News Archive

Trump administration releases FBI records on MLK Jr. despite his family’s opposition

The Trump administration on Monday released records of the FBI’s surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr., despite opposition from the slain Nobel laureate’s family and the civil rights group that he led until his 1968 assassination. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  11:48 am

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, star of The Cosby Show, dies aged 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who as teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” was central to a cultural phenomenon that helped define the 1980s, died at 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  6:44 am

Over 1,400 arrested for various offenses including drugs in special operation

Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force (STF), and tri-forces personnel jointly conducted several more search operations throughout the day on Tuesday (July 21) as part of ongoing efforts to arrest individuals involved in drug-related activities and other major crimes. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  4:16 pm

Govt responds to concerns over ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security

The government is responsible not only for the safety of former presidents but also for the general public, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has emphasized in response to questions raised in relation to the move by the present administration to remove the entitlements of former Presidents and their family members. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  2:56 pm

Adjournment debate on proposed education reforms to be held on Thursday

An adjournment debate on the proposed education reforms is scheduled to be held in Parliament on Thursday (24). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  2:33 pm

Asgiri Anunayake Thero’s remains to lie in state until Thursday

The remains of the Anunayake Thero of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect, Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi Thero, lie in state at the Upali Memorial Hall of the Asgiri Temple in Kandy, for public respect until Thursday (July 24), when the final rites will be performed, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  4:45 pm

Manusha’s former personal secretary granted bail

The Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala has ordered the release on bail of Shan Yahampath Gunaratne, the former personal secretary to former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  3:59 pm

Sri Lanka to end tax breaks for Port City Colombo project by Chinese firm – Report

Sri Lanka is set to end tax breaks for the Port City Colombo project being implemented by a Chinese state-run firm as part of commitments under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package, a move expected to hit the viability of the $1.4-billion venture. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  7:28 pm

Suspect wanted over shooting and attempted murder arrested at BIA

A suspect wanted by the police in connection with an attempted murder by shooting in the Panadura Police Division was arrested today (22) by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  6:14 pm

Cabinet gives green light to gazette draft bill to amend Presidents Entitlements Act

The Cabinet of Minister has granted approval to the proposal to gazette and present in Parliament the draft bill formulated to amend the Presidents Entitlements Act (No. 4 of 1986) and reduce special privileges extended to former Presidents, their families, and retired Members of Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  12:17 pm

SL receives USD 63 bln in remittances over past decade – Deputy Minister

The total amount of remittances received by Sri Lanka through foreign employment over the past 10 years is USD 61,147 million, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  11:50 am

Committee of Inquiry finds IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon guilty of all allegations, recommends his removal

The Committee of Inquiry appointed to inquire and report its findings on suspended Inspector General of Police Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power has found him guilty of all allegations leveled against the IGP.

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  9:39 am

CEB workers to protest today against the Electricity Amendment Bill

Electricity workers have decided to stage a protest today against the new Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill proposed by the government as part of the restructuring process of the electricity sector, including the CEB. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  6:25 am

President directs continuous supply of medicines without shortages or delays

A discussion on streamlining the process of medicine supply was held this afternoon (22) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  8:51 pm

French cities impose curfews on children after drug violence

A number of French cities have imposed night-time curfews on young people following a spate of violence linked to drug trafficking. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  10:22 pm

Cabinet nod to establish Threat Hunting and Malware Analysis Lab

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the establishment of a Cyber Threat and Malware Analysis Research Unit within the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  2:17 pm

US withdraws from UNESCO again, this time due to its support for ‘woke’ causes

The United States withdrew from the United Nations cultural organization UNESCO on Tuesday, saying continued involvement was not in the US national interest. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  6:25 pm

Tuk-Tuk robbers nabbed in Polgasowita

Three individuals allegedly involved in a series of three-wheeler robberies have been apprehended by the Mount Lavinia Crimes Investigation Division, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  9:04 am

Fire breaks out in a building in Nittambuwa

A fire has broken out in a building in the Nittambuwa town. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  2:18 pm

Woman killed, child injured in shooting in Marawila

A 30-year-old woman is reported dead while a 10-year-old boy has been injured following a shooting incident at Maranda in Marawila, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  11:14 pm

Canadian woman arrested at BIA with 18kg of hashish

A 37-year-old Canadian woman has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for the possession of a large consignment of hashish. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  11:02 am

Sri Lanka to initiate joint research with Singapore to develop AI technologies

The government is seeking to commence joint research with Singapore for the development of artificial intelligence technologies, conduct artificial intelligence programs, and create mutual cooperation to address local and global challenges. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  1:39 pm

Ex-LTTE member arrested with T-56 firearm in Peliyagoda

A 30-year-old individual has been arrested in Peliyagoda by the Kiribathgoda Police last evening (21), based on a tip-off. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  10:36 am

World Health Organization condemns Israeli attacks on facilities in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Israel’s ground offensive in central Gaza has compromised its efforts to continue working, after its facilities came under attack. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  4:15 pm

BOI approves 57 projects, Sri Lanka gets USD 569mn in FDIs in 2025: Dy Minister

The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 57 projects while Sri Lanka has received USD 569 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) so far this year (2025), according to Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysingha. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  8:08 am

