Planet-warming gas levels rose more than ever in 2024

Levels of the most significant planet-warming gas in our atmosphere rose more quickly than ever previously recorded last year, scientists say, leaving a key global climate target hanging by a thread.

Under-construction luxury hotel in Colombo under the scanner in Indian money-laundering case

An under-construction luxury hotel property in Colombo has come under the scanner as part of a money laundering probe linked to a Gurugram-based realty company, Indian media reported today.

Derailment disrupts upcountry railway line

Train services on the upcountry railway line were disrupted this afternoon following the derailment of a motor trolley between Watagoda and Great Western railway stations, the Railways Department reported.

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan ’sentenced to 14 years in jail’ in corruption case

A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced the country’s already-imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife to 14 and seven years in jail after finding them guilty of corruption, officials and his lawyer said.

Salochana Gamage and businessman further remanded till January 27

Former Provincial Councillor Salochana Gamage, and another who had been arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe, were further remanded till January 27 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali.

Several train services to be cancelled today

Several train services will be cancelled today due to a shortage of locomotive operators, with only 42 operators available, the Railways Department said.

Three parliamentary employees guilty of sexual harassment dismissed from service

Three employees of Parliament who were found guilty of sexual harassment on female staff of Parliament have been dismissed, Communications Department of parliament said.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives at CID

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the CID a short while ago to record a statement.

D.V. Chanaka criticises Government’s failure in 110 days

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D.V. Chanaka criticised the government for failing to show progress in the first 110 days, despite expectations of improvement within 100 days.

Udayanga Weeratunga granted bail

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who was remanded over the assault of a neighbor, was released on bail by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

Tri-Forces to assist with paddy purchasing during Maha Season

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Ministry of Defence to take steps to develop necessary infrastructure facilities and provide technical assistance and labour support from the Tri-Forces to repair warehouses belonging to the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) and Sathosa to facilitate the purchasing of paddy in the upcoming Maha season.

Five-day workweek for export sector extended for six months from January

The five-day workweek for export sector industries has been extended for the next six months, starting January 1st, following approval by the Labour Advisory Council, subject to the instructions and final approval of the Labour Commissioner General.

Mano Ganesan holds special discussion with UK High Commissioner

MP and leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Mano Ganesan, held a special meeting with the UK’s High Commissioner Andrew Patrick to discuss key issues, including the unique challenges faced by Malaiyaha (up-country) Tamil Sri Lankans.

Health issues among schoolchildren on the rise, warns expert

Sri Lanka is facing a troubling increase in health issues among schoolchildren, with a rise in non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic liver and lung conditions.

Local political hypocrisy holds no bar for Sino-Lanka ties

Despite past criticisms, the government led by the National People’s Power (NPP) has taken steps to elevate Sino-Lanka ties to the next level in terms of economic, investment cooperation in particular as it inked a deal with Sinopec for an investment of US $ 3.7 for a state-of-the-art oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels in Hambantota.

Bus with Russian tourists collides on expressway, driver killed

A bus carrying a group of Russian tourists collided with a cement truck travelling in the same direction near the 138-mile post on the Southern Expressway towards Tangalle early this morning (17).

Canadian goes missing at Hikkaduwa beach

A 19-year-old Canadian national went missing while bathing off Hikkaduwa beach last evening.

SpaceX Starship test fails after Texas launch

The latest test of Space X’s giant Starship rocket has failed, minutes after launch.

CTU complains about exam centre closure over saree policy

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) lodged a complaint with the Education Ministry Secretariat and the Examinations Commissioner General regarding the closure of the exam centre at Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya, on Wednesday (15), allegedly due to teachers not arriving at the school dressed in sarees.

SJB to begin dialogue with UNP

The working committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today approved a proposal to begin a dialogue with the United National Party (UNP), SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said.

Males continue to account for most HIV/AIDS cases in Sri Lanka

During the first nine months of 2024, over 70 HIV-positive males are between 15-24 years old, while only five female cases were reported in this age group, according official data.

Pope suffers bruise on right forearm due to a fall

Pope Francis sustained a bruise on his right forearm, with no fractures this morning due to a fall at Santa Marta,

SL, China agree to push for early conclusion of FTA

Sri Lanka and China have agreed to work towards the early conclusion of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in one package in line with the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win outcomes, a joint statement from the two countries highlighted.

Govt. unveils relief measures to support affected SMEs

The Government has unveiled a comprehensive relief package to assist Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) grappling with financial hardships caused by recent economic upheavals.

Opposition Leader calls for swift action against rising crimes

While highlighting that shooting incidents reported during the first 16 days in 2025, including today’s incident in Mannar, many being orchestrated by Sri Lankan underworld figures residing abroad, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa today urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to act swiftly to suppress these criminal activities and bring to justice those directing these operations.

Govt. refutes false claims tied to Deputy Minister Suriyapperuma

The Ministry of Finance has denounced allegations circulating on social media linking Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma to promotional activities for an online business.

AKD invites Chinese President to visit Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Sri Lanka.

Police clarify rules on high-capacity motorcycles

Sri Lanka Police has clarified regulations on high-capacity motorcycles, referencing two key government gazettes.

CID seeks legal advice on self-proclaimed Bodhisattva

The CID, which is conducting investigations against the self-proclaimed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Mahinda Kodithuwakku for allegedly insulting Buddhism and offending religious feelings, informed court today that they have sought the Attorney General’s advice regarding future legal action against the suspect.

’’Stabbed in spine, wound on neck, hand’’: Saif Ali Khan is ‘out of danger’

Saif Ali Khan, 54, is “out of danger” as he continues to recover following treatment at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after being injured in a scuffle with an intruder at his Bandra residence late Wednesday night.