Release of Indian actor Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan postponed, disappointing fans in Singapore

The worldwide release of Indian film star Vijay’s much-anticipated movie Jana Nayagan has been postponed, disappointing fans in Singapore who had queued for advance tickets to what is widely thought to be the actor’s final film.

Bangladesh to resume direct flights with Pakistan after a decade gap

Bangladesh’s flag carrier will resume direct flights between Dhaka and Pakistan’s largest city Karachi from January 29, restoring non-stop air connectivity between the two countries after over a decade, officials said on Wednesday (January 7, 2026).

Cervical cancer: Over 600,000 cases reported globally each year

More than 600,000 cases of cervical cancer are reported worldwide each year, resulting in approximately 340,000 deaths, making it the fourth most common cancer among women globally.

Opposition to complain to IMF, World Bank over delay in AG’s appointment

The Opposition is planning to complain to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank over the government’s failure to appoint the long overdue Auditor General, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said today.

Monk donates land to support Cyclone Ditwah victims

In support of the government’s rehabilitation programme for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, a monk, Venerable Mavikande Ratanapala Thera, Chief Incumbent of Siyambalapitiya, Yattogoda and Yatahalena Raja Maha Vihara, Justice of the Peace, and National Director of Human Rights, has donated a ten-acre plot of his privately owned land.

‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ housing project to launch tomorrow

The inauguration of the housing project under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ initiative, aimed at constructing new homes and providing compensation to those who lost their residences due to Cyclone Ditwah, is scheduled to commence tomorrow (09) in the Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts.

Remaining 2025 A/L examination subjects to be held from January 12 to 20

The remaining subjects of the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, which were postponed due to Cyclone Ditwah, will be conducted from January 12 to January 20, the Examinations Department announced.

Sri Lanka braces for dengue surge amid floods

Sri Lanka is bracing for a renewed dengue surge as cases spike sharply and floodwaters left by Cyclone Ditwah raise fears of fresh outbreaks.

Those who killed Lasantha Wickramatunga governed SL years ago: Bimal

Those who killed Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickramatunga governed the nation some years ago, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament today.

Bay of Bengal depression expected to enter Sri Lanka tomorrow

The Department of Meteorology warned that a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of Sri Lanka, is likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours.

791 cases filed over foreign employment scams – SLBFE

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said that it has recovered more than Rs. 374 million for victims who filed complaints against individuals and unlicensed employment agencies involved in foreign employment fraud during 2025.

Commotion in Parliament over death threats received by MP

Heated arguments rocked Parliament today when Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and other Opposition MPs sought to raise an issue regarding alleged death threats received by MP Rohana Bandara.

No Scope for SL to seek Indian govt. intervention over injection deaths

Sri Lanka has little to no room to seek the involvement of Indian government authorities over the recent deaths of several patients following the administration of an injection, as the purported Indian supplier is a private entity, Daily Mirror learns.

Academics, civil society condemn ‘vicious’ hate campaign against PM Harini

A group of academics, professionals and civil society members has strongly condemned what they describe as a vicious smear campaign and personalised attacks targeting Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya.

Regional cooperation key to overcoming crises in South Asia – Namal Rajapaksa

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said that South Asia needs stronger regional cooperation, with India playing a key role in addressing shared security challenges and ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.

Government ready to give priority to no-confidence motion on Prime Minister: Bimal

The government is ready to give priority in Parliamentary business to the no-confidence motion on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya as per Standing Orders, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake said today.

Trump to withdraw US from dozens of UN, international organisations

United States President Donald Trump has announced that he plans to withdraw the US from 66 United Nations and international organisations, including major forums for cooperation on climate change, peace and democracy.

Australia win final Test to complete 4-1 Ashes triumph over England

Australia clinched the final Ashes Test against England Thursday by five wickets to complete a dominant 4-1 victory after a gruelling series, sending the retiring Usman Khawaja out on a high.

Economic loss from tobacco and alcohol amounts to LKR 241 billion yearly

The Economic loss from consumption of alcohol and tobacco in Sri Lanka amounts to Rs. 241 billion annually which is one-fifth of the total economic loss caused by cyclone Ditwah and 40 percent of the total budget allocated by the government for healthcare, as per the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC).

SL on high alert as low-pressure area forms in Bay of Bengal, emergency operations ready

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has placed the country on high alert as a low-pressure area develops in the Bay of Bengal, with emergency operations ready for rescue and evacuation if needed.

India reaffirms defence ties during Army Chief’s Sri Lanka visit

Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara at his office in Colombo yesterday.

Government eyes carrying capacity caps and digital ticketing to curb Yala overcrowding

Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities are moving to implement strict carrying capacity limits and a unified digital ticketing system for the national parks, with a primary focus on the Yala National Park, to address the persistent overcrowding issues that threaten the visitor experience.

700 mn women still unbanked globally despite gains in financial inclusion: World Bank

According to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025 report, across the globe 700 million women are still unbanked and have no access to bank accounts, digital payments, and mobile money services.

England all out for 342, set Australia 160 to win final Ashes Test

Jacob Bethell was finally out for 154 as England were dismissed for 342 before lunch on Thursday, setting Australia 160 to win the fifth and final Ashes Test.

Pakistan cruise past Sri Lanka in T20I opener

Pakistan underlined their credentials as serious contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup with a commanding six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-game series in Dambulla on Wednesday.

Astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana appointed president of Caltech University

Ray Jayawardhana, an astrophysicist and provost of Johns Hopkins University, will become the next president of Caltech — one of the nation’s wealthiest and most elite universities — as it enters a second year of challenging terrain amid Trump administration cuts to scientific research.

Court rejects CCD request for forensic facial examination of Ishara Sewwandi

A Colombo Crimes Division officer today requested the Chief Magistrate to issue an order referring the 15th suspect, Ishara Sewwandi, to a forensic examiner for a facial examination.

Woman jailed for renting out property she didn’t own

A woman accused of leasing a property belonging to another person to a third party was today sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment by Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

Programme to provide compensation for fully damaged houses to begin on January 9: President

The programme to provide compensation for fully damaged houses and to construct new homes for families affected by the disaster will commence on January 9 in Anuradhapura and Kurunegala, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

Government to hold photography exhibition on Cyclone Ditwah

The President’s Media Division, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, is compiling a National Visual Chronicle documenting the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka and the subsequent recovery process.