Shock as popular South African DJ shot dead in Johannesburg

A popular South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the country’s largest city, Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across the nation grappling with entrenched crime.

China extends full support to boost Sri Lanka’s economy

Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Dongming, stated that China would extend its full support to the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to rebuild the lives of the Sri Lankan people and overcome the challenges posed by Cyclone Ditwah, expressing confidence that Sri Lanka will recover rapidly under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Man fined for illegal possession of baby crocodile in Aluthgama

Hikkaduwa Wildlife Officers arrested a 44-year-old man in the Kaluwamodara area of Aluthgama today (16) for illegally possessing a baby crocodile, according to the Hikkaduwa National Park Headquarters.

Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, according to the New South Wales Police.

Japan grants US$ 2.5 million to support Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone recovery

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath today accepted a grant of US$ 2.5 million from the Government of Japan to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Missing yellow anaconda calf found at Dehiwala Zoo after 10 days

The yellow anaconda calf that went missing from the Dehiwala National Zoo on December 6 has been found after a 10-day search, Deputy Director of the zoo Kasun Hemantha Samarasekara said.

RW ready to advice government on disaster management: Thalatha

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is ready to provide advice to the government on disaster management if needed, but neither he nor the others in the UNP intend to take up any positions, United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala said today.

Prison officers fire warning shots to foil escape attempt

Officers of the Galle Prison opened fire into the air after two inmates attempted to escape from the prison, prison authorities said.

Parliament to debate disaster situation tomorrow

Parliament is set to debate the current disaster situation tomorrow, according to a decision taken by party leaders, the Office of the Leader of the House said today.

Youth who confronted Namal in Matale surrenders

A youth who confronted Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa during his visit to disaster-affected residents in Matale yesterday later surrendered after explaining his concerns.

R. Sridhar appointed Sri Lanka National Team fielding coach

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that R. Sridhar has been appointed as the Fielding Coach of the Sri Lanka National Team, effective until the completion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Pope Leo XIV appoints new Bishop for Anuradhapura

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Nishantha Sagara Jayamanne as the new Bishop of the Anuradhapura Diocese, the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka announced today.

NMRA orders temporary withdrawal of 10 medicines until safety checks completed

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has directed local hospitals to temporarily stop using ten medicinal products until their manufacturing processes are verified to meet required standards, NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said.

Ondansetron suspended over quality concerns: GMOA

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced that the use of a specific batch of the drug Ondansetron, commonly used to prevent vomiting, has been suspended in Sri Lanka due to quality concerns.

Sri Lanka’s youth environmental resolution adopted at UNEA-7

Sri Lanka’s draft resolution on enhancing youth participation in environmental processes and education has been adopted at the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi.

Injured wild elephant burnt alive in Mihintale

A wild elephant found lying in a home garden at Seeppukulama in Mihintale died yesterday afternoon after being set on fire with burning torches, wildlife officials said.

Fifa brings in new £45 ticket for 2026 World Cup

Fifa has introduced a small number of ’’more affordable’’ $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of its pricing structure for the tournament.

Probe launched into Ondansetron batch after deaths, use suspended

The investigations are underway into a batch of the anaesthesia-related drug Ondansetron, following reports of two deaths that raised concerns over its safety, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni said.

15-hour water cut in Mahara and Gampaha today for maintenance work

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 15-hour water disruption in the Mahara and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas today (17).

Sri Lanka’s current growth level insufficient to create jobs - World Bank experts say

Sri Lanka’s current economic growth rates will not be sufficient to create jobs for one million people entering the workforce in the next decade, a leading World Bank economist said.

Police beef up security at religious sites

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has instructed all Senior DIGs and DIGs to take necessary measures to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful environment during the upcoming festive season, with special focus on religious sites.

Trump expands US travel ban to five more countries

President Donald Trump has expanded a US travel ban, barring nationals of five additional countries and people travelling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents from entering the US.

Chinese NPC Vice Chairman arrives in Sri Lanka

Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China, arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday for a three-day official visit.

Construction sector momentum continues with 12.2% growth in 3Q

The Sri Lankan construction sector recorded a robust double-digit growth of 12.2 percent in the third quarter of 2025, maintaining its recovery momentum and catalysing broader activity across the real estate and professional services sectors.

EU delivers €5million disaster relief to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka received a significant boost to its disaster relief operations on December 17, as a special cargo plane from Germany and Luxembourg landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) carrying 69,000 kilograms of essential supplies valued at €5 million.

IRD records highest-ever revenue, surpasses 2025 target

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has generated additional tax revenue of Rs. 50 billion, surpassing its 2025 revenue target of Rs. 2,195 billion, and recording the highest revenue performance in its recent history.

Turkish airlines flight makes safe landing at BIA

A Turkish Airlines passenger flight safely landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake last night after reporting a landing gear malfunction, airport officials confirmed.

BIA on standby as Turkish Airlines flight reports landing gear issue

The runway at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has been readied for an emergency landing after a Turkish Airlines passenger flight reported a landing gear malfunction, airport officials confirmed.

Goods train successfully operates from China Bay to Seeduwa

A goods train operated successfully from China Bay to Seeduwa today, despite disruptions to rail services on the Eastern Line caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Railways Department said.

PSG ordered to pay Mbappe 60m euros

Paris St-Germain have been ordered to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe 60m euros (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses by a French court.