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.

Agreement signed to increase plantation workers’ salaries

The Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure and the Sri Lanka Planters’ Association today (30) signed an agreement to increase the salaries of plantation workers, the Ministry said.

Sri Lanka’s Sabina Yousaf named second runner-up at Mrs. World 2025

Sri Lanka earned international recognition at the 41st Mrs. World pageant as Sabina Yousaf was named Second Runner-Up, marking a proud achievement for the country at the prestigious global competition.

Former deputy Speaker alleged to have received Rs.200,000 in disaster compensation: MP

A former Deputy Speaker is alleged to have received Rs.200,000 as compensation, claiming that his business establishment was damaged during the recent disaster.

Nine child marriages and 79 teenage pregnancies recorded last year: NCPA

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) reported receiving a total of 10,455 complaints related to children last year, including nine cases of child marriage and 79 teenage pregnancies, highlighting ongoing concerns about child welfare in Sri Lanka. Of the total complaints, 8,514 fell under the NCPA Act, while 1,941 were outside its direct mandate.

Cyclone Ditwah donor conference in Sri Lanka still in limbo

The planned international donor conference to raise funds for rebuilding areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka continues to be delayed, with no fixed date finalised as of yesterday, government sources revealed.

“Beautiful country with huge potential”: IMF’s Dr. Srinivasan on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery plans face new uncertainties after Cyclone Ditwah, but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) signalled continued support this week as it assessed the storm’s impact on the island

Archer named in England side for first T20

Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been named in England’s team to face Sri Lanka in the first T20 match after recovering from injury.

Sri Lanka boosts T20 World Cup security with eye on India–Pakistan games

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to protect teams at next month’s T20 World Cup, part of enhanced security measures with a special emphasis on matches between perennial rivals India and Pakistan, officials have told AFP.

Sri Lanka keep semis hopes intact at U19 World Cup

A powerful display ensured that the second semi-final spot from Group 1 of the Super Six remains up for the grabs.

SLPP denies social media rumors on Rajitha Hiran’s political appointment

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has denied reports claiming that actor Rajitha Hiran, popularly known as Ping Pong, has been appointed as the party’s organizer for the Kesbewa constituency.

Businessman arrested for aiding and abetting money laundering

A businessman has been arrested on charges of aiding and abetting money laundering, following an investigation conducted by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Sri Lanka battles with rising cancer patients as daily deaths rise to 40

Sri Lanka is facing a silent epidemic as around 100 new cancer patients are diagnosed every day and nearly 40 succumb to the disease, with experts warning that lifestyle choices and environmental hazards are fueling the crisis.

Mano Ganesan says Ditwah disaster exposes marginalisation of Malaiyaha community

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and MP Mano Ganesan said the Ditwah disaster has once again highlighted Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate-related crises and the long-standing marginalisation of the Malaiyaha Tamil community in disaster relief, resettlement, and protection.

No child’s education will depend on parents’ wealth; PM vows equal future for every child

The government will never allow a child’s education to be determined by the financial capacity of parents, stressing that safeguarding every child’s future is a fundamental responsibility of the State, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

Nipah risk to Sri Lanka ‘Very Low’ amid regional cases, Health Ministry says

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, has reassured the public that the risk of the Nipah virus spreading to Sri Lanka is very low.

IMF Managing Director to visit Sri Lanka next month

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will send its Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, to Sri Lanka next month to review the country’s economic reform program and to demonstrate the Fund’s solidarity following recent natural disasters, IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan said.

US Embassy condoles death of Sri Lanka Navy Lt. Koyan Chamitha

The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka has expressed its condolences over the passing of Sri Lanka Navy Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha.

Colombo market extends decline as sentiment remains subdued

The Colombo stock market closed on a negative note on Thursday, with both benchmark indices ending the session in the red, as investor sentiment remained cautious amid the ongoing consolidation phase.

Government to upgrade preschools ahead of 2027 policy implementation: Minister Paulraj

Plans underway to enhance the quality of early childhood education across the country ahead of the 2027 rollout of the National Policy on Preschool Education, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savitri Paulraj said.

Sajith visits HMGICS Singapore

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre, Singapore (HMGICS) during his current tour to Singapore. Premadasa said the visit to HMGICS Singapore was a part of a fact-finding mission.

Court summons me, won’t hide Govt scams: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa today dismissed attempts to summon him before court, claiming they are part of a cover-up of government scandals, including the coal and container scams.

15-Year-old girl missing from detention centre

The Kuliyapitiya Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 15-year-old girl who has gone missing from a government detention centre in Meegahakotuwa.

Ancient Sinhala Vihare emerges from Lake Island in Andra Pradesh

Surrounded by forested mountains in Andra Pradesh in India just across the border of the Telangana state, what lies is the world’s third biggest man- made reservoir called Nagarjunasagar . The expansive lake is now bound to be an appeal for Sri Lankan Buddhists since the island sitting in it hosts the ruins of what is called ’ancient Sinhala Vihare’ built during the third century AD by Mahayana Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna Acharya.