National ID confirmation letters issued at DRP offices this Saturday for O/L candidates

The Department of Registration of Persons has announced that its Head Office and Provincial Offices in Galle, Kurunegala, Vavuniya, Batticaloa, and Nuwara Eliya will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, (14).

First phase of 2026 school term ends today

The first phase of the first school term for 2026 concluded today (13), the Ministry of Education announced.

2.5% tax on imported vehicles to take effect from April 1

The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has announced that a 2.5% tax will be imposed on imported vehicles starting from April 1, 2026.

Zimbabwe stun Australia with historic upset in Colombo

Zimbabwe produced the first major shock of the T20 World Cup 2026, defeating former champions Australia by 23 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Waruna Sri Dhanapala appointed Secretary to Ministry of Digital Economy

Waruna Sri Dhanapala has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Keheliya Rambukwella’s illicit assets case fixed for trial on April 27

The Bribery Commission’s case filed against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and members of his family over allegations of illicitly accumulating assets was today fixed for trial on April 27 by Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal.

Month-long temporary ordination programme open at Theravada temple in Thailand

An opportunity has been announced for both men and women to receive temporary ordination for the entire month of Esala at a renowned Theravada Buddhist temple in Thailand, Venerable Avissawella Dhammananda Thera said.

Committee on High Posts approves four Heads of Mission

The Committee on High Posts of Parliament approved the nominations of four Heads of Mission.

Two arrested in Kandy for running fake Australia job visa scam

Two youths operating a fraudulent visa consultancy centre under the pretext of offering employment opportunities in Australia were arrested yesterday (12) by officers of the Special Investigation Unit of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment in the Kandy area.

Low pressure area likely over Bay of Bengal: Met Department warns

A low pressure area is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal around February 15, the Department of Meteorology warned today.

Woman killed in elephant rampage at Valaichchenai

A 68-year-old woman was killed and three others injured after two wild elephants stormed into the Valaichchenai town in Batticaloa early this morning.

Immigration Department restores services after system glitch

The technical fault in its computer system has been fully rectified, and all services have now resumed as normal, the Immigration and Emigration Department announced.

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan left with 15% vision in right eye, court told

A court-appointed lawyer has claimed that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been left with just 15 percent vision in his right eye after authorities allegedly ignored his complaints for three months, adding another layer of contention over his imprisonment.

No official level discussion on donor conference yet: Official

Amidst various speculations on a donor conference to raise funds for rebuilding after the Ditwah cyclone, Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said yesterday there has been no official level discussion on calling a donor conference as yet.

Bangladesh’s BNP wins big in first election since Gen Z uprising

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide parliamentary election on Friday, local TV stations showed, securing a resounding mandate in a pivotal vote that is expected to restore political stability in the South Asian nation.

Dearth of land valuers in Sri Lanka

As it has been revealed that there is a dearth of qualified valuers in Sri Lanka, Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has advised that those qualified from the private sector should be given the opportunity.

Proposed Counterterrorism law a ‘death knell’ for democratic freedoms - Prof. G.L. Peiris

Sri Lanka’s Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), published on the Ministry of Justice website in late December, would severely undermine democratic freedoms and expose the country to serious international and economic repercussions if enacted in its present form, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday.

Surge in vehicle demand reported in Sri Lanka amid rising Japanese auction prices

The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has reported a surge in demand in the local vehicle market, driven mainly by rising vehicle auction prices in Japan.

From rice mills to runways, Sri Lankan rice mill owners aim for luxury jets

Days after business tycoon and rice mill owner Dudley Sirisena sparked interest by hinting that he wanted to purchase a helicopter for his personal use, another major figure from the country’s agri-business industry Mithrapala Lankeshwara said he plans to purchase a private jet for his travels as well as for commercial use.

Professor Tissa Vitharana passes away at 91

Veteran politician and former Minister Tissa Vitharana has passed away at the age of 91, family members confirmed.

Supreme Court says no further relief possible in Uma Oya case

The Supreme Court has ruled that there is no further relief the government can provide in relation to the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, stating that it is pointless to continue the case.

ICAO Asia-Pacific regional director arrives in Sri Lanka on state visit

Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (12), on a State visit to Sri Lanka.

Transact in Rupees, not foreign currency: CBSL warns local businesses and consumers

The Central Bank yesterday issued a strong warning to businesses and consumers over the growing use of foreign currency for domestic payments, asserting such transactions are illegal and punishable by heavy

Recovery held firm as US$ 4.1 bn cyclone hit economy: Govt. tells bondholders

Sri Lanka told international bondholders on Wednesday that a US$ 4.1 billion cyclone disaster has become the first major climate stress test of its post-default recovery, as the government seeks to reassure

Valentine’s Day spending remains strong, nearly two thirds plan to celebrate - Sparkwinn Research

Valentine’s Day in Sri Lanka has steadily grown from a niche celebration to a notable cultural and commercial event, particularly in urban centers. Young adults increasingly embrace it as an opportunity to

Roses see weak demand as prices bite

Florists along Ven. Baddegama Wimalawansa Mawatha in Town Hall, Colombo said Valentine’s Day flower sales have dropped this year compared to previous years, mainly due to high prices and low consumer spending.

PM highlights quality education as top priority in Hambantota tour

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reiterated that providing quality education to children remains the government’s top priority during an educational observation tour in the Hambantota district today (12).

Colombo bourse ends marginally lower amid sideways trading

The Colombo stock market concluded today’s session with marginal losses, as the indices moved within a narrow 76-point intraday range, reflecting thin and mildly volatile trading conditions. Turnover and volume improved compared to recent sessions, supported by a pickup in block trades which helped lift overall market activity.

Colombo abolishes burial, cremation fees for city residents

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has decided to remove all burial and cremation fees for residents living within the Colombo municipal limits, Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar said.

At least 21 dead after boat sinks on Sudan’s River Nile

At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in River Nile state in northern Sudan, a medical group has told the BBC.