News Archive

Egypt offers sincere condolences to Sri Lanka over deadly floods

Egypt has extended its sincere condolences to the government and people of Sri Lanka over the victims of the recent floods that hit the country and caused hundreds of casualties. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  4:48 pm

Vote on third reading of 2026 Budget underway

The vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill for 2026 is currently underway in Parliament, marking the final stage of this year’s Budget process. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  7:18 pm

Congo, Rwanda leaders affirm commitment to Trump-backed peace deal

U.S. President Donald Trump gathered the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to sign a peace deal in Washington on Thursday even as fighting continued in their war-scarred region. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  7:49 am

Putin questions US punishing India for buying Russian oil

Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged heavy US pressure on India not to buy Russian fuel if the US could do so as he began a two-day state visit on Thursday (Dec 4), where he was embraced on arrival by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  6:52 am

President announces relief measures for people affected by weather disaster

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that Rs. 10,500 million has already been released by the Treasury in response to the recent weather disaster in the country, and that a Rs. 50 billion supplementary estimate was submitted today (05) for the same purpose. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  6:57 pm

Train operations on Puttalam line extended to Nattandiya

The Railway Department announces that train services on the Puttalam line will now operate up to Nattandiya, following the completion of repair work necessitated by recent flooding in Sri Lanaka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  1:57 pm

Putin and Modi discuss trade, peace in New Delhi summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began summit talks in New Delhi on Friday, as New Delhi rolled out the red carpet for the Russian leader and Modi told him India supported peace efforts in Ukraine. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  1:15 pm

Gangaramaya Temple donates Rs. 30 mln to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

The Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera, stated that support will be extended to coordinate assistance from overseas Buddhist temples. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  7:13 am

2026 Budget passed in Parliament

The Third Reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill was passed with a majority of 157 votes in Parliament, a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  7:37 pm

Apple appoints Meta’s Newstead as general counsel amid executive changes

Apple on Thursday announced that Meta Platforms’ chief legal officer, Jennifer Newstead, will join the company as its general counsel and senior vice president. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  2:48 pm

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  12:44 pm

Train season tickets valid on SLTB buses amid disaster situation

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) announced that, due to the prevailing disaster situation in the country, passengers holding train monthly season tickets will be permitted to travel on SLTB buses. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  11:50 am

Indian medical team sets up fully operational field hospital in Mahiyanganaya

A fully operational field hospital has been established in Mahiyanganaya near Kandy by an Indian medical team, providing essential trauma care, surgical capability, ambulances, and other critical medical services to flood-affected communities. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  11:28 am

1.7 million affected by severe weather in Sri Lanka; over 5,000 homes completely destroyed

Delivering a special statement in Parliament today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed the extensive scale of destruction caused by the recent severe weather conditions across the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  6:29 pm

Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir takes oath as SJB National List MP

Naina Thambi Marikkar Mohamed Thahir was sworn in as a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National List Member of Parliament before Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today (05). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  9:16 am

Putin says Russia will take Donbas by force or Ukraine’s troops will withdraw

President Vladimir Putin has warned again that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war in Ukraine. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  9:27 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

The Northeast monsoon condition is gradually establishing over the island, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  6:40 am

Highest rainfall in past 24 hours recorded in Akuressa

The highest rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours has been reported from the Akuressa area along the Nilwala River, according to L.S. Sooriyabandara, Director of Irrigation (Hydrology & Disaster Management). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  9:16 am

President calls for urgent action to restore agriculture, livestock, and irrigation sectors

A meeting was held yesterday (04) at the Presidential Secretariat, presided by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the participation of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance... MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  8:37 am

Indian envoy discusses reconstruction needs with Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister after Cyclone Ditwah

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha met Sri Lanka’s Housing and Construction minister to discuss reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed 486 people so far in the island nation. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  10:27 am

IMF considering $200 million emergency aid for cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday that it is considering an emergency request from Sri Lanka for about $200 million in rapid financial assistance, as the island nation struggles to recover from the sweeping devastation left by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  8:20 pm

Parliamentary committee calls for international cooperation to boost agri & plantation sectors

International cooperation should be sought for the development of the agriculture and plantation sectors, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability, Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy, stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  4:29 pm

Strict action against traders selling unsafe food in disaster-affected areas

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka (PHIU) says that strict punitive measures will be taken against traders found selling food unsuitable for human consumption in areas affected by the recent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  4:31 pm

PM Harini highlights Sri Lanka’s quick recovery and digital plans after floods

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that despite the recent devastation caused by severe flooding and landslides, Sri Lanka continues to recover rapidly due to the exceptional strength and solidarity demonstrated by the people. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  1:23 pm

Meta shifts some metaverse investments to AI smart glasses

Meta is shifting some of its investments in the metaverse to AI glasses and wearables, hoping to capitalise on the “momentum” in that segment, a company spokesperson has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  1:15 pm

