Sri Lanka not healthy enough, falls into bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world

Sri Lanka is ranked as 158 and in the bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world for 2025 with a global health index of 54.55 which is considered below average and unhealthy according to the CEO World Global Health Index 2025.

Corruption allegations galore ahead of CMC budget to be presented second time

Allegations have surfaced that the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has offered monetary incentives to opposition members of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to ensure their absence at council sessions scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, when the budget is to be presented for the second time.

Ukraine denies drone attack on Putin’s residence

President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied allegations by Russia that Ukraine launched a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, and accused Moscow of trying to derail peace talks.

Two generators at Norochcholai Coal Power Plant out of service; No power disruption

Two of the three generators at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant are currently out of service, resulting in a temporary loss of 600 megawatts to the national power grid.

Six ministers under bribery probe over their assets

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has initiated an investigation into the alleged assets of six ministers of the current NPP government under the Money Laundering Act, according to a letter from it.

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister Khaleda Zia dies aged 80

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80 after suffering from prolonged illness.

Apparel exports hold firm in 2025

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry posted a 5.42 percent growth in exports in the first 11 months of 2025, defying the uneven global demand and margin pressures, even as the shipments contracted slightly in November, the data released by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) showed.

ID office system crashes, applicants asked to return

The newly introduced digital system at the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) experienced repeated technical failures today, forcing applicants seeking National Identity Cards (NICs) to suspend their visits and return tomorrow.

Market closes mixed after early rally

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded Monday’s session on a mixed note following an eventful day of trading. The market opened with strong positive momentum, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) rallying to the 22,200 level, gaining as much as 135 points intraday, before easing into a sideways trajectory and closing modestly higher.

Sri Lanka can achieve US$ 300 billion economy by 2030 despite cyclone Ditwah: Industries Ministry

Sri Lanka has the potential to become more resilient and grow into a US$ 300 billion economy by 2030, despite facing severe natural disasters such as Cyclone Ditwah, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, said today (29).

Online reservation facility for holiday bungalows launched

Taking forward the government’s digital governance policy, an online reservation facility for holiday bungalows and rest houses under the Public Administration Ministry was launched today (29) under the patronage of the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne.

Mahanayake Thera requests President to reschedule Vesak Day for May 30

Mahanayake Theras of the four Chapters have requested the government to revise the date of Vesak in 2026 because there will be two full-moon days in May.

COPE, COPA cannot function without Auditor General: Opposition MP

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) cannot function after January 6, 2026 without an Auditor General, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said today.

Boxer Anthony Joshua hurt in fatal two-vehicle crash

Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria in which two people were killed, authorities confirmed Monday.

Nalin Wewakumbura assumes duties as new SLAF Media Spokesperson

Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura has assumed duties as the new Media Spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) with effect from 26 December 2025.

Construction of Jaffna Stadium underway: SLC

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced today that work towards building the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium (JICS) in Mandaitivu, Jaffna, is currently ongoing and progressing as planned.

T-56 firearm thrown into private institution, two remanded, one granted bail

Two suspects were remanded till January 8 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya today in connection with an incident involving the throwing of a T-56 firearm into a private institution.

Post cyclone deaths more in many instances: Research

Post Cyclone deaths have been found to be more than the number of persons killed in a cyclone itself, a research has revealed.

Sinister plan to attack Buddhist temple in North and create communal unrest: Archchuna

There is a sinister plan by some Tamil MPs representing the North to attack a Buddhist temple in the North around January 3 and create communal unrest, MP Ramanathan Archchuna said today.

EPF services go digital with launch of online registration system

The online registration of institutions and members under the digitalisation of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) services commenced today (29), marking a key step in modernising labour-related services in Sri Lanka.

One dead after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey

One person has died and another suffered critical injuries after two helicopters collided mid-air on Sunday above a city in New Jersey, local police said.

Bhutan bowler sets T20 record with eight wickets

The left-arm spinner became the only bowler to pick up an eight-wicket haul in the shortest format.

Minister proposes Chinese support for islandwide EV charging network

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has proposed that China support the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Sri Lanka as a donation, in line with the country’s plans to import electric vehicles in large numbers, including from China.

ICC rates MCG pitch ’unsatisfactory’ after two-day Test

The Melbourne Cricket Ground’s seam-friendly pitch for the fourth Ashes Test was rated ’’unsatisfactory’’ Monday by the International Cricket Council after it ended inside two days.

Highway revenue rises during festive season

Highway toll revenue recorded a notable increase during the Christmas season and ongoing school holidays, driven by a surge in vehicle movement across the country.

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka hit all-time high

Sri Lanka has recorded its highest-ever annual tourist arrivals, with the 2,333,797th visitor for 2025 arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport.

Airport employees protest over 2025 year-end bonuses

Around 500 airport employees staged a protest at airport premises today, demanding the payment of five basic salaries from the year-end bonus announced for 2025 by the Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services Company Limited, Retired Air Vice Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama.

Customs records highest-ever revenue

Sri Lanka Customs has recorded a historic high in revenue collection, earning Rs. 2,497 billion during the year, Customs Media Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said.

Government to import seeds, vegetables after Cyclone Ditwah damage: Farmers’ Union

The government is preparing to import seeds and vegetables following the severe damage caused to the agricultural sector by Cyclone Ditwah, National Farmers’ Union Chairman Anuradha Thennakoon said.

Cinnamon Grand clarifies no police complaint filed over Ne-Yo concert

Cinnamon Grand Colombo said that it has not filed, initiated, or participated in any police complaint, legal action, or administrative process in connection with the Ne-Yo concert or its organizers.