US and Russia hold peace talks in Abu Dhabi as missiles pound Kyiv

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has held unannounced talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi as part of an intense new push by President Donald Trump’s administration to end the war in Ukraine and more meetings were expected on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka implements new measures to strengthen gem industry

The government has introduced a series of regulatory measures to support and modernize the country’s gem industry, following approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.

No discussions on appointing Dhammika Perera as SriLankan Chairman: Nalinda

There has been no discussion on appointing businessesman Dhammika Perera as the Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Cabinet moves to strengthen Colombo Port City legal framework

The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021, aimed at enhancing tax incentives, improving regulatory supervision, and implementing institutional restructuring. The approvals were granted during Cabinet meetings held on July 7 and October 13, 2025.

Former SLBFE Chairman Mohammed Hilmi arrested

Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), Mohammed Hilmi, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on corruption charges.

Australia senator suspended after burka stunt in parliament

An Australian senator has been suspended for a week after wearing a burka in parliament to push for a ban on the Muslim garment.

Cabinet approves Rs. 360 million procurement of rabies vaccines

The Cabinet has approved the procurement of 3,000,000 inactivated doses of rabies vaccine (0.5 ml/1 ml) for human use, valued at Rs. 360 million (excluding VAT).

Thousands of Sri Lankans secured construction jobs in Israel in 2025

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Sri Lanka and Israel, 3,575 Sri Lankans have secured employment in Israel’s construction sector during 2025.

Talent without brain or shame: Arjuna slams Sri Lanka cricket team

Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga criticised the current national team, saying the players possess talent but lack the brains to play intelligently and the shame to accept defeat gracefully.

Sri Lanka and Italy to update agreement on mutual recognition of driving licenses

The Cabine has approved a proposal to sign an updated bilateral agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licenses between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Italian People’s Government.

Complaint lodged with CID over A/L economics paper leak: Nalinda

A complaint was lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the alleged leak of the Advanced Level economics paper, following information received regarding the incident, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Flight attendants union denies air hostess link in child maintenance case

The Flight Attendants Union of Sri Lanka has issued a statement clarifying rumors surrounding a recent child maintenance court case. The union emphasized that the woman involved in proceedings with a prominent national cricketer is not an air hostess employed by any airline.

Cabinet approves end of new licenses for terrestrial analogue TV channels

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to immediately terminate the issuance of new licenses for terrestrial analogue television channels in Sri Lanka.

Woman claims magical powers, assaults teen in Anuradhapura

A woman who claims to possess a megical healing power and popularly known as ’Seetha Maniyo’ was arrested yesteday by the Horowpathana police for severely beating a 16 year old girl with a cane and causing her burn injuries with a red hot areca-nut cutter to cure her sickness.

Suspect drags Police Constable on car bonnet for 1.5 kms

A police constable attached to the Delwala Police was injured after a car attempted to flee during an inspection in Udapebotuwa, Nivitigala, police said.

No form of sexual harassment involving female employees of Parliament: Committee reveals

The committee that investigated into the alleged sexual harassment of female employees of Parliament has revealed that no incidents of sexual harassment have occurred involving any female officials in Parliament.

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.