China’s school uniform donation brings relief to millions of Sri Lankan families

A large-scale donation of school uniform fabrics by China is set to ease the financial burden on millions of Sri Lankan families as the new school year begins, with more than 4.4 million students expected to benefit from the programme.

Former CPC chairman Dhammika Ranatunga to be indicted

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya that steps have been taken to file indictments within this week against former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Dhammika Ranatunga, in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption.

New Chief Scout Commissioner of Sri Lanka Scout Association appointed

Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara has been appointed as the new Chief Scout Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association.

Complaint lodged against Lal Kantha’s statement targeting Mihintale chief incumbent

A complaint has been lodged against Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lal Kantha over statements allegedly targeting the chief incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Walawahangunawewe Dhammarathana Thera.

Teachers, President and PM agree to collaborate on education reforms

A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and representatives of teachers’ trade unions was held this afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the Government’s new education reform initiatives.

Wimal has to continue his Satyagraha: Nalinda

Former MP Wimal Weerawansa has to continue his ’Satyagraha’ as the government will not remove Harini Amarasuriya as the Prime Minister or the Minister of Education, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Trump says nations doing business with Iran face 25% tariff on US trade

President Donald Trump said on Monday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on any trade with the U.S., as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years.

SLBFE provides over Rs. 1 billion in welfare benefits to migrant worker families in 2025

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has provided welfare benefits exceeding Rs. 1 billion in 2025 to overseas Sri Lankan workers and their families, strengthening social protection measures for migrant workers.

Wimal Weerawansa calls off ’satyagraha’

Former MP and National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa has decided to call off his continuous ’satyagraha’ campaign held in front of the Ministry of Education.

’Miracle baby’ born in a tree above Mozambique floodwaters dies aged 25

She was seen as a ’’miracle baby’’ after being born in a tree which her mother had climbed to escape flooding, but nearly 26 years on Mozambican Rosita Salvador Mabuiango has died after a long illness, her sister told the BBC.

Minimum prices of Samba, Keeri Samba paddy increased

In a move aimed at encouraging farmers to cultivate these varieties in upcoming seasons, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved an increase in the minimum purchasing prices for Samba and Keeri Samba paddy.

LPL 2026 draft to be held on March 22

The player draft for the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 will be held on 22 March 2026.

Cabinet approves operation of currency exchange counters at BIA arrivals terminal

Currency exchange counters have been established within the customs area of the arrivals terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, to facilitate the foreign exchange requirements of arriving passengers.

Doctors launches strike across Eastern Province hospitals

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) today (13) launched a strike across all state hospitals in the Eastern Province, demanding the removal of the Medical Superintendent of the Akkaraipattu Base Hospital.

Pelawatte sugar factory sites to be developed as tourist attractions

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to develop selected areas of the Pelawatte Sugar Factory, owned by Lanka Sugar (Private) Company Limited, as tourist attraction sites.

Cabinet nod to postpone Grade 6 education reforms

The Cabinet has decided to postpone the education reforms for Grade 6 to 2027 as the English language module in question needs to be reviewed, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Motorcyclist arrested for attacking vehicles

A video showing a motorcyclist attacking several moving vehicles using an object along the Kaduwela–Colpetty road was arrested by the Welikada Police.

Cabinet approves digital fuel card system for government vehicles

The Cabinet has approved the introduction of a digital card system for fueling vehicles belonging to government institutions, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency in fuel procurement.

Cabinet approves increase of festive advance for government officers to Rs. 15,000

The Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Establishments Code to raise the festive advance provided to government officers from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000. Circular instructions on the revised provisions will be issued shortly.

U.S. provides additional $2 Million for Cyclone Ditwah Relief in Sri Lanka

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka today announced an additional $2 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, bringing total U.S. assistance for the response to $4 million.

Severe lightning alert for Colombo and four other districts

The Meteorology Department has warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in parts of Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Ratnapura districts.

Presidential Secretariat declines RTI disclosure on 68 vehicles

The Designated Officer of the Presidential Secretariat has rejected a request made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking vehicle number details of 68 vehicles handed over to the Secretariat following the conclusion of the tenure of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Ondansetron samples to be sent for global testing

Complying with the request made by the Indian company which manufactured Ondansetron injection in question, local health authorities have decided to send samples of the withdrawn injection batches to a World Health Organisation (WHO)-accredited laboratory for international testing, Daily Mirror learns.

Fined for destroying artefacts

A group of three suspects who had been arrested by Ethimale Police and produced before Siyambalanduwa Magistrate Dinushka Rosan Anuruddha Samaraweera for causing damage to an archaeological site and destroying nine ancient rock pillars were fined Rs. 200,000 when they pleaded guilty to the charges.

President assures to uphold financial discipline in rebuilding programme

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that the government will strictly uphold financial discipline while taking responsibility for each rupee donated for the rebuilding initiative.

Online appeals open for grade 6 admissions for 2026

The first round of appeals for admission to Grade 6 for the year 2026, based on the 2025 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination results, can be submitted online from January 12 to January 25, the Education Ministry said.

Trump briefed on military and covert options for Iran, reports

President Donald Trump has been briefed on a wide range of covert and military tools for use in Iran, two Department of Defense officials told the BBC’s US partner, CBS News.

CID arrests two suspects in Rs. 50 Mn textile scam

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two suspects in connection with the fraudulent theft of textile raw materials valued at nearly Rs. 50 million from a private factory in Kilinochchi.

Namal accuses Minister Lal Kantha of spreading religious hatred

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha of spreading religious hatred and insulting Buddhism and the Maha Sangha, claiming the Minister’s recent remarks violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act No. 56 of 2007.

Search for bodies still continues but hampered due to rain

Search for those who are missing as a result of the cyclone Ditwah is still continuing, but operations have been hampered due to rain that is prevailing in the respective areas, state officials said yesterday.