Crafting National pride

Cabinet approves MoU with Finland to establish political consultation mechanism

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and Finland to establish a formal political consultation mechanism, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Government aiming at three million tourist arrivals in 2026: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said today that the government is aiming at three million tourist arrivals in 2026.

Government considering allowing vehicle imports under retired high-ranking government official permits

The government is holding discussions on allowing vehicle imports for high-ranking government officials who have received vehicle permits on their retirement, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera said today.

Appeal Court dismisses Balangoda Kassapa Thera’s writ petition

The Court of Appeal today decided to dismiss the writ applications filed by two Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who challenged the legality of the remand order made by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court in connection with the placement of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee.

Suspect arrested over money laundering linked to drug proceeds

A 44-year-old resident of Hanwella has been arrested by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division over suspected money laundering activities.

Thundershowers with severe lightning expected in several areas

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the Sabaragamuwa Province and in the Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said.

Strong start to 2026: Customs January revenue exceeds estimates

Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) has recorded a strong start to 2026, generating Rs. 232,558 million in revenue in January significantly surpassing the estimated target of Rs. 160,242 million.

Woman hits cop with shoe after court orders child handed over to husband

A woman, apparently aggrieved by a court order to hand over the eight-year-old child in her custody to her husband, has hit a police officer with one of her shoes within the Point Pedro court premises.

GMOA strike worsens, patients in the lurch

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to intensify the ongoing trade union action, leaving thousands of patients struggling to access healthcare.

Around 200 applications received for SriLankan Airlines CEO’s post: Deputy Minister

Around 200 applications have been received for the post of Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku told Parliament today.

Country’s foreign reserves increased up to USD 6.8 billion by December 31: Deputy Minister

The foreign reserves of the country have increased up to USD 6.8 billion by December 31, 2025, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera said today.

CEB recovers over Rs. 90 million from fraudulent electricity users in 2025

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has successfully recovered more than Rs. 90 million from individuals and businesses who obtained electricity illegally during 2025, officials said.

Two women arrested for intimidating lawyers at Nugegoda Court

The Police have arrested two female suspects in connection with the criminal intimidation of two lawyers and an attack on their vehicle following proceedings at the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

40.3 per cent of Sri Lankans still “offline” in 2025

Sri Lanka’s internet users stood at 13.9 million last year, an increase of 1.5 million since 2024. It, indicates that 40.3 per cent of the population in Sri Lanka still do not use the internet in their day-to-day life, according to a report by Datareportal.

Popular actor Hemal Ranasinghe arrested

Renowned actor Hemal Ranasinghe surrendered to Wellawatte Police this morning over an alleged assault dating back to January 8 at Havelock City.

Namal arrives at CID to give statement over organized crime investigation

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today to provide a statement in connection with ongoing investigations into “Kehelbaddara Padme,” a suspected member of an organized crime syndicate.

Grade 6 module will be implemented without changes in 2027: PM

The Grade Six module will be implemented without changes in 2027, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa appears before FCID

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning to record a statement regarding alleged financial irregularities linked to the Siriliya funds.

Modi ally proposes social media ban for India’s teens as global debate grows

An ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a bill to ban social media for children, as the world’s biggest market for Meta and YouTube joins a global debate on the impact of social media on young people’s health and safety.

Businessman held over sexual abuse of 36 minors

A businessman alleged to have sexually abused 36 children below the age of 18 has been arrested by the Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women, police said.

CIABOC will probe sugar scam: Minister

The Committee to Investigate Allegations on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) will carry out a probe into the sugar scam of 2020, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today.

MILCO proves state institutions can be rebuilt by ending corruption: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that MILCO has demonstrated that state institutions can be transformed into strong and profitable entities by eliminating fraud and corruption and ensuring proper management.

Why do Sri Lankan passports fail to scan at e-gates at international airports?

Several local passengers have brought to the attention of the Daily Mirror that the Sri Lankan passport usually fails to scan in the e-gates at immigration departments at international airports, and Sri Lankan passengers are then diverted to the immigration counter for a manual check.

New e-gates at BIA spark chaos

Passengers arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) were left inconvenienced and delayed as Sri Lanka’s newly installed automated border control (ABC) e-gates failed to scan passports efficiently, raising questions about the readiness of the high-tech system funded with US$8.4 million by the Japanese government.

Special traffic plan for exposition of sacred relics from India

China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), making it the first country to stop the use of the controversial designs that were made popular by multi-billionaire Elon Musk’s Tesla.

US and India reach trade deal, Trump says after Modi call

US President Donald Trump announced that he agreed to a trade deal with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the US will lower tariffs on goods from India to 18% from 25%.

Cash demand defies SL’s cashless drive

Sri Lanka’s sharp surge in currency withdrawals during the festive season conceals a more persistent dependence on cash that now contrasts with the government’s renewed push towards a ‘cashless economy’.

Over 2,000 Thai tourists arrive at Hambantota Port

A group of 2,117 tourists arrived from Thailand by sea at Hambantota International Port today.