News Archive

Govt seeks support from China to install EV charging stations across Sri Lanka

Govt seeks support from China to install EV charging stations across Sri Lanka

The support of the government of China has been sought to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  7:05 pm
Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura named new media spokesperson of Sri Lanka Air Force

Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura named new media spokesperson of Sri Lanka Air Force

Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura has been appointed as the new media spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Air Force. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:15 pm
Decline in air quality observed across Sri Lanka – NBRO

Decline in air quality observed across Sri Lanka – NBRO

A notable decline in air quality has been observed across several parts of the island, according to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  10:11 am
Online EPF registration under digitalisation initiative to begin today

Online EPF registration under digitalisation initiative to begin today

The online registration programme for employers and members under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) digitalisation initiative is scheduled to be launched today (26). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  8:49 am
Bomb scare at two more Divisional Secretariats in Kandy: No suspicious items found

Bomb scare at two more Divisional Secretariats in Kandy: No suspicious items found

A message claiming that a bomb was inside the storeroom of the Pasbage Korale Divisional Secretariat in Nawalapitiya was received today (29) via the office’s email creating panic among its employees. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  5:37 pm
Budget of NPP-led Udunuwara PS defeated for second time

Budget of NPP-led Udunuwara PS defeated for second time

The second reading of the 2026 budget of the Udunuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, which is under the control of the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated by a majority of two votes. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  1:40 pm
Bottled water drinkers ingest 90,000 more microplastic particles each year, study finds

Bottled water drinkers ingest 90,000 more microplastic particles each year, study finds

Daily consumers of bottled water ingest over 90,000 more microplastic particles than people who drink tap water, according to a new review of research that calls for urgent regulatory measures to manage the risks. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  12:25 pm
Agriculture Dept. reports on progress of compensation for disaster-affected crops

Agriculture Dept. reports on progress of compensation for disaster-affected crops

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a report on subsidies and compensation payments for paddy and other crops damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  8:27 am
Sri Lanka Customs records historic revenue high this year

Sri Lanka Customs records historic revenue high this year

Sri Lanka Customs has recorded historic revenue of Rs. 2,497 billion in 2025 to date, exceeding its revised annual target, Customs Media Spokesperson and Director of Customs Chandana Punchihewa said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  7:44 am
Airport employees protest over outstanding bonus payments for 2025

Airport employees protest over outstanding bonus payments for 2025

Several airport trade unions staged a protest today (29), calling for the payment of five basic salaries as bonuses for 2025, as previously promised by the Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Harsha Abeywickrama. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  12:01 pm
Thailand army accuses Cambodia of violating truce with over 250 drones

Thailand army accuses Cambodia of violating truce with over 250 drones

Thailand’s army on Monday (Dec 29) accused Cambodia of violating a newly signed ceasefire agreement, reached after weeks of deadly border clashes, by flying more than 250 drones over its territory. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  4:23 pm
US offered Ukraine 15-year security guarantee, Zelensky says

US offered Ukraine 15-year security guarantee, Zelensky says

The US has offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years, Volodymyr Zelensky has said, during talks on a revised peace plan with Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  8:30 pm
Public pays final respects to legendary singer Latha Walpola

Public pays final respects to legendary singer Latha Walpola

The remains of legendary Sri Lankan singer Latha Walpola lie in state at a private funeral parlor in Borella today (29), allowing the public to pay their final respects to the iconic songstress. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  1:22 pm
‘I gave up cinema to stand up for my fans’: Actor Vijay

‘I gave up cinema to stand up for my fans’: Actor Vijay

Actor-politician Vijay’s “Thalapathy Thiruvizha” in Malaysia was far more than a standard movie promotional event; it felt like a monumental farewell, marking the end of one era and the loud, unmistakable beginning of another. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  2:52 pm
Strong opposition from Sangha Council to education reforms

Strong opposition from Sangha Council to education reforms

The implementation of the proposed new education reforms would destroy both the country’s future generations and the current government, Venerable Induragare Dhammaratana Thero stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  10:40 pm
Spike in road accidents due to use of alcohol and narcotics by motorists – Police

Spike in road accidents due to use of alcohol and narcotics by motorists – Police

Police have confirmed an increase in road accidents this year compared to 2024, with the use of drugs and alcohol identified as a primary contributing factor. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  3:21 pm
Duo nabbed at BIA while attempting to smuggle cigarettes worth over Rs. 11 million

