News Archive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney and YouTube TV reach deal ending weeks of disruption

Google’s YouTube and Walt Disney said on Friday they had reached an agreement to restore Disney-owned networks to YouTube TV, after a fee dispute left millions of subscribers without access to U.S. Election Day programming and major live sports events. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 15, 2025  11:23 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

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

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

Multiple dead as double-decker bus ploughs through shelter in Stockholm

A bus crashed into a bus shelter central Stockholm with several confirmed fatalities and even more serious injuries. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  9:34 pm

UNP decides to attend Nov. 21 Nugegoda rally

The United National Party (UNP) has decided to attend the rally scheduled to be held on November 21 in Nugegoda. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  7:16 pm

Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run accident in Warakapola

A motorcyclist died in a hit-and-run incident early this morning (14) near the 36 Kanda Kovil on the Colombo–Kandy main road in the Warakapola Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  9:58 am

New Commissioner General of Elections assumes duties

Rasika Peiris has assumed duties as the New Commissioner General of Elections, effective from today (14). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  9:18 am

Warrant issued for ex-NLB Director Thusitha Halloluwa’s arrest recalled

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has recalled the arrest warrant issued on former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), Thusitha Halloluwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  1:33 pm

Sri Lankan worker found murdered in Israel – Ambassador

A 38-year-old Sri Lankan national from Galle, who had arrived in Israel two months ago for employment in construction sector, was reportedly found murdered last night (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  1:41 pm

Ada Derana wins Bronze Award for ‘Innovative Brand of the Year’ at SLIM Awards

“Ada Derana” was presented with the Bronze Award in the ‘Innovative Brand of the Year’ category at the 24th SLIM Brand Excellence Awards held in Colombo last night. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  1:58 pm

Indian state offers menstrual leave to all working women

The southern Indian state of Karnataka, which is also home to some of the world’s biggest IT firms, has become the first in the country to offer paid menstrual leave to all working women in formal jobs. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  12:29 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island

Prevailing rainy conditions are expected to continue in the Northern and Eastern provinces due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance developing to the east of the island, today (14), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  6:32 am

Hotel employee arrested for stealing foreign currency from Dutch tourist

A hotel employee has been taken into custody by the Colombo Fort Police following a complaint lodged by a Dutch female tourist regarding the theft of foreign currency from her wallet. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  9:56 am

Six students from Ruhuna Uni. hospitalised after wasp attack

A group of students from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Ruhuna have been hospitalized following a wasp attack this morning (14), police reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  12:20 pm

World’s top YouTuber MrBeast launches Saudi theme park

The latest celebrity brought to Saudi Arabia in the kingdom’s push to become a global entertainment destination: MrBeast, the most popular YouTuber on the planet. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  12:30 pm

US and Sri Lanka sign MOU to formalize defense partnership

The United States and Sri Lanka today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Ministry of Defense, formalizing a defense partnership between the Montana National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard District 13, and the Sri Lankan Armed Forces under the U.S. Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program (SPP). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  4:55 pm

BBC apologises to Trump over speech edit but rejects defamation claim

The British Broadcasting Corporation sent a personal apology to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday but said there was no legal basis for him to sue the public broadcaster over a documentary his lawyers called defamatory. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  6:44 am

Commuters can pay bus fares using bank cards from Nov. 24 – Transport Minister

Commuters will be able to pay bus fares using bank-issued credit and debit cards on buses equipped with ticket-issuing machines with effect from November 24, 2025, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  5:50 pm

Derana Little Star winner Seheli’s viral video surpasses 312M views on YouTube

A viral video clip of ‘Derana Little Star - Season 10’ winner, Seheli Thurya’s amazing performance during a reality show has now gained over 312.7 million views on TV Derana’s YouTube channel, becoming the single most-watched YouTube Short from a Sri Lankan channel. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  7:36 pm

Chinese astronauts head home after suspected debris strike delays return to Earth

Three Chinese astronauts will return to Earth on Friday, more than a week later than their scheduled landing, capping an extended stay in space after a suspected debris hit left their spaceship with a cracked window. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  10:54 am

NPP budget defeated in Padiyathalawa PS vote

The National People’s Power (NPP) budget has been defeated in the budget vote held at the Padiyathalawa Pradeshiya Sabha. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  12:05 pm

US aircraft carrier nears Venezuela in flex of American military power

The most advanced U.S. aircraft carrier is expected to reach the waters off Venezuela in days, a flex of American military power not seen in Latin America for generations. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  9:04 am

SriLankan Airlines unveils new self-check-in kiosks

SriLankan Airlines’ Airport and Ground Services, the sole ground handling provider at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), has expanded its self-check-in service for passengers of commercial airlines ahead of the upcoming winter travel season. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  7:33 pm

Two including woman arrested for aiding and abetting Kotahena shooting incident

Two suspects including a woman have been arrested for aiding and abetting the recent shooting and murder of a person in the Kotahena area, by the Colombo District Crime Division, yesterday (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  7:16 am

IMF reviewing Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget as US$ 347M tranche expected ‘in coming weeks’

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently assessing Sri Lanka’s recently announced 2026 budget—including its ambitious 7 percent growth target—to determine whether it aligns with the conditions of the country’s ongoing bailout program. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  8:55 am

Ex-NPP councilor’s husband arrested with drugs not a principal, says union

The Sri Lanka Professional Principals’ Association has issued a statement today (14) clarifying details regarding the alleged school principal who was arrested with narcotics recently. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  11:22 am

TikTok Awards 2025: Max Klymenko named creator of the year

The second annual TikTok awards were a resounding success, showcasing a diverse range of creators who have captivated audiences across the platform. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  11:28 am

Over 16,000 arrested in “Nation United” island-wide anti-drug raids

More than 16,000 individuals have been arrested thus far during the nationwide operation launched to eradicate drugs from the country under the theme “Nation United – National Drive”, aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  5:00 pm

Second reading vote on 2026 Budget in Parliament today

The Second Reading vote of the 2026 Budget is scheduled to be held today (14) at 6 p.m., the Parliament’s Department of Communication announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  7:50 am

Govt to expand “Suwa Seriya” ambulance fleet to 500 vehicles

The government has planned to expand the “Suwa Seriya” ambulance fleet to 500 vehicles by integrating the service with the latest technologies, according to Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  4:28 pm

Fire breaks out at 1,500-year-old Yongqing temple in China

A fire broke out at the reconstructed historical temple, Yongqing Temple, in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  3:54 pm

Vote on second reading of 2026 Budget underway

Voting on the second reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill is currently underway in Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  6:20 pm

Second reading of 2026 Budget passed in Parliament

The second reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill has been passed with a majority of 118 votes in Parliament, a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  6:28 pm

Former NLB Director Thusitha Halloluwa surrenders to court

Former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), Thusitha Halloluwa has appeared before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court this morning (14) after a warrant was issued for his arrest yesterday. MORE..

(0)Comments | November 14, 2025  10:26 am