Deadly blast at least 8 killed as huge explosion rips through fireworks shop in China ahead of lunar New Year

A huge explosion ripped through a fireworks shop in a village in Jiangsu province, eastern China, leaving two others with minor burns.

Fishermen and Naval community urged to stay on high alert

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning for multiday boat operators and the naval community following the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, today.

President invited to undertake official visit to Pakistan

Pakistan’s Minister for Interior, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi conveyed Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to undertake an official visit to Pakistan during this year, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

President to visit India to attend AI Impact Summit 2026

At the special invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to depart for India tomorrow afternoon to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Low pressure area forming over Bay of Bengal: Met Department

A low pressure area is forming in the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology said.

Strict plastic ban to be enforced at Sri Pada

Strict regulations will be enforced under the ‘Samanola Siri – Haritha Wandana’ national mission to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Sri Pada from the harmful impact of plastic and polythene, Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka Project) S.P.C. Sugeeshwara said.

UK Deputy Prime Minister visits Sri Lanka to strengthen UK Sri Lanka partnership

UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy will visit Sri Lanka on Tuesday 17 February to reaffirm the UK–Sri Lanka partnership and witness the UK’s humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditwah.

New minimum paddy purchase prices announced

The government has announced the minimum prices at which the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) will purchase paddy from farmers for the 2025/2026 Maha season.

Namal slams govt for failing to take responsibility

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said, today criticised the government, accusing it of failing to take responsibility despite being in power for more than a year and a half.

UNP tells Public Security Minister to resign

The United National Party (UNP), which held Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala responsible for the deterioration of law and order, called for his resignation today.

Breakdown of family life is alarming: Cardinal

The breakdown of families in Sri Lanka is becoming an alarming situation in Sri Lanka, just like the rest of the world, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said.

Cricket fans arrive in 15 private jets for India–Pakistan World T20 clash

A large number of international cricket fans arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake aboard 15 special private jets to witness the high-profile India-Pakistan encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in Colombo on February 15.

Smith officially added to Australia T20 World Cup squad

Steven Smith has been officially added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, filling the spot created by Josh Hazlewood’s absence, meaning he is available to face Sri Lanka on Monday evening if needed.

Special arrangements in place for G.C.E. (O/L) examination 2025 (2026)

Comprehensive security and special arrangements have been put in place for the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination 2025 (2026), which will be held from February 17 to 26, the Department of Examinations Sri Lanka announced.

Nasheed, Kananathan meet Kenyan President at AU Summit

A high-level bilateral meeting aimed at advancing climate action and sustainable development was held on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit.

What Australia Needs to Do to Avoid Elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is suddenly under pressure after their shock defeat to Zimbabwe in Group B. With Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Australia, and Ireland all still in contention for the Super Eights, the qualification race has become one of the tightest in the tournament. Here’s what Australia must do to avoid elimination and keep their T20 World Cup hopes alive.

’Fast-spreading’ measles outbreak hits several schools in London

At least 34 children have been infected by a ’’fast-spreading’’ measles outbreak in several north London schools, health officials have said.

Over 400,500 tourists arrive in first two months of 2026

A total of 401,787 tourists have arrived in the country during the first two months of this year, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Lawyers’ islandwide strike forces postponement of ’Krrish’ case

The Colombo High Court today ordered that the case filed against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa over the ‘Krrish’ transaction be postponed till February 19.

Three nabbed with ‘Kush’ cannabis worth Rs. 160 mn

Three individuals, including a woman, were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Division in Wellampitiya for allegedly possessing more than 16 kilograms of ‘Kush’ cannabis.

Health Ministry removes condom awareness post after online backlash

The Health Ministry has removed a social media post promoting condom use after it sparked controversy and criticism online.

O/L candidates told to check updated timetable

The Commissioner General of Examinations has urged candidates sitting for the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination to carefully follow the official examination timetable, as the exam is set to commence tomorrow (17).

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.

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.

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.

Motorbike raids on villages kill dozens in Nigeria

Gunmen on motorcycles have killed dozens of people in dawn raids across three villages in north-western Nigeria.

Leading miller to take wings to U.S. for private helicopter purchase

Reaffirming his plan for investment in the aviation business, Sri Lanka’s leading mill owner Mithrapala Lankeshwara said that he would fly to the United States tomorrow to finalise the purchase of yet another aircraft for commercial purposes in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Coach says dressing room hurting after India capitulation

Head coach Mike Hesson admitted Pakistan’s players were hurting in the dressing room after their crushing 61-run defeat to arch-rivals India in Colombo on Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026: Kishan’s blitz fires India to 175

In a high-stakes encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, India set a challenging target of 176 for arch-rivals Pakistan, largely propelled by a breathtaking 77-run knock from opener Ishan Kishan. Despite an early setback and a middle-order squeeze by Pakistan’s spinners, India finished their 20 overs at 175/7 on a tacky Colombo surface that offered significant turn.

Hundreds of thousands join Iran protests around the world

Hundreds of thousands of people took part in demonstrations around the world against the Iranian government on Saturday, following calls from the exiled son of the late shah for a ’’global day of action’’.