SLAF thwarts hostile threat during UN mission

The SLAF Aviation Unit deployed at Bria under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) was temporarily detached to Obo to undertake critical operational commitments.

CSE starts 2026 on a strong note as both ASPI and S&P SL20 advance

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) opened 2026 on a strong note, closing higher in the first trading session of the year amid improved sentiment and stronger activity. The ASPI gained 239.77 points (1.06%) to end at 22,864.08, while the S&P SL20 rose 28.71 points (0.63%) to 6,195.95. Total turnover stood at LKR 5.16 billion on a share volume of 132.96 million.

Matugama PS Chairman remanded over obstruction of duties

The Chairman of the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha, Kasun Munasinghe (SJB), who was arrested by police for allegedly obstructing the duties of the Secretary of the Pradeshiya Sabha, has been remanded until January 8 by the Matugama Magistrate’s Court.

Contaminated water kills 9 and hospitalises 200 in India’s Indore city

At least nine people have died and more than 200 have been hospitalised in the central Indian city of Indore after a diarrhoea outbreak that officials said was linked to contaminated drinking water, according to a lawmaker and local health authorities.

Kataragama Devalaya to auction gold items for ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya has decided to auction around 70 percent of the gold items currently stored in the Devalaya’s safes and donate the proceeds to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund.

India to play additional T20Is in Sri Lanka to support cyclone relief

India has agreed to play additional Twenty20 International (T20I) matches during their tour of Sri Lanka in August as a gesture of support for relief and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chairman Shammi Silva said.

Dozens missing after boat carrying 200 migrants sinks off Gambia

At least seven people have died and many others are missing after a boat carrying about 200 migrants attempting to reach Europe capsized off the coast of The Gambia, authorities say.

Marasinghe appointed Director General of Wildlife Conservation

M.S.L.R.P. Marasinghe has been appointed as the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation with effect from January 1.

Health Minister seeks Rs. 1 bn damages over alleged false propaganda

Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa has issued a legal notice seeking Rs. 1 billion in damages from YouTube content creator Dharmasri Kariyawasam, alleging that false and misleading content was circulated linking the Minister to the importation of a controversial medicine, leading to public unrest.

Colombo Port achieves record container handling in 2025

The Colombo Port recorded the highest container throughput in its history in 2025, handling a total of 829,000 containers, marking a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.

Death certificates issued to 80% of disaster victims: Registrar Department

The Registrar General’s Department has issued death registration certificates to around 80% of those who lost their lives in landslides and floods triggered by Cyclone “Ditwah,” officials said.

CEB proposes 11.57% electricity tariff hike for early 2026

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) requesting an electricity tariff revision for the first quarter of 2026. The proposal seeks an 11.57% increase in electricity charges.

170kg of heroin to be destroyed today

Deputy Inspector General of the Narcotics Bureau, Ashoka Dharmasena, said that 170 kilograms of heroin, for which legal proceedings have been completed, will be destroyed today.

Amsterdam church destroyed by New Year’s blaze

Amsterdam’s Vondel Church, near one of the city’s most popular parks, was largely destroyed in a fire just as New Year celebrations were in full swing, local media reported on Thursday.

President receives new year blessings from Amarapura and Ramanna chief prelates

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake received New Year blessings from the Chief Prelates of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya and the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya during visits to their respective temples.

Rough sea conditions forecast in several coastal areas

The Meteorology Department has warned that sea areas off the coast from Galle to Colombo, Puttalam, Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, and from Batticaloa to Hambantota may become somewhat rough due to the development of a low-level atmospheric disturbance to the east of Sri Lanka.

CAA collects over Rs. 285 million in fines from raids in 2025

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has collected more than Rs. 285 million in fines from raids carried out during 2025, the authority said in a statement.

CMC fails to collect outstanding rates worth Rs 440 million in 2025

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) which has been unable to collect a total of Rs. 440 million as rates by end 2025 has decided to extend the contract period of three rate collectors who were hired in 2025, it was revealed yesterday.

Parliament to appoint Select Committee to decide on Electoral System to hold PC polls

The government has obtained the approval of the Parliamentary Business Committee to move a resolution in Parliament to appoint a Select Committee to decide on the electoral system to hold the Provincial Council election.

Rs. 60 million spent for printing Grade VI English module with immoral reference

The Education Ministry has decided to remove what is termed ‘inappropriate references’ in Grade VI English language models and distribute them among school children.

As SL welcomes 2026, Ditwah victims still in the lurch

More than a month after the devastation unleashed by Cyclone Ditwah, more than 24,000 people remain displaced and are still living in tents in the hardest-hit areas of the country while the nation welcomed the New Year.

Gold-infused Ayurvedic medicine for critically-ill patients

The Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Corporation is focusing on producing a gold-infused medicine called ’Makarajdvajaya’ in large quantities this year. The medicine is made according to an ancient Ayurvedic recipe that is over 1,000 years old.

Ranil, Sajith mark New Year with telephone conversation

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe marked the New Year with a telephone conversation where both exchanged well wishes.

One year on, Sri Lanka’s largest FDI project yet to see the light of day

Despite the lapse of almost one year after signing the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding), the proposed US $ 3.7 billion investment by Sinopec is yet to see the light of day.

Retiring Khawaja criticises ’racial stereotypes’

The 39-year-old will play his 88th Test in the Ashes finale against England starting on Sunday (23:30 GMT, Saturday) in Sydney, on the ground where he made his debut against the same opponents in 2011.

Spurious drugs smuggled to Sri Lanka, claims former Puducherry Chief Minister

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader V. Narayanasamy has claimed that spurious drugs manufactured in Puducherry were even “smuggled” to Sri Lanka.

China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller

China’s BYD is set to overtake Elon Musk’s Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), marking the first time it has outpaced its American rival for annual sales.

One killed, two injured in Nawagamuwa shooting

Police have uncovered several details regarding a shooting incident that targeted three individuals in the Korathota–Menikgara Road area of Nawagamuwa last night.

NIE Director General resigns pending probe into grade 6 English module

Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Professor Manjula Withanapathirana, has decided to resign from her post pending the completion of an investigation into the controversial Grade 6 English Module.

Concessionary pledge loan scheme of Rs.10bn to support paddy millers from January 2026

A concessionary pledge loan scheme for small and medium scale paddy millers and cooperative societies is to be implemented from 1 January onwards to purchase paddy for the Maha season