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.

Brown University shooting suspect found dead, police say

The suspect ‍in ​last week’s ‌mass shooting at Brown University has been found dead in a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire, following a six-day multi-state manhunt, police say.

OCC clears proposed settlement for SriLankan Airlines borrowings

The Official Creditor Committee (OCC) has formally granted a “no objection” clearance, enabling Sri Lanka to proceed with its proposed settlement arrangements for foreign borrowings guaranteed by the government for SriLankan Airlines.

Court clears release of 166 more BYD vehicles

The Court of Appeal today directed Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) to release a further 166 BYD vehicles detained by Customs, subject to the furnishing of the relevant bank guarantees and corporate guarantees.

Chelsea’s Maresca says Man City link '100 percent' speculation

Enzo Maresca said Friday that reports linking him to the Manchester City manager’s job were ’’100 percent’’ speculation, promising that he would still be at Chelsea next season.

WECare vaccinates more than 32,000 dogs , expands aid after flood

In the aftermath of the devastating floods, while many organisations rushed to assist affected communities, one group turned its attention to often-overlooked victims — street dogs.

Bellana was removed for revealing sensitive info on patients: Deputy Minister

National Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana was removed from his post as he had revealed sensitive information on patients and creating panic, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni told Parliament today.

Julian Assange files complaint against Nobel Foundation over Machado prize

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against the Nobel Foundation, challenging the organisation’s decision to award its Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Train services to resume on upcountry and eastern lines from tomorrow

The Sri Lanka Railways Department has announced the resumption of new train services on the Upcountry and Eastern Railway lines, effective from tomorrow (20), aimed at improving passenger convenience.

President to attend Parliament for debate on Rs. 500 bn

President and Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to attend Parliament today (19) to participate in the debate on a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion.

BASL condemns Kaduwela Mayor’s conduct over obstruction of lawyer

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly condemned the conduct of Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal, alleging that he had obstructed and hindered an Attorney-at-Law while representing an Animal Welfare Association at an inquiry conducted by the Mayor.

Donations to ’Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’ surpass Rs. 4 bn

The total donations received by the ’Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’ has increased up to Rs. 4.2 billion as of today, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma said today.

Former leaders’ support will not be sought in fund raising due to their corrupt practices: PM

The government will not seek the support of former leaders who were involved in corruption through disasters, in the fund raising process this time, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said today.

Rs. 25,000 paid to 257,000 affected families so far: Minister

The initial grant of Rs. 25,000 paid for flood affected families to clean their houses have been paid to 257,000 families out of the total of 493,000 entiled to the payment so far, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said today.