Duo nabbed at BIA while attempting to smuggle cigarettes worth over Rs. 11 million

Two individuals who attempted to smuggle a consignment of foreign-made cigarettes worth Rs. 11.3 million into the country have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  2:51 pm
Minister has authority to revoke licenses of TV channels if conditions are not met, asserts Nalinda

Minister has authority to revoke licenses of TV channels if conditions are not met, asserts Nalinda

The licenses granted by the Ministry of Mass Media to television channels are conditional and if a channel violates these conditions at any point, the Subject Minister has the authority to revoke the license, the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:47 pm
Tamil Nadu CM urges Jaishankar to build pressure on Sri Lanka over fishermen arrests

Tamil Nadu CM urges Jaishankar to build pressure on Sri Lanka over fishermen arrests

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, on Sunday wrote to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to prevent the continued detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and to secure the swift release of those currently in custody, along with their fishing boats. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  9:34 am
Train services between Colombo and Chilaw resume today

Train services between Colombo and Chilaw resume today

Train services between Colombo Fort and Chilaw on the Puttalam railway line will resume from today (29), the Department of Railways announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  10:28 am
At least 13 killed, nearly 100 injured in train derailment in southern Mexico

At least 13 killed, nearly 100 injured in train derailment in southern Mexico

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 were injured after a passenger train derailed in southern Mexico, according to Mexican officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:42 am
NBRO issues advisory on weather forecast for next few days

NBRO issues advisory on weather forecast for next few days

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has requested the public to remain alert to landslide early warnings. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  8:52 pm
Nepal’s former rapper to run for PM in key vote after Gen Z protests

Nepal’s former rapper to run for PM in key vote after Gen Z protests

Two popular leaders have formed an alliance ahead of March parliamentary elections in Nepal that will challenge the older parties which have dominated the Himalayan nation’s politics for over three decades, party officials and analysts said on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  9:29 am
Chairman of Ganga Ihala Korale PS accused of assaulting businessman

Chairman of Ganga Ihala Korale PS accused of assaulting businessman

The Chairman of the Ganga Ihala Korale Pradeshiya Sabha has been accused of assaulting an individual in Kurunduwatta, Kandy. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  5:08 pm
Four Sri Lankans arrested with over 20kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Four Sri Lankans arrested with over 20kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Four Sri Lankan passengers, including two women, were arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning while attempting to smuggle a consignment of “Kush” cannabis with an estimated street value of over Rs. 200 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  12:54 pm
‘Sri Lanka should be on every Indian’s itinerary in 2026’ – envoy

‘Sri Lanka should be on every Indian’s itinerary in 2026’ – envoy

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, highlighted the strong tourism links between the two countries, noting that India continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest source of tourists. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  9:16 am
Fire breaks out at rubber factory in Horana

Fire breaks out at rubber factory in Horana

A fire has broken out at a factory manufacturing rubber products in the Vavulagala area of Horana this morning (29). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  9:03 am
US and Ukraine ‘a lot closer’ on peace deal, Trump says after meeting with Zelenskiy

US and Ukraine ‘a lot closer’ on peace deal, Trump says after meeting with Zelenskiy

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging that the fate of the disputed Donbas region remains a key unresolved issue. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:52 am
Police to enforce criminal law for drunk and reckless driving amid rising road accidents

Police to enforce criminal law for drunk and reckless driving amid rising road accidents

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety W. G. J. Senadhira, has stated that motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol or engaging in reckless driving will face action under criminal law in addition to traffic regulations. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  12:31 pm
Bathing of Pinnawala elephants at Ma Oya resumes following clearance of debris

Bathing of Pinnawala elephants at Ma Oya resumes following clearance of debris

The Department of National Zoological Gardens has announced that the practice of taking elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the Ma Oya River for bathing—temporarily suspended due to recent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka—has now resumed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  10:45 am
India set to lead BRICS amid conflicting interests, global ambitions and US pressure

India set to lead BRICS amid conflicting interests, global ambitions and US pressure

India is set to assume the chair of BRICS next year, taking the helm of an expanded bloc at a sensitive geopolitical juncture – one marked by competing interests, rising global ambitions and pressure from Washington. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  1:57 pm
“She sang patriotic songs with pride”; Ex-President Mahinda pays tribute to late Latha Walpola

“She sang patriotic songs with pride”; Ex-President Mahinda pays tribute to late Latha Walpola

