News Archive

Schools in six provinces to reopen today

Schools in six provinces to reopen today

The second phase of the third school term for this year will commence today (16) for all government and government-approved private schools and Pirivenas. MORE..

Announcement regarding Ministry directive on Third Term Tests

Announcement regarding Ministry directive on Third Term Tests

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has reiterated its directive prohibiting the conduct of third-term school examinations for students in Grades 6 to 10 for the 2025 academic year. MORE..

Police Sergeant interdicted over close contact with ‘Duplicate Sewwandi’

Police Sergeant interdicted over close contact with ‘Duplicate Sewwandi’

A Police Sergeant has been interdicted for allegedly maintaining close contact with a female suspect, Nanda Kumar Thakshee, who is currently being held under a 90-day detention order in connection with the murder of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa,’ at the Aluthkade court complex. MORE..

Govt. grants special leave to state officials affected by Cyclone Ditwah

Govt. grants special leave to state officials affected by Cyclone Ditwah

The government has decided to grant special leave to state officials who were unable to report to work due to floods, landslides, and road blockages. MORE..

Son of filmmaker Rob Reiner jailed on suspicion of murdering parents

Son of filmmaker Rob Reiner jailed on suspicion of murdering parents

The son of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner has been jailed as a suspect in the killing of his parents after they were found dead in their home over the weekend, Los Angeles police said on Monday. MORE..

Musk’s net worth hits $600 billion, Forbes says, as SpaceX preps for IPO

Musk’s net worth hits $600 billion, Forbes says, as SpaceX preps for IPO

Elon Musk on Monday became the first person ever worth $600 billion, Forbes said, on the heels of reports that his SpaceX startup was likely to go public at a valuation of $800 billion. MORE..

Former Sri Lanka Test Cricketer and ex-SLC Chairman D.S. de Silva passes away

Former Sri Lanka Test Cricketer and ex-SLC Chairman D.S. de Silva passes away

Former Sri Lankan leg-spinner D. S. de Silva, a distinguished member of Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test cricket team in 1982, has passed away at the age of 83. MORE..

Husband axed to death by wife in Valaichchenai

Husband axed to death by wife in Valaichchenai

A 46-year-old man sustained serious injuries after being attacked with an axe in the Valaichchenai–Vahaneri area and succumbed to his injuries at the scene, police said. MORE..

NBRO conducts special inspections of landslide-risk schools in Central Province

NBRO conducts special inspections of landslide-risk schools in Central Province

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has commenced special inspections of schools in the Central Province that are at risk of landslides due to adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. MORE..

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Under the influence of the Easterly wave flow affecting the weather over the island, the prevailing showery conditions over the Northern and Eastern provinces are expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

Individual arrested at BIA with foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 2.85 mln

Individual arrested at BIA with foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 2.85 mln

An individual has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle a stock of foreign-made cigarettes valued at approximately Rs. 2.85 million into the country. MORE..

PM highlights global support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts in meetings with foreign envoys

PM highlights global support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts in meetings with foreign envoys

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, Sergey Viktorov, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees. MORE..

FBI arrests four people it says were planning to detonate pipe bombs on New Year’s Eve in California

FBI arrests four people it says were planning to detonate pipe bombs on New Year’s Eve in California

The Justice Department on Monday said it has arrested four people in the Los Angeles area for allegedly working together on a bomb plot that was set to take place around the city on New Year’s Eve. MORE..

Inginimitiya Reservoir spill gates to be opened – Irrigation Dept.

Inginimitiya Reservoir spill gates to be opened – Irrigation Dept.

The Irrigation Department announces that it is planned to release 1,000 cubic feet of water per second from the Inginimitiya reservoir at around 7.30 a.m. today (16).

CHEC Port City Colombo donates Rs. 10M, provides critical support for Sri Lanka’s recovery

CHEC Port City Colombo donates Rs. 10M, provides critical support for Sri Lanka’s recovery

As Sri Lanka grapples with the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd., the project company of Port City Colombo, has stepped forward to support the nation’s recovery efforts with both financial and on-ground assistance. MORE..

Police Sergeant dies after being hit by speeding motorcycle

Police Sergeant dies after being hit by speeding motorcycle

A Police Sergeant attached to the Welipenna Police Station has reportedly died after being struck by a speeding motorcycle on the Aluthgama-Mathugama road, the Welipenna Police confirmed. MORE..

