Internet blackout in Iran as large anti-government protests held across country

Iran was plunged into a nationwide internet blackout Thursday evening as mass anti-government protests spread around the country, with Iranians shouting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime as anger mounts over economic turmoil and security crackdowns.

SLAP and NAITA Join forces to boost skilled workforce for Sri Lanka’s printing industry

In a significant move to strengthen Sri Lanka’s printing industry, the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) recently held discussions to develop industry-focused training programs aimed at producing a future-ready workforce.

Deep depression path shifts: No cyclone expected, Meteorology Department confirms

The path of the deep depression approaching Sri Lanka has shifted, and it is no longer expected to develop into a cyclonic storm, the Director General of the Meteorological Department, Athula Karunanayake, said today.

Speaker rejects Opposition request for select committee on judicial appointments

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today dismissed a request by the Opposition to appoint a select committee to probe the appointments, transfers and promotions of judicial officers.

Have the right to ensure correct information is disseminated to people: Media Minister

Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today that he is committed to ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public.

Uva Province schools to cose early due to adverse weather

All schools in the Uva Province will close at 11:45 a.m. today due to the risk of adverse weather conditions, Chief Secretary Anusha Gokula Fernando said.

CID probing evidence destruction in high-profile cases

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said investigations into several high-profile cases are progressing, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducting comprehensive inquiries to identify those who tampered with or destroyed crucial evidence linked to the cases.

India awaits Sri Lanka’s response to detailed project report request

India awaits Sri Lanka’s response to the proposal for a detailed project report on land connectivity between the two countries, an official said yesterday.

An official and a few NGOs behind Grade Six module issue: MP

An official named Dharshana Samaraweera and few NGOs promoting homosexuality are behind the crisis pertaining to the Grade Six module issue, an opposition MP told Parliament yesterday.

Divisional Secretary probed over alleged fake marriage documents

Police have launched a special investigation following a complaint alleging that a Divisional Secretary currently serving at a Divisional Secretariat in the Ratnapura District had prepared fraudulent documents in connection with her marriage.

Deep depression crossing Sri Lanka, be vigilant for flash floods, landslides - Met. Dept.

A depression which occurred in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is crossing Sri Lanka today and warnings have been sent out by the Department of Meteorology to be prepared for flash floods, crop destruction, power cuts, damage to huts and uprooting of trees.

D.V. Chanaka challenges energy minister over alleged coal tender corruption

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP D.V. Chanaka has publicly challenged Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody to a televised debate over alleged corruption in a recent coal import tender.

Delay in procuring advanced radiotherapy machines raising cancer mortality, warn experts

The lack of modern radiotherapy technology in Sri Lanka is worsening the quality of life for cancer patients and increasing mortality rates, particularly for those suffering from cervical, endometrial, prostate, rectal, anal, breast, head, neck, and skin cancers, medical experts warn.

Public urged to take action as cyclonic conditions build near Eastern coast

Authorities have urged the public to take action as a developing weather system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to several parts of the country.

CB Governor gives upbeat assessment of economy with 2026 growth set at 5%

Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe kicked off the New Year with policies aimed at shifting gears from recovery in the economy to an enhanced growth while building resilience.

UK trade reforms open door to tariff-free Sri Lankan garment exports from January 1

Sri Lanka’s garment industry is set for a fresh export boost after sweeping reforms to the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) came into force on January 1, granting tariff-free access to

Sri Lanka, EU ink €8 mn grant to drive green growth in rubber sector

Sri Lanka has secured a €8 million grant from the European Union to accelerate its transition to green economic growth, with a targeted push to modernise and decarbonise segments of the country’s rubber

Surge in fingertip injuries due to motorcycle cleaning, doctors warn

A rising number of injuries to the fingertips of dominant hands have been reported among men while attempting to clean their brand-new motorcycles, Colombo National Hospital’s Plastic and Surgery Department has warned.

Deep depression set to slam Sri Lanka; Landslide alerts issued

Sri Lanka is bracing for a high-impact weather event tomorrow night as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is forecast to make landfall, triggering torrential rain, landslides, and emergency evacuations, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Director General Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena warned.

Venezuela’s interior minister says 100 people died in U.S. attack

(This Jan 7 story has been refiled to fix the last name of Venezuela’s interim president to Rodriguez, from Rodriquez, in paragraph 4)

Mobile drug-testing program begins for public transport drivers

A new drug-testing program for public transport drivers was launched today at the Mattakkuliya depot of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), aimed at ensuring a safer, drug-free transport system across the country.

Minor tremor recorded in Ududumbara, No cause for alarm

A minor tremor with a magnitude of 2.2 was recorded in the Ududumbara area this evening, the Seismic Data and Tsunami Center confirmed.

President appoints Maritime and Supply advisor

Dr. Mahinda Parakrama Disanayake has been appointed as Presidential Advisor on Maritime, Ports, and Supply Affairs, with immediate effect, the President’s Office said.

Sri Lanka tightens financial net on terror funding

Sri Lanka has significantly strengthened its national security framework by placing renewed emphasis on Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), a critical tool used to disrupt the financing of terrorism and safeguard the country’s financial system, the Ministry of Defence said.

Sri Lanka ratifies ILO convention on violence and harassment at work

Sri Lanka formally deposited its instrument of ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment at work this morning at the Labour Ministry auditorium. The event was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe.

Market extends rally on IPO boost

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its upward momentum on Thursday, with both benchmark indices closing firmly in positive territory, supported by renewed investor confidence, strong sector participation, and an exceptional IPO debut.

Government to provide disaster loan relief to businesses affected by Cyclone “Ditwah”

The government is taking steps to provide disaster loan relief to small businesses affected by the minor cyclone “Ditwah,” including flower shops, pet shops, incense shops, lottery outlets, and mobile shops.

Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha Technical Officer remanded

A Technical Officer attached to the Welisara Sub-Office of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha, who is alleged to have solicited and accepted a bribe of Rs. 50,000 to approve a building plan while overlooking its deficiencies, was remanded till 23 January by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today.

Japan offers electrical engineering jobs to Sri Lankan youth

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday (7) at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), opening up job opportunities in Japan’s electrical engineering sector for qualified Sri Lankan youth.

Over 4.4 million students to receive free school uniforms in January

More than 4.4 million students across the country are set to receive free school uniforms in January 2026 under a programme implemented by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.