Concerns raised over operational readiness of Colombo port’s new eastern terminal berth

The Colombo Port’s top management recently held a ceremonial opening for the third berth at the Eastern Container Terminal, but trade union representatives have expressed concerns about the terminal’s operational readiness.

Clear division within government on education reforms: Chamith Wijesundera

There is a clear division in the government with regard to the proposed education reforms, SJB Member of the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Municipal Council Chamith Wijesundera said today.

CECT’s phase III operations begin...

Report on sexual harassment of Parliament staff hidden: Sajith

The report of the investigation into the sexual harassment of Parliament staff is being hidden from the MPs, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament today.

CEB restructuring enters final stage

The restructuring process of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), aimed at meeting the country’s future electricity requirements and achieving national development objectives, has reached its final stage, the CEB said.

Market surges as ASPI nears 24,000 mark

The Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a strong bullish note today, with both benchmark indices recording notable gains as investor optimism continued to build. The ASPI climbed 142.74 points (+0.60%) to close at 23,956.51, edging closer to the psychologically important 24,000 all-time high level, while the S&P SL20 added 31.65 points (+0.48%) to finish at 6,649.50.

Jaffna International Trade Fair kicks off...

“I am no longer engaged in active politics”: Ranil

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Kandy this morning (23) to pay homage to the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and obtain their blessings.

FSP protests in Colombo...

Eastern container terminal phase III comes inline

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) commenced operations of Phase III of the Eastern Container Terminal (CECT) today (23), marking a key milestone in the government’s programme to develop the Port of Colombo into a regionally competitive maritime hub.

Anusha Pelpita remanded

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that Anusha Pelpita, a former Ministry Secretary and Director General, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, be remanded till February 6 in connection with an investigation into allegations of amassing illicit assets amounting to Rs. 46 million over a period of two years.

To Lam wins new term to rule Vietnam for the next five years

Vietnam’s top leader To Lam was reappointed on Friday as head of the ruling Communist Party for the next five years after a unanimous vote by its central committee, as he pledged to turbocharge growth in the export-reliant nation.

Circular issued to support livelihood restoration after Cyclone Ditwah

A new circular has been issued to facilitate the restoration of livelihoods of individuals affected by the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Japan PM Takaichi dissolves parliament, paving way for snap election

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved parliament in advance of a snap election scheduled for February 8.

Karu urges President to reconsider abolishing MPs’ pensions

Former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calling for a reconsideration of the proposal to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament.

National steering committee for the elimination of child labour meets

The National Steering Committee for the Elimination of Child Labour (NSCECL) held its first meeting for the year this morning (23) at the auditorium of the General Secretariat of Labour in Narahenpita.

Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission

Former Ministry Secretary and Director General Anusha Palpita has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Patients left in the lurch

Kedella 2026...

New circular offers financial aid to disaster-affected businesses

The government has issued a new circular granting additional financial assistance to businesses affected and disrupted by recent disasters, with the aim of restoring livelihoods and improving living conditions in affected communities.

CIABOC moves High Court against MP Chamara Sampath

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today that indictments have been filed before the High Court against Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption.

Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund crosses Rs. 8.5bn

The government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, established to support recovery efforts after Cyclone Ditwah, has received over