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has expressed his condolences on the passing of music icon Latha Walpola. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  3:53 pm
Look at Sri Lanka with an open mind, Namal tells South Indian politicians

Look at Sri Lanka with an open mind, Namal tells South Indian politicians

The central government of India is working tremendously to uplift the economy of Sri Lanka, Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  8:21 pm
Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm likely in some areas tomorrow

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm likely in some areas tomorrow

Showers have been predicted at times in the Northern, Eastern and Uva province and in the Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Polonnaruwa districts tomorrow (30). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  2:08 pm
Sri Lanka records highest-ever annual tourist arrivals in 2025

Sri Lanka records highest-ever annual tourist arrivals in 2025

Sri Lanka has officially surpassed its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals within a calendar year, with 2,333,797 visitors recorded in 2025 as of today (Dec. 29). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  12:10 pm
Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

Showers will occur at times in Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Polonnaruwa districts, today (29), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:33 am
Dense fog hits operations at Delhi airport; 128 flights cancelled and 8 diverted

Dense fog hits operations at Delhi airport; 128 flights cancelled and 8 diverted

Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were hit by dense fog Monday morning, leading to the cancellation of 128 flights and diversion of eight others, airport sources said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  12:20 pm
At least 16 killed after fire rages through Indonesia retirement home

At least 16 killed after fire rages through Indonesia retirement home

A fire at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia’s on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police official was quoted as saying on Monday by state news agency Antara. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  11:08 am
Govt extends pension payment period for farmers and fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah

Govt extends pension payment period for farmers and fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah

The government has decided to extend the pension payment period for farmers and fishermen until January 31 considering the impact caused by the cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  4:38 pm
List of 25 best films of Sinhala cinema revealed

List of 25 best films of Sinhala cinema revealed

The list of the 25 best films of Sinhala cinema over the past 75 years (1947–2022), has been released. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  7:35 pm
President Putin bans enforcement of foreign court decisions in Russia

President Putin bans enforcement of foreign court decisions in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law banning the enforcement in Russia of rulings issued by foreign and international courts, local media reported on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  6:04 pm
Sri Lanka among top five best places to visit in Asia for 2026

Sri Lanka among top five best places to visit in Asia for 2026

Sri Lanka has secured the fifth position among the best places to visit in Asia, according to U.S. News & World Report, placing the island nation alongside some of the continent’s most iconic destinations, including Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Palawan, and Seoul. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  8:28 am
Ride-hailing app drivers lodge complaint with Human Rights Commission

Ride-hailing app drivers lodge complaint with Human Rights Commission

Taxi drivers using ride-hailing apps have lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) today (29) against the injustices they face. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  9:14 pm
Chief Prelates request President to declare May 30 as Vesak Poya

Chief Prelates request President to declare May 30 as Vesak Poya

The Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Chapters have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting him to declare 30 May, 2026 as the Vesak Poya Day, since two Poya days fall on the month of May 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 29, 2025  1:41 pm
Constable linked to incident involving NPP MP seeks police protection

Constable linked to incident involving NPP MP seeks police protection

The Police Constable who was arrested in connection with an alleged assault incident involving Ratnapura District National People’s Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha, has sought police protection. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 28, 2025  5:09 pm
Ex-Minister Douglas Devananda remanded

Ex-Minister Douglas Devananda remanded

Former Minister Douglas Devananda, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Friday (26), has been remanded until January 9, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 28, 2025  3:54 pm
Bangladesh police say student leader’s killers fled to India

Bangladesh police say student leader’s killers fled to India

Bangladesh police on Sunday (Dec 28) said the alleged killers of popular student leader Sharif Osman Hadi had fled to India, in comments likely to further strain relations with its neighbour. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 28, 2025  5:48 pm
President declares electricity, fuel supply, ports and aviation as essential services

President declares electricity, fuel supply, ports and aviation as essential services

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued an extraordinary gazette notification declaring a number of services, including the supply of electricity, as essential services. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 28, 2025  6:36 pm
State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka extended

State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka extended

The State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka has been extended. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 28, 2025  6:00 pm
Amazon halts plans for drone delivery in Italy

Amazon halts plans for drone delivery in Italy

Amazon said on Sunday it has decided not to pursue plans to deliver goods by drone in Italy, saying that while it had made good progress with aerospace regulators, broader business regulatory issues did not support the project. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 28, 2025  5:09 pm