Death toll in Pakistan shopping centre fire rises to at least 60

The death toll from a fire at a shopping centre in Karachi has risen to at least 60, after at least 30 bodies were found in a single burned shop, Pakistani officials have said.

England wear black armbands in first ODI against Sri Lanka

The England cricket team wear black armbands during today’s first One Day International against Sri Lanka in memory of former England cricketer Norman Gifford and former England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive David Collier.

Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ calls Port of Colombo

The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a logistics replenishment visit today. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.

Doctors’ strike in Eastern Province called off

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that the strike launched by doctors at hospitals across the Eastern Province was called off at 2.00 p.m. today.

US set to quit World Health Organization

The U.S. is due to officially exit the World Health Organization on Thursday, in the face of warnings it will hit both U.S. health and global health and also in violation of a U.S. law that requires Washington to pay the U.N. health agency $260 million in fees that it owes.

New electrician licensing rules implemented this year

The Electrician Licensing System aimed at enhancing electrical safety and professional standards in the electricity sector has been implemented from this year under the provisions of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act and the Sri Lanka Engineering Council Act.

Doctors at National Eye Hospital to stage token strike

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said doctors attached to the National Eye Hospital in Colombo will engage in a token strike today.

Three dead in shooting in Australia’s New South Wales

Three people have died after a reported shooting in a small town in New South Wales, Australia, police say.

Vulnerable groups warned as air quality worsens

Sri Lanka’s air quality has worsened in several parts of the country with experts advising vulnerable groups to stay cautious and limit strenuous outdoor activities.

Ten drivers test positive for drugs in Colombo

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena revealed that 10 out of 56 drivers randomly tested during a mobile drug screening program at Bastian Mawatha Bus Station were found to have used drugs.

“When we respond, it’s like a shot from Bruce Lee,” Lal Kantha

Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has said that no group or individual, regardless of their attire or identity, is immune from criticism.

Doctors’ annual transfers not properly implemented after 2013: Nalinda

The government will implement the annual transfers of doctors from the first week of February, 2026, which has not been implemented properly after 2013, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Ramesh Pathirana appointed as SLPP electoral organiser for Bentara–Elpitiya

Former Minister representing the Galle District, Ramesh Pathirana, has been appointed as the Benthara–Elpitiya Electoral Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Largest drug haul recorded in 2025: Police

The largest stockpile of narcotics seized during security forces’ operations was recorded in 2025, marking a threefold increase compared to 2024, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said.

Police arrest 44 shooters over 114 shooting incidents in 2025

Sri Lanka Police have arrested 44 shooters wanted in connection with 114 shooting incidents reported last year, as intensified operations continue to track down remaining suspects linked to gun violence.

Students with disabilities to gain entrance for all disciplines in state universities: Deputy Minister

Plans are afoot to allow students with disabilities to gain entrance to all academic disciplines, including medicine, in state universities, Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Seneviratne said today.

Wimal reveals letter alleging plot behind Nandana Gunathilaka’s death

Former MP Wimal Weerawansa has made a controversial disclosure over the death of former politician Nandana Gunathilaka claiming the late politician had warned of a plot against his life in a letter shared shortly before his death.

Sri Lanka in need of law to regulate social media: Minister

Sri Lanka is in need of laws to regulate social media, Minister of Health and Media Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today.

Women’s contributions still undervalued despite global progress: PM Harini

The contributions of women continue to be systematically undervalued, particularly in unpaid care work, informal labour and the agriculture sector, even as women increasingly assert their agency in political, economic and social spheres around the world, said Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Nuwara Eliya records coldest morning

Sri Lanka experienced a sharp drop in temperatures today (22), with Nuwara Eliya recording the lowest minimum of 3.5°C, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Stone found in Galaha has no high commercial value – NGJA

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has clarified that a stone recently discovered in the Deltotawatta area of Galaha in Kandy does not have high commercial or market value.

CEB Unions threaten strike, power blackout looms

Sri Lanka could be plunged into darkness if the government proceeds with its plan to dissolve the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) without meeting trade union demands, the country’s electricity engineers warned yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s investment climate difficult, bureaucracy complex- Envoy

In what appeared to be a wake-up call for the improvement of the business environment in Sri Lanka, Turkish Ambassador Semih Lutfu Turgut said yesterday that Sri Lanka’s investment climate is ‘difficult’ and bureaucracy is complex.

SLPP delegation to attend Indian Republic Day celebrations in Odisha

A delegation of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) members, led by SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa, is scheduled to travel to Odisha, India, to participate in Indian Republic Day celebrations on January 26, at the invitation of the Government of India.

Harsha submits motion in Parliament to protect Diyagama Forest

MP Harsha de Silva today submitted a motion to protect the Diyagama Forest, a patch of rainforest in Homagama.

Radiological Technologists call off strike

The Government Radiological Technologists Association has temporarily suspended their islandwide strike action for seven days.

Inflation rises in December as food prices push costs higher

Inflation showed a modest uptick in December 2025, as the National Consumer Price Index rose to 210.5, marking a 1.57 percent increase from November, the Census and Statistics Department reported.

SL sees 360,000 vehicles registered in first year after five-year hiatus

Sri Lanka had 48,525 vehicles registered in December 2025, up from 43,810 units in November, reflecting an year-end pop in the numbers, bringing the full-year vehicles registered to 360,117, in its first year of reopening imports after a five-year hiatus.

Short-term ROI no longer enough for banks, says CB Governor

Sri Lanka’s banks must rethink how they deploy capital, moving beyond a narrow focus on immediate financial returns to a “return on learning” approach that prioritises experimentation, data capability and long-term resilience, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said, as climate risks and digital disruption increasingly shape financial sustainability.

Loss of nearly Rs.2bn due to CEB’s renewable energy curtailments, industry warns

The Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) arbitrary curtailment of power generation in the local renewable energy plants is causing a loss of almost Rs.2 billion, the Grid Connected Solar Power Association (GCSPA) said yesterday.