Several services declared as essential services

A special Gazette notification has been issued, declaring several services such as supply of electricity, distribution of fuel and hospital services as essential services.

Govt. hard-pressed between disaster response and IMF programme

The government is encountering difficulties in funding its disaster response amid tight fiscal constraints, since the IMF stresses that spending must comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Daily Mirror learns.

Gold becomes less affordable as imports remain limited

In the wake of recent global market trends where gold prices climbed past the USD 5,500 per ounce mark, the Sri Lankan domestic gold market is currently sustained largely through auctions of pawned jewellery conducted by banks and financial institutions, as commercial gold imports have virtually halted due to prohibitive import duties, the Daily Mirror learns.

Shehan Jayasuriya joins USA for 2026 T20 World Cup

Former Sri Lanka international Shehan Jayasuriya has been named in the USA’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a week after scoring his 14th first-class century in Sri Lanka.

Ball now in govt.’s court: GMOA issues ultimatum

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to address its grievances.

Curran hat-trick stifles Sri Lanka in strong T20WC audition

Sam Curran was thrilled to claim a rare hat-trick as England registered a win over Sri Lanka just days out from the start of the T20 World Cup.

Ex-MCC president fined for discriminatory comments

Former Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) president Phillip Hodson has been fined for offensive and discriminatory comments he made at an after-dinner speech when he was deputy chair at Yorkshire.

Wild elephant rescued from Digampatha garbage dump in Dambulla

A wild elephant that had fallen into the Digampatha garbage dump in the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat was safely rescued following a prompt operation by wildlife officials, the Wildlife Department said.

Riverston reopens to tourists under strict restrictions after Cyclone Ditwah

The Knuckles’ Riverston tourist zone, a designated World Heritage area, has been reopened to local and foreign tourists under strict restrictions following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Matale District Secretary, Prasanna Madanayake, said.

New transport links planned to ease tourist travel

Digital entry passes for tourist attractions and measures to fast-track tourist visa processing were among the key topics discussed at a meeting held this morning (30) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Firearm owners urged to renew licences

The Ministry of Defence has issued a special announcement urging all individuals and institutions holding firearm licences to ensure that their licences are renewed for 2026, as the renewal period ends tomorrow (31).

Health trade unions unite under GMOA banner

A high-level discussion was held yesterday (29) between the Executive Committee of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and representatives of all health sector trade unions aimed at forging a unified approach to issues affecting the public health service.

Colombo bourse ends lower despite heavy block activity

Sri Lanka’s equity market closed on a negative note on Friday, with both benchmark indices ending in the red, even as overall turnover remained robust, supported by heavy block activity and renewed interest from value investors.

Advisory council appointed to drive textile and apparel industry development

An Advisory Council for the Development of the Textile and Apparel Manufacturing Industry was formally appointed yesterday (29) under the patronage of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti.

Sri Lanka Police operating with 32,000 officer shortfall: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has highlighted a severe shortage of manpower within the Sri Lanka Police, revealing that the force is currently operating with an approximately 32,000-officer shortfall.

WHO says Nipah virus risk low in India with no sign of spread

A World Health Organization official said on Friday that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.

Strict ban on bringing cigarettes into Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Customs has reiterated that it is strictly prohibited for any passenger arriving from abroad to bring cigarettes, warning that offenders will face severe penalties under the law.

EU adds Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to terrorist list

The European Union has added Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list in response to Tehran’s deadly crackdown on protesters in recent weeks.

PM pledges safe, tech-driven digital education for Sri Lankan children

Sri Lanka will move towards a carefully regulated digital education system that protects children while maximising the benefits of modern technology, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said, outlining plans to ensure that digital devices received under foreign aid are used efficiently, safely, and equitably across the school system.

Human trafficking allegations: SLBFE moves against ‘Dubai Sudda’

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has initiated legal action in connection with a large-scale human trafficking and foreign employment scam allegedly operated by a Sri Lankan national based overseas under the name “Dubai Sudda.”

Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences

A couple in Indonesia has been caned 140 times for having sex outside marriage and drinking alcohol because it violates Sharia, or Islamic religious law.

Trump threatens tariffs on countries supplying Cuba with much-needed oil

United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose new tariffs on any country that supplies oil to⁠ Cuba, the latest move in Washington’s campaign of pressure on Havana.

Former Aviation Chairman removed due to changes in administrative structure: Ministry clarifies

While refuting media reports over the removal of former Chairman of the Airports and Aviation Company, Hasha Abeywickrama, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said the letter sent to Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera has no connection whatsoever to the removal of the former chairman from his position.

Public urged to beware of bank and police impersonation scams: CERT

Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has issued a public warning over a surge in financial fraud cases involving bank and police impersonation scams, urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or financial information.

Real issue behind education reforms is competence not mentality: Sajith

With regard to the recent remarks made by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa that the government should examine the Opposition Leader’s mental stability before implementing education reforms, the latter said the issue with regard to the situation is the competence of the Minister.

Order on Balangoda Kassapa Thera’s writ petition postponed for February 3

The Court of Appeal today re-fixed February 03 to deliver its order on the interim relief sought by two Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who are currently in remand custody for placing a Buddha statue in Trincomalee.

American Airlines plans to resume US flights to Venezuela after Trump moves to open airspace

American Airlines (AAL.O), said on Thursday it planned to resume services to Venezuela for the first time in more than six years pending government approval and subject to security assessments, just weeks after the U.S. military seized the country’s leader.

Special traffic plan for Independence Day rehearsals

A special traffic plan will be implemented in Colombo from today in preparation for the 78th National Independence Day celebrations.

Rs. 100Mn allocated for 78th Independence Day celebrations

The government has allocated Rs. 100 million from the budget 2026 for the 78th Independence Day celebrations, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils Aloka Bandara said yesterday.

CID failed to record statements from University of Wolverhampton officials: Lawyers allege

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team that visited the United Kingdom to probe the authenticity of an invitation received by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe failed to record statements from officials of the University of Wolverhampton, lawyers representing the former President alleged yesterday.