Government has adopted our concept: Sajith

The government seems to have adopted our concept of getting the rich to donate for the development of the health sector, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Pakistan court hands Imran Khan, wife 17-year jail terms in another graft case

A Pakistani court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in a corruption case involving the under-priced purchase of luxury state gifts, the court and Khan’s lawyers said.

Indian External Affairs Minister to arrive in Sri Lanka

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka on Monday, an informed source said.

President Dissanayake thanks UAE for flood relief support

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the UAE’s continued humanitarian assistance to communities affected by recent floods and heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka.

Gazette issued to suspend Kerawalapitiya tolls

An Extraordinary Gazette Notification has been issued to temporarily suspend the collection of toll charges at the Kerawalapitiya Interchange on the Katunayake Expressway.

Australia four wickets from Ashes glory as England cling on

An unrelenting Australia were four wickets from retaining the Ashes at close of play in the third Test on Saturday as England clung to a dying hope that they could chase a record 435 to save the series.

Paul goes to hospital with suspected broken jaw

Jake Paul has gone to hospital with a suspected broken jaw after he was stopped by Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight fight in Miami.

BASL urges President to strengthen Right to Information Commission

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of adequate and independent financial resources to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, stressing that such measures are essential to safeguard its autonomy and ability to effectively discharge its mandate.

Sri Lanka gets US$50 Mn World Bank boost for digital transformation

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.

Police raid alleged brothel operating as spa in Colombo

Police on Friday night raided a premises allegedly operating as a brothel under the guise of a spa in Colombo and arrested one suspect and nine foreign women, police said.

Recent disaster is a result of nature’s fury against unwarranted human activities: Vedda Chief

Vedda Chief Uruwarige Vannila Ettho said the ill-planned development projects and the human activities resulted in the recent natural disaster that caused much woe and sorrow in the country.

Samba, Keeri Samba shortage likely: Minister

There could be a shortage in Samba and Keeri Samba rice in the country due to the devastation caused to paddy cultivation by the Ditwah cyclone, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said yesterday.

Ashoka Ranwala’s driving license temporarily suspended

Mahara Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe yesterday (19) ordered the temporary suspension of the driving license of former Speaker and Gampaha District Parliamentarian Ashoka Ranwala following the accident in Sapugaskanda.

US carries out ’massive’ strike against IS in Syria

The US says its military has carried out a ’’massive strike’’ against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria, in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country.

At least two years needed to rebuild Ditwah-Hit nation

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament yesterday that the full rebuilding of the nation battered by Cyclone Ditwah would take at least two years, citing ongoing landslide risks and the need to relocate populations and schools in several areas.

What Sri Lankans Can Watch This Weekend in Sport

Sri Lankan sports fans have a busy few days ahead, with Premier League football spread across the weekend and important cricket matches reaching key stages, including the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai and ongoing Test series in Australia and New Zealand.

Local malware incidents top Rs.3.9mn in 3Q as offline threats persist: Kaspersky

Sri Lanka recorded over 3.9 million local malware incidents in the third quarter of 2025 alone, with nearly a quarter of users encountering offline threats, new data from global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reveals.

Water supply to be disrupted in several areas in Colombo

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced an eight-hour water supply interruption on Saturday, 20 December 2025, from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

IMF approves US$206 Mn emergency financing for Sri Lanka after Ditwah

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a disbursement of SDR 150.5 million, equivalent to about US$206 million, for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).

India beats Sri Lanka by eight wickets, sets up final against Pakistan

Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George starred, smashing unbeaten fifties in the chase as India chased down a 139-run target in the semifinal.

No alcohol found in Ashoka Ranwala’s blood, urine samples

No traces of alcohol were detected in the blood and urine samples obtained from former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Ashoka Ranwala, according to tests conducted by the Government Analyst’s Department.

Minister orders urgent reforms at Werahera motor traffic office

The Transport, Highways and Urban DevelopmentMinister Bimal Ratnayake, has directed a series of urgent administrative and service reforms following an inspection tour of the Werahera office of the Department of Motor Traffic today (18).

Flood warning extended for low-lying areas in Mahaweli river basin

The Department of Irrigation has extended the flood warning for several low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River Basin for a further 24 hours.

Australia announces gun buyback plans

Australia will use a sweeping buyback scheme to ’’get guns off our streets,’’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday, showing his government was keen to take quick action less than a week after a terrorist attack left 15 people dead at a Jewish holiday gathering on Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach.

Rs. 500Bn Supplementary Estimate approved in Parliament

The Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster situation, was approved by Parliament today (19).

President hits at inflation risks as Rs. 500 bn cyclone rebuilding begins

The government faces the challenge of preventing a surge in inflation as the Rs. 500 billion allocated for rebuilding the country after Cyclone Ditwah begins to circulate in the economy, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament today.

Market extends pullback

The CSE extended its downward trend on Friday, marking another red session amid subdued turnover and lower trading volumes. Investor sentiment remained weak as the market continued to pull back from its All-Time High (ATH), with the ASPI now reflecting a 9.3% correction from peak levels.

Medical lab raided over patient safety violations

Blood collection tubes meant for single use were washed and reused on several patients at a private medical laboratory in Laggala leading to a raid by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).

President arrives in Parliament

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in the Parliament chamber a short while ago and has begun his address to Parliament.

Only red rice and gravy in members’ canteen in Parliament: Archchuna

Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna today created a commotion in Parliament, protesting the non-availability of food in the members’ canteen when he went for lunch.