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.

Fire breaks out at shop in Maligawatta

A fire has erupted at a shop in Maligawatta, prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

FAO seeks USD 16.5m to aid Sri Lanka

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has appealed for USD 16.5 million in international assistance to support the early recovery of livelihoods and food security for communities devastated by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Welisara court fines three traders Rs. 300,000 for overpricing rice

The Welisara Magistrate’s Court has fined three traders in the Gampaha district a total of Rs. 300,000 for selling rice above the government’s maximum retail price, after they pleaded guilty to the charges filed by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA). The ruling was delivered yesterday (14).

Detainee dies after falling ill while in court cell

A detainee who was being held in a court cell while awaiting production before the Hingurakgoda Magistrate’s Court died after falling ill and being admitted to hospital, police said.

UK couple donates £2,000 to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

A British couple residing near the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom has donated £2,000 to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to assist communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

U.S. transfers 10 TH-57 helicopters to Sri Lanka Air Force

The United States has transferred ten TH-57 (Bell 206) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force on January 7, strengthening the country’s aerial capabilities in pilot training, disaster response, and emergency operations.

Strict action on local fishermen as Indian fishing issue persists

While authorities are yet to find a lasting solution to illegal fishing and repeated incursions into Sri Lankan territorial waters by Indian fishermen, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) has taken strict action against local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing practices and the deliberate tampering of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).

Environment Ministry to look into Chinese company pulling out of Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project

Claiming that he was concerned after the China-based Amber Adventures (Private) Limited pulling out of the Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project, Environment Minister Dammika Patabedi said yesterday he instructed the Ministry to look into the matter, saying that the government is not at all keen on any investors leaving the country.

Drug usage among rich and elite rises in Sri Lanka

In a worrying twist to Sri Lanka’s ongoing battle against narcotics, recent data and law enforcement reports reveal a notable increase in drug use among affluent communities and high-socioeconomic groups in districts across Sri Lanka, a trend that has alarmed policymakers and the law enforcement officers alike.

Iran warns of retaliation if Trump strikes, US withdraws some personnel from bases

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.

We bear collective responsibility of steering country towards “new era of revival’’: PM

The government bears the collective responsibility of steering the country towards a “new era of revival’’ by bringing about a transformation in attitudes through policy and structural reforms, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.

US freezes all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, Iran

The State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries in an effort to crack down on applicants deemed likely to become a public charge.

Thai Pongal, an invitation to embark upon new journey towards future with courage, confidence: President

Symbolising prosperity and thankfulness, Thai Pongal is not merely a celebration of a bountiful harvest, but also an invitation to embark upon a new journey towards the future with courage and confidence, Present Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

UN report finds widespread sexual violence in Sri Lanka’s civil war

A new United Nations report about sexual violence related to Sri Lanka’s civil war is another step forward in the struggle for accountability for crimes under international law that were committed in Sri Lanka, Human Rights Watch said today.

Digital learning should be safe and fair for all students: Minister

Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said it is important to reduce the gap in digital facilities between schools and to make sure that technology in education is safe for children.

Mainly fair weather expected during the day

The Meteorology Department said the prevailing showery conditions over the island are likely to ease from today (15), bringing relatively stable weather to most regions.

Port City Colombo lands US $ 300mn investment as phase II moves ahead

Port City Colombo has secured a US $ 300 million foreign direct investment (FDI) commitment from its primary developer, clearing the way for phase II of the flagship reclamation project and delivering an early boost to Sri Lanka’s efforts to revive the long-term capital inflows.

Top legal expert urges govt. to consult private sector on proposed EPF pension scheme

A leading corporate legal expert has urged the government to engage in meaningful consultation with the private sector, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, before proceeding with the proposed conversion of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) into a pension scheme.

Tea sector steadies as full-year output rises despite December drop

Sri Lanka’s tea output weakened slightly in December 2025 from a year earlier.

Parliament to take up resolution to appoint select committee to probe Ditwah unpreparedness

Parliament is scheduled to take up a resolution next week to appoint a select committee to probe the lack of preparedness for Cyclone Ditwah, according to the Office of the Leader of the House.

Opposition secures majority in CMC standing committees

The Opposition secured a majority of members in most standing committees of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) today, including the key Finance Standing Committee, which oversees the council’s financial affairs.

Murder, attempted murder charges filed against bus driver in Kala Oya bridge tragedy

Charges of murder and attempted murder have been filed against a private bus driver accused of causing the deaths of two passengers and endangering the lives of 66 others, including a High Court Judge, after he attempted to drive a bus across the submerged Kala Oya bridge during severe flooding.

GMOA warns of island-wide continuous trade union action

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that it will launch continuous island-wide trade union action if the Health Minister fails to implement agreements reached to resolve key issues affecting the free health service and doctors.

Sri Lankan man admits murdering Sri Lankan woman in UK

A Sri Lankan man pleaded guilty to the murder of a Sri Lankan woman who was found on a street in Cardiff.

The UK is expected to approve a ’mega’ Chinese embassy in London despite objections

Britain’s government is expected to approve a “mega” Chinese embassy close to London’s financial district after years of controversy and political wrangling over the potential security risks it poses to the U.K.