Five arrested during protest outside Tissa Viharaya in Jaffna

Five individuals were arrested after they behaved violently during a protest outside the Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya in Kankesanthurai, Jaffna.

Ministry probes colours award controversy at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has requested a detailed report from the principal of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya following an incident at a recent colours award ceremony that has sparked widespread public debate.

Still not too late to amend EFF agreement with IMF

It is still not too late for the government to get the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) amended with the International Monetary Fund(IMF) agreement considering the situation faced currently, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

National progress cannot be achieved through suspicion, mistrust of one another: President

National progress cannot be achieved through suspicion and mistrust of one another, but only when everyone fulfils the responsibilities entrusted to them with steadfast determination, unity of purpose and resilience in the face of any challenge, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Imran Khan calls for nationwide protests after court hands him 17-year sentence In Toshakhana-II case

As a court sentenced him to jail in the Toshakhana-II case, former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday issued a call for a nationwide protest besides announcing his intention to challenge the verdict in the Islamabad High Court.

Suspect arrested with over 8 kgs of ‘Ice’

A team of officers from the Elpitiya Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau arrested a suspect in possession of a large stock of the drug ‘Ice’ during a raid conducted today.

India express train kills seven elephants crossing tracks

Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed train collided with a herd crossing the tracks in north-eastern India, local officials say.

Train services between Kankesanthurai and Anuradhapura to resume

Train services between Kankesanthurai and Anuradhapura on the Northern Railway line are scheduled to resume from tomorrow (22), according to the Sri Lanka Railways Department.

Mirissa fishing vessel goes missing with five on board

A multi-hull fishing vessel that departed from the Mirissa Fisheries Harbour in Matara has been reported missing, with five fishermen on board.

Probe launched after police officer allegedly attacked by group including NPP MP

The Kolonna Police Station in Embilipitiya has launched an investigation following allegations that a group, including Ratnapura District National People’s Power (NPP) MP Shantha Padmakumara, had attacked a police officer while he was returning home after completing his duty.

Indian company seeks international testing of drug in question, says ready to bear cost

The Indian pharmaceutical company Maan Pharmaceutical (Pvt) Ltd., has informed Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health that it is willing to bear the full cost of testing the withdrawn batches of the Ondansetron injection at an internationally recognised laboratory.

Railway Department to expand ticket refund facility

Sri Lanka Railways will expand its ticket refund facility beyond Colombo from December 25, 2025, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake said.

Sri Lankan arrested for smuggling 42,000 foreign cigarettes at BIA

A 21-year-old Sri Lankan businessman from Apalapitiya, Avissawella, was arrested this morning (21) by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau for illegally importing a consignment of foreign cigarettes through Katunayake Airport.

Paul has titanium plates fitted after Joshua breaks his jaw

Jake Paul has had two titanium plates fitted and some teeth removed after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw in two places during the American’s stoppage defeat in their heavyweight fight in Miami.

Over 1,000 religious and archaeological sites damaged by recent disaster

The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs said that 1,054 religious places and archaeological sites across the country have been damaged due to the recent disaster situation.

Elon Musk becomes first person worth $700 billion following pay package ruling

Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab CEO Elon Musk’s net worth surged to $749 billion late Friday after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated Tesla stock options worth $139 billion that were voided last year, according to Forbes’ billionaires index.

India, Sri Lanka Start T20 World Cup Prep

Sri Lanka will field a youthful side as they take on India in the five-match Women’s T20I series starting in Visakhapatnam. With several senior players retired or rested, the focus is on testing new talent ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Lyon injury slows Australia’s bid for Ashes-clinching win

Nathan Lyon left the field on Sunday with a leg injury as the Aussies chased victory in the third Ashes Test.

President orders timely disbursement of disaster relief grants

A special discussion to review district-level plans for restoring the lives of citizens under the ’Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme was held today (20) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

MoD opens public assistance centre at Galle Face Green

Under the direction of the Secretary of Defence, dedicated Public Assistance Helpdesk will be established commencing on 21 December 2025, in the Galle Face area, located in front of the Presidential Secretariat.

India drops Shubman Gill from T20 World Cup squad

Gill, 26, has scored only 291 runs in his past 15 matches in the game’s shortest format at an average of 24.25.

Government has adopted our concept: Sajith

The government seems to have adopted our concept of getting the rich to donate for the development of the health sector, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Pakistan court hands Imran Khan, wife 17-year jail terms in another graft case

A Pakistani court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in a corruption case involving the under-priced purchase of luxury state gifts, the court and Khan’s lawyers said.

Indian External Affairs Minister to arrive in Sri Lanka

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka on Monday, an informed source said.

President Dissanayake thanks UAE for flood relief support

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the UAE’s continued humanitarian assistance to communities affected by recent floods and heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka.

Gazette issued to suspend Kerawalapitiya tolls

An Extraordinary Gazette Notification has been issued to temporarily suspend the collection of toll charges at the Kerawalapitiya Interchange on the Katunayake Expressway.

Australia four wickets from Ashes glory as England cling on

An unrelenting Australia were four wickets from retaining the Ashes at close of play in the third Test on Saturday as England clung to a dying hope that they could chase a record 435 to save the series.

Paul goes to hospital with suspected broken jaw

Jake Paul has gone to hospital with a suspected broken jaw after he was stopped by Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight fight in Miami.

BASL urges President to strengthen Right to Information Commission

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of adequate and independent financial resources to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, stressing that such measures are essential to safeguard its autonomy and ability to effectively discharge its mandate.

Sri Lanka gets US$50 Mn World Bank boost for digital transformation

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.