Israel rejects US-backed push for “pathway” to Palestinian state

Jerusalem on Sunday rejected a joint statement coordinated by the United States and signed by several countries, which called for a “pathway” – a possible route – to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Several Israeli cabinet members emphasized that Israel would not permit a Palestinian state in either Judea and Samaria or the Gaza Strip.

MP Vithana declines budget-allocated cab

MP Jagath Vithana has informed the government that he will not accept the cab allocated to him under the 2026 Budget proposal, which includes importing vehicles for all Members of Parliament.

School Development Officers accuse government of failing to honor promises

The School Development Officers’ Association has accused the government of making pre-election promises to secure their votes, only to neglect absorbing them into the teachers’ service.

Drug prevention committees to be set up in all govt. institutions

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala said that a circular will be issued tomorrow to establish drug prevention committees in all government institutions.

Harmer stars as South Africa stun India in low-scoring Test

Spinner Simon Harmer claimed a match haul of eight wickets to lead South Africa to a thrilling 30-run win over India inside three days of a low-scoring opening Test on Sunday.

Tourism sector needs regulation to protect visitors, Says Entrepreneurs’ Association

The Small and Medium Scale Tourism Entrepreneurs Association has urged the government to introduce stronger regulations to safeguard tourists, following several recent incidents of harassment.

DMT resumes driver’s licence printing after shortage

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has restarted the printing of driver’s licences after production was halted for weeks due to a shortage of printing cards.

Foreigners without valid permits prohibited from driving in Sri Lanka: Police

Police Media Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler has reminded that foreign nationals who do not possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or a domestic driving licence from their home country are not permitted to drive any vehicle in Sri Lanka.

Govt. targets ’productivity villages’ nationwide by 2030

Sri Lanka aims to transform every village in the country into a “productivity village” by 2030, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, said.

Govt. exempts Lanka Sugar Company from statutory payments: Minister

The government has decided to exempt the Lanka Sugar Company from all statutory payments starting January 1, Trade Minister Sunil Handunnetti announced.

AG’s Department Legal Officers’ Association opposes proposal to establish separate Public Prosecutions Office

The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department has formally opposed the proposed establishment of an Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, asserting that such a move would undermine the department’s independence, efficiency and professional standards.

Heavy showers to continue in North, East

Prevailing rainy conditions are expected to continue in the Northern and Eastern Provinces due to the low-pressure area in the vicinity of the island, the Meteorology Department said.

SF backs Govt’s anti-corruption efforts, rejects Nov. 21 rally

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says he is pleased with the direction of the current government, citing its stance against corruption despite limited economic improvement.

Doctors to limit key services islandwide from tomorrow

Doctors in all hospitals across the country will limit several key services from tomorrow (Monday, 17), including issuing prescriptions for medicines to be purchased from external pharmacies and recommending laboratory tests to be done at private facilities.

Govt has failed to fulfill promises to farmers: Namal claims

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Namal Rajapaksa, criticized the government today, saying it has failed to deliver on promises made to the public during the election. He called on all opposition parties to join a protest in Nugegoda on November 21 to voice their dissent.

Education Ministry issues new timetable guidelines for muslim schools

The Ministry of Education has issued new recommendations for implementing revised timetables in Muslim schools as part of the ongoing education reforms.

Refugees to face 20-year wait to settle permanently under asylum reforms

People granted asylum in the UK will have to wait 20 years before they can apply to settle permanently, under plans due to be announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday.

Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra passes away

Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra has passed away this morning (16) while receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

Benn masterclass crushes Eubank in rematch

Conor Benn put on a dominant performance to earn revenge over bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr and seal a unanimous decision victory in their rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Pathirana Headlines IPL 2026 Squad Reveal!

IPL retentions 2026: Full list of retained, released and traded players ahead of auction

Arugam Bay alleged sexual assault: Police hunt suspect

Pottuvil Police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a suspect involved in an alleged sexual assault of a foreign woman in the Arugam Bay area on October 25.

NPC orders major reshuffle in senior police ranks

The National Police Commission (NPC) has approved several transfers and appointments of senior police officers to strengthen key divisions within the Sri Lanka Police.

Oversight Committee recommends green substitute for sili sili bags

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has recommended that the Ministry of Environment take the lead in producing an environmentally friendly paper bag to replace polythene “sili sili” bags.

COPE probes delays in East Container Terminal project

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has held extensive discussions on the prolonged delays in the construction of the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port and the issues arising from the setback.

Lalith Pathinayake’s acting role ends as NPC makes new appointments

The National Police Commission has approved the appointment of Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne as the Senior DIG in charge of Police Administration.

UNP raises concerns over President’s remark at Maha Viru Samaruma

The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns over a remark made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the 36th Il Maha Viru Samaruma, claiming that a key comment was deliberately excluded from the official record of the event.

China warns citizens against Japan travel as Taiwan spat escalates

China has warned its citizens against traveling to Japan as it escalates a backlash over comments by the country’s prime minister about the island of Taiwan.

Schoolgirl stabbed, ex-soldier found hanging

A 28-year-old former soldier, suspected of fatally stabbing a 16-year-old schoolgirl, has reportedly taken his own life by hanging himself, police said.

Watagala sends LOD over apartment claim

A demand letter seeking Rs. 10 billion in compensation has been issued against SLPP activist Mahinda Pathirana over an alleged defamatory statement made against Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala.

Shah Rukh Khan launches Dubai Tower named after him

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was recently honored with a skyscraper in Dubai named after him.