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.

Sri Lanka Unveil T20I Squad for India Tour Ahead of Women’s World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming five-match Women’s T20 International series against India, marking an important step in their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.

Japan extends $2.5 million emergency grant to Sri Lanka

The Japanese government has decided to provide an emergency grant of $2.5 million to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by a cyclone that struck the country in late November, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday.

Pathum Nissanka picked by Delhi Capitals for INR 4 Crore

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been signed by the Delhi Capitals for INR 4 crore at the IPL 2026 player auction held in Abu Dhabi.

Pramodya Wickramasinghe appointed chairman of National Cricket Selection Committee

Pramodya Wickramasinghe has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Cricket Selection Committee.

NPP-led Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha budget defeated by one vote

The inaugural budget of the Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated at a council meeting held today.

Red landslide warnings lifted; amber alerts extended

Previously issued Level 3 (Red) landslide warnings have been lifted, while Level 2 (Amber) and Level 1 (Yellow) warnings have been extended in several districts after authorities reviewed current ground conditions and recent rainfall.

Trump under fire for ‘loathsome’ post about death of Rob Reiner and wife

President Donald Trump is under fire over his comments on the deaths of legendary Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, who were found fatally stabbed at their Los Angeles home Sunday.

Rains return as country battles to recover from Ditwah

Showery weather has returned to several parts of the country, with the Meteorology Department warning that rain will continue over the Northern and Eastern regions during the next few days under the influence of an Easterly wave.

KKR Splash ₹18 Crore on Matheesha Pathirana at IPL 2026 Auction

Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana landed a blockbuster deal at the IPL 2026 auction, with Kolkata Knight Riders snapping him up for a massive ₹18 crore.

Wanindu Hasaranga Joins LSG for IPL 2026 at ₹2 Crore

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have snapped up Sri Lankan spin star Wanindu Hasaranga at the IPL 2026 Mini Auction, securing the all-rounder for ₹2.00 crore.

Police release suspect photo in Mahawa shop burglaries

Mahawa Police have released a photograph of a suspect wanted in connection with recent shop burglaries in the area.

Create Ministry for disaster management: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to create a Ministry for disaster management to be in charge of preventing and managing disasters.

Probe launched into police action involving Ranwala’s accident: Nalinda

Investigation has been launched into whether there had been any negligence of duties or delays in implementing the law on the part of the police when taking action against the road accident involving former Speaker MP Ashoka Ranwala, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Government pledges continued support for mothers and children

Even amid challenging circumstances, the government remains committed to investing in mothers and children, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj said today.

Cabinet approves expansion of medical supply storage

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to expand the storage capacity of the Medical Supply Division, which operates under the Health and Mass Media Ministry.

Six Thai women arrested in Kollupitiya brothel

Six Thai nationals were arrested after police raided a brothel allegedly operating under the guise of a spa in Kollupitiya.

Cabinet approves commemorative stamps for 50 years of Sri Lanka–Saudi ties

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to issue two commemorative stamps celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.

Cabinet approves release of Yala paddy stocks to market

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved steps to mill and release paddy stocks purchased during the last Yala season by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) using funds allocated for 2025.

Cabinet approves key appointments in state departments

The Cabinet Ministers has approved appointments to two senior positions in Sri Lanka’s state administrative services, following recent vacancies.

Judicial digitalisation project gets Cabinet nod

The Government has identified the digitalisation of Sri Lanka’s judicial system as a national priority, with the aim of improving efficiency, transparency and access to justice.