Mrs World 2nd Runner-Up Sabina Yousaf returns

Sabina Yousaf, who represented Sri Lanka at the 41st Mrs World pageant in the United States, returned to the country yesterday following an impressive performance at the international competition, where she secured the Second Runner-Up title and won the Mrs Photogenic mini-title while also placing among the Top 20 contestants.

Leopard cub spotted climbing tree to escape dogs in Bogawantalawa

A leopard cub was captured on a mobile phone by a tea estate worker in the Bogawantalawa area yesterday (3), after it climbed a tree to escape a group of dogs while accompanying its mother on a hunt.

Graduate teacher recruitment exams gazetted

Applications have been called from graduates in the public service as well as graduates not currently employed in the public service for the recruitment of Sinhala, Tamil and English medium teachers to national and provincial schools islandwide under the Sri Lanka Teachers Service.

Severe lightning and thundershowers forecast

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are expected in parts of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts, according to the Meteorological Department said.

’We still engaged in struggle to complete our independence’: President

Claiming that the true fulfilment of independence lies in the extent to which Sri Lankans are able to achieve economic freedom, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today that he believes that people are still engaged in a struggle to complete independence.

Sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha arrive in Sri Lanka

The sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago, marking a historic moment for Buddhists in the country.

Group B preview: Co-hosts’ big opportunity at T20 World Cup

What an opportunity co-hosts Sri Lanka have to qualify in pole position of the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

T20 World Cup 2026: ICC expresses concerns over Pakistan’s India match boycott

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday expressed concern after Pakistan declined to play against India in the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, prompting the global governing body to explore diplomatic channels to resolve the issue.

Colonialism has become active in a different form today: Sajith

Colonialism has become active in a different form in Sri Lanka and other countries in the Southern Hemisphere, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Govt.’s ’Protection of Occupants Bill’ under fire

The proposed ‘Protection of Occupants Bill’ is under fire as it has got three foreign companies to leave Sri Lanka while eight other local companies are expected to file fundamental rights cases against it, an Opposition MP told Parliament yesterday.

Govt. justifies emergency coal purchases

Amidst Opposition claims that the country will have to incur losses if the government will have to go for emergency coal purchases, Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said yesterday emergency coal purchases will not incur losses adding that only 300,000 metric tons of coal will be procured under emergency purchases.

Sri Lanka’s dream of becoming an oil-producing nation hits a snag

Sri Lanka’s ambition to become an oil-producing nation has faced a setback, with the planned international tender process for offshore oil and gas exploration and development delayed due to a court case initiated in the past, an official said yesterday.

Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s

Spain has become the latest European country to make plans to ban social media for children under the age of 16.

Striving to elevate country into more advanced, resilient, dignified State: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said with unwavering resolve, the government is striving to elevate the country into a more advanced, resilient and dignified State than it has ever been.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of ex-Libyan leader, reportedly shot dead

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former leader Col Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been shot dead.

Spin-heavy Pakistan hit form, but India boycott risks early T20 exit

Pakistan’s spin-heavy squad are in winning form ahead of the T20 World Cup, but a controversial decision to forfeit their marquee clash against India could still trigger another early exit.

Independence Day sees major promotion drive in Sri Lanka Army

In line with the 78th Independence Day celebrations on 04 February 2026, the Sri Lanka Army has promoted 9,158 Other Ranks from both the Regular and Volunteer Forces to their next respective ranks.

Group B Preview: Co-hosts’ big opportunity at T20 World Cup

Group B promises a tight contest as Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka look to navigate a tricky pool packed with rising challengers.

Cabinet approves tenders for 160 MW/640 MWh national battery storage project

In a significant step towards strengthening the country’s electricity system, Cabinet this week approved awarding tenders for the installation of a 160 MW/640 MWh battery energy storage system, Energy Ministry said.

SriLankan Airlines CEO search draws 200 applications

National carrier SriLankan Airlines has received around 200 applications for the post of Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku told Parliament yesterday.

Namal says he will cooperate with any investigation

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa said he is prepared to cooperate with any investigation summoned by authorities, accusing the government of using law enforcement agencies to conceal its own failures.

CEJ urges govt. to close plastic bag profit loophole

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called on the government to urgently address a regulatory gap that allows companies to earn substantial profits by charging consumers for plastic bags without directing any of that revenue toward environmental conservation.

Tourist arrivals hit record high in January kicking off 2026 with strong momentum

​Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has recorded a historic start to the new year, with arrivals in January 2026 surging to an all-time monthly high of 277,327 visitors.

Arsenal reach EFL Cup final as Havertz goal beats Chelsea

Arsenal took a step closer to winning their first major silverware since 2020 as they beat Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup final.

Bethell’s 4-11 seals England 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka in World Cup warm-ups

Jacob Bethell delivered a sensational late spell as England edged Sri Lanka by 12 runs to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 World Cup warm-up series.

Local construction sector urged to move beyond ‘survival mode’

Sri Lanka’s construction industry must move decisively from “survival mode” to “growth mode” and reposition itself as a core driver of the national economy rather than a purely domestic service sector, the newly appointed President of the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI), Vernon Manilal Fernando said.

Rew century leads England into ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final

Thomas Rew’s century led England to a 27-run victory over Australia and a place in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 final.

Foreign digital creator claims Rs. 15,000 scam on first day in Colombo

A foreign digital creator known as Travel with Balnur has alleged that she was scammed of Rs. 15,000 in Colombo on her first day in Sri Lanka, after being approached by a man who sought help citing personal hardships.

SLPP issues statement on Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s FCID summons

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) issued a statement this evening (03) in connection with the summoning of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

Legal action planned against bakery in Mannar over food safety violations

Public Health Inspectors attached to the Mannar Medical Officer of Health, along with the Municipal Public Health Inspector, inspected a bakery operating under the name Super Pannaye on February 3, 2026.