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.

Deputy Minister opens jackfruit stalls...

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.

Namal meets Lord Michael Naseby

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).

Expert warns substandard coal could cripple Norochcholai Plant

Energy expert Dr. Vidura Ralapanawa has warned that the continued use of substandard imported coal at the Lakvijaya (Norochcholai) Power Plant could severely damage its generators and boilers, posing a serious threat to the country’s power supply.

Railway crossing near Kiriwandala to close temporarily for repairs

The main railway crossing on the High Level Line at Mile 35, Chain 30, between Puwakpitiya and Avissawella on the Kelani Valley Railway Line will be temporarily closed for repairs from March 5 until March 8 .

Stanford develops universal nasal vaccine for flu and colds

Scientists at Stanford University say they are developing a single nasal spray vaccine that could protect against coughs, colds, flu, and even dangerous bacterial lung infections. Early research in animals suggests the spray may also reduce allergic reactions, including asthma triggered by dust mites.

National World Wildlife Day celebration to be held at Yala

The national celebration of World Wildlife Day will be held on March 3 at the Lunugamvehera area of Yala National Park, organized by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance with 7 on board crashes in Jharkhand’s Chatra

An air ambulance flight from Ranchi to Delhi crashed on Monday evening in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

Documentary on Sri Lanka crisis honoured at Jalgaon film festival

The acclaimed Pulitzer Center-supported documentary ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ will receive two awards at the Second Jalgaon International Film Festival in India this year, for ‘Best Social Film’ and ‘Best Screenplay’, reports a press release.

EU raises concerns with Govt. over new counter-terrorism bill

The European Union (EU), which raised concerns about the proposed counter-terrorism bill has requested the government, among others, to narrow down its definition, an official familiar with the process said.

Oxford Union apologises to Namal for not allowing him to talk

While apologising to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa for not being able to proceed with his address to the Union, the Oxford Union has informed Namal that it had been rescheduled for a future date so that the lecture could be delivered without compromising the safety of the attendees.