Tourist arrivals exceed 2.2 million this year

Tourist arrivals exceed 2.2 million this year

A total of over 2.2 million tourists have reportedly arrived in the country so far this year. MORE..

All schools in Uva Province to reopen on December 29

A decision has been taken to reopen all schools in the Uva Province on December 29, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe said. MORE..

Australia police says Bondi attack gunmen travelled to Philippines

Australia police says Bondi attack gunmen travelled to Philippines

Australian police said on Tuesday that the two alleged gunmen behind the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach travelled to the Philippines last month, and that the reasons for their trip were under investigation. MORE..

Death toll from Bolivia floods rises to 20; at least two dozen missing

Death toll from Bolivia floods rises to 20; at least two dozen missing

The death toll in Bolivia from floods triggered by an overflowing river in the eastern Santa Cruz region has climbed to 20 and is expected to rise as rescue teams reach previously inaccessible areas, Deputy Civil Defense Minister Alfredo Troche said on Monday. MORE..

Trump sues the BBC for defamation over editing of January 6 speech

Trump sues the BBC for defamation over editing of January 6 speech

President Donald Trump sued the BBC on Monday for defamation over edited clips of a speech that made it appear he directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, opening an international front in his fight against media coverage he deems untrue or unfair. MORE..

Former Minister C.B. Rathnayake granted bail

Former Minister C.B. Rathnayake granted bail

Former Minister C. B. Rathnayake, who was remanded following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over an investigation, has been granted bail. MORE..

Former CPC Chairman Dammika Ranatunga arrested

Former CPC Chairman Dammika Ranatunga arrested

Former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Dammika Ranatunga, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Father and son behind Bondi Hanukkah festival shooting that killed 15, Australian police say

Father and son behind Bondi Hanukkah festival shooting that killed 15, Australian police say

Two alleged gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son, police said on Monday, as Australia began mourning victims of its worst gun violence in almost 30 years. MORE..

Sri Lanka President condemns Bondi Beach terror attack, extends condolences

Sri Lanka President condemns Bondi Beach terror attack, extends condolences

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia and has extended his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Australia. MORE..

Over 20,000 families still sheltered in relief centres following Cyclone Ditwah – DMC

Over 20,000 families still sheltered in relief centres following Cyclone Ditwah – DMC

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) reports that over 20,000 families affected by the recent disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah are still sheltered in relief centres. MORE..

Schools to reopen tomorrow, 147 to remain closed - Education Ministry

Schools to reopen tomorrow, 147 to remain closed - Education Ministry

Schools that were closed due to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah are scheduled to reopen island-wide tomorrow (16). MORE..

Showers likely in several parts of the country after 1pm tomorrow

Showers likely in several parts of the country after 1pm tomorrow

Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces tomorrow, the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

Sri Lanka’s economy expands by 5.4% in Q3 2025

Sri Lanka’s economy expands by 5.4% in Q3 2025

Sri Lanka’s economy expanded by 5.4 percent in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). MORE..

Suspect arrested with T-56 firearm and ammunition in Batapola

Suspect arrested with T-56 firearm and ammunition in Batapola

A suspect has been arrested for the possession of a T-56 assault rifle, two magazines, and 45 rounds of ammunition by officers of the Ampara Division Criminal Investigation Unit. MORE..

‘Zootopia 2’ reclaims No. 1 spot at box office, grosses $1B worldwide

‘Zootopia 2’ reclaims No. 1 spot at box office, grosses $1B worldwide

“Zootopia 2” regained the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office with $26.3 million in its third weekend of release, according to studio estimates Sunday, as The Walt Disney Co. animated sequel became the year’s second film to gross $1 billion worldwide. MORE..

Google is turning any headphones into real-time translation earbuds

Google is turning any headphones into real-time translation earbuds

Live translation is shaping up to be one of the most practical (and competitive) uses of generative AI, with real-life implications for how people communicate across languages. MORE..

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai found guilty of collusion with foreign forces

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai found guilty of collusion with foreign forces

Hong Kong’s High Court on Monday found pro-democracy campaigner and tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty of collusion with foreign forces under a China-imposed national security law that could see him jailed for life. MORE..

