News Archive

Apple teams up with Google Gemini for AI-powered Siri

Apple plans to use Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence model to power its updated version of Siri, which is set to launch later this year, the two companies announced Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  8:43 am

Forest Conservation Dept. Officer arrested for soliciting bribe

An officer attached to the Forest Conservation Department has been arrested by investigating officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe amounting to Rs. 30,000 and a bottle of alcohol. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:16 pm

Traffic congestion on Southern Expressway following accident

An accident along the Southern Expressway between the Kurundugahahetekma and Welipenna exits this morning has caused heavy traffic congestion. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:33 am

SLBFE provides benefits exceeding Rs. 1 bln for Sri Lankan migrant workers in 2025

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has provided benefits exceeding Rs. 1 billion in 2025 for the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  1:51 pm

Appeals applications on Grade 06 admissions accepted online from today

The acceptance of appeal applications for Grade 6 school admissions for the year 2026, based on the results of the 2025 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, has commenced, the Ministry of Education has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:28 pm

Veteran journalist Iqbal Athas passes away

Veteran Sri Lankan journalist and defence columnist Iqbal Athas has passed away at the age of 81. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:13 am

Senior Russian official says Greenland could vote to join Russia if Trump does not hurry

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said Greenlanders could vote to join Russia if US President Donald Trump did not move quickly to secure the Arctic island, Interfax reported on Monday (Jan 12). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  7:22 am

Donald Trump announces 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he had imposed a 25% tariff on goods from countries with commercial ties to Iran, a move that could put pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests enter a third week. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  5:51 am

Proposal to increase minimum purchasing price of Samba and Kiri Samba paddy varieties approved

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal to increase the minimum purchasing prices for Samba and Kiri Samba paddy varieties with the objective of increasing production in the upcoming seasons. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  3:10 pm

10 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters

A total of 10 Tamil Nadu fishermen have been arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters this morning (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  7:52 am

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

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

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  7:09 am

NPP activist arrested for pelting stones at SLPP Gampaha PS member’s residence

An individual, alleged to be an activist affiliated with the National People’s Power (NPP), has been arrested for pelting stones at the residence of a member of the Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), in Ambaraluwa, Weliweriya. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  11:15 am

Govt. will not reverse its programs despite any disaster – President

The government will never use the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah as an excuse to reverse or halt its official programs, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  11:41 am

Several education sector trade unions to meet President today

A discussion is scheduled to be held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and several education sector trade unions today (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:56 pm

Digital card system introduced for fuel supply to govt vehicles

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to implement a digital card system to supply fuel to vehicles belonging to government institutions. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  3:17 pm

One Direction famed Zayn Malik teases first-ever world tour in 2026

British pop star Zayn Malik has excited fans by hinting at his first ever world tour in 2026, though specific dates for India are yet to be revealed. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:58 pm

Inauguration ceremony of Rebuilding Sri Lanka national program underway

The inauguration ceremony of the Rebuilding Sri Lanka national program has commenced at the Lotus Hall of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:57 am

US pledges additional US$ 2 million humanitarian assistance for Sri Lanka

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka today announced an additional $2 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, bringing total U.S. assistance for the response to $4 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:44 pm

Cabinet nod given to expand project on management of hypertension and diabetes

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to proceed with the implementation of a project aimed at improving the prevention and management of hypertension and diabetes through primary health care systems. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:48 pm

Outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung pays farewell call on President

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has paid a courtesy call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  9:34 am

Case against Ramith Rambukwella fixed for pre-trial conference

The case filed against Ramith Rambukwella, the son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, on charges of allegedly acquiring assets through unlawful means, has been ordered to be recalled on February 11 for pre-trial conferences. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:05 pm

Sri Lanka should seek to revise IMF targets: CBSL Governor

Sri Lanka should seek to change the targets agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe noted. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  6:07 am

Motorcyclist arrested for damaging vehicles near Diyatha Uyana

An individual has been arrested for damaging several vehicles with the use of a sharp object while riding a motorcycle in Battaramulla. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  1:10 pm

Govt to continue programme to grant Rs. 6,000 allowance to purchase school stationery

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to continue the programme implemented to provide an allowance of Rs. 6,000 per child to purchase school stationery. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:50 pm

Education reforms related to Grade 6 deferred to 2027 - Cabinet Spokesman

A decision has been taken to defer the proposed education reforms related to Grade 6 until 2027, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:16 pm

Cabinet approves recruitment of over 23,000 teachers

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to recruit over 23,000 teachers for the state services. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:12 pm

