Environmental groups vow not to allow project to proceed at same location

Concerns were raised after it was revealed that construction work on the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium had commenced without obtaining mandatory environmental clearance.

Japan to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan by 2031

Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles to its remote western island near Taiwan by March 2031, its defence minister said, as regional tensions simmer.

The loneliest train in the world?

A train halted near the Ulapane–Warakapitiya Railway Station has remained stranded for four months after a landslide triggered by heavy rains associated with the Ditwah cyclone caused severe damage to the railway line, railway department sources said.

Air Force hands over modern IT facility to rural school

In line with its forthcoming 75th Anniversary, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) ceremonially handed over a fully equipped Information Technology (IT) laboratory to BT/BT/Koddaimunai Kanishta Vidyalaya in Batticaloa.

Sri Lankan probed at Italy cricket scandal

I talian cricket is in crisis days after the country’s T20 World Cup debut, as it emerged that a senior national governing body official has been investigated over a sexual assault allegation.

Spiritual godfather of cricketers passes away

Charismatic clergyman, Rev Fr. Stephan Abraham who was the rector of St. Anthony’s College at Katugastota, a school that produced many a cricketer, passed away last Saturday.

Aghanistan appoint new head coach after Trott’s departure

The Afghanistan Cricket Board have named Richard Pybus as Jonathan Trott’s successor.

Exports rebound sharply in January

The local export sector kicked off 2026 on a firmer footing with January earnings rising 13.7 percent year-on-year (YoY) to US$ 1.53 billion, offering an early boost to foreign exchange inflows and growth expectations.

Brook’s blazing 100 fires England into T20 World Cup Semis

Captain Harry Brook smashed a sensational maiden T20I century to steer the England cricket team into the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a thrilling two-wicket win over the Pakistan national cricket team in Pallekele.

Committee appointed to review coal supply to Norochcholai Power Plant

The Ministry of Energy has appointed a seven-member committee to evaluate the current coal supply mechanism to the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant, the Ministry said in a statement.

New Governor of Southern Province sworn in

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Professor Susiripala Manawadu as the new Governor of the Southern Province.

Woman fined Rs. 1,000 for filming father giving evidence before court

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000 on a female suspect who pleaded guilty to video recording on her mobile phone, her father giving evidence from the dock when he appeared before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court in connection with a case.

Former Trade Secretary arrested over Mahapola Lottery corruption

Former Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Priyanka Madduma Bandara, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the Commission said.

Three envoys present credentials to President

Three newly appointed Ambassadors-designate presented their Letters of Credence to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (24).

Over US$ 2 Mn penalty on substandard coal shipment – Minister

The first coal shipment, containing 59,831 metric tons, was found to be below the required calorific value standard and a penalty of approximately US$ 2.07 million was imposed, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Full fixtures for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 unveiled

Twelve sides will compete in the 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup starting June 12.

Sri Lanka pushes for Middle East nuclear-weapon-free zone at UN talks

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, addressed the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva on 23 February, reaffirming the country’s firm commitment to global disarmament and multilateral cooperation.

Trump’s new tariff comes into effect at lower than expected rate

US President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs have come into effect at 10% despite a pledge to introduce them at a higher rate.

Communist Party raises concerns over coal fraud

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka added its voice to the growing public outcry in response to the unfolding revelations surrounding the coal procurement scandal. These revelations have, once again, exposed the deep rooted corruption embedded within the neoliberal governance framework that has dominated the country’s economic management for decades, according to a statement from the party.

Railway Trade Unions oppose cut to disaster loans for employees

The Railway Department has reportedly taken steps to reduce the disaster loan amount granted to railway employees, sparking strong opposition from trade unions.

Cabinet approves ground and cargo handling contracts for SriLankan Airlines in Paris

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the award of Passenger Handling and Ground Handling Services, as well as Cargo Handling Services contracts for SriLankan Airlines at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Portugal Foreign Minister meets Vijitha Herath

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Paulo Rangel, met Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath this morning.

Customs officers launch black armband protest over promotion delays

The Customs Trade Union Alliance said that customs officers will commence a symbolic trade union action from today (24 February) by performing official duties while wearing black armbands across all customs offices in the country.

Probe underway after illness kills 72 tigers in Thai tourist park

Authorities in Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, are investigating the deaths of dozens of tigers at a popular tourist attraction this month.

Sri Lanka names new Ambassadors to Ethiopia and Iran

The Committee on High Posts of Parliament has approved the nominations of two Heads of Mission and a Ministry Secretary.

Closure of Mas Holdings factories could be blow for economy: Sajith

Closure of two factories belonging to Mas Holdings could be a blow to the Sri Lankan economy as 26,000 people will lose their employment as a result, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Former Police Inspector arrested over Weligama shooting in 2023

Former Police Inspector Jagath Nishantha, wanted in connection with a shooting near a prominent hotel in Weligama on December 31, 2023, has been arrested.

State of Play: Equation for teams in race for semis at T20WC

After an exciting group phase, eight teams - the Super Eight - remain in contention for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 crown.

A long-awaited reform: Understanding Sri Lanka’s proposed rescue, rehabilitation and insolvency law

Sri Lanka has long recognised the need to modernise its insolvency framework, yet meaningful reform has remained in the pipeline for years.

Defence Secretary inspects Neville Fernando Hospital under SLAF management

Following the recent Cabinet decision to hand over the management of the Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) in Malabe to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha paid an official inspection visit to the hospital yesterday (23 February).