CID records statements from six officers attached to NIE

Statements have been recorded from six individuals, including senior officials of the National Institute of Education (NIE), in connection with the inclusion of a link to a pornographic website in a Grade Six English module.

Three suspects arrested in Dubai brought back to Sri Lanka

Two organised criminals who had been hiding in Dubai, along with a woman wanted in connection with a money laundering investigation, were arrested by a special police team and brought to Sri Lanka this morning (16).

Japanese smart engineering expertise sought for landslides prevention

A Japanese expert will arrive in Sri Lanka for collaboration in the application of smart engineering methods for slope stabilization as a measure for landslides prevention in the future, an official said.

Opposition files complaint with CIABOC on misuse of Rs 500 Mn. involved in education reforms

The Opposition has filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on misuse of Rs 500 million involved in education reforms.

Singapore’s opposition leader stripped of title after conviction for lying

Singapore’s Leader of the Opposition in parliament, Pritam Singh, has been stripped of his title by the prime minister following a vote by lawmakers.

Nearly 12 million TINs issued as registration becomes mandatory

Nearly 12 million Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) have been issued since the gazette notification making TIN registration mandatory for all individuals aged 18 and above, Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Commissioner Nandana Kumara said.

Cyclone Ditwah forces families to sell cattle, jewellery and vehicles to survive, UNDP survey finds

A recent survey by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that some victims devastated by Cyclone Ditwah are increasingly selling personal assets - cattle, jewellery, tools, and even vehicles and relying on subsistence activities to survive, underscoring the depth of the socioeconomic crisis left in the storm’s wake.

Sinopec delegation to arrive for talks on US$3.7bn Hambantota refinery

A high-level delegation from Sinopec is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka early next month to work on the finalization of agreement for the oil refinery project in Hambantota, a source familiar with the process told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Milk tea price cut by Rs.10 from today

The All Ceylon Restaurant and Bar Owners Association has announced a reduction in the price of a cup of milk tea by Rs.10 with effect from today (16).

Lying ban for politicians in Wales prompts free speech fears

A proposed law to make it illegal for politicians to lie during Welsh elections contains ’’extraordinary’’ powers that would limit free speech, Senedd members have warned.

Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize winner presents her medal to Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at a private White House meeting on Thursday.

CTU says Govt. ignored guidelines on education reforms

The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) has criticized the government for attempting to implement proposed education reforms without following proper guidelines or consulting key stakeholders.

Western Province Private Bus Owners threaten strike

Private bus owners in the Western Province are preparing to launch a strike in protest against the actions of the Western Road Passenger Transport Authority (WRPTA).

Turkish Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Barcelona after ’threat’ alert

A Turkish Airlines flight made an emergency landing Thursday at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport after a passenger created an in-flight wireless network whose name contained a bomb threat, an airlines spokesperson said.

New luxury tourism bus ‘Bustaurant’ launched in Dambulla

A new tourism venture called “Bustaurant,” offering all the facilities of a luxury bus, was launched today (15) to provide a unique travel experience for local and foreign tourists.

Veteran singer Raju Bandara passes away

Veteran singer and musician Raju Bandara passed away today at the age of 65, family sources confirmed in Colombo. His death marks the end of a career defined by his soulful contributions to Sri Lanka’s music industry.

Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station

Four astronauts evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) have landed back on Earth after their stay in space was cut short by a month due to a ’’serious’’ medical issue.

Singapore company donates USD 10,000 to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

A Singapore-registered company and supplier to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has contributed USD 10,000 (approximately LKR 30 million) to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to support relief efforts for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Cancer Radiation treatment at Galle hospital comes to a standstill

Radiation treatment for cancer patients at the Galle National Hospital has been halted owing to the breakdown of both radiation therapy machines at the facility.

Work on Kasikote elephant tunnel to resume on January 19

Work on the Kasikote Elephant Tunnel project is set to resume on January 19, following a comprehensive review of the existing structure and its impact.

President launches 50MW wind power project in Mannar

In line with the government’s policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a 50-megawatt wind power project in Mannar was officially launched this morning (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka exceeds renewable energy targets: Minister

Sri Lanka has made significant progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity and has already surpassed several national targets, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody revealed yesterday.

President commissions 20MW windscape Mannar power plant

The 20-megawatt ‘Windscape Mannar’ wind power plant, constructed by CEYLEX Renewables in Mannar, was officially connected to the national grid this morning under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Protestor climbs electric pole at Galle Face alleging police injustice

A person launched a protest by climbing an electric pole along Galle Face Centre Road, claiming that he has been treated unfairly by the Kelaniya Police.

Four space station crewmates, one ailing, begin emergency return flight

A SpaceX capsule departed the International Space Station on Wednesday carrying a four-member crew on an emergency return flight to Earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition afflicting one of the astronauts aboard.

Rain expected after 4 p.m. in four districts

The Meteorological Department has forecast showers or thundershowers in a few areas of Kalutara, Galle, Matara, and Rathnapura districts after 4:00 p.m. today.

Academics call on Government to safeguard credibility of education reforms amid online attacks on PM

A group of academics, professionals, and social activists have issued a joint statement urging the government to preserve the integrity of ongoing education reforms, warning that recent online attacks against the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, risk undermining a transformative agenda for the country’s education system.

X to stop Grok AI from undressing images of real people after backlash

Elon Musk’s AI model Grok will no longer be able to edit photos of real people to show them in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal, after widespread concern over sexualised AI deepfakes.

CAA raids Beruwala filling station for selling Euro 3 instead of 92 petrol

A filling station in Beruwala was raided last night (14) after the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) received reports that some fuel stations were selling Euro 3 petrol at higher prices at night while claiming that 92 petrol was unavailable.

SPC’s contribution to government rises by 173 percent compared to 2024: Health Ministry

The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) has contributed Rs. 1.118 billion to the government through income tax and treasury levies in 2025, which is an increase by 173 percent compared to 2024, the Health Ministry said.