Netflix in exclusive talks for Warner Bros Discovery studio, streaming assets – report

Netflix is in exclusive talks to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s film and television studios along with its streaming assets, in a deal valued at $28 per share that could reshape the media landscape, a source told Reuters on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  11:08 am

CBSL issues circular directing banks to provide relief for disaster-affected businesses

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a new circular directing all licensed banks to provide relief measures to individuals and businesses whose income or operations have been directly affected by the current adverse conditions. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  9:35 pm

Govt to launch joint loan programme for new entrepreneurs in January - Minister

A joint programme by the Ministry of Finance and the banks to provide loan facilities for new entrepreneurs is planned to be launched in January next year, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  10:59 am

Man arrested for preparing forged documents in Panadura

A person, who had allegedly prepared forged documents, including fake identity cards, has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  10:42 am

Third reading vote on 2026 Budget in Parliament today

The third reading vote of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, or the 80th Budget Speech is scheduled to be held today (05) at 6 p.m., the Parliament’s Department of Communication announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  7:41 am

‘Red’ landslide warnings issued to several areas in five districts

‘Level-3’ (Red) landslide early warnings have been issued to multiple areas in five districts by the National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  6:27 pm

PM commends diplomatic community for immediate support after floods, admits continuing challenges

A special briefing for the diplomatic community in Sri Lanka was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  10:21 pm

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveil bronze statue in London to mark ‘DDLJ’ 30th Anniversary

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol traveled to London to unveil a bronze statue commemorating their iconic roles in “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” marking 30 years since the Yash Raj Films blockbuster first captured audiences worldwide. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  10:44 am

Met. Dept warns of increased rainfall on December 9, 10, and 11

The Department of Meteorology says that rainfall in certain parts of the island is expected to increase on December 9, 10, and 11 due to the Northeast monsoon conditions establishing in the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  5:30 pm

Property tax will not be imposed in 2026 - President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that the proposed property tax will not be imposed in 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  6:43 pm

Sri Lanka signs USD 100M loan and USD 3M grant agreements with ADB

The Government of Sri Lanka held discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to mobilize a policy-based loan amounting to USD 100 million to implement the Power Sector Reforms and Financial Sustainability Program (Subprogram 2). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 5, 2025  2:48 pm

Showers above 75 mm likely in some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces

Several spells of showers have been predicted for the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in the Hambantota and Matale districts today (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  5:38 am

Spill gates of Kala Wewa opened; Residents in downstream areas urged to remain vigilant

Authorities have opened two spill gates of the Kala Wewa by four feet each as of 9:00 a.m. today (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  11:07 am

Sri Lanka to receive swift access to US$ 350 million IMF funding

A representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that Sri Lanka is expected to receive swift access to approximately US$ 350 million, the sixth tranche of the Extended Fund Facility, within two weeks. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  7:06 am

Two hacked to death in Norochcholai

Two individuals have been hacked to death by a youth in Norochcholai, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  9:07 am

Pakistan sends fresh relief cargo and Elite Rescue Team to Sri Lanka

A Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying relief cargo and an elite search and rescue team arrived in Sri Lanka last evening. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  6:32 am

Sri Pada Pilgrimage season begins today

The annual Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) Pilgrimage season gets underway today (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  5:41 am

Kandy-Colombo main road reopened for traffic

The Kandy-Colombo main road has been reopened for vehicular traffic, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  6:58 am

ADB approves US$100 million loan to advance Sri Lanka’s power sector reforms

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday announced a $100 million policy-based loan to further support Sri Lanka’s push to strengthen and modernize its power sector. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  8:42 am

Sri Lanka receives USD 1 million donation and emergency relief aid from China

The Government of Sri Lanka has received a donation of USD 1 million in financial assistance and emergency relief supplies worth RMB 10 million from the Government of China, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  10:20 am

Authorities reopen Pahala Kadugannawa section of Kandy-Colombo road

The Kandy-Colombo main road has been temporarily closed from the Pahala Kadugannawa area once again, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  8:20 am

Australia pledges additional $2.5 mln for victims of Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ in Sri Lanka

The Government of Australia has announced an additional $2.5 million for Sri Lanka, increasing Australia’s response to the impacts of Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ to $3.5 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  9:44 am

Japan sends medical team to disaster-stricken Sri Lanka

Japan’s overseas aid agency has sent a medical team to Sri Lanka to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  10:49 am

ADB announces US$ 3 million emergency grant for Sri Lanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$ 3 million disaster relief grant for Sri Lanka to support ongoing operations across the island in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  7:38 am

Govt remains committed to ensuring relief reaches all affected communities without delays – President

The government remains committed to ensuring relief reaches to all affected communities without any financial delays, the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 4, 2025  5:40 am