FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: What Sri Lankan Fans Need to Know

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the qualification picture is becoming clearer as nations across every continent scramble for their place at the expanded 48-team tournament. Co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, the competition will feature more teams than ever before — and as of now, 32 countries have already sealed their spots.

Pakistan Begin T20I Tri-Series Tonight vs Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi

Hosts open week-long event as Sri Lanka await; Nissanka nears major milestone.

Sri Lanka could have reached 3 million tourist arrivals, if BIA terminal had been expanded: Deputy Minister

Claiming that some 30 to 40 Winter Charter flights have to be cancelled within a week due to the delay in expansion of the passenger terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said today if those flights could have been accommodated, Sri Lanka could have reached the target of 3 million tourist arrivals this year.

Sri Lanka still to come to agreement with U.S. on reciprocal tariffs: Minister

Sri Lanka is yet to reach any final agreement to be inked with the United States on reciprocal tariffs, and discussions are still underway regarding the matter, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

Woman killed in shooting at Meetiyagoda

A woman was killed in a shooting incident reported at Dombanwila in Meetiyagoda today, Police said.

Air India to resume flights to China after nearly six years

Air India said on Monday it will resume New Delhi-China flights starting February 2026, nearly six years after suspension, as recent diplomatic steps are seen as cautiously reopening bilateral links.

Sri Lanka gets USD 300 million support from ADB

Sri Lanka has signed loan agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to receive USD 300 million. The funds will support three main programs to strengthen the financial sector, improve the economy, and develop tourism.

Police have violated the Constitution: Amarapura Nikaya Mahanayaka Thera

Mahanayaka Thera of the Amarapura Chapter, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithrimurthi Thera, in a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has expressed his dismay at the incident at the Bodhiraja Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya in Trincomalee.

1938 toll-free Women’s Helpline receives 2,182 complaints on violence against women

A total of 2,182 complaints related to violence against women have been reported from November 2024 to October this year through the 1938 toll-free Women’s Helpline operated by the National Committee on Women (NCW) under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

President assures GMOA’s proposals, requests will be considered in due course

A discussion between the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was held this morning at the Presidential Secretariat where the President noted that the proposals and requests presented by the Government Medical Officers’ Association will be considered in due course.

All detained BYD vehicles released, Court of Appeal informed

The Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) today informed the Court of Appeal that all BYD vehicles previously detained by the Department have now been released, in line with the agreement reached between the parties at the earlier hearing.

Dasun Shanaka to lead Sri Lanka for Pakistan tri-series

Sri Lanka will field a side under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka for the upcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan, after captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando were ruled out due to illness.

Joshua to fight YouTube star Paul in December

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight YouTube star Jake Paul in a professional bout on 19 December.

Bangladesh urges India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, aide

Bangladesh’s interim government on Monday urged India to immediately extradite deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, hours after a special tribunal sentenced them to death in absentia for ’’crimes against humanity’’.

Government to introduce stable price for big onions

The government has decided to introduce a stable price for big onions in a manner that is fair to farmers, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Delhi’s alleged car bomb attacker named by investigators

Indian investigators have named the man who they claim was driving the car that blew up last Monday near the landmark Red Fort monument in capital Delhi.

Market starts the week on a weak note amid profit-taking and high volatility

The Colombo Stock Exchange opened the week on a negative footing on Monday (17th November 2025), as both benchmark indices declined sharply, weighed down by profit-taking following the conclusion of the earnings season and heightened intraday volatility.

NMRA announces controlled prices for 350 medicines to benefit patients

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) today announced controlled prices for 350 types of medicines, aiming to make essential treatments more affordable for the public.

TU action by GMOA continues as talks fail

The trade union action launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) continues, with discussions held with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake failing to produce a satisfactory outcome.

New Bill aimed at countering terrorism will be out soon: Minister

A new Bill aimed at countering terrorism will be out for public consultation soon, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today.

'More relief than euphoria' - Norway end long wait

For the first time in a generation Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector hits new high as visitor arrivals cross 2 million

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues its robust recovery, surpassing the 2 million foreign visitor mark in 2025. The milestone was celebrated with the arrival of French tourists Raphael Caron and his wife Claire Charlet at Katunayake Airport today.

21-year-old woman found dead near Ratnapura dam

The body of a 21-year-old woman was discovered floating near the dam of a small hydroelectric power plant in the Rathgama Water Canal, within the Wewelwatte Police Division, Ratnapura.

ITAK calls for Tamil NPP members to resign over Trincomalee statue controversy

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has demanded the immediate resignation of all Tamil members of the National People’s Power (NPP), including Trincomalee District MP and Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, following the government’s handling of a Buddha statue installation in Trincomalee.

Kumar Sangakkara replaces Rahul Dravid as Rajasthan Royals head coach for IPL 2026

Former Sri Lanka captain and wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara will now hold a dual responsibility at the Rajasthan Royals after being appointed as the franchise’s head coach for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death

Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in abstentia by a court in Dhaka for crimes against humanity over a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.

SLFP suspends members who backed NPP budgets

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) said it would take strict disciplinary action against party members who supported the National People’s Power (NPP) during recent budget approvals in local government bodies.

Indian pilgrims’ bus crashes in Saudi Arabia; 45 killed, says Hyderabad top cop

At least 45 people were charred to death after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah, according to local media in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The victims are believed to be Indian nationals, with several reportedly from Hyderabad.

Bangladesh’s ousted PM Hasina convicted in students crackdown case

A Bangladesh court convicted ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity on Monday, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.

Former Geological Survey Chief granted bail

Anura Walpola, former Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, has been granted bail in connection with his alleged unlawful recruitment of K. Dulani Anupama as Assistant Director in 2020.