Special train services to facilitate devotees visiting Gangaramaya

Sri Lanka Railways has arranged special train services to facilitate devotees travelling to Colombo to worship the sacred relics brought from India at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple.

Cabinet approves long-term contract for petrol supply

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of a long-term contract for the procurement of five shipments of Petrol 92 Octane Unleaded (92 Unl) to M/s Epdesa Pte. Ltd., following a competitive bidding process.

MCC changes Laws of Cricket to permit previously ’illegal’ bats

Changes are to be made to the Laws of Cricket to permit bats previously deemed illegal in an effort to make the game affordable for amateur players amid the rising cost of English willow.

New women-only pink floor and spa at Sofia Hotel

Sofia Colombo City Hotel yesterday launched its women-only Pink Floor and Pink Spa, aiming to attract the growing market of female travellers in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Govt to recruit degree-holding professionals into teaching service

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the government plans to bring degree-holding professionals with teaching experience into the teaching service. He invited them to sit for the examination under the Sri Lanka Teachers Service Minute.

Temporary driving license service expanded to regional offices: DMT

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) announced yesterday (2) that the facility to issue temporary driving licenses to foreign citizens, Sri Lankan citizens, and Sri Lankans with dual citizenship has been expanded to regional offices in Kurunegala, Hambantota, Gampaha, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna.

Rajeev Amarasuriya re-elected as BASL President

Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya has been re-elected uncontested for a further term as President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) for the 2026/2027 period.

Speaker’s misbehaviour led to issue on Deputy Secretary General of Parliament: MP

The misbehaviour of the Speaker had led to an unwanted issue with regard to the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake told Parliament today.

Pakistan calls for new global cricket body, says ICC ‘hostage to Indian political interests’

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called for a new global cricket governing body on Tuesday, saying that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has become hostage to Indian political interests amid a fresh row between the neighbors ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

CC approves Samudika Jayaratne as Auditor General

The Constitutional Council today approved Samudika Jayaratne as the new Auditor General.

Fire breaks out in Tehran shopping centre, state media reports

A massive fire broke at a bazaar west of the Iranian capital, state media reports, although the cause of the blaze was unclear.

Global gold surge sends local prices soaring

A fresh rally in the global gold market has triggered a sharp spike in gold prices in Sri Lanka, pushing local rates to new highs within a single day.

Namal leaves CID after four-hour statement

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa left the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) a short while ago after recording a statement for more than four hours.

Cabinet approves Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2025–2030

In line with the National Policy on Renewable Energy, the Cabinet has approved the Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2025–2030, aimed at meeting 70 per cent of Sri Lanka’s national electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa leaves FCID after four-hour statement

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today after recording a statement for nearly four hours regarding alleged financial irregularities linked to the Siriliya funds.

Cabinet approves MoU with Finland to establish political consultation mechanism

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and Finland to establish a formal political consultation mechanism, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Government aiming at three million tourist arrivals in 2026: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said today that the government is aiming at three million tourist arrivals in 2026.

Government considering allowing vehicle imports under retired high-ranking government official permits

The government is holding discussions on allowing vehicle imports for high-ranking government officials who have received vehicle permits on their retirement, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera said today.

Appeal Court dismisses Balangoda Kassapa Thera’s writ petition

The Court of Appeal today decided to dismiss the writ applications filed by two Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who challenged the legality of the remand order made by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court in connection with the placement of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee.

Suspect arrested over money laundering linked to drug proceeds

A 44-year-old resident of Hanwella has been arrested by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division over suspected money laundering activities.

Thundershowers with severe lightning expected in several areas

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the Sabaragamuwa Province and in the Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said.

Strong start to 2026: Customs January revenue exceeds estimates

Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) has recorded a strong start to 2026, generating Rs. 232,558 million in revenue in January significantly surpassing the estimated target of Rs. 160,242 million.

Woman hits cop with shoe after court orders child handed over to husband

A woman, apparently aggrieved by a court order to hand over the eight-year-old child in her custody to her husband, has hit a police officer with one of her shoes within the Point Pedro court premises.

GMOA strike worsens, patients in the lurch

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to intensify the ongoing trade union action, leaving thousands of patients struggling to access healthcare.

Around 200 applications received for SriLankan Airlines CEO’s post: Deputy Minister

Around 200 applications have been received for the post of Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku told Parliament today.

Country’s foreign reserves increased up to USD 6.8 billion by December 31: Deputy Minister

The foreign reserves of the country have increased up to USD 6.8 billion by December 31, 2025, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera said today.

CEB recovers over Rs. 90 million from fraudulent electricity users in 2025

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has successfully recovered more than Rs. 90 million from individuals and businesses who obtained electricity illegally during 2025, officials said.

Two women arrested for intimidating lawyers at Nugegoda Court

The Police have arrested two female suspects in connection with the criminal intimidation of two lawyers and an attack on their vehicle following proceedings at the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

40.3 per cent of Sri Lankans still “offline” in 2025

Sri Lanka’s internet users stood at 13.9 million last year, an increase of 1.5 million since 2024. It, indicates that 40.3 per cent of the population in Sri Lanka still do not use the internet in their day-to-day life, according to a report by Datareportal.

Popular actor Hemal Ranasinghe arrested

Renowned actor Hemal Ranasinghe surrendered to Wellawatte Police this morning over an alleged assault dating back to January 8 at Havelock City.