like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. MORE..

Two Russian nationals rescued after being swept away by strong currents at Kabalana Beach

Two Russian nationals rescued after being swept away by strong currents at Kabalana Beach

Two Russian nationals who went sea bathing at Kabalana Beach were rescued after being swept away by strong water currents. MORE..

Shooting incident reported in Nagoda Hospital

Shooting incident reported in Nagoda Hospital

A prison inmate receiving treatment at the Nagoda Teaching Hospital has sustained injuries in a shooting incident that occurred this morning (31). MORE..

FM Vijitha Herath departs for Dhaka to attend funeral ceremony former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia

FM Vijitha Herath departs for Dhaka to attend funeral ceremony former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has departed for Dhaka, Bangladesh this morning (31). MORE..

Students across Iran stage protest as economic crisis deepens

Students across Iran stage protest as economic crisis deepens

Iranian students staged street protests in Tehran on Tuesday, a day after the capital’s shopkeepers demonstrated against economic hardship and won a message of understanding from the president. MORE..

BASL draws President’s attention on promotions issued to judicial officers and judges

BASL draws President’s attention on promotions issued to judicial officers and judges

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has drawn President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s attention to the process of promotions of Judicial Officers, Judges of the High Court and the Court of Appeal in recent months. MORE..

Revolver used by assailant in Nagoda hospital shooting – Police

Revolver used by assailant in Nagoda hospital shooting – Police

New details have emerged in relation to the shooting incident at the Nagoda Teaching Hospital in Kalutara this morning, police said. MORE..

Mortal remains of late Latha Walpola brought to Independence Square

Mortal remains of late Latha Walpola brought to Independence Square

The mortal remains of ‘Queen of Sri Lankan music’ Kalasoori Latha Walpola has been brought to the Independence Square in Colombo for the general public to pay their last respect. MORE..

Gold rebounds, poised to cap off best year in over four decades

Gold rebounds, poised to cap off best year in over four decades

Precious metals rebounded on Tuesday, after falling sharply in the previous session, as the market refocused on geopolitical and economic risks, reigniting gold’s rally to cap its best year since 1979. MORE..

Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate irregularities at the Colombo Municipal Council

Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate irregularities at the Colombo Municipal Council

A Presidential Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to investigate, examine, and report on alleged corruption and irregularities said to have taken place at the Colombo Municipal Council. MORE..

Last rites of music icon Latha Walpola with state patronage today

Last rites of music icon Latha Walpola with state patronage today

The final rites of ‘Queen of Sri Lankan music’ Kalasoori Latha Walpola is scheduled to be performed with state patronage this evening (31) at the Borella General Cemetery. MORE..

Five councilors arrested over yesterday’s commotion at Galle MC

Five councilors arrested over yesterday’s commotion at Galle MC

A total of five members of the Galle Municipal Council have been arrested in connection with an unrest that broke out during the council session yesterday (30). MORE..

Israel suspends 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza

Israel suspends 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza

Israel is to revoke the licenses of 37 aid groups working in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, saying they failed to meet requirements under new registration rules. MORE..

Thailand frees 18 Cambodian soldiers under new ceasefire deal

Thailand frees 18 Cambodian soldiers under new ceasefire deal

Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers on Wednesday under a renewed ceasefire agreed by the two countries at the weekend, authorities from both countries said, easing tensions after weeks of deadly border clashes. MORE..

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm expected in several provinces today

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm expected in several provinces today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Eastern, Central, Northcentral, Northwestern and Uva provinces today (31), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

Education Ministry Secretary lodges complaint with CID

Education Ministry Secretary lodges complaint with CID

The Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). MORE..