Sri Lanka should grant zero-tariff access to US exports: Ravi tells Govt

The government of Sri Lanka should grant zero-tariff access to products from the United States immediately, according to New Democratic Front (NDF) Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  11:38 am

Prince Harry and Prince William’s cousin, 20, found dead with a ‘firearm nearby’

Rosie Roche, the 20-year-old second cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, has been found dead at her family property, with a firearm discovered close by, an inquest has heard. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  9:40 am

Increase in female population over males could lead to future crises, expert warns

The continuous decline in the male population in comparison to the number of females in Sri Lanka could lead to significant crises in the future, Senior Professor Aminda Methsila of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka has warned. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  9:28 am

National Minimum Wage of Workers Bill passed with amendments

The National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament with amendments on Tuesday (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  6:06 pm

Cabinet Spokesman confirms President’s nomination for next CJ

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has nominated Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena as the next Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  1:06 pm

“No need to arrest ex-CID Director Rohan Premaratne at this juncture”: Bribery Commission informs Court

Court was informed today (22) that there is no necessity at this time to arrest former CID Director retired DIG Rohan Premaratne, by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), in connection with on-going investigation. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  12:42 pm

Dy Commissioner of Inland Revenue Dept arrested for soliciting bribe granted bail

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to the Deputy Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department, who was previously arrested and remanded on suspicion of soliciting a bribe of Rs. 100,000 from a businessman in order to waive around Rs. 1.1 million in tax arrears owed to the department. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  11:49 am

‘Red’ warning for strong winds up to 70 kmph issued

A ‘Red’ warning has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for strong winds and rough seas in the areas extending from Kalpitiya to Kankesanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  10:39 am

Three elephants including tusker found dead in Digampathaha

The carcasses of three wild elephants including a tusker—whose tusks had been removed and is believed to have died about a month ago—were discovered within the Digampathaha area of the Inamaluwa Forest Reserve, said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  4:24 pm

CC to consider recommendations for new Chief Justice

The Constitutional Council is scheduled to convene tomorrow (23). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  7:14 am

Earth will spin faster today to create 2nd-shortest day in history

Earth will complete a full rotation in slightly less time than usual on Tuesday, July 22, making it one of the shortest days ever recorded. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  10:08 am

Shan Yahampath arrested by Bribery Commission

Shan Yahampath, the former personal secretary of former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  1:58 pm

UK and 27 other nations condemn Israel over ‘inhumane killing’ of Gaza civilians seeking aid

The UK and 27 other countries have called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, where they say the suffering of civilians has “reached new depths”. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  7:26 am

Sri Lankans to be sent to Korea under E–8 Visa program

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to implement a pilot project to send Sri Lankans under the E–8 Visa category (seasonal employees) for employment in the Republic of Korea and to conduct discussions with local government institutions in South Korea to seek employment opportunities. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  2:11 pm

Indigo Flight with 140 passengers on board makes emergency landing at Indore Airport

An IndiGo flight from Goa with 140 passengers on board made an emergency landing at the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore on Monday evening following a technical alert related to its landing gear, officials said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  6:12 am

Govt committed to digital health integration and strong regulatory frameworks: PM

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, noted that the country is in need of developing regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring efficacy, safety, data privacy, security, and other ethical considerations in digital technology. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  9:57 pm

Fairly heavy rains above 75 mm likely in parts of the island

Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts today (22), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  5:51 am

Gita Gopinath, No.2 in IMF to quit in August; Successor to be named soon

Gita Gopinath, the second-in-command at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will step down at the end of August to return to her position at Harvard University, the IMF has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  9:29 am

Four Indian fishermen arrested for poaching in seas off Mannar

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended one Indian fishing boat and four Indian fishermen for engaging in illegal fishing activities within Sri Lankan waters, north of Mannar. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  5:32 pm

Air India flight catches fire after landing at Delhi airport; passengers and crew safe

An Air India flight from Hong Kong to Delhi caught fire shortly after it landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport on Tuesday. Though the aircraft suffered some damage, passengers and crew members disembarked normally and are safe, CNN-News18 reported citing airline spokesperson. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 22, 2025  6:36 pm

Youth arrested with smuggled cigarettes at BIA

An individual has been arrested at the at the arrival terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for smuggling a total of 10,000 sticks of foreign-made cigarettes (50 cartons). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 21, 2025  7:33 am

Anunayake Thero of Asgiri Chapter passes away

The Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thero, has passed away at the age of 67. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 21, 2025  6:36 am

Japan’s PM vows to stay on despite bruising election loss

Japan’s ruling coalition has lost its majority in the country’s upper house, but Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said he has no plans to quit. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 21, 2025  7:43 am

Fairly heavy rains likely in parts of the island

Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 21, 2025  6:29 am

Over 20 injured as buses collide in Galigamuwa

Over 20 individuals have been injured and hospitalized following a head-on collision between a private bus and a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus in Galigamuwa, Kegalle, early this morning (21), police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 21, 2025  8:24 am