Acting registrar arrested for accepting Rs. 500 bribe

An Acting Registrar of Births and Deaths attached to the Alayadivembu Divisional Secretariat was arrested yesterday (16) for allegedly accepting Rs. 500 as a bribe to issue a birth certificate.

Pension needed to keep MPs away from corruption: Sajith Premadasa

A pension is needed to keep MPs away from corruption, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament today.

Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph appointed Coast Guard Director General

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of Rear Admiral R. Joseph as the new Director General of the Coast Guard Department with immediate effect.

IUSF protest...

Five young people die in Spain apartment block fire

Five young people have died in a fire that broke out in a storage space in a residential block of flats in north-east Spain.

Rs. 2 million housing aid approved for displaced families in Northern and Eastern provinces

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an increase in financial assistance for displaced families in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces, enabling them to construct permanent homes.

TRCSL accelerates 4G expansion through ‘communication to the village’ project

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is stepping up efforts to expand 4G broadband services across the country through the ‘Communication to the Village’ national project, launched in 2021 under the Finance Act No. 11 of 2004.

Lawyer’s murder not within high security zone: Minister refutes allegations

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said today that Akuregoda, where the murder of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife took place recenlty, is not a high security zone as claimed.

New Zealand charge into Super Eights as Samra’s ton falls short

New Zealand officially secured their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 following a clinical victory over Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Hulftsdorp bookfest begins at Sri Lanka Law college

The ‘Hulftsdorp Bookfest’, organised by the Sri Lanka Law Students’ Sinhala Union, commenced today (17) at the Main Hall of Sri Lanka Law College, Hulftsdorp. The four-day event will continue on February 18, 19, and 20.

Temporary lane closures announced on Southern Expressway

Motorists travelling on the Southern Expressway (E01) have been notified of temporary lane closures between the Galanigama and Dodangoda interchanges from tomorrow (18), due to scheduled maintenance work.

IMF should focus on governance issues as well: Opposition MP

While appreciating the support extended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Opposition MP Harsha De Silva said today the IMF should go beyond the financial issues that have been negotiated and agreed upon but also governance issues which are equally important.

Treat Imran Khan fairly in jail, 14 legendary cricket captains appeal to Pakistan government

In a massive development, 14 legendary captains from five countries -including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev and Australian great Greg Chappell, appealed to the Pakistan government on Tuesday about ensuring proper treatment for Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, who has been in jail for more than two years now.

Supreme Court refrains from giving determination on Protection of Occupants Bill: Speaker

The Supreme Court has refrained from making a determination on the Protection of Occupants Bill, as the government has informed its intention to draft a new bill, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne told Parliament today.

Bangladesh PM-to-be Tarique Rahman and lawmakers sworn into parliament

Bangladesh’s prime minister-to-be Tarique Rahman and lawmakers were sworn into parliament on Tuesday, becoming the first elected representatives since a deadly 2024 uprising.

Sri Lanka named most affordable retirement destination for 2026

Sri Lanka has been named the most affordable destination to retire in 2026 by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine.

Low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal brings heavy rains to several provinces

A low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 930 kilometres southeast of Pottuvil, the Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, said today (17).

2,500 urban housing units for low-income families by 2026 under Colombo Revitalization Programme

The Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara, announced that 2,500 urban housing units will be provided to low-income and permanently homeless families by 2026 under the Colombo Urban Revitalization Partnership Programme.

Robert Duvall, ’Tender Mercies’ Oscar winner, dies at 95

Oscar winner Robert Duvall, a versatile actor who made lasting impressions in a range of parts from starring to supporting roles like the napalm-loving colonel of ’’Apocalypse Now’’ or the spectral Boo Radley in ’’To Kill a Mockingbird,’’ has died at age 95, his wife said in a Facebook post.

Wild elephant drowns in well

A wild elephant that roamed in Thanamalwila in search of food had drowned yesterday in an abandoned well, which was about 30ft deep and, its narrowness prevented the elephant from moving about and even raising its trunk.

Rhode Island shooting: 2 killed, 3 critically injured at Pawtucket ice rink

At least two people have been killed, and three others are in critical condition after a mass shooting at a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

O/L exam begins...

High influx of Indian tourists for T20 World Cup boosts tourism for February

Due to the highly anticipated India against Pakistan T20 cricket match, which was held on February 15, a large group of Indian tourists have entered Colombo, which increased tourism for February compared to the previous years, with a total of 18,819 Indians entering Colombo from 1 - 12 February, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Public urged to complain without fear against dirty eateries

Health officials say their hands are often tied when it comes to taking action against unhygienic food outlets, as many customers who raise concerns on social media fail to lodge formal complaints.

Vehicle Importers warns of stealth tax hike on vehicle imports

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has hit back at recent remarks by Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha, warning that changes to the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) could dramatically increase taxes on vehicle imports.

Government faces mounting pressure over public security lapses

The recent cold-blooded murder of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife in Akuregoda, Thalangama, has sparked widespread outrage and pushed public security to the centre of political debate once again.

GCE O/L examination 2025 (2026) begins today across 3,545 centres

The Department of Examinations announced that the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination 2025 (2026) commences today (February 17) at 3,545 examination centres nationwide.

Tense talks at CEB over February 28 dissolution: CEB unions

A high-level meeting between trade unions and top management of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was held yesterday (16) at its headquarters amid ongoing concerns over the institution’s restructuring and impending dissolution.

Sri Lanka greets IMF Chief Georgieva

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on what is a landmark visit, combining urgent disaster assessment with a high-profile economic mission.

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka seal Super 8 berth with Nissanka masterclass

Pathum Nissanka etched his name into the record books on Monday night, smashing the first century of the 2026 T20 World Cup to lead Sri Lanka to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Australia.