Nearly 1,000 arrested in island-wide anti-drug raids

Nearly 1,000 arrested in island-wide anti-drug raids

A total of 981 individuals have been arrested yesterday (14) in island-wide raids conducted under the theme “Nation United – National Drive”, aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country. MORE..

Annual budget of Galle MC presented by NPP defeated

Annual budget of Galle MC presented by NPP defeated

The annual budget of the Galle Municipal Council, which is controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP), has been defeated by a majority vote today (15). MORE..

Large-scale drug trafficker arrested in Wattala with over 21kg of ‘Kush’

Large-scale drug trafficker arrested in Wattala with over 21kg of ‘Kush’

A 34-year old large-scale drug trafficker has been arrested in Wattala by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), police said. MORE..

Showery conditions expected to enhance to some extent from tomorrow

Showery conditions expected to enhance to some extent from tomorrow

Under the influence of an Easterly wave, showery conditions are expected to enhance to some extent over the island from tomorrow (16), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

Two stabbed at entertainment complex in Japan, suspect arrested

Two stabbed at entertainment complex in Japan, suspect arrested

Japanese police said on Monday (Dec 15) they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka, leaving them with non-life-threatening injuries. MORE..

6 including 2 women arrested for illegal excavations in Puthukudiyiruppu

6 including 2 women arrested for illegal excavations in Puthukudiyiruppu

Six suspects, including two women, have been arrested for allegedly digging a plot of land in search of artifacts in the Devi Puram area of Puthukudiyiruppu. MORE..

School bus accident in Colombia kills 17, injures 20

School bus accident in Colombia kills 17, injures 20

Seventeen people were killed and 20 were injured after a bus carrying school children fell off a cliff in a rural area in northern Colombia, the local governor said on Sunday night. MORE..

Dammika Ranatunga granted bail, CIABOC informs court Arjuna Ranatunga will be arrested

Dammika Ranatunga granted bail, CIABOC informs court Arjuna Ranatunga will be arrested

The Former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Dammika Ranatunga, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption earlier today has been granted bail. MORE..

Brake defect in ex-Speaker Asoka Ranwala’s vehicle detected during inspection – Police

Brake defect in ex-Speaker Asoka Ranwala’s vehicle detected during inspection – Police

A defect in the braking system has been observed in the vehicle of former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala which was involved in an accident on Thursday (11) in Sapugaskanda, police stated. MORE..

Public warned of alarming spike in financial scams via social media

Public warned of alarming spike in financial scams via social media

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has issued a warning to the general public regarding a rise in frauds conducted via social media. MORE..

No Sri Lankans injured in shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach – Dy Foreign Minister

No Sri Lankans injured in shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach – Dy Foreign Minister

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, has confirmed that no Sri Lankans were injured in the shooting incident that occurred at a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday. MORE..

Vessel carrying humanitarian aid donated by Pakistan arrives at Colombo Harbour

Vessel carrying humanitarian aid donated by Pakistan arrives at Colombo Harbour

A consignment of humanitarian aid donated by the Government of Pakistan to support the disaster-affected people has been brought to the Colombo Harbour aboard a special vessel. MORE..

Medical report of MP Asoka Ranwala yet to be received – Police

Medical report of MP Asoka Ranwala yet to be received – Police

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated that the police have not yet received the medical report of Former Speaker and NPP Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala, who was involved in a vehicular collision at Sapugaskanda. MORE..

Special security arrangement in urban areas and places of worship, 2,500 police personnel deployed in Western Province

Special security arrangement in urban areas and places of worship, 2,500 police personnel deployed in Western Province

Special police security arrangements have been made in urban areas and places of worship in view of the upcoming festive season, the Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated. MORE..

Regions under level one and level two warnings are also susceptible to landslides - NBRO

Regions under level one and level two warnings are also susceptible to landslides - NBRO

Landslides are a natural phenomenon that occur across the world due to factors such as rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity among others. MORE..

Nawalapitiya-Kandy main road reopens after 18-day closure

Nawalapitiya-Kandy main road reopens after 18-day closure

The Nawalapitiya-Kandy main road, which was damaged during Cyclone Ditwah, has been reopened to vehicular traffic today (15) after remaining closed for 18 days. MORE..

Hollywood director Rob Reiner and wife Michele found dead in LA home

Hollywood director Rob Reiner and wife Michele found dead in LA home

Legendary Hollywood film-maker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home. MORE..