Sri Lankan detainee’s death could have been prevented 3 times: Doctor

Sri Lankan detainee Wishma Sandamali’s life could have been saved at three different times before she died at an immigration facility in Japan in 2021, a doctor said in a court hearing on Wednesday.

Court upholds 10 years sentence on Pastor for rape of minor

The Court of Appeal upheld a sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment imposed on a Pastor attached to a church at Kottukachchi in the Puttalam District, for raping a 15-year-old girl after developing an acquaintance with her and subsequently inviting her to serve god.

EC calls for applications from political parties for 2026 recognition

The Election Commission has called for applications from political parties eligible for official recognition in 2026.

Nalandians take to social media to clear school’s name

A group of past and present students of Nalanda College have taken to social media to defend the reputation of the school following the circulation of controversial footage on social media.

UK’s Starmer signals China reset in talks with Xi, eyes economic wins

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday that he wanted to build a ’’sophisticated relationship’’ with Beijing to bolster security and the economy, signalling a reset after years of strained ties.

Colombo Mayor supports Stephanie

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, who came out in defense of Stephanie Siriwardhana following her appointment to the six-member Prison Observation Committee, said women like herself must speak louder and more clearly against bullying on social media.

Plans afoot to establish National Film School

Plans are afoot to establish a National Film School in Sri Lanka by utilising existing resources of the Sri Lanka Foundation, which operates under the Ministry of Mass Media and the National Film Corporation.

Do not ignore Nipah risk, pay attention to foreign tourists: Dr. Chamal

Medical and civil rights expert Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has urged Sri Lankan health authorities to closely monitor the Nipah virus situation reported in several Asian countries, including India, and to take precautionary measures focusing on foreign arrivals to the country.

Special traffic plan announced for Gangaramaya Navam Perahera

Police have announced a special traffic plan in Colombo in view of the annual Navam Maha Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple.

Filling stations apologise to customers over reduced discounts

Filling stations attached to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) have displayed apology banners at outlets across the country, citing reduced discounts as the reason for operational difficulties.

CBSL probes 18 over illegal plantation investment schemes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is investigating 18 institutions and individuals allegedly involved in illegal deposit-taking from the public under the guise of forest and plantation-based investment schemes, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said yesterday.

Court awaits AG’s advice in NR Consultation case against Namal

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today sent a reminder to the Attorney General to expedite his legal advice regarding a plaint filed against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and four others for their alleged involvement in money laundering amounting to Rs.15 million in a company allegedly owned by Namal Rajapaksa.

No need for unnecessary fear over Nipah virus: Health Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni yesterday assured the public that there is no threat to Sri Lanka from the Nipah virus currently reported in parts of India, stressing that no cases have been detected in the country so far.

Children under 15 among 12% of annual leprosy cases

Sri Lanka reports 1,500–2,000 leprosy cases annually, with about 12% affecting children under the age of 15, health authorities said today. Moratuwa has recorded the highest number of pediatric cases in recent years, according to officials.

Sri Lanka scrambles to protect rubber trade ahead of EU forest rules

Sri Lanka is working hard to protect its rubber products exports to the markets in the European Union to avoid any impact from the EU Deforestation Regulation which will come into effect next year, the Daily Mirror learns.

Gold rockets past US$5,500 as global uncertainties mount

Gold extended its blistering rally on Jan 29, rocketing past US$5,500 per ounce for the first time as investors sought safety amid deepening economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Patients caught in doctors–Health Ministry tug of war

Patients were caught in the middle as disruptions to government hospital services continued for a fourth day amid ongoing tensions between doctors and health authorities.

Are children in Sri Lanka safe?

Violence and sexual abuse against children still remain a key problem highlighting that Sri Lanka is yet to be on a path that ensure a safe future for children. A total of 10455 offences have been recorded for the year of 2025 which include rape, Grave Sexual Abuse, Obscene Publications and Cyber Bulling (threatening using nude photos), according to the National Child Protection Authority.

Rohan Olugala appointed Director of Walana Anti-Corruption Unit

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rohan Olugala has been appointed as the new director of the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit.

China executes 11 members of Myanmar scam mafia

China has executed 11 members of a notorious family that ran scam centres in Myanmar, state media report.

Stephanie appointed to PO Committee due to social service work: Spokesman

The Government has appointed a six-member Prison Observation Committee with the objective of identifying issues faced by prison detainees and carrying out welfare-related activities.

SL to spend $1.5 bn on vehicles in 2026

The Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, said Sri Lanka spent around US$2.0 billion on vehicle imports in 2025 and could spend a further US$1.5 billion in 2026 as pent-up demand wanes.

Plane crashes in Colombia, killing all 15 on board

A passenger plane has crashed in northern Colombia, killing all 15 people on board, the country’s state-run airline Satena confirmed.

Sri Lanka unveils national anti-human trafficking plan

The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) officially launched the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2026–2030), reaffirming Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to eliminating all forms of human trafficking and strengthening coordinated national responses.

CB keeps policy rate unchanged at 7.75% as inflation outlook holds

The Central Bank yesterday left its key policy rate, the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), unchanged at 7.75 percent, while signalling an accommodative monetary stance, as the Monetary Policy Board is of the view the current policy setting is appropriate to steer inflation towards its medium-term target of around 5 percent.

Foreign investments important but forex flows remain priority: CB Governor

Foreign exchange earnings are more critical to Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability than foreign investments, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said addressing the first Monetary Policy Review for 2026.

Stabbed Chelsea fan shocked by Naples attack

A Chelsea supporter has described his ’’shock’’ after being stabbed and taken to hospital before Wednesday’s Champions League match against Napoli in Italy.

Sri Lanka face must-win U19 World Cup Clash as Semi-Final Race Heats Up

Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team will face South Africa in a crucial Super Six clash today, with their semi-final hopes still alive in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.

NATA mulls banning sale of single-stick cigarettes

A fresh discussion has emerged on the need to ban the sale of cigarettes individually, where officials of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) highlighted it during a recent meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Empowerment.

No loss from substandard coal shipment; USD 2.1 million fine imposed: Lanka Coal Company

Claiming that a fine of USD 2.1 million has been imposed on the Indian supplier responsible for supplying substandard coal, General Manager of Lanka Coal Company Namal Hewage said that no loss has been caused to the country due to the substandard coal shipment.