Magnitude 6 earthquake hits Japan’s Noda region

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit offshore near Japan’s eastern Noda region on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 19.3 km (nearly 12 miles), the agency reported.

Presidential Task Force appointed to lead post-cyclone rebuilding efforts

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued an Extraordinary Gazette establishing a Presidential Task Force for Rebuilding Sri Lanka to oversee rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts in areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Casino entrance levy doubled; gross collection levy raised to 18% from January 2026

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced revisions to taxes applicable to casino operators and betting and gaming businesses, with effect from January 1, 2026.

TRCSL blocks website referenced in grade 6 English module

Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) has blocked access to a website that was referenced in a Grade 6 English language module, following mounting public concern over its inclusion in printed school learning material.

SLC to promote ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ program during Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to dedicate the upcoming Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka to promoting the government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ program.

Namal claims Government delaying Auditor General appointment to cover up corruption

Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of deliberately delaying the appointment of the Auditor General to cover up fraud and corruption. He pointed out that some ministers have recently criticized the Constitutional Council after the President’s attempt to appoint a close associate to the position was blocked.

Market ends year on a high

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the final trading session of 2025 on a strong note, supported by broad-based gains across both key indices and heightened trading volumes and turnover.

New year celebrations begin as 2026 kicks off in part of Kiribati

The island of Kiritimati is welcoming in the new year - the first place in the world do so.

Aviation sector records strong growth in 2025: Ministry

Sri Lanka’s aviation sector recorded significant growth during the period from January to November 2025, compared to the corresponding period in 2024, reflecting a steady revival of the industry, the Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry said.

SLMC member who voted in favour of CMC budget suspended

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) member of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Zohara Buhary was suspended by the party with immediate effect.

Taavi Samaraweera becomes world no. 1 in U-11 table tennis rankings

Sri Lanka’s Taavi Samaraweera has secured the top position in the Under-11 Boys’ World Table Tennis Rankings, creating history as the highest-ranked Sri Lankan player at any age category.

Inappropriate link in Grade 6 English module: Education Ministry seeks CID probe

The Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe, has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after an inappropriate website reference was found in a newly printed Grade 6 English language module.

Colombo Municipal Council budget approved

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) budget was approved today by a majority of two votes.

Unrest at Galle MC: Five opposition councillors arrested

Five members of the Galle Municipal Council were arrested after unrest disrupted a council session yesterday (30), police said.

CMC sessions adjourned to discuss time management

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) sessions were adjourned for ten minutes to discuss time management.

Air quality continues to remain poor across Sri Lanka

Air quality across Sri Lanka continues to remain slightly unhealthy, according to real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Coast Guard seizes Rs. 370 Mn worth of narcotics in 2025

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies, has seized illegal narcotics valued at over Rs. 370 million and arrested 71 suspects during anti-drug operations carried out in 2025.

Government forms Presidential Commission to probe CMC corruption

The government has appointed a Presidential Commission to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), signaling a strong move to enhance accountability in local governance.

Allow the people-friendly budget to go ahead: Mayor Balthazaar

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar who presented the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) budget for the second time today, urged all council members to allow the budget to proceed.

India surpasses Japan to become world’s 4th largest economy: Government

India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a size of USD 4.18 trillion, and is poised to overtake Germany to become the third-largest by 2030, the government has said.

Former MP urges US President to reduce para tariffs on Sri Lankan exports

Former MP and leader of the Nidahas Janatha Sabawa (Freedom People’s Congress), Dullas Alahapperuma, in a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump, has urged him to reduce para tariffs imposed on Sri Lankan exports.

Guinea junta chief wins presidency in controversial election

Gen Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president of Guinea after securing the majority of the vote, according to initial polling results published by the country’s election commission.

Ex-Australia batter Martyn in coma with meningitis

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has been placed into an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis.

Probe launched on spam mails trying to create public unrest: Nalinda

While confirming that an investigation has been launched into the emails received by various government institutions on hoax bomb threats,

External groups behind hoax bomb threats? CID launches probes with internationals intelligence agencies

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and its Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID) launched an investigation into a series of hoax bomb threats targeting critical infrastructure and government offices, to determine if external elements are coordinating these incidents to destabilize the nation’s security.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath leaves for Dhaka to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath departed from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 189, bound for Dhaka.

Health Ministry collects data on suspected contaminated vaccine

The Health Ministry has started an urgent investigation into the Ondesterone Injection, a vaccine imported from India and distributed during the current government’s term, after concerns that it may contain bacterial toxins.

Drug abuse rising among Anti-Narcotic officers: Survey

A significant number of police officers and security forces personnel are addicted to drugs, a recent survey conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau has found

Prison inmate targeted in shooting at Nagoda Teaching Hospital

Nagoda Teaching Hospital came under a shocking security breach yesterday when a prison inmate receiving treatment in Ward No. 14 became the target of a gunman, police confirmed.

Plastic bag use drops by 50% after free distribution ban

The use of plastic shopping bags has dropped by 50 percent after the government banned their free distribution, Environment Deputy Minister Anton Jayakodi said.