Nandalal Weerasinghe wins “A Grade” in global recognition

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has been awarded the “A Grade” by Global Finance magazine at the 2025 World’s Best Central Bank Governors awards, held alongside the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington.

Several train services cancelled following landslide on upcountry line

Seven train services, including night mail trains, will be cancelled tonight due to a landslide on the Upcountry railway line, the Railways Department announced.

Valvettithurai massacre survivors file USD 15 Mn reparations claim

Survivors and relatives of victims of the 1989 Valvettithurai massacre have submitted a formal reparations claim to the Sri Lankan Office for Reparations, seeking USD 15 million (around LKR 4.5 billion) in compensation for the killings and destruction carried out by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) 36 years ago.

Two youths run over by lorry during Deepavali celebrations in Talawakelle

Two youths were seriously injured after being run over by a speeding lorry while lighting firecrackers in the centre of Talawakelle town early on Sunday (20), police said.

SJB MP Rohana Bandara decides to keep away from party activities

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohana Bandara said today that he has decided to keep away from party activities due to an internal issue.

Flood warning issued for low-lying areas along Deduru Oya

The Irrigation Department has warned of a possible flood situation in several low-lying areas along the Deduru Oya valley, following considerable rainfall in the upper and middle catchment areas as of 5.00 a.m. today.

Digital spot fines for traffic offences launched in Southern Province via GovPay platform

Spot fining for traffic offences in the Southern Province will be implemented through the GovPay digital payment platform starting today, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) W.P.J. Senadeera said.

Bolivia elects centre-right Rodrigo Paz as president

Bolivians have elected Rodrigo Paz of the centre-right Christian Democratic Party (PDC) as their new president, ending almost 20 years of governance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.

Govt. still uncertain on KKS Port development under US $ 62 million Indian grant

Despite the offer of over US $ 62 million grant by India, the government has not yet firmed up its decision on the development of the Kankesanthurai Port, an official said yesterday.

30-hour water disruption to hit parts of Galle

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 30-hour water cut affecting several areas in the Galle District from 8:00 a.m. today (20).

Adverse weather conditions destroy vegetable plantations in Badulla

Rains coming down in torrents has destroyed vegetable plantations in the Badulla District, it was reported yesterday.

Proceeds of Crime Investigation Division to begin operations

The Sri Lanka Police to set up a new unit, Proceeds of Crime Investigation Division (PCID), to investigate property acquired through criminal activities, today.

Suspect arrested with over 9kg of Kush

A person has been arrested in the Grandpass area of Colombo for the possession of 9 kilograms and 555 grams of Kush narcotics, police said.

EU’s sustainability laws drive Sri Lanka to revives organic farming

Ahead of the European Union’s plans to introduce more sustainability-related laws, Sri Lanka has decided to ramp up measures to promote the organic cultivation of fruits and vegetables targeting the export market, an official said yesterday.

Train services on Kelani Valley Line resumes

Train operations on the Kelani Valley Line have returned to normal this morning (20) following yesterday’s derailment between Kosgama and Avissawella railway stations.

Seven long-distance trains on upcountry line cancelled

Seven long-distance train services on the Upcountry Line have been cancelled tomorrow (21) following the derailment of the Kandy–Colombo Fort intercity express train near Ihala Kotte Railway Station this evening.

Train derails on Kelani Valley Line; services restricted to Kosgama

A train travelling from Colombo Fort to Avissawella derailed between the Kosgama and Avissawella Railway Stations at around 6.45 p.m. today, the Railways Department confirmed.

Israeli military launches attacks on Gaza, ceasefire under strain

The Israeli military said it launched air strikes and artillery fire at targets in southern Gaza on Sunday, dimming hopes that a U.S.-mediated ceasefire would lead to lasting peace as Israel traded blame with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Ihala Kotte derailment: Night mail trains cancelled

The Railways Department has announced the cancellation of the night mail trains from Colombo Fort to Badulla and from Badulla to Colombo Fort following a train derailment near Ihala Kotte Railway Station earlier today.

Train services restricted to Rambukkana following Ihal Kotte derailment

All train operations on the Main Line have been restricted to Rambukkana Railway Station, the Railways Department said today.

Thieves break into Louvre museum, steal ‘priceless jewellery’

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati on Sunday reported a theft at the Louvre in Paris as the world-renowned museum said it was closing for the day.

31 arrested in Nuwara Eliya during long weekend

Police in Nuwara Eliya have arrested 31 individuals, aged 18 to 35, from various parts of the island, on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs during the long weekend, police said.

Train derails near Ihala Kotte, disrupting upcountry line

An intercity express train traveling from Kandy to Colombo Fort at 3:00 pm derailed near Ihala Kotte Railway Station today, the Railways Department said.

Air China flight safely diverted to Shanghai after battery fire in cabin

An Air China flight turned into a scene of panic on Saturday when a lithium battery packed inside a passenger’s hand luggage suddenly caught fire mid-air. Flight CA139, which was travelling from Hangzhou to Seoul, had to make an emergency diversion to Shanghai-Pudong Airport after thick smoke began billowing from the overhead compartment.

Police report mandatory for election nominees, Says Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has announced that a police report will be mandatory for anyone seeking party nominations in the upcoming elections, to verify whether candidates have any involvement in drug-related or organized crime activities.

Stronger ground-level engagement needed for women and children, says Minister

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj has emphasized the need for stronger ground-level engagement to improve the lives of women and children in Sri Lanka, stating, “We must become even more active on the ground for the betterment of women and children in our country.”

Twelve injured in school bus accident in Ragama

A bus carrying a group of schoolchildren from Sapugaskanda met with an accident near the Batuwatte Railway Station in the Ragama Police Division this afternoon (19).

Millions join anti-Trump ’No Kings’ protests across US

Huge crowds have taken part in ’’No Kings’’ protests against President Donald Trump’s policies in cities across the US, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles.

Belarusian national arrested for cultivating cannabis in Akmeemana

A Belarusian national has been arrested by the Galle District Crime Division for cultivating cannabis inside a rented house in the Akmeemana area.

Consumer Affairs Authority collects over Rs. 27.8Mn in fines for overpriced bottled water

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has collected more than Rs. 27.8 million in fines over a six-month period by taking legal action against vendors who sold bottled drinking water at prices above the approved rates.