Ferry carrying over 350 people sinks in Philippines, killing at least 15

A ferry carrying more than 350 people has capsized off the southern Philippine province of Basilan, killing at least 15 people, according to officials.

GMOA launches continuous trade union action from today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday announced that it will commence continuous trade union action from 8.00 a.m. today (26), citing shortcomings in facilities and staffing within the state health sector.

Probe launched against NUTU Kandy Vice President: Union

The National United Teachers’ Union (NUTU) yesterday alleged that a disciplinary investigation has been initiated against its Vice President in Kandy for highlighting shortcomings in the ongoing education reforms.

Modules under new education reforms not started by NPP government: Deputy Minister

Claiming that the modules under the new education reforms were not started by the National People’s Power (NPP) government, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe said today the government only changed them to align with the policies of the government.

Sulipuram Army Camp disbanded after three decades

The Sri Lanka Army has completely vacated the Sulipuram Army Camp (also referred to as Chulipuram), a facility that had been operational for over 30 years.

Channa Jayasumana slams Parliament Deputy Secretary General’s removal

Former MP Prof. Channa Jayasumana voiced strong opposition to the removal of the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, alleging that the action was taken without due process.

US climber scales Taiwan’s tallest building Taipei 101 without ropes

U.S. climber Alex Honnold scaled the Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or safety netting on Sunday, watched by thousands of cheering and waving fans as he clambered up one of the world’s tallest buildings.

GMOA to launch island-wide indefinite strike

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has announced that it will commence an island-wide indefinite trade union action from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (January 26), citing the Ministry of Health’s failure to implement agreed solutions.

International Finance Corporation commits $166m to boost Sri Lanka’s private sector

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced a $166 million high-impact investment program aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s private sector and supporting the country’s transition from economic stabilization to sustainable growth.

Salman Ali Agha named captain as Pakistan T20 World Cup squad unveiled

The announcement was made in a press conference by PCB High Performance Director and member of the men’s national selection committee Aqib Javed, who was speaking alongside skipper Salman and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Two Indian Coast Guard ships arrive at Colombo Port

The Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) Varaha and Atulya arrived at the Port of Colombo for an official visit and welcomed in accordance with naval traditions by the Navy

Govt ready to work against local culture, religion for its survival: Namal

The present government is ready to work against the local culture and religions for its survival, SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa said.

United States’ withdrawal from WHO will make world less safe: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal from WHO – a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe.

“If you are Bruce Lee, I am Mike Tyson,” - Chamara Sampath challenges Lalkantha

Former Minister and Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dassanayake issued a fiery challenge to Minister K.D. Lalkantha during a public gathering, declaring, “If you are Bruce Lee, I am Mike Tyson,” in response to remarks attributed to the Minister.

GMOA’s 48-hour island-wide token strike ends

The 48-hour island-wide token strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) concluded at 8.00 a.m. today, the association announced.

Drugs worth Rs. 133.94 million seized at BIA, three arrested

Three passengers attempting to smuggle a consignment of “Kush” and “Hashish” valued at approximately Rs. 133.94 million through the Green Channel at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), were arrested by airport Customs officers this morning (25).

Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs if it ’makes a deal with China’

US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if the country strikes a trade deal with China.

Indonesia–Sri Lanka peacekeepers hold dialogue aboard Indonesian Navy ship

Indonesian Navy ship KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (SIM-367) berthed in Colombo following the completion of its one-year deployment with MTF TNI Konga XXVIII-P/UNIFIL 2024/2025.

Brook criticises 'worst ever' pitch after ODI win

England captain Harry Brook criticised the pitch used for the second one-day international against Sri Lanka in Colombo, calling it ’’probably the worst’’ he had ever played on.

LIVE Updates: SL vs ENG 2nd ODI – Steady Root helps England level ODI series in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI Highlights: Joe Root starred with bat and ball to help England beat Sri Lanka by five wickets and level their ODI series.

318 arrested over cybercrimes in Sri Lanka in 2025

Sri Lanka Police say that 318 individuals were arrested in connection with various cybercrimes during the past year, 2025.

31,218 new houses to be built under national housing programme 2026

Construction of 31,218 new houses across the country has been launched under the “A Place to Belong – A Better Life” National Housing Programme 2026, the President’s Media Division said.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Meets Pope Leo XIV

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on January 23, according to the Holy See News Bulletin

73% of allowance for disaster-affected schoolchildren released

The government has disbursed 73 per cent of the Rs. 15,000 allowance allocated for schoolchildren from families affected by Cyclone Ditwah, the President’s Media Division said.

Red notice suspect repatriated from India, taken into custody at BIA

An organized criminal wanted under an international Red Notice has been repatriated to Sri Lanka from India following high-level coordination between Sri Lankan and Indian authorities, Police Headquarters said.

70% of Rs 50,000 resettlement allowance paid to cyclone Ditwah-affected families

The government has completed the disbursement of 70 per cent of the LKR 50,000 allowance allocated to families affected by Cyclone Ditwah to support their resettlement, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Government to hold State Vesak festival on May 30 instead of May 1

The government has decided to hold the State Vesak festival on May 30 following a request by the Mahanayake Theras of the four Chapters, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. Chandana Abeyratne said today.

Bangladesh officially out of T20 World Cup, ICC name Scotland as replacement

Scotland has officially been named as Bangladesh’s replacement for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, the ICC announced on Friday, January 23. Bangladesh decided to pull out of the ICC event, citing security concerns and saying that their concerns weren’t adequately addressed by the cricket governing body.

Deputy Secretary General of Parliament suspended

Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne has been suspended by the Staff Advisory Committee of the House, sources said.

Sri Lanka to become second in South Asia to license drone pilots

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) said that it will introduce a licensing system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilots engaged in commercial and professional operations, marking a first for the country.