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.

CAASL investigates Cinnamon Air plane incident at Gregory Lake

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has launched an investigation into an incident involving a Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft operated by Cinnamon Air, which attempted to land at the Gregory lake in Nuwara Eliya.

Driving license services disrupted at Hambantota district office

The daily issuance of driving licenses at the Hambantota District Office of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has been disrupted following a breakdown of telephone connections at the Hambantota Administrative Complex, the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Transport confirmed.

Cinnamon Air reports no injuries in Gregory Lake crash

Following an incident during a landing on the waters of Lake Gregory earlier today, Saffron Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, operator of Cinnamon Air, confirmed that no passengers were on board and all crew members are safe, with no injuries or casualties reported.

BCB: ICC to Address T20 World Cup India Concerns

The BCB issued a statement on Wednesday in which it claimed that the ICC was committed to “ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team” in the T20 World Cup that gets underway on 7 February.

Tobacco industry influence in Sri Lanka rises: Global Index 2025

Sri Lanka has recorded a setback in its efforts to limit tobacco industry influence, ranking 45th in the 2025 Global Tobacco Industry Interference (TII) Index. The country falls within the 40–49 score range, where lower scores indicate stronger performance.

Sri Lanka police contribute Rs. 50 mn to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

Officers of the Sri Lanka Police have contributed Rs. 50 million—equivalent to one day’s salary—to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

US discussing options to acquire Greenland, including use of military, says White House

US President Donald Trump has been discussing ’’a range of options’’ to acquire Greenland, including use of the military, the White House said.

Dollar hits Rs. 310 mark for first time since February

The indicative USD/LKR spot rate announced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) crossed the Rs. 310 level for the first time since February 29, 2024, according to official data released today (07).

Public Security Minister says Sarah Jasmine may be alive

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that information uncovered during investigations suggests that Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sarah Jasmine and linked to the 2019 Easter attacks, is not dead.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Sri Lanka, assistance package likely

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Sri Lanka on January 12 and 13, on his way back from a tour of Africa, the Daily Mirror learns.

Seaplane crashes into Gregory's Lake

A seaplane preparing to land crashed into the Gregory’s Lake in Nuwara Eliya this afternoon (07).

CSE halts trading in wealth securities following unusual price movement

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has halted trading in Wealth Securities Ltd (WLTH.N) after detecting an unusual price movement at market opening, the Exchange said.

Army reopens Hatton–Sri Pada road after cyclone damage

The Sri Lanka Army has completed the renovation of the Mahagiri Damba section of the Hatton–Sri Pada road, which was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, and reopened the route for pilgrims visiting Sri Pada.

Russia sends navy ships to guard oil tanker being pursued by US forces

Russia has deployed navy assets to escort an oil tanker also being pursued by US forces across the Atlantic, CBS News, BBC’s media partner in the US, reported.

Opposition begins signing no-confidence motion against Education Minister

The Opposition today commenced the signing of a No-Confidence Motion against Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya.

Mild approach by the government on Venezuela issue: Opposition MP

The Government is following a mild approach with regard to US invasion on Venezuela, an opposition MP told Parliament yesterday.

India Army chief arrives in Sri Lanka

India’s Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, arrived in Sri Lanka today on a two-day official visit, the Indian Ministry of Defence said.

I cannot sit next to Gajendrakumar in Parliament: Archchuna

Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna today urged the Speaker to change the seat of MP Gajendra Kumar Ponnambalam after accusing him of using abusive language.

Irredentism and regime change have no place in International Law – Rauff Hakeem

It is noted with deep consternation that several states in Latin America, the Middle East and elsewhere are ominously threatened with military strikes and other forceful measures in potential violation of their respective sovereignty and territorial integrity, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem said.

Low pressure area in Bay of Bengal may develop into depression, rain expected across island

A low pressure area has formed in the Bay of Bengal, currently located about 700 kilometers southeast of Batticaloa, the Meteorological Department Director Merrill Mendis said.

Air quality across Sri Lanka slightly unhealthy: CEA

Air quality across Sri Lanka has been recorded at slightly unhealthy levels, according to real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) said.

Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera to be held from January 8 to 10

The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera of the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held on January 8, 9 and 10, 2026, temple authorities announced.

Sperm donors told to wait as bank meets demand

The newly established sperm bank at the Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo has received an adequate supply of sperm donations to meet current demand and therefore, prospective donors are requested to be patient until further notice, hospital authorities said.

PC arrested over indecent conduct with schoolgirl behind Presidential Secretariat

Colombo Fort Police have arrested two individuals, including a police constable, on allegations of behaving indecently with a 16-year-old schoolgirl in a forested area behind the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo Fort.

ICC rejects Bangladesh request to move T20 World Cup matches out of India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo.

MP Rohana Bandara complains of death threats

Opposition MP Rohana Bandara today urged Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to enhance his security as he has received death threats.