Sri Lankan corporate leader Deshamanya Ken Balendra passes away

Sri Lankan corporate leader and executive Deshamanya Kandiah (’’Ken’’) Balendra passed away at the age of 85 today, his family confirmed.

Deputy Fisheries Minister confronted by fishermen at Mirissa

Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage who visited the Mirissa Fisheries Harbor was verbally confronted by the fishermen who demanded a fair price for fuel.

Udit Narayan slammed for kissing female fan during show as video goes viral

Celebrated singer Udit Narayan faces controversy after an alleged video goes viral on X. In the clip, the 69-year-old is seen singing ’Tip Tip Barsa Pani’ at a concert, where female fans approached him for selfies. He kissed them on the cheeks after taking photos, sparking mixed reactions online.

Has the President used aircraft for his Jaffna visit? MOD responds

The Ministry of Defence has responded to a viral video circulating on social media, which falsely claims that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake used three Sri Lankan Air Force aircraft for his recent visit to Jaffna.

Kanye West and naked Bianca Censori ’kicked out’ of Grammy Awards 2025 after turning up uninvited

Kanye West and Bianca Censori were escorted out of the 2025 Grammys Sunday ’by police’ after her naked red carpet stunt shocked the world.

Moderate air quality in most districts, good in nine

A moderate level of air quality was recorded in most districts, while a good level of air quality was reported in nine districts, including Colombo 07, the Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund of the Department of Motor Traffic said.

Sri Lanka permits 100 adoptions for foreign applicants for 2025

The Minister of Women and Child Affairs has issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification limiting the number of adoption orders that may be made by all courts in Sri Lanka for foreign applicants during the calendar year 2025 to 100.

Two countries, two formats, same day: Dasun Shanaka’s crazy day out

Former Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka blasted a first-class hundred in Sri Lankan domestic cricket and played a cameo in the ILT20 on the same day.

Harry Jayawardena passes away at 82

Sri Lankan industrialist and businessman Don Harold Stassen Jayawardena, popularly known as Harry Jayawardena, has passed away at the age of 82.

Construction sector continues expansion 

Construction sector continued to expand their activities through December 2024, extending their months-long expansion as reflected by the sector Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the month.

Government targets six key sectors to attract FDIs 

The government is focusing on six key sectors—hospitality, logistics, renewable energy, technology, agriculture, and apparel & textiles—to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) by building a creative and conducive environment for investments,

Import growth picks up as economy normalises

Sri Lanka’s imports raced in December last year to US$ 1,924.5 million, up 29.3 percent from the same month in 2023, reaching the highest monthly outflow for imports during 2024.

Rare event - all planets align: Scientist

As a rare event, all planets in our solar system, except Mercury, are visible in one line, but only four can be seen with the naked eye these days, Space Scientist and Engineering Lecturer Gihan Weerasekera said.

Postal Dept. proposes stamp duty revision amid revenue decline

The Postal Department has submitted a proposal to revise the stamp duty in the upcoming budget due to the rapid decline in stamp revenue.

New vehicles arriving soon; second-hand market to drop 10-15%: Importers

New vehicles will arrive in the country within the next two or three weeks. After their arrival, the existing second-hand market in the country is expected to decline by 10 to 15 percent, President of the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka, Prasad Manage said.

Dogs used as bait to lure leopards for tourists in national parks: AWC raises alarm

The Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) has reported a disturbing trend in which dogs are being used as bait to lure leopards, making the big cats more visible to tourists in national parks.

British woman dies at Kollupitiya hostel

A 24-year-old British woman reportedly died after being admitted to a hospital following a sudden illness while staying at a hostel on R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Kollupitiya.

Committee formed to develop national early childhood education policy

The first step in developing a National Policy on Early Childhood Education and Development was launched at the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

Jayasuriya blames irresponsible batting for crushing defeat in Galle

Sri Lanka’s head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya has laid the blame for his team’s heavy defeat at the feet of the batsmen, calling their performance in Galle ’’irresponsible’’ following a crushing loss to Australia by an innings and 242 runs.

India allocates Rs 300 Crore to Sri Lanka in Union Budget

In the Union Budget 2025, Sri Lanka’s allocation for developmental aid remained unchanged at Rs 300 crore, continuing the same level as the previous fiscal year.

Trump imposes tariffs but Canada and Mexico hit back

US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs on all goods imported from America’s three largest trading partners, China, Mexico and Canada.

Stakeholder consultations sought for Amendments to Electricity Act

Director General of the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat, Pubudu Niroshan Hedigallage announced that the time period has been extended till 14th February 2025 for written consultations for the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024.

Medical transport plane carrying child, mother crashes near Philadelphia

A medical transport plane, carrying a child, her mother and four other people, crashed in Philadelphia Friday night near a busy mall, killing all aboard and resulting in an untold number of injuries on the ground.

Rs. 500 bn lost annually due to poor public transport, will double with vehicle imports: Gemunu

The country loses Rs. 500 billion annually due to the lack of a proper public transport system, and this loss is expected to double once suspensions on vehicle imports are relaxed, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijerathne said.

New Ella Odyssey’s maiden journey begins

A new ’Ella Odyssey’ special train introduced by the Railways Department for local and foreign tourists on the popular Kandy-to-Ella section of the up-country route commenced its maiden journey from Kandy Railway Station at 9:45 a.m today, the Railways Department said.

Western Province Senior DIG transferred to Sabaragamuwa

Four senior police officers, including the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province, have been transferred by the Police Headquarters, effective from February 5, 2025.

Political leaders should not suppress people: Cardinal Malclom Ranjith

Politicians should not suppress people through rigid rules and regulations but should take care of the people with tenderness, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith said today.

UNP SJB talks, initial discussions successful but still a long way to go

Initial discussions between the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) which is aimed at a political alliance is positive but there is a long way to go, General Secretaries of both parties said yesterday.

Presidential Security Division vehicle crashes on Thalawa

A vehicle belonging to the Presidential Security Division was involved in an accident on the Thalawa-A28 road near the 70th kilometre post, the police said.

Gazette issued on new luxury tax rates on private motor vehicles

A Gazette Notification (2421/41) has been issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance Minister, announcing the new luxury tax rates on private motor vehicles imported into the country effective from today (February 1).