Police raise alarm over drug-laced sweets aimed at students

The Sri Lanka Police have sounded a severe alarm regarding a disturbing trend where dangerous narcotics are being disguised as popular confectionery items to target schoolchildren.

Ranil’s case over Rs. 16.6 Mn misuse to be taken up today

The case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over allegations of misusing Rs. 16.6 million in public funds for a private overseas trip is scheduled to be taken up again today at 1.30 p.m. before the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

HRCSL summons IGP, senior Police officials

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and four other senior police officials including the Ratnapura Senior DIG, Embilipitiya SSP, Embilipitiya ASP and the OIC of the Embilipitiya Police have been summoned to appear before the Ratnapura office of the Human Rights Commission on February 03 in connection with a human rights petition against them.

“Ship might have sailed” – Joe Root on T20I future

In a commanding display of experience and skill, Joe Root guided England to a decisive victory in the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka, securing the series win. The veteran batter, who registered yet another century in Asian conditions, anchored the innings after a sluggish start, building crucial partnerships with Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook.

Sri Lanka to seek leniency from EU for GSP+

Given the impact of cyclone Ditwah, which caused US $ 4.1 billion damage, Sri Lanka is to seek redress from the European Union in its evaluation of the country’s eligibility for GSP+ trade facility under the new criterion that will come into effect after 2027, an official said yesterday.

Govt. to adopt regulation process if media, social media do not self-regulate

Claiming that the attention of the government has been drawn to the circulation of videos on social media, involving a leading school in Colombo, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday the government will adopt a regulation process if media and social media do not self-regulate voluntarily on matters concerning privacy and identity of individuals.

Sri Lanka mulls social media restrictions for minors

As outrage grows over explicit school-related content spreading unchecked online, the Government is now considering restricting social media access for underage children, raising fresh concerns over digital freedom, censorship, and who ultimately controls what Sri Lankan youth see online.

Brook blitz ends Sri Lanka’s unbeaten home run, England clinch series

Harry Brook’s blistering 57-ball hundred proved the difference as England romped to a famous 53-run victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday to clinch the series and end the hosts’ five-year-long unbeaten ODI home run.

Plan afoot to restore Kalu Ganga mouth and Calido beach

The Cabinet approval has been granted to move ahead with plans to restore the Calido beach, the Kalutara lagoon and the mouth of the Kalu Ganga following severe coastal erosion triggered by flood mitigation measures implemented in 2017.

Myanmar steps up Nipah virus monitoring, issues travel health advisory

Myanmar’s Ministry of Health has strengthened monitoring measures for the Nipah virus and issued health advice for travelers, despite no confirmed cases being detected in the country to date, according to the ministry’s statement released on Tuesday.

Dry weather to prevail across most parts of the country

The Department of Meteorology says dry weather conditions are expected to prevail across most parts of the country.

Body of RDA employee missing in landslide recovered after two months

The body of a 30-year-old man who went missing following a landslide in Gawarammana village, Welimada, was recovered on Monday (26th), more than two months after the incident.

President criticises opposition over shifting stance on education reforms

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today accused the Opposition of changing its position on the government’s education reforms saying attempts to create confusion would not derail the administration’s reform agenda.

UDA to develop ‘Frolic Island’ recreational hub along Diyawanna Oya

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is set to launch the “Frolic Island Recreational Hub” project along both banks of the Diyawanna Oya, aimed at creating a major public leisure and recreation zone in the Battaramulla area.

China cancels all flights on 49 routes to Japan

All scheduled flights on 49 air routes between China and Japan have been cancelled for February, flight data showed on Jan 26, as Chinese airlines extended special ticket change and refund policies for Japan-related travel.

Select Committee to probe 323 containers, conclude in three months

The Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to inquire into the release of 323 containers from the Port of Colombo without mandatory physical inspection has decided to meet weekly and aims to complete its investigation within three months.

Three French tourists drown after their boat capsizes in Oman

At least three French tourists have drowned in Oman after the boat they were in capsized in waters off the sultanate’s capital city of Muscat, police said.

WHO to supply childhood cancer medicines to Sri Lanka for 3 years

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon sign an agreement with Sri Lankan health authorities to provide essential medicines for childhood cancer patients over the next three years.

Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society marks 65 years, donates over 100,000 corneas

The Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society has celebrated 65 years of service, having donated more than 100,000 corneas for transplantation abroad over the decades.

Authorities refuse Opposition MPs’ entry to Lakvijeya Power Plant

The authorities of Lakvijeya Power Plant showed reluctance to allow the Opposition MPs to enter the plant together with journalists but showed some kind of flexibility after they explained the situation.

Former Chairman of Lanka Coal Limited summoned before Parliamentary Committee over coal deal

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development has decided to summon the former Chairman of Lanka Coal (Private) Limited, who was involved in the processes related to the import of the controvercial coal consignments, before the committee.

Tense situation outside Presidential Secretariat over hunger strike

A tense situation was reported outside the Presidential Secretariat today as police moved to halt the continuous hunger strike launched by the Association of School Development Officers.

Dilki Watsala Marambage appointed Director General of Technical Education and Training

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of Ms. Dilki Watsala Marambage as the Director General of the Department of Technical Education and Training, a post that has been vacant.

Government extends validity of driving licenses due to November disruptions

The validity of driving licenses set to expire between November 25, 2025, and December 24, 2025, has been extended by one month from their original expiry date.

Bradman cap fetches record price at auction

A baggy green cap worn by Donald Bradman fetched A$460,000 (US$319,000) at public auction in Australia on Monday, a record price for a cap worn by the Australian cricket legend.

Sri Lanka announce six-game tour of the West Indies

Sri Lanka have announced a six-match tour of the West Indies with matches played across February and March 2026.

Injured elephant roams Mahaoya villages, devastates crops

A wounded wild elephant has been roaming about in Samagipura, Pulawala, and Bendirekka areas in Mahaoya division for several days.

Doctors hold patients hostage as strike enters second day

Patients across the country continued to face disruption as doctors pressed ahead with their trade union action for a second consecutive day following the launch of an island-wide strike by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) from 8.00 a.m. yesterday.

India and EU set to announce landmark trade deal

The European Union and India are set to announce a landmark trade deal after nearly two decades of on-off talks, as both sides aim to deepen ties amid tensions with the US.

Six Gampaha police officers interdicted over alleged assault on priest

Six police officers attached to the Gampaha Police Divisional Crime Detective Bureau (DCDB), who were arrested and remanded for allegedly assaulting a Catholic priest, have been interdicted.