China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), making it the first country to stop the use of the controversial designs that were made popular by multi-billionaire Elon Musk’s Tesla.

US and India reach trade deal, Trump says after Modi call

US President Donald Trump announced that he agreed to a trade deal with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the US will lower tariffs on goods from India to 18% from 25%.

Cash demand defies SL’s cashless drive

Sri Lanka’s sharp surge in currency withdrawals during the festive season conceals a more persistent dependence on cash that now contrasts with the government’s renewed push towards a ‘cashless economy’.

Over 2,000 Thai tourists arrive at Hambantota Port

A group of 2,117 tourists arrived from Thailand by sea at Hambantota International Port today.

Sri Lanka Men’s squad announced for T20 World Cup

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has selected a 15-member Sri Lanka Men’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

India to send sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka for historic exposition

In a continuation of the vision articulated by the Prime Minister of India during his visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, India is set to undertake a profound gesture of spiritual outreach and cultural diplomacy through the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka.

CEJ warns wetland protection futile amid ongoing development

The Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has warned that efforts to protect Sri Lanka’s wetlands are meaningless if development projects continue to destroy them. The statement was made on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, observed annually on 2 February to mark the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Iran in 1971.

G.C.E. (O/L) 2025 (2026) exam to be held from February 17 to 26

The Examinations Department announced that the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination – 2025 (2026) will be conducted from February 17 to February 26, 2026, at 3,545 examination centres islandwide.

Pope Leo appoints new Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka

Pope Leo has appointed Monsignor Andrez Jozwowlez as the new Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) of Sri Lanka.

Rs. 110 million owed to Hajj operators remains unaccounted for

Hajj operators have alleged that nearly Rs. 110 million, collected additionally from operators for Mina tent facilities during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, has yet to be refunded, more than a year after the funds became due for repayment.

Special shuttle service for exposition of sacred relics at Gangaramaya

A special shuttle service will be operated for devotees who arrive at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo for the exposition of the sacred relics brought from India.

Colombo market opens week lower amid mixed investor sentiment

The Colombo stock market began the week on a subdued note on Monday (2nd February 2026), as key indices fell sharply during the session.

Starlink assisted digitalization for UNP

The United National Party (UNP) is to embark on a mission to digitalize the party activities with a special digitalized process assisted by Starlink, Party General Secretary Harin Fernando said today.

Suspended Parliament Deputy SG complains to Bribery Commission against Speaker

Former Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, who was suspended, lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission today against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

Businessman arrested at BIA with undeclared foreign currency worth Rs. 22.4 million

A Sri Lankan air passenger who allegedly attempted to illegally bring into the country and remove a stock of foreign currency valued at over Rs. 22.4 million through the “Green Channel” at the arrival terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, was arrested by airport Customs officers on the morning of February 2.

49 prisoners to benefit from special Presidential pardon for Independence Day

A total of 49 prisoners are eligible to benefit from a special Presidential Pardon, which will take effect on February 4, 2026, in view of the 78th National Independence Day, Prisons Commissioner (Media Spokesperson) A.C. Gajanayake said.

Court orders CID to arrest Chamal Rajapaksa’s youngest son

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest and produce before court Shamindra Rajapaksa, the youngest son of former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, in connection with a magisterial inquiry into alleged financial fraud relating to the purchase of 14 Airbus aircraft for Sri Lankan Airlines.

Church of Ceylon calls for repeal of PTA, withdrawal of proposed anti-terror bill

The Bishops of the Church of Ceylon have expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to introduce a new anti-terrorism law urging the immediate repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the withdrawal of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB).

Indian tax on animal imports spells setback for billionaire Ambani family’s zoo

India’s budget introduced a customs duty of 30% on imports of animals and birds from Monday, a move set to boost expenses for the nation’s most prominent zoo, run by the family of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani.

SLBFE conducts anti-human trafficking awareness programme for Anuradhapura police

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has successfully conducted an awareness programme for police officers in the Anuradhapura District focusing on the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau Act and related investigative procedures.

Sri Lankans should strive for full freedom which is yet to be achieved: Cardinal

Sri Lankans should strive for full freedom, which is yet to be achieved through strengthening the rule of law, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith said today.

Residents protest resumption of Kivul Oya project in Vavuniya

A protest was held in Vavuniya against the government’s decision to resume the Kivul Oya Reservoir Development Project, with a large number of residents gathering to voice their opposition.

Sheikh Hasina sentenced to 10 years in prison in Bangladesh corruption cases

A special court in Bangladesh on Sunday sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 10 years in prison in two separate corruption cases linked to alleged irregularities in the allocation of government land under the Purbachal New Town project.

China executes four more Myanmar mafia members

China has executed four members of the Bai family mafia, one of the notorious dynasties that ran scam centres in Myanmar, state media report.

Relief measures announced for students affected by disasters under Suraksha Sisu insurance

Relief measures have been introduced for school students affected by recent adverse weather conditions under the Suraksha Sisu Insurance Programme, following a request made by the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training Ministry.

T20 World Cup: ICC warns Pakistan of ‘long-term implications’ of boycotting India match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday warned Pakistan of “long-term implications” if they boycotted a Feb. 15 T20 World Cup match against arch-rival India.

Online payment facility introduced for UDA clients

As part of the government’s national drive to digitise public services and strengthen the digital economy, an online payment facility for Urban Development Authority (UDA) clients was officially launched yesterday (February 2) at the Peliyagoda Manning Public Market Complex.

Pakistani forces kill 145 fighters in Balochistan after deadly attacks

Pakistani security forces have killed at least 145 fighters in the restive Balochistan province in a manhunt launched after a series of coordinated gun and bomb attacks that left nearly 50 people dead.

WCIC raises concern over resignation of National Commission on Women Chairperson

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) expressed concern over the resignation of Ramani Jayasundara, Chairperson of Sri Lanka’s inaugural National Commission on Women, urging the government to safeguard the progress made on women’s rights and representation.

New gazette allows women to work night shifts in hospitality and food sectors

A special Gazette notification has been issued permitting the employment of women over 18 years of age for night work in the hospitality and food service industries, under strict conditions designed to protect their safety, health, and welfare.