News Archive

Police seek assistance to arrest suspect for attempted sexual assault of foreign tourist

Sri Lanka Police are seeking public assistance to apprehend a suspect involved in the attempted sexual assault of a foreign national woman. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  9:44 am

Donald Trump weighs tighter green card rules for citizens of travel-ban nations

The US administration is reportedly preparing a new immigration policy that could sharply restrict green card and other status benefits for people from countries already listed under President Donald Trump’s travel ban. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  5:44 pm

Israel reiterates opposition to Palestinian state before UN vote

Israel on Sunday reaffirmed its opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, a day before the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a U.S.-backed resolution supporting the so-called 20-point Gaza peace plan. Hamas later condemned the remarks, saying they revealed Israel’s “expansionist tendencies.” MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  7:00 pm

Another 1,100 persons arrested in anti-drug raids

More than 1,100 individuals have been arrested yesterday (15) during the nationwide operation launched to eradicate drugs from the country under the theme “A Nation United”. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  12:30 pm

Final rites of late Southern Province Governor on Tuesday

The final rites of the late Governor of the Southern Province, Bandula Harischandra will be held at the Samanala Stadium in Galle on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  6:18 pm

Youth drowns while bathing in seas off Galle Face Green

One of the two individuals who were rescued and hospitalized after being swept away by currents while bathing at the Galle Face beach in Colombo has passed away. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  6:33 pm

Leonid meteor shower to dazzle Sri Lankan skies today

The Leonid meteor shower, the largest meteor shower visible in 2025 can be observed at midnight today (16) and early tomorrow morning, says Astronomer and Senior Lecturer Gihan Weerasekara. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  11:51 am

Lebanon to file UN complaint over Israeli border wall

Lebanon has said it will file a complaint to the UN Security Council over Israel’s construction of a concrete wall along the southern border that Beirut says extends beyond the UN-mapped Blue Line. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  1:02 pm

Storm Claudia kills three in Portugal, causes flooding in Britain

Violent weather brought on by Storm Claudia killed three people and injured dozens in Portugal, authorities there said on Saturday, while in Britain rescue workers were organising evacuations due to heavy flooding in Wales and England. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  3:46 pm

Refugees to face 20-year wait to settle permanently in UK under asylum reforms

People granted asylum in the UK will have to wait 20 years before they can apply to settle permanently, under plans due to be announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  11:26 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

The Meteorology Department states that the low-level atmospheric disturbance to the east of the island has developed into a low-pressure system. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  6:16 am

CAA seals warehouse in Wattala over imported dried chillies unsuitable for consumption

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has sealed a warehouse in Wattala where a stock of dried chillies suspected to be unfit for human consumption was being stored. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  8:48 am

Businessman arrested in Kurana with foreign-made firearm

A businessman has been arrested in Kurana, Negombo with a foreign-made firearm approximately 6 inches in length, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  3:18 pm

Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra passes away

The Governor of the Southern Province, Bandula Harischandra, has passed away at the age of 62, sources confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  7:13 am

Drug-prevention committees to be established in all schools and universities

A circular will be issued to establish drug-prevention committees in all schools and universities across the country, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  5:13 pm

Man arrested with firearm and ammunition in Chilaw

An individual has been arrested for being in possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license by the Chilaw Divisional Investigation Unit. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  11:10 am

Man dies in accident on Ella–Wellawaya road

An individual has died when a three-wheeler collided with a car at the third mile post along the Ella–Wellawaya main road. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  12:10 pm

PM Harini participates in Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony

The 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony was commemorated today at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  4:23 pm

Weather advisory issued for heavy rainfall

An ‘Amber’ level advisory for heavy rains for the next 24 hours has been issued by the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  1:57 pm

Printing of driver’s licenses which was suspended due to shortage of cards resumes

The printing of driver’s licenses, which had been suspended due to the shortage of printing cards, has resumed. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  1:26 pm

US immigration raids begin in Charlotte, North Carolina

US Federal authorities conducted raids on Saturday in the banking hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, the Department of Homeland Security said, expanding its crackdown on illegal immigration to the U.S. South. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  2:24 pm

Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings reach US$ 2.65 bln in first ten months of 2025

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has reported that total tourism earnings for the first ten months of 2025 amounted to US$ 2,659 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  10:12 am

GMOA to launch trade union action tomorrow

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to launch trade union action from tomorrow (17). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  10:43 am

Thousands protest crime and corruption in Mexico City as ‘Gen Z’ protests gain momentum

A few thousand people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest growing crime, corruption and impunity in a protest organized by members of Generation Z, but which ended with strong backing from older supporters of opposition parties. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 16, 2025  6:48 am

Indonesia landslide kills 11 in Central Java, official says 12 missing

A landslide after heavy rains in Central Java killed 11 people, Indonesia’s disaster management agency said on Saturday, adding that rescuers were searching for a dozen who are still missing. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  9:52 pm

Trump cuts tariffs on beef, coffee and other foods as inflation concerns mount

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday rolled back tariffs on more than 200 food products, including such staples as coffee, beef, bananas and orange juice, in the face of growing angst among American consumers about the high cost of groceries. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  9:33 am