Extensive consultations to be held on proposed National Electricity Policy

A broad discussion should be held with all relevant stakeholders before arriving at a final decision on the draft prepared for the proposed National Electricity Policy of Sri Lanka, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development has emphasized. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  12:44 pm

‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ national programme launch today

The inauguration of ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ national programme will take place in Colombo today (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  7:35 am

Suspect linked to criminal incident arrested with firearm in Thalahena

An individual linked to a criminal incident has been arrested with a firearm in Thalahena yesterday (12), police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  6:41 am

Cabinet approves increase in festival advance for state employees

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to increase the festival advance granted for state employees to Rs. 15,000. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  2:39 pm

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

Several spells of showers are expected in the Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern and Central provinces today (13), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  5:50 am

Paddy prices to be increased from upcoming season – Dy Agriculture Minister

Steps have been taken to increase the price of paddy starting from the upcoming season, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  8:20 am

Oil prices gain on Iran supply disruption concerns

Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday, as heightened concerns surrounding Iran and potential supply disruptions outweighed the prospect of increased crude supply from Venezuela. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  8:58 am

Strike launched by GMOA at hospitals in Eastern Province

A strike has been launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) at all hospitals in the Eastern Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  11:18 am

IOC instructs National Olympic Committee to hold AGM by end of April

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has instructed the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to hold its Annual General Meeting /Elective General Assembly by the end of April. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 13, 2026  10:28 am

Group including Wimal Weerawansa commences ‘Satyagraha’ near Edu. Ministry against reforms

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, along with a group of civil society representatives and others, have commenced a continuous ‘Satyagraha’ campaign in front of the Education Ministry. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  10:36 am

Generator at Norochcholai power plant restored

A generator at the Norochcholai Power Plant, which had been temporarily shut down for maintenance, has been restored. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  8:05 am

Golden Globes 2026: The full list of winners

The Golden Globe Awards have been handed out in Los Angeles, honouring the best in film and television of the past 12 months. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  10:59 am

Australia moves India into highest-risk category for student visas, cites ‘emerging integrity risks’

Australia has tightened checks for student visa applicants from India as it moved India into the ‘highest-risk’ category along with Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  12:18 pm

Deaths from Iran protests reach more than 500, rights group says

Unrest in Iran has killed more than 500 people, a rights group said on Sunday, as Tehran threatened to target U.S. military bases if President Donald Trump carries out his renewed threats to intervene on behalf of protesters. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  7:20 am

Postponed 2025 A/L exams to resume today

The remaining subjects of the 2025 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination, which were postponed due to the disaster situation in the country, are scheduled to commence today (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  7:00 am

Case against Keheliya and family to be recalled in February

The Colombo High Court today ordered that the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his son Ramith Rambukwella, his daughter Amali Nayanika Rambukwella, and one of their employees, Nipuni Krishnajina, be recalled on February 13. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  11:04 am

Cuba defiant after Trump says island to receive no more Venezuelan oil or money

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said no more Venezuelan oil or money will go to Cuba and suggested the Communist-run island should strike a deal with Washington, ramping up pressure on the long-time U.S. nemesis and provoking defiant words from the island’s leadership. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  6:39 am

China’s Foreign Minister arrives in Sri Lanka on transit visit

The Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi has arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake early this morning (12) during a transit stop en route to China following an official visit to South Africa. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  8:38 am

Chalamet beats DiCaprio at Hollywood’s Golden Globes

Timothee Chalamet triumphed in one of the most competitive categories at the Golden Globes on Sunday, taking the trophy for best male actor in a movie musical or comedy for his role as a professional table tennis player in “Marty Supreme.” MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  9:24 am

Indian national arrested with stock of illegally imported cigarettes at BIA

A group police officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have arrested a 56-year-old Indian national while in possession of 2,400 illegally imported cigarettes. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  10:24 am

US Ambassador Julie Chung praises Sri Lanka as top surfing destination

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has highlighted Sri Lanka’s appeal for surfing enthusiasts, sharing her personal experience on X (formerly Twitter). MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  11:28 am

Fairly heavy showers expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and Hambantota district, today (12), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  6:31 am

Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero urges President to reshuffle Cabinet

The Chairman of the National Movement for the Protection of the Nation, Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thero, has called for a Cabinet reshuffle by removing Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya from the post of Minister of Education. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  7:48 am

Trump declares himself ‘Acting President of Venezuela’ days after Maduro capture

A digitally altered image posted by President Donald Trump claims he is the “Acting President of Venezuela.” Trump made this claim amid intense international controversy following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. MORE..

(0)Comments | January 12, 2026  10:28 am