Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s

Spain has become the latest European country to make plans to ban social media for children under the age of 16.

Striving to elevate country into more advanced, resilient, dignified State: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said with unwavering resolve, the government is striving to elevate the country into a more advanced, resilient and dignified State than it has ever been.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of ex-Libyan leader, reportedly shot dead

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former leader Col Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been shot dead.

Spin-heavy Pakistan hit form, but India boycott risks early T20 exit

Pakistan’s spin-heavy squad are in winning form ahead of the T20 World Cup, but a controversial decision to forfeit their marquee clash against India could still trigger another early exit.

Independence Day sees major promotion drive in Sri Lanka Army

In line with the 78th Independence Day celebrations on 04 February 2026, the Sri Lanka Army has promoted 9,158 Other Ranks from both the Regular and Volunteer Forces to their next respective ranks.

Group B Preview: Co-hosts’ big opportunity at T20 World Cup

Group B promises a tight contest as Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka look to navigate a tricky pool packed with rising challengers.

Cabinet approves tenders for 160 MW/640 MWh national battery storage project

In a significant step towards strengthening the country’s electricity system, Cabinet this week approved awarding tenders for the installation of a 160 MW/640 MWh battery energy storage system, Energy Ministry said.

SriLankan Airlines CEO search draws 200 applications

National carrier SriLankan Airlines has received around 200 applications for the post of Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku told Parliament yesterday.

Namal says he will cooperate with any investigation

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa said he is prepared to cooperate with any investigation summoned by authorities, accusing the government of using law enforcement agencies to conceal its own failures.

CEJ urges govt. to close plastic bag profit loophole

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called on the government to urgently address a regulatory gap that allows companies to earn substantial profits by charging consumers for plastic bags without directing any of that revenue toward environmental conservation.

Tourist arrivals hit record high in January kicking off 2026 with strong momentum

​Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has recorded a historic start to the new year, with arrivals in January 2026 surging to an all-time monthly high of 277,327 visitors.

Arsenal reach EFL Cup final as Havertz goal beats Chelsea

Arsenal took a step closer to winning their first major silverware since 2020 as they beat Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup final.

Bethell’s 4-11 seals England 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka in World Cup warm-ups

Jacob Bethell delivered a sensational late spell as England edged Sri Lanka by 12 runs to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 World Cup warm-up series.

Local construction sector urged to move beyond ‘survival mode’

Sri Lanka’s construction industry must move decisively from “survival mode” to “growth mode” and reposition itself as a core driver of the national economy rather than a purely domestic service sector, the newly appointed President of the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI), Vernon Manilal Fernando said.

Rew century leads England into ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final

Thomas Rew’s century led England to a 27-run victory over Australia and a place in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 final.

Foreign digital creator claims Rs. 15,000 scam on first day in Colombo

A foreign digital creator known as Travel with Balnur has alleged that she was scammed of Rs. 15,000 in Colombo on her first day in Sri Lanka, after being approached by a man who sought help citing personal hardships.

SLPP issues statement on Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s FCID summons

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) issued a statement this evening (03) in connection with the summoning of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

Legal action planned against bakery in Mannar over food safety violations

Public Health Inspectors attached to the Mannar Medical Officer of Health, along with the Municipal Public Health Inspector, inspected a bakery operating under the name Super Pannaye on February 3, 2026.

Special train services to facilitate devotees visiting Gangaramaya

Sri Lanka Railways has arranged special train services to facilitate devotees travelling to Colombo to worship the sacred relics brought from India at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple.

Cabinet approves long-term contract for petrol supply

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of a long-term contract for the procurement of five shipments of Petrol 92 Octane Unleaded (92 Unl) to M/s Epdesa Pte. Ltd., following a competitive bidding process.

MCC changes Laws of Cricket to permit previously ’illegal’ bats

Changes are to be made to the Laws of Cricket to permit bats previously deemed illegal in an effort to make the game affordable for amateur players amid the rising cost of English willow.

New women-only pink floor and spa at Sofia Hotel

Sofia Colombo City Hotel yesterday launched its women-only Pink Floor and Pink Spa, aiming to attract the growing market of female travellers in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Govt to recruit degree-holding professionals into teaching service

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the government plans to bring degree-holding professionals with teaching experience into the teaching service. He invited them to sit for the examination under the Sri Lanka Teachers Service Minute.

Temporary driving license service expanded to regional offices: DMT

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) announced yesterday (2) that the facility to issue temporary driving licenses to foreign citizens, Sri Lankan citizens, and Sri Lankans with dual citizenship has been expanded to regional offices in Kurunegala, Hambantota, Gampaha, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna.

Rajeev Amarasuriya re-elected as BASL President

Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya has been re-elected uncontested for a further term as President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) for the 2026/2027 period.

Speaker’s misbehaviour led to issue on Deputy Secretary General of Parliament: MP

The misbehaviour of the Speaker had led to an unwanted issue with regard to the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake told Parliament today.

Pakistan calls for new global cricket body, says ICC ‘hostage to Indian political interests’

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called for a new global cricket governing body on Tuesday, saying that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has become hostage to Indian political interests amid a fresh row between the neighbors ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

CC approves Samudika Jayaratne as Auditor General

The Constitutional Council today approved Samudika Jayaratne as the new Auditor General.

Fire breaks out in Tehran shopping centre, state media reports

A massive fire broke at a bazaar west of the Iranian capital, state media reports, although the cause of the blaze was unclear.

Global gold surge sends local prices soaring

A fresh rally in the global gold market has triggered a sharp spike in gold prices in Sri Lanka, pushing local rates to new highs within a single day.