Two climbers die after fall on New Zealand’s highest peak

Two climbers have died after falling from New Zealand’s highest peak on Aoraki, or Mount Cook, which is known for its brutal terrain.

Ranasinghe Premadasa mastered English language proficiency through self education: Sajith

While stressing the need to promote English education in the country, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today that former President Ranasinghe Premadasa mastered his English language proficiency through self education by spending more time in the Parliament library.

Air India cancels multiple flights as Ethiopian volcanic ash drifts into Indian airspace

Air India cancelled multiple flights after initiating precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over regions affected by the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, as an ash cloud from the eruption continued to disrupt flight paths across several countries, including India. The cancellations came as the ash plume spread rapidly, impacting airspace over western and northern India.

Global spike pushes local gold prices up

Gold prices in Sri Lanka witnessed a significant rise today (25), in line with a sharp increase in global gold rates.

Police launch manhunt for Valachchenai PS Chairman

Police have launched an investigation to arrest the Chairman of the Valachchenai Pradeshiya Sabha, who is reported to have fled the area following the controversial removal of archaeological signboards in the Batticaloa District.

Moulavi complains over threats after Joint Opposition rally

A Moulavi who participated in religious activities at the recent Joint Opposition rally in Nugegoda has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), alleging that he received threats over his involvement.

Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae music pioneer, dies at 81

Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached joy, defiance and resilience in his classics, has died at 81.

AL Economics paper leaked, alleges MP

Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake today called for a probe to determine whether some questions in the GCE Advanced Level examinations have been leaked.

For 1st time, Indian Army to honour heroes of 1980s Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka

In a move that will assuage veterans of Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka in the late-1980s, the Army chief will pay homage at National War Memorial on Tuesday to honour the sacrifice of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran and other soldiers during Operation Pawan, the Times of India reported.

Never demanded 6% budgetary allocation of GDP for education in one year: Prime Minister

Claiming that they never demanded a budget allocation of 6 per cent of the GDP for education in one year, Education Minister and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said today that 2.04 percent of the GDP has been allocated for education this year.

Two arrested over Rs. 36 million Wi-Fi antenna scam

Two suspects have been arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with a fraud case involving over Rs. 36 million.

15,000 families living in landslide and rockfall risk areas: NBRO warns

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned that nearly 15,000 families are living in 250 high-risk areas across the country, making them vulnerable to landslides and rockfalls.

Deputy Minister verbally abused female journalist-alleges opposition MP

A female journalist was subjected to verbal abuse within the parliamentary premises, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chamindranee Kiriella told the House yesterday.

Nearly one-fifth of Sri Lankans suffer from depression: Study

Depression in Sri Lanka is alarmingly high, with nearly one-fifth or 19.4 per cent of the total Sri Lankan population suffering from it. In a comparison with other Asian countries, the prevalence of depression in Sri Lanka is notably higher, with only 16.1 per cent of Asians experiencing this mental health condition, according to a joint study by the University of Peradeniya and the University of Kelaniya.

Complaints against police surge

The National Police Commission has recorded a steady increase in public complaints against the Sri Lanka Police from 2021 to 2024, according to its latest audit report.

Wartime flying restriction over Parliament, Akuregoda defence headquarters to be reduced

The government is planning to relax wartime restrictions on aircraft flying over the parliamentary complex and the defence headquarters in Akuregoda, a deputy Minister said yesterday.

Saudi Arabia to open more alcohol stores as curbs ease: Reports

Saudi Arabia plans to open two new alcohol stores, including one serving non-Muslim, foreign staff at state oil giant Aramco, as the kingdom further eases restrictions, according to people briefed on the plans.

Trump says he will visit China in April after call with Xi

President Donald Trump has said he agreed to visit Beijing in April and invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit later next year, following a phone call between the two leaders.

NBA coach Billups pleads not guilty to Mafia-linked gambling racket: prosecutors

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty Monday to alleged involvement in Mafia-linked illegal gambling schemes that rocked the NBA, prosecutors said.

Mobile drug-testing bus launched for passenger transport workers

A mobile testing bus designed to detect drug use among passenger bus drivers and conductors was launched today by the National Transport Medicine Institute (NTMI) at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre.

Roadworthiness certificate to be made mandatory for all buses from January 1

A new gazette will be issued making it compulsory for all buses including long-distance passenger transport buses to obtain a basic roadworthiness certificate from January 1, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake announced today.

Badulla-Colombo main road obstructed from Haldummulla

The Badulla-Colombo main road has been completely obstructed from Haldummulla due to a collapse of an earth mound across the road, Haldummulla Divisional Secretary K.A.G. Priyangika said.

Doctor arrested over sexual abuse of patient in Kahathuduwa

A 40-year-old doctor has been arrested for sexually abusing a 26-year-old woman at the Wethara District Hospital in Kahathuduwa.

ASPI suffers sharp sell-off as panic selling deepens market correction

The Colombo Stock Exchange came under heavy pressure on Monday (24th November 2025), as the ASPI plunged 337.84 points (-1.47%) to close at 22,644.88, marking one of its steepest single-day declines in recent weeks. The index has now retreated 4.8% from its all-time high, edging closer to the 5% correction threshold.

Card payments on buses not a miracle: Minister

Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayaka says the introduction of credit and debit card payments for bus fares, launched today, is not a miracle but an important step toward building a more disciplined and reliable public transport system.

Plans to construct separate terminal for domestic flights at BIA: Minister

The government is planning to conduct a feasibility study next year on constructing a separate terminal for domestic flights at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Aruna Karunathilake said today.

Metro bus service to become new vibe in public transport: Deputy Minister

The proposed metro bus service will be developed into a new culture and a new vibe in public transport system, which will be the model for the public transport system in the future, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena said today.

Hotel De Plaza staff assaulted by customers, Management issues official statement

The management of Hotel De Plaza has clarified the events surrounding an incident that occurred on November 22, following videos circulating on social media.

Sri Lanka urges Canada to prevent activities that promote separatist ideologies in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has urged the Canadian Government to prevent activities that promote separatist ideologies in Sri Lanka, including the recognition of the LTTE insignia and activities aimed at fostering divisions among the ethnic communities in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka condoles Vietnam over devastating floods

Foreign Minister Vijith Herath expressed deep sorrow over the severe floods in Vietnam.