CBSL probes 18 over illegal plantation investment schemes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is investigating 18 institutions and individuals allegedly involved in illegal deposit-taking from the public under the guise of forest and plantation-based investment schemes, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said yesterday.

Court awaits AG’s advice in NR Consultation case against Namal

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today sent a reminder to the Attorney General to expedite his legal advice regarding a plaint filed against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and four others for their alleged involvement in money laundering amounting to Rs.15 million in a company allegedly owned by Namal Rajapaksa.

No need for unnecessary fear over Nipah virus: Health Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni yesterday assured the public that there is no threat to Sri Lanka from the Nipah virus currently reported in parts of India, stressing that no cases have been detected in the country so far.

The A Cafe opens

Children under 15 among 12% of annual leprosy cases

Sri Lanka reports 1,500–2,000 leprosy cases annually, with about 12% affecting children under the age of 15, health authorities said today. Moratuwa has recorded the highest number of pediatric cases in recent years, according to officials.

Sri Lanka scrambles to protect rubber trade ahead of EU forest rules

Sri Lanka is working hard to protect its rubber products exports to the markets in the European Union to avoid any impact from the EU Deforestation Regulation which will come into effect next year, the Daily Mirror learns.

Gold rockets past US$5,500 as global uncertainties mount

Gold extended its blistering rally on Jan 29, rocketing past US$5,500 per ounce for the first time as investors sought safety amid deepening economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Patients caught in doctors–Health Ministry tug of war

Patients were caught in the middle as disruptions to government hospital services continued for a fourth day amid ongoing tensions between doctors and health authorities.

Are children in Sri Lanka safe?

Violence and sexual abuse against children still remain a key problem highlighting that Sri Lanka is yet to be on a path that ensure a safe future for children. A total of 10455 offences have been recorded for the year of 2025 which include rape, Grave Sexual Abuse, Obscene Publications and Cyber Bulling (threatening using nude photos), according to the National Child Protection Authority.

Rohan Olugala appointed Director of Walana Anti-Corruption Unit

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rohan Olugala has been appointed as the new director of the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit.

China executes 11 members of Myanmar scam mafia

China has executed 11 members of a notorious family that ran scam centres in Myanmar, state media report.

Stephanie appointed to PO Committee due to social service work: Spokesman

The Government has appointed a six-member Prison Observation Committee with the objective of identifying issues faced by prison detainees and carrying out welfare-related activities.

SL to spend $1.5 bn on vehicles in 2026

The Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, said Sri Lanka spent around US$2.0 billion on vehicle imports in 2025 and could spend a further US$1.5 billion in 2026 as pent-up demand wanes.

Plane crashes in Colombia, killing all 15 on board

A passenger plane has crashed in northern Colombia, killing all 15 people on board, the country’s state-run airline Satena confirmed.

Sri Lanka unveils national anti-human trafficking plan

The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) officially launched the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2026–2030), reaffirming Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to eliminating all forms of human trafficking and strengthening coordinated national responses.

CB keeps policy rate unchanged at 7.75% as inflation outlook holds

The Central Bank yesterday left its key policy rate, the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), unchanged at 7.75 percent, while signalling an accommodative monetary stance, as the Monetary Policy Board is of the view the current policy setting is appropriate to steer inflation towards its medium-term target of around 5 percent.

Foreign investments important but forex flows remain priority: CB Governor

Foreign exchange earnings are more critical to Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability than foreign investments, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said addressing the first Monetary Policy Review for 2026.

Stabbed Chelsea fan shocked by Naples attack

A Chelsea supporter has described his ’’shock’’ after being stabbed and taken to hospital before Wednesday’s Champions League match against Napoli in Italy.

Sri Lanka face must-win U19 World Cup Clash as Semi-Final Race Heats Up

Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team will face South Africa in a crucial Super Six clash today, with their semi-final hopes still alive in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.

NATA mulls banning sale of single-stick cigarettes

A fresh discussion has emerged on the need to ban the sale of cigarettes individually, where officials of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) highlighted it during a recent meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Empowerment.

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No loss from substandard coal shipment; USD 2.1 million fine imposed: Lanka Coal Company

Claiming that a fine of USD 2.1 million has been imposed on the Indian supplier responsible for supplying substandard coal, General Manager of Lanka Coal Company Namal Hewage said that no loss has been caused to the country due to the substandard coal shipment.

Migration of Mahaweli, Irrigation managers worsened Ditwah impact: Former Minister

Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has warned that the migration of experienced middle-level managers from institutions such as the Mahaweli Authority and the Department of Irrigation may have contributed to the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

Need to examine Sajith’s mentality before implementing new education reforms; Nalinda

Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today said the Government must first examine the mentality of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa before responding to his demands on the new education reforms.

No child should be left behind in education, Says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, also serving as Minister of Education, emphasized that the government believes no child’s education should be determined by their parents’ financial situation and that every child has the right to education.

Trump warns Iran ’time is running out’ as US military builds up in Gulf

Donald Trump has warned Iran that ’’time is running out’’ to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf.

Pakistan face Australia with T20 World Cup participation uncertain

Pakistan take on Australia in a three-match Twenty20 international series starting in Lahore from Thursday, despite doubts over their participation in next month’s World Cup in cricket’s shortest format.

Rebuilding will be done without reversing gains- Govt tells IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) which concluded its latest mission to Sri Lanka said that the authorities are committed to safeguarding the gains that were achieved on fiscal and debt sustainability in rebuilding after the disaster caused by the cyclone.

Sri Lanka Announce T20I Squad: Shanaka Captain, Pavan Included

Sri Lanka have announced their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series, with Dasun Shanaka set to lead the side as captain.

Notices ordered on Gota, others in FR petition on Aragalaya compensation payment

The Supreme Court today directed notices to be served on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and several others over a Fundamental Rights petition seeking an investigation into the compensation payments made for property damages caused during the attacks and violence that occurred on May 9, 2022.