Sri Lankan audiences must be given opportunity to watch international films: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that the advancement of cinema contributes to the spiritual and cultural development of a country’s citizens and that while safeguarding the domestic film industry, Sri Lankan audiences must be given the opportunity to watch international film productions.

4 dead after fire engulfs residential high-rise buildings in Hong Kong

A fire engulfed multiple high-rise towers of a residential housing complex in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district on Nov 26, with plumes of thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services battled to subdue the blaze.

Not invited to opposition rally on 21st: Ravi K

MP Ravi Karunanayake said today that he was not invited to the joint opposition rally in Nugegoda on November 21st this year.

Van driver arrested following Ratmalana police chase granted bail after one month

A van driver who was arrested last month following a dramatic police chase in Ratmalana was granted bail today by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, after spending nearly a month in remand custody.

Procedures for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw revealed

Find out more about the pots and the procedures which will govern the Final Draw on 5 December 2025.

GMOA’s strike to continue despite talks with Health Minister

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to continue its ongoing trade union action, despite a discussion held with the Health Minister this morning where only partial agreement was reached on several issues.

Flood warning issued as Senanayake Samudra Reservoir reaches capacity

The Irrigation Department has warned that the Senanayake Samudra Reservoir in Ampara, is reaching full capacity following heavy rainfall in the upper and middle catchment areas of the Gal Oya Basin.

Jakarta rises to world’s largest city

Tokyo has lost its long-held title as the world’s most populous megacity and now ranks third, according to a new report.

FR petition on elephant deaths involving train driver to be heard on December 3

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by a group of environmental activists seeking an order for disciplinary and legal action against a 67-year-old engine driver, who has allegedly been involved in seven separate elephant fatalities on the Batticaloa–Colombo railway line, was fixed for December 3 by the Supreme Court today.

Sri Lankan student in Bengaluru blackmailed after video call by insta ’friend’

A 24-year-old Sri Lankan national in Bengaluru has fallen victim to an online sextortion racket involving an unidentified individual who first contacted him through Instagram.

South Africa thrash India by 408 runs to clinch Test series 2-0

Spinner Simon Harmer took six wickets as South Africa romped to victory by 408 runs in the second Test for their first series win in India in 25 years on Wednesday.

Two Chinese nationals arrested at BIA for stealing Rs. 483,855 from monk

Two Chinese nationals were arrested yesterday (25) by Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Police for allegedly stealing foreign currency worth Rs. 483,855 from a Buddhist monk on an aircraft in transit.

One spouse is enough, Vatican tells world’s Catholics

Happily ever after doesn’t require any complicated maths, the Vatican said on Tuesday for Catholics, one spouse is enough.

Eight foreign warships to join Sri Lanka’s IFR 2025

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has unveiled plans for its 75th anniversary celebrations, centered on the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, which will see eight warships from seven nations—Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Russia—joining the Sri Lanka Navy fleet. The event, themed “Sailing Strong Together,” aims to showcase Sri Lanka’s naval traditions while promoting international maritime cooperation.

5G spectrum space auction soon: Deputy Minister

The Government will hold a grand auction to sell 5G spectrum space soon, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne told Parliament today.

Fisherfolk should not always depend on fuel subsidy: Minister

Fisherfolk should not always be dependent on fuel subsidies, Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar told Parliament today.

New Zealand mother jailed for life over ‘suitcase murders’ of her children

A New Zealand woman who murdered her two children and hid their bodies in suitcases at a storage facility has been sentenced to life in prison.

Losses incurred by government from bond scam yet to be determined: PM

The losses the country has suffered as a result of the famous bond scam in 2015 are yet to be determined, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Allocation for education will be increased gradually: PM

Funds allocated for education will be gradually increased to 6 per cent of the GDP, Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

China donates Rs. 43 million worth of materials to support women and children in Sri Lanka

The All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) has donated materials valued at 1,000,000 RMB (approximately Rs. 43 million) to support the wellbeing and development of women and children in Sri Lanka. The donation includes equipment for a mother-and-baby room, a childcare centre for children of Parliament staff, and women’s hygiene products to be distributed through the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.

Upcountry train services adjusted due to weather

The Railways Department has announced adjustments to Upcountry train services today due to adverse weather conditions.

Railways propose daytime operation of night mail trains to protect wild elephants

The Sri Lanka Railway Department is considering shifting certain night mail trains to daytime operations in areas frequently visited by wild elephants, following safety concerns raised by train drivers and unions.

Heavy rains, floods loom as low-pressure system intensifies

A developing low-pressure system near the South Andaman Sea is set to bring torrential rains and raise flood risks across several provinces, authorities warned. With major rivers already at high levels, residents in low-lying areas are being urged to stay alert and follow official flood warnings.

10 factories caught making Madana Modaka illegally

The Ayurvedic Medicines Regulatory Authority (NAMR) says that about 10 places in the country are making Madana Modaka illegally. These factories use too much hemp, more than what is allowed by law.

Altered LTTE flags used abroad to evade legal action

In a bid to circumvent legal restrictions abroad, pro- LTTE Tamil diaspora activists have reportedly been using versions of the organisation’s insignia that are only slightly altered, making them appear similar to the original while attempting to avoid scrutiny from foreign authorities, an informed source said.

Sri Lanka HIV cases surge, despite decline in global cases

While the world has made major progress in reducing HIV, Sri Lanka is moving in the opposite direction, according to the latest data.

UN committee to conduct torture prevention visit to SL

Sri Lanka has been included in a new round of country visits planned by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) for 2026, the body announced following its latest session in Geneva.

Thai woman’s cremation stopped as knocking on coffin heard, temple staff say

A woman thought to be dead, who was about to be cremated at a Buddhist temple in the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, has been found alive by staff.

UDA to lease Pettah Floating Market to Japanese for $160 million

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is preparing to lease the Pettah Floating Market Complex to a Japanese investor for US$160 million.

Govt. must stop the blame game and protect the nation

Recent events in the United Kingdom, where JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva was met with coordinated protests by pro-LTTE separatist groups, should serve as a wake-up call to the Government of Sri Lanka.