Sri Lanka Beat Australia to Reach Super 8 as Pathum Nissanka’s Historic Century Ends Aussie Hopes

Sri Lanka stormed into the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Australia in a decisive Group B showdown, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka, the first hundred of this T20 World Cup. Chasing 181,

Kremlin rejects claim it poisoned Navalny with dart frog toxin, widow says truth is out

The Kremlin on Monday flatly rejected accusations from five European countries that the Russian state had killed Alexei Navalny two years ago using toxin from poison dart frogs, but his widow said the truth had finally been proven.

Namal welcomes Stalin’s appeal over Indian citizenship issue, urges Tamil Nadu not to politicise it

While welcoming the appeal by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking Indian citizenship or long-term visas for 89,000 Sri Lankans residing in Southern India, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has called on the Indian government to ensure that the move is not influenced by the election period or turned into a political exercise.

Hungarian national killed in wild elephant attack

A 64-year-old Hungarian national died following a wild elephant attack in the Pidurangala area at Sigiriya.

Slain lawyer’s batch mates not satisfied with probe into killing

Batch mates of slain lawyer Buddhika Mallawarachchi said today that the progress of the probe into his killing is far from satisfactory.

From humble beginnings to a Rolls-Royce

Businessman Maithripala Lankeshwara, the owner of Rathna Group, has shared the story of his rise from humble beginnings to acquiring what is widely described on social media as one of Sri Lanka’s most expensive vehicles — the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II.

Colombo market opens week strong with broad-based gains

The Colombo stock market commenced the week on a bullish note, with both indices closing firmly in positive territory amid improved turnover and sustained investor interest. The upward momentum was largely supported by renewed buying in banking sector counters, as investor confidence strengthened during the ongoing earnings season, providing clearer signals for value-driven positioning.

Excise Department announces 19 dry days for 2026

The Excise Departmen today announced that the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited islandwide on 19 designated days in 2026, including public holidays and Full Moon Poya days.

IMF Managing Director arrives in Sri Lanka

A special delegation led by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon on a three-day official visit, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Prabath Chandrakeerthi appointed Chief of Staff to President

Prabath Chandrakeerthi has been appointed as the Chief of Staff to the President, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Pakistan turn attention to crucial showdown against Namibia

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson has urged his side to put their loss to India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup behind them quickly and move their focus to qualifying for the next phase of the tournament.

Deadly blast at least 8 killed as huge explosion rips through fireworks shop in China ahead of lunar New Year

A huge explosion ripped through a fireworks shop in a village in Jiangsu province, eastern China, leaving two others with minor burns.

Fishermen and Naval community urged to stay on high alert

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning for multiday boat operators and the naval community following the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, today.

President invited to undertake official visit to Pakistan

Pakistan’s Minister for Interior, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi conveyed Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to undertake an official visit to Pakistan during this year, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

President to visit India to attend AI Impact Summit 2026

At the special invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to depart for India tomorrow afternoon to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Low pressure area forming over Bay of Bengal: Met Department

A low pressure area is forming in the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology said.

Strict plastic ban to be enforced at Sri Pada

Strict regulations will be enforced under the ‘Samanola Siri – Haritha Wandana’ national mission to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Sri Pada from the harmful impact of plastic and polythene, Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka Project) S.P.C. Sugeeshwara said.

UK Deputy Prime Minister visits Sri Lanka to strengthen UK Sri Lanka partnership

UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy will visit Sri Lanka on Tuesday 17 February to reaffirm the UK–Sri Lanka partnership and witness the UK’s humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditwah.

New minimum paddy purchase prices announced

The government has announced the minimum prices at which the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) will purchase paddy from farmers for the 2025/2026 Maha season.

Namal slams govt for failing to take responsibility

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said, today criticised the government, accusing it of failing to take responsibility despite being in power for more than a year and a half.

UNP tells Public Security Minister to resign

The United National Party (UNP), which held Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala responsible for the deterioration of law and order, called for his resignation today.

Breakdown of family life is alarming: Cardinal

The breakdown of families in Sri Lanka is becoming an alarming situation in Sri Lanka, just like the rest of the world, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said.

Cricket fans arrive in 15 private jets for India–Pakistan World T20 clash

A large number of international cricket fans arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake aboard 15 special private jets to witness the high-profile India-Pakistan encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in Colombo on February 15.

Smith officially added to Australia T20 World Cup squad

Steven Smith has been officially added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, filling the spot created by Josh Hazlewood’s absence, meaning he is available to face Sri Lanka on Monday evening if needed.

Special arrangements in place for G.C.E. (O/L) examination 2025 (2026)

Comprehensive security and special arrangements have been put in place for the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination 2025 (2026), which will be held from February 17 to 26, the Department of Examinations Sri Lanka announced.

‘Hobnails to Spikes’ launched

Nasheed, Kananathan meet Kenyan President at AU Summit

A high-level bilateral meeting aimed at advancing climate action and sustainable development was held on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit.

Bar protest...

What Australia Needs to Do to Avoid Elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is suddenly under pressure after their shock defeat to Zimbabwe in Group B. With Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Australia, and Ireland all still in contention for the Super Eights, the qualification race has become one of the tightest in the tournament. Here’s what Australia must do to avoid elimination and keep their T20 World Cup hopes alive.

’Fast-spreading’ measles outbreak hits several schools in London

At least 34 children have been infected by a ’’fast-spreading’’ measles outbreak in several north London schools, health officials have said.