Shah Rukh Khan becomes first actor to have a Dubai tower named after him

Shah Rukh Khan was present at a grand event in Mumbai along with the founder and chairman of the Dubai-based Danube Group, Rizwan Sajan, as they unveiled a landmark property named Shahrukhz. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  2:08 pm

Seven killed, 27 injured in explosion at police station in India’s Kashmir, NDTV reports

At least seven people were killed and 27 injured when a large pile of confiscated explosives in a police station in India’s Kashmir detonated late on Friday, broadcaster NDTV reported, citing sources. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  8:11 am

US agrees deal to slash Swiss tariffs to 15% after golden charm offensive

Switzerland and the US have agreed to cut President Donald Trump’s steep 39% tariffs on Swiss imports to 15%, as part of a deal that involves a Swiss promise to invest $200bn (£150bn) in the US. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  7:43 am

Select committee to review legal framework for PC polls - Bimal

Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Ratnayake, informed Parliament that a Select Committee will be appointed to review the legal framework pertaining to the conduct of Provincial Council Elections and to take the necessary steps to expedite the electoral process. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  11:08 am

Several high-ranking cops including Senior DIGs transferred

Several transfers and appointments involving high-ranking police officers have been made as per a decision of the National Police Commission (NPC). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  7:28 pm

Entrepreneurial development essential for achieving govt’s vision to attract investment - PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that as the country moves towards a digital economy through a new transformation, all sectors must work together in the national mission of empowering local entrepreneurs. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  9:28 am

Disciplinary action against Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake?

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Lalith Pathinayake, who had been serving as the Acting Senior DIG in charge of the Police Administration Division, has reportedly been removed from the position by the National Police Commission, pending disciplinary action. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  12:57 pm

Gazette issued amending maximum retail prices of canned fish

A Gazette notification has been issued amending the maximum retail prices imposed for canned fish, effective from today (15). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  1:32 pm

Indian HC meets ITAK leaders, discusses widening Sri Lanka–India relations

The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha has met with Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran and Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  12:25 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

The Meteorology Department states that the low-level atmospheric disturbance still persists to the east of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  7:21 am

Nov. 21 rally not to elevate anyone to power, but to remind govt of promises – Namal

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of carrying out a severe crackdown on public servants, stating that the current period is a highly challenging one for many. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  11:55 am

Labubu movie in the works for the big screen, report says

The popular Labubu dolls that have ignited a global frenzy may light up movie screens in the future, the Hollywood Reporter said on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  12:07 pm

Over 1,000 more arrested in nationwide anti-drug raids

A total of 1,056 suspects were arrested during 1,065 island-wide raids conducted within yesterday (14) under the “Nation United – National Drive” campaign aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  6:07 pm

Woman linked to ‘Kudu Salindu’ arrested with ‘Ice’ worth over Rs. 1 mln

A woman suspected to be connected to the drug network of notorious underworld figure and drug kingpin ‘Kudu Salindu’ of Panadura has been arrested with crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) worth over Rs. 1 million during a raid at a house in Rukgaha Road, Arukgoda. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  5:16 pm

COPE reviews Colombo Port’s East Terminal delays & contractor’s Rs. 4,227M compensation claim

Extended discussions were held at the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) regarding the delay in construction activities of the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port and the circumstances that arose due to the delay of the entire project. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  3:55 pm

Gold prices in Sri Lanka drop by Rs. 10,000 today

The price of gold in Sri Lanka has decreased by Rs. 10,000 compared to yesterday (14). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  11:44 am

Trump says will sue BBC for up to US$5 billion over video edit

US President Donald Trump said Friday (14) he would sue the BBC for up to US$5 billion after the British broadcaster apologised for a misleading edit of one of his speeches but said it would not pay damages. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  2:09 pm

Committee Stage debate of 2026 Appropriation Bill works off today

The debate on the Committee Stage or the Third Reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, or the 80th Budget Speech, is scheduled to commence today (15) in parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  7:35 am

Interim report on public service salary scheme presented to Ministerial Consultative Committee

An interim report containing proposals and ideas for establishing the necessary framework and formal institution to develop a structured salary scheme and enhance professionalism in the public service was presented to the Ministerial Consultative Committee... MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  4:29 pm

Google reportedly developing Android version of Apple’s NameDrop feature

Android users may soon see a new way to exchange contact details by simply placing two phones close together. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  12:54 pm

Completion deadline extended for 2025 decentralized budget projects

The Ministry of Finance has issued a circular to all District Secretaries regarding the project proposals approved under this year’s Decentralized Capital Budget Program. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  6:38 pm

Proposal to replace polythene bags with eco-friendly paper bags

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has proposed that the Ministry consider producing an environmentally friendly paper bag as an alternative to polythene bags. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  7:03 pm

China warns Japan of ‘crushing’ defeat, tells Chinese citizens to shun visits

China on Friday warned Japan of a “crushing” military defeat if it uses force to intervene over Taiwan, and even cautioned Chinese citizens against visits to Japan, angered by its prime minister’s remarks about the island, which Beijing claims. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  11:12 am

Teenage girl murdered over suspected lovers’ quarrel

A 16-year-old girl was attacked to death with a sharp weapon at her residence in the Panwilatenna area of Millagahamula, within the jurisdiction of the Gampola Police Division, last night (14). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  9:03 am