Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission

Former Ministry Secretary and Director General Anusha Palpita has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

New circular offers financial aid to disaster-affected businesses

The government has issued a new circular granting additional financial assistance to businesses affected and disrupted by recent disasters, with the aim of restoring livelihoods and improving living conditions in affected communities.

CIABOC moves High Court against MP Chamara Sampath

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today that indictments have been filed before the High Court against Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption.

Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund crosses Rs. 8.5bn

The government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, established to support recovery efforts after Cyclone Ditwah, has received over Rs. 8.5 billion from local businesses and the public, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said.

Bitter story of Pelwatte, Sevanagala sugar factories

There is a bitter story behind the management of the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories over the years, even though the sugar they produce is sweet, Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today.

Prime Minister returns after successful World Economic Forum visit

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this morning (23) following a successful four-day official visit to Switzerland, where she attended the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.

Colombo Navam Maha Perahera on Jan 31, Feb 1; Sacred Relics exhibition from Feb 4.

The annual Colombo Navam Maha Perahera, along with an exhibition of sacred relics brought from India, will be held at Gangaramaya Vihara in Hunupitiya, featuring grand religious observances, Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera announced.

Court temporarily lifts foreign travel ban on Prasanna Ranatunga

The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, today ordered the temporary relaxation of the foreign travel ban imposed on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.

Namal slams Lalkantha, warns against intimidation of state institutions

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Namal Rajapaksa, yesterday launched a sharp attack on JVP leader Lal Kantha, accusing him of attempting to undermine state institutions through threats and intimidation.

CAASL to introduce licensing system for drone pilots

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is set to introduce, for the first time, a licensing system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators engaged in commercial and professional activities.

Gold tops $4,900/oz; silver and platinum extend record‑setting rally

Gold pushed past $4,900 per ounce for the first time on Thursday, powered by ‌ongoing geopolitical tensions, a softer U.S. dollar and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while silver and platinum prices hit fresh record highs.

Sexual tendencies of MPs make its way into Parliament

The ruling party and the Opposition were engaged in hurling remarks at each other pertaining to sexual tendencies and behaviour.

Six-month suspended sentence for sharing friend’s girlfriend’s nude photographs via WhatsApp

A young man who was charged with sharing his friend’s girlfriend’s nude photographs and videos with other friends was sentenced to six months of simple imprisonment, suspended for a period of ten years, by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today.

US, Russia and Ukraine to hold security talks in UAE after Putin meeting

Ukrainian, US and Russian officials will hold security talks in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, the Kremlin said, following a meeting of top US negotiators with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on a US-drafted plan to end the Ukraine war.

Dudley Sirisena’s Rolls-Royce gets him into tax mess

While many Sri Lankans struggle with rising prices and a weak economy, some of the country’s wealthy appear to be playing a game of “hide and seek” with tax authorities. The latest case involves business tycoon Dudley Sirisena and his purchase of a Rolls-Royce Phantom 8 Series 2 Extended Wheelbase (EWB, 2025).

Is Sri Lanka losing anti-corruption battle?

Despite political rhetoric for eradication of corruption, the situation in Sri Lanka seems to have taken a turn for the worse with the country now ranking 24.7, a drop by 7.3 notches in the Global Corruption Perception Index in 2025 prepared by World Economics which is a UK-based research organization.

GMOA launches 48-Hour island-wide symbolic strike

The 48-hour island-wide symbolic strike announced by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) commenced at 8.00 a.m. today, citing the failure to implement written agreements provided by the Health Minister ​to resolve issues affecting the hospital system and medical officers.

TikTok clinches deal for new US joint venture to avoid American ban

TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, on Thursday said it has finalized a deal to establish a majority American-owned joint venture that will secure U.S. data, to avoid a U.S. ban on the short video app used by over 200 million Americans.

Three killed in Pelassa embankment collapse

Three persons were killed following the collapse of an earthen embankment at a construction site in the Pelassa area, police said.

No Cabinet discussion on removing Attorney General: Justice Minister

Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara said that there has been no discussion within the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the removal of the current Attorney General or the introduction of an impeachment motion against him.

Vampire thriller ’Sinners’ sets record with 16 Oscar nominations

’’Sinners,’’ a Segregation-era vampire thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, stormed into the awards race on Thursday with the most Academy Award nominations of any film this year, landing a record 16 nods.

Association of Medical Specialists says No to GMOA strike

Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has clarified that its members will not participate in any reported trade union action planned by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), which is expected to commence islandwide tomorrow, January 23, 2026.

Market holds steady as earnings season picks up pace

Following yesterday’s exceptional gains, the Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a mixed note today, with the ASPI ending marginally positive while the S&P SL20 finished slightly lower.

Presidential Commission calls for public complaints on alleged CMC irregularities

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate alleged irregularities at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has begun calling for public complaints and information relating to the period from 2010 to 2025.

Dalai Lama meets Sri Lanka’s Atamasthanadhipathi

In a landmark moment for global Buddhism, a historic meeting took place today between the Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayake Thero, the Atamasthanadhipathi of Sri Lanka, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the world-renowned icon of universal compassion.

Bangladesh adamant on playing T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka despite ICC threat

Bangladesh have reiterated their stance on not travelling to India for the T20 World Cup and will, once again, request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their games to Sri Lanka despite the global cricket body’s refusal to change the tournament’s schedule.

Kendu leaves worth Rs. 15mn seized by Coast Guard

Over Rs.15 million worth of Kendu leaves were taken into custody by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard during a special operation conducted in Katuneriya today (22nd January 2026).

Indictments filed against Arjuna Ranatunga, his brother

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that indictments have been filed before the Colombo High Court against former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Dhammika Ranatunga

Court of Appeal calls for records in Trincomalee monk remand case

The Court of Appeal today directed the Registrar of the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court to immediately submit the journal entries and voice recordings relating to the magisterial inquiry into an incident in which two Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, were remanded for placing a Buddha statue in Trincomalee.

BOI responds to AI-generated video featuring Director General

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has warned the public and stakeholders of a fraudulent, AI-generated video circulating on social media that falsely features its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Renuka M. Weerakone.