A’pura doctor rape case Suspect given six-month sentence, suspended for two years for smartphone robbery

The suspect, who is alleged to have raped a lady doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital and robbed her of the smartphone belonging to her was sentenced to six months’ compulsory imprisonment and fined Rs. 1,500 by Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Pasindu Wickremaratne when the suspect pleaded guilty to the latter charge. Suspect K.B. Maduranga Ratnayake, of Galnewa in Anuradhapura, was a former soldier.

Oxford Union apologises to Namal for not allowing him to talk

While apologising to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa for not being able to proceed with his address to the Union, the Oxford Union has informed Namal that it had been rescheduled for a future date so that the lecture could be delivered without compromising the safety of the attendees.

Government on warpath with Laugfs Gas

The government which had faulted Laugfs Gas for the issue in gas supply had summoned its officials for a discussion this week, it was reported yesterday.

Heavy showers to ease, but storm aftermath looms across Sri Lanka

Lower atmospheric disturbance that is currently prevailing has caused a minor flood situation in Manampitiya and in Kandy district, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said yesterday.

Minister, MP clash in Parliament over allegation

A verbal clash erupted between Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody and opposition MP Ajith P. Perera, after the latter came up with an allegation that the Minister was removed from the Fertiliser Corporation due to a

Moratorium on foreign research totally an unwise decision, meant to serve political agendas: Expert

The government’s moratorium on foreign research vessels is totally an unwise decision and meant to serve the political agendas only, an expert said.

Mastermind, shooter identified in lawyer, spouse murder: Minister

Public Security Minister Ananada Wijepala yesterday revealed that the mastermind and shooter involved in the murder of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife at Akuregoda, Thalangama have been identified and that

Divisional Secretaries up in arms against political interference in land administration

The Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries has alleged that the private secretary to Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath had been severely interfering with their work, particularly in the discharge of duties

Health issues prevent Maithree Wickremesinghe from appearing before CID

Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe has informed the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that she is unable to appear before them yesterday to record a statement regarding

Over six tonnes of drugs seized, 100,000 arrested in four months

In less than four months since the launch of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation on October 30, 2025, police have uncovered the staggering scale of Sri Lanka’s drug crisis, seizing more than 6,000 kilograms of narcotics and

Chamara says he warned of gas crisis, says new supplier lacks capacity

While claiming that he had predicted a looming gas shortage months ago, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake yesterday told Parliament that the crisis had materialised because the new supplier selected by the government lacked the capacity to ensure a steady supply.

No need for panic buying ahead of 2.5% SSCL on imported vehicles: Merenchige

The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) urged the public not to resort to panic buying of vehicles ahead of the Government’s decision to impose a 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) on imported vehicles from April 1, 2026.

Sarath Fonseka claims Rajapaksa’s tried to let LTTE leaders surrender ‘If it had happened, Prabhakaran could have been Chief Minister now’

Dropping another bombshell, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka revealed yesterday that Rajapaksas had negotiated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Amnesty International to allow LTTE leaders including Velupillai Prabhakaran to surrender whereas the army wanted to wipe them out, and claimed that if they were to surrender, Prabhakaran would have been the Chief Minister of the North now.

Staff members, civil society activists up in arms against transfer of Badulla District Secretary

The staff of the Badulla District Secretariat, the Divisional Secretariat and representatives of civil society organizations yesterday staged a protest in front of the District Secretariat against the transfer of District Secretary Panduka Sri

Anti-corruption drive key to Sri Lanka growth: IMF chief

With the current government committed to good governance and anti-corruption reforms, visiting Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva said that Sri Lanka now has a unique opportunity to

Japan seeks further improvement of business climate in Sri Lanka

In order to attract investment and encourage market entry into Sri Lanka, Japan has emphasized that it is essential to further improve the business environment by addressing challenges faced by Japanese companies operating in the

Sri Lanka emerges as cheapest place to retire in 2026

Sri Lanka has been named the most affordable destination to retire in 2026 by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine.

Foreign tourist visiting Sigiriya trampled to death by wild elephant

A foreign tourist on a visit to Sigiriya had been trampled to death by a wild elephant at Pidurangala area. Victim Prof. Joe Anton, 67, was a Hungarian tourist.

No grounds to remand: Court frees officers in Jinthupitiya case

Colombo Additional Magistrate Oshadha Migara Maharachchi yesterday ordered that a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable, who were produced before court on suspicion of failing to prevent a shooting incident in the Jinthupitiya

Two suspects detained

The two suspects taken into custody in connection with the murder of Attorney at Law Buddhika Mallawarahchci and his wife at Akuregoda in Thalangama were produced yesterday before Kaduwela Magistrate Indrajith Buddhadasa and

Vehicle importers warn SSCL changes could raise taxes despite Govt. claims

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has hit back at recent remarks by Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha, warning that changes to the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) could dramatically increase taxes on

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka seal Super 8

Public urged to complain without fear against dirty eateries

Health officials say their hands are often tied when it comes to taking action against unhygienic food outlets, as many customers who raise concerns on social media fail to lodge formal complaints.

High influx of Indian tourists for T20 World Cup boosts tourism for February

Due to the highly anticipated India against Pakistan T20 cricket match, which was held on February 15, a large group of Indian tourists have entered Colombo, which increased tourism for February compared to the previous years, with a total of 18,819 Indians entering Colombo from 1 - 12 February, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Sri Lanka turns more optimistic amidst strong government approval - Mood of the Nation poll

The approval rating of the government polled at 65% in early-February 2026, in the latest round of the Gallup style “Mood of the Nation” poll by Verité Research. With a ±3 percentage point error margin, the approval rating has remained statistically stable from the 62% polled a year ago. The polling partner was Vanguard Survey (Pvt) Ltd.

Rock rolls down the hill crushing two workers to death

A huge boulder which had rolled down a hill had crushed two workers who were blasting rocks in a quarry about 300ft below at Mapitiya in Bandarawela on Saturday (14). Their bodies were recovered by the police with the help of the army.

I will reveal who is preventing unity within the opposition soon: Ravi K

Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake yesterday said he will name the few people who are preventing unity within the opposition in the coming weeks.

Power tariff hikes are temporary : Deputy Minister

Government to implement a long term plan for reducing electricity tariffs over a three year period as promised.

NPP lawyers demand swift justice for attorney and wife brutally killed

While condemning the assassination of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife, lawyers of the National People’s Power (NPP) urged the government to accelerate its efforts to restore public safety and the rule of law. They said in a statement that they expect that the National People’s Power government, elected for the dignity and well-being of all citizens, will fulfil its responsibility.

GMOA halts submitting vital data to Health Ministry, threatening national healthcare sector

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to further intensify its ongoing trade union action, a move that is increasingly disrupting public healthcare services and posing a threat to the national health system while inconveniencing patients.