Sri Lankan Tea faces the bitterness of losing foreign market due to Ditwah damage

Due to the damage caused by cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea stands the risk of losing foreign markets and other countries resorting to other suppliers, Colombo’s Tea Traders Association’s Chairman, Lushantha De Silva said.

Sri Lankan influencer arrested in Canada for creepy public filming of women; charged with harassment

Toronto police have arrested Mohamed Askar Mohamed-Razik (45), a Sri Lankan influencer, following multiple incidents of criminal harassment involving women and public figures in the city.

Govt. studying impact of social media on children, yet to take final decision

The government has initiated discussions among relevant line ministries to assess the impact of social media use on children, ahead of any possible future regulatory measures, an official said.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in national security trial

Hong ‍Kong media tycoon Jimmy ​Lai was sentenced ‌on Monday (February 9, 2026) ​to a total of 20 years in jail on three charges comprising two counts ​of conspiracy to ⁠collude with foreign forces and one count of ​publishing ⁠seditious materials.

Russia looks to Sri Lanka and India to plug 11mn labour deficit

​Russia is turning to South Asia, including Sri Lanka, to address a widening labour shortage that has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and long-term demographic shifts.

Kamindu Sparks Sri Lanka to T20 World Cup Opening Win

A last-minute call-up, Kamindu Mendis flipped the script with a blistering 44 off just 19 balls, hauling Sri Lanka from a sluggish position to a competitive 163.

Japan’s governing party projected to win snap election majority

Japan’s ruling party, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is set to seal a decisive win in Sunday’s snap election, exit polls suggest.

Three killed in Amithirigala road accident

Three people were killed in a road accident in Amithirigala, Thalduwa, this afternoon (08) when a car collided with a motorcycle, police said.

Seifert half-century helps NZ beat Afghanistan

New Zealand pulled off their highest run chase in T20 World Cup history as they opened their Group D campaign with a five-wicket win over Afghanistan.

Fire breaks out at Scrap Metal shop in Galle

A fire erupted at a scrap metal collection shop near Dewata Junction in Galle earlier today.

Over 5,000 seek medical assistance from President’s Fund

The President’s Fund has received 5,277 applications for medical assistance in 2025, which is an increase by 59 percent, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Radiological Technologists call off planned strike

The Government Radiological Technologists’ Association (GRTA) has decided to call off the trade union action that was scheduled to commence on February 9, following the Health Ministry’s move to implement key recommendations related to the Maligawatta Kidney Hospital inquiry.

South Jeolla apologizes after Jindo governor suggests ’importing young virgins’ from Sri Lanka, Vietnam

South Jeolla has apologized for the Jindo County governor, who said the country should ’’import young virgins from Sri Lanka or Vietnam.’’

Ireland sense an opening as Sri Lanka search for spark

Sri Lanka may be co-hosts of the T20 World Cup, but familiarity with home conditions offers little comfort as pressure mounts on Dasun Shanaka’s side ahead of their opening clash against Ireland.

Sri Lanka’s Viran Chamuditha Secures Place in ICC Under-19 World Cup Squad

A four-person selection panel have determined which rising stars make Team of the Tournament after India’s win at the U19 World Cup.

CEJ backs ban on tractor-assisted gillnet fishing

The Central Environmental Justice (CEJ) has endorsed the government’s decision to ban the use of tractor winches in Sri Lanka’s traditional gillnet fishing industry, warning that the mechanized practice has caused significant harm to coastal ecosystems and small-scale fishing livelihoods.

Sri Lankan student wins bronze at Young Chef Olympiad 2026

Student chef Rumira Piyasiri, who represented Sri Lanka at the 12th Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 held in India, won the bronze medal and arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (8).

Historic Kangaroo route flight arrives at BIA with 142 passengers

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday warmly welcomed the arrival of the historic Kangaroo Route – Captain’s Choice Qantas Airlines flight, which touched down carrying 142 passengers.

Postal charges revised from tomorrow

The Department of Posts has announced an increase in postal charges with effect from tomorrow (09).

ICC in talks to revive India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash

The International Cricket Council is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board to resolve the boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, AFP learnt Saturday.

Suryakumar’s 84 leads India to opening win over USA in T20 World Cup

A sparkling unbeaten 84 from India captain Suryakumar Yadav and three wickets from late call-up Mohammed Siraj in Mumbai on Saturday helped India to avoid a shock defeat to the United States as they opened their defence of the T20 World Cup.

US wants Russia and Ukraine to end war by June, says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the US wants the war with Russia to end by June, adding that both sides had been invited to the US for talks next week.

Hetmyer, Shepherd Power West Indies to Winning T20 World Cup Start

West Indies began their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 35-run victory over Scotland at Eden Gardens, driven by a blistering half-century from Shimron Hetmyer and a match-winning five-wicket haul from Romario Shepherd.

22-hour water cut scheduled in several areas of Kandy district

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that a 22-hour water cut will be imposed in several areas of the Kandy District from tomorrow morning (08).

Parliamentary Pensions Repeal Bill to be debated on Feb 17

The Parliamentary Business Committee has scheduled the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill for debate in Parliament on February 17, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake said.

UK has moral duty toward Malaiyaha Tamils, says Mano Ganesan

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and MP Mano Ganesan has urged the United Kingdom to acknowledge and act on what he described as its historic and moral responsibility toward Indian-origin Malaiyaha Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Faheem Blitz Saves Pakistan from Dutch Shock

Faheem Ashraf pulled off a late blitz as Pakistan narrowly escaped a Netherlands upset, winning by three wickets in Colombo on Saturday.

Response from the Hajj Committee to certain articles

On behalf of the Hajj Committee, I wish to respond to the following two articles which appeared in the Lankadeepa and subsequently in the Daily Mirror, two newspapers which I subscribe to and respect.

Police take action against 4,826 traffic offenders

Sri Lanka Police said that a total of 27,430 individuals were inspected yesterday (06) during daily search operations conducted across the country.

Appeal made to Mahanayake Theras over CEB VRS delay crisis

A collective of approximately 2,200 employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) who have applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) has made an urgent appeal to the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwathu Chapter, the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiri Chapter, and the Advisory Executive Council of the Sangha, seeking immediate intervention over delays in implementing the scheme.