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.

Over 1,200 US flights canceled as winter storm disrupts travel: Report

Severe winter conditions disrupted transportation and energy systems across the US, grounding more than 1,200 flights and leaving tens of thousands without electricity in multiple states, Bloomberg reported on Sunday.

No moves to field Namal as common opposition candidate for Presidential poll 2029: MP

There is no move to field SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa as the common opposition candidate for the Presidential Election in 2029, an opposition MP said today.

Daily Mirror launches Mirror AI, its first AI-powered article summarisation tool

Daily Mirror has announced the launch of Mirror AI, its first artificial intelligence powered article summarisation feature, marking an important step in the publication’s ongoing digital evolution.

Lanka Sugar Company denies social media claims about Nugegoda outlet

Lanka Sugar Company (Private) Limited has dismissed recent social media reports regarding its Nugegoda retail outlet, calling the claims false and misleading.

GMOA remains stubborn as strike continues

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said its ongoing trade union action will continue after the Health Ministry failed to respond positively to a 48-hour ultimatum that ended on Saturday (31).

AG’s Department Legal Officers’ Association condemns unfounded attacks on Attorney General

The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department has expressed grave concern over the circulation of unfounded and baseless personal attacks directed at Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe (Jnr), PC, and officers of the Attorney General’s Department in the discharge of their official duties.

Exposition of Sacred relics to be conducted around the clock from Wednesday

The exposition of sacred relics of the Buddha brought from the Indian state of Gujarat is to be conducted between February 4 and 11 at the historic Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

Special traffic plan for exposition of sacred relics at Gangaramaya

A special traffic management and security plan will be implemented in and around the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo in view of the exposition of sacred relics brought from India.

Minister Samarasinghe challenged by traders over transfer of management of economic centers

A tense atmosphere prevailed during a conference convened by Minister of Trade and Commerce and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinha to announce the government’s decision to handover the management of five Economic Centers In the Country to the National Agri Marketing Service Company.

Govt comes under IMF scrutiny

The International Monetary Fund (IMF ) has queried as to why the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) failed to make submissions to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka( PUCSL) for electricity price revision in time, an informed source said yesterday.

Dalai Lama accepts first Grammy, after beating out host Trevor Noah

The Dalai Lama is now a Grammy winner, beating out Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah for the coveted award on Sunday, Feb. 1.

230 telemedicine TV screens at risk of damage due to project delays: Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

More than 230 television screens imported to hospitals across Sri Lanka for telemedicine services are at risk of being damaged, as the project has yet to be implemented, Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance President Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Licensed foreign employment agencies to hold peaceful protest seeking ALFEA reforms

Licensed foreign employment agencies have announced a peaceful protest calling for the immediate reform of the Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies (ALFEA), citing long-standing and unresolved governance issues within the organization.

T20 World Cup Trophy Taken Out of Nallur Temple Complex

The trophy of the T20 World Cup cricket tournament was taken out from the premises of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna.

Pakistan to boycott T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, but play in tournament

Pakistan announced on Sunday that they will participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 but will boycott the match against India. Pakistan were scheduled to face India in a group stage match in Colombo on February 15. The decision was announced by the Government of Pakistan on their social media handle.

No child should miss education due to poverty – Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that all government strategic plans must be designed to ensure that no child in Sri Lanka is deprived of vocational or higher education due to economic hardship.

Khamenei warns US of ‘regional war’ if Iran is attacked

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned the United States that any attack on his country would result in a “regional war” as US President Donald Trump amasses military assets in the Middle East.

Riverston in Knuckles reopens to tourists

The Riverston Tourist Zone in the Knuckles Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has reopened to local and international visitors today (01) following closure due to damages caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Newborn baby found dead in Gregory Lake

The body of a newborn baby was found floating in Gregory Lake today, the Nuwara Eliya Police said.

Pakistan forces kill 145 militants after attacks in Balochistan

Pakistan’s security forces killed 145 militants over 40 hours after coordinated attacks across Balochistan, the chief minister of the southwestern province said on Sunday, as the authorities battle one of the deadliest flare-ups in years.

India proposes Rs. 4bn aid for Sri Lanka in 2026 Budget

The Government of India has proposed an allocation of 4 billion Indian Rupees in assistance to Sri Lanka through its 2026 Budget.

Suspect arrested over alleged assault on lawyers

The Mirihana Police arrested a suspect over the criminal intimidation of a lawyer and an attack on his vehicle following proceedings at the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

Teachers and youth betrayed after election promises: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of betraying young people and teachers who supported it during the period when it was in opposition.

Those who lied during ‘Good Governance’ era now using state institutions to justify falsehoods: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has alleged that individuals who spread falsehoods during the so-called “good governance” period are now attempting to use state institutions, including the courts, the Police and the Attorney General’s Department, to validate those lies using public funds.

USA player suspended from bowling in international cricket

USA’s Isani Vaghela has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.

PNB seizes 5kg of heroin, nabs two suspects

Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers arrested two suspects and seized over five kilograms of heroin during a raid carried out in the Bentota area early this morning.