Not hesitant to work for the country, if invited: Mahinda Samarasinghe

Claiming that the government never called him back, outgoing Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe said he is not hesitant to render his service for the country, if the government invited him.

Katunayake police officer shot; drug suspect escapes

A police officer was admitted to the Negombo Hospital after being shot during an incident in the Gamamottawa area of Katunayake this afternoon (15), after an arrested drug suspect allegedly snatched the officer’s service firearm and escaped.

Sri Lankan-run dealership convicted in New Zealand’s first odometer tampering case: The Press

A Sri Lankan-operated used car dealership in New Zealand has been convicted in what The Press, a Christchurch-based daily newspaper and news website, reported is the country’s first successful prosecution for odometer tampering under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act.

Showers expected in several provinces, strong winds forecast in several areas

The Meteorological Department has forecast a few showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts during the next 36 hours.

UNP-SJB unity needed to build strong opposition: Naveen Dissanayake

United National Party (UNP) National Organizer Naveen Dissanayake said that forming a strong opposition through cooperation between the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is the need of the present era.

Supreme Court fixes October 30 to hear FR petition over Ditwah response failure

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by a lawyer practicing and residing in Kandy, alleging failures by the President, the Cabinet of Ministers and several state authorities to take timely and coordinated action to mitigate the impact of cyclonic storm “Ditwah,” despite having prior notice of the impending disaster, was today fixed for support on October 30 by the Supreme Court.

Cardinal to file legal action against MP Chamara Sampath

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is to file legal action against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake for making false statements, Cardinal’s spokesman Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said today.

World Cup Final Week: Rivalries, Records and Glory Await

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its dramatic climax, with England and Argentina preparing for a blockbuster semi-final showdown as football’s biggest stars chase history. From Lionel Messi’s Golden Boot battle to Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham’s World Cup dreams, the final week promises unforgettable moments, legendary performances and a spectacular celebration of the beautiful game.

Y-12 aircraft hit by kite string; SLAF warns against flying kites near airports

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has urged the public to avoid flying kites near airports and runways after a Y-12 aircraft was forced to make an emergency return landing following a kite string-related safety incident during a training mission from Ratmalana Airport.

South Asia’s longest irrigation tunnel completed under North Central Canal project

Excavation work on South Asia’s longest irrigation tunnel, stretching 27.7 kilometres, was officially completed today (15) under the North Central Canal Project.

ICC explores 12-team ODI World Cup, WTC semi-finals and global franchise T20 event

The International Cricket Council (ICC) held its annual conference in Edinburgh last week, where senior officials discussed several key proposals that could shape the future of international cricket. With new broadcast rights negotiations on the horizon, the governing body explored possible changes to global tournaments, the international calendar, and the game’s formats to enhance both competitiveness and commercial value.

SriLankan aircraft circle Middle East skies for over an hour due to airspace closures

Two SriLankan Airlines aircraft were forced to circle over the Middle East for more than an hour after Kuwait and Saudi Arabia temporarily closed their airspaces following a sudden military escalation in the region, SriLankan Airlines Head of Corporate Communications Deepal Perera said.

World Cup fans left stunned by price of FIFA hospitality package for Sunday’s final

Spain booked their spot in the final on Tuesday after defeating France, with England and Argentina set to battle it out for their spot on Wednesday.

Govt steps up action on Ratnapura land, elephant conflict

The government has pledged to expedite solutions to long-standing land issues in the Kalthota and Weligepola divisions of Ratnapura District while introducing new measures to reduce human-elephant conflict in the area.

Sri Lanka begins talks on strengthening digital workforce and institutions

Sri Lanka has launched discussions with international development partners to strengthen the country’s digital transformation by focusing on human resources and institutional capacity alongside technology.

Special train services to Jaffna for Nallur Festival – Minister Bimal Rathnayake assures

Minister of Highways and Transport Bimal Rathnayake has assured that the government is paying attention to providing special train and bus services during the Nallur and Madhu festival seasons, two of the most significant religious festivals in Northern Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankans get chance to win Messi, Ronaldo jerseys

Sri Lankan football fans now have an unprecedented opportunity to own memorabilia signed by two of the greatest footballers of all time, as Ritzbury Roccoa launched a nationwide promotional campaign featuring what they claim are

Road accident in Anuradhapura kills two, injures pregnant woman

Two people were killed and a pregnant woman was seriously injured following a collision between a motorcycle and a “Sisu Seriya” school bus in the Mihindupura area of Anuradhapura this morning (15), police said.

Excavation at Chemmani mass grave resumes today

The third segment of the third phase of excavation at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna resumed on Wednesday morning.

Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon resigns

Central Province Governor Prof. Sarath Abeykoon has tendered his letter of resignation from the post of Governor to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, citing personal reasons.

Walk with an Elephant’ launched at Pinnawala

Visitors to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage can now take part in a unique ’’Walk with an Elephant’’ experience, offering an opportunity to observe the animals up close while learning about elephant conservation.

BIA handles 4.7 million passengers in first half of 2026

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) handled more than 4.7 million passenger movements during the first six months of 2026, highlighting continued growth in Sri Lanka’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Cuba plunged into third nationwide blackout in two weeks as power grid collapses

Cuba suffered another blackout of the National Electric System, or SEN, on Tuesday, leaving the entire island country without power, officials said, in what was the third such incident in less than two weeks as a US oil embargo stresses the island’s grid.

AKD gains 75.5% public satisfaction against Sajith’s 29.4%

Public satisfaction with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stands at 75.5%, significantly higher than the 29.4% satisfaction rating recorded by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, according to the latest Confidence in Democratic Governance Index released by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Social Indicator.

Former minister’s brother arrested over fraud

Former Provincial Councillor Jayalath Bandara Dissanayake, the brother of former Minister S.B. Dissanayake, has been arrested over allegations of financial fraud, according to police.

Dengue deaths near 50 as cases top 71,000

Sri Lanka’s dengue death toll has climbed to nearly 50, while the total number of reported infections has surpassed 71,000 so far this year, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).

Spain Stun France 2-0 to Reach FIFA World Cup Final

Spain produced a tactical masterclass to stun tournament favourites France 2-0 on Tuesday and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Super El Niño probability rises to 81%

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has raised the probability of the current El Niño developing into a Super El Niño to 81%. According to the latest outlook, there is a 97% chance that the climate pattern will persist at least until early spring 2027. If warming in the Pacific Ocean continues, this event could become one of the strongest recorded since the mid-20th century.

Gold prices ease globally, rupee depreciation limits fall in Sri Lanka

Gold prices have declined in international markets, with the downward trend also being reflected in Sri Lanka, although the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar has limited the impact of the decline on local prices, according to the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA).

Adani Group fastest to enter India’s top 10 most valuable brands: Report

The Adani Group has become the fastest brand to enter India’s ’Top 10 Most Valuable Brands’ for the first time, while Adani Power became the country’s top energy brand in the ’Brand Finance India 100 Report 2026’, it was announced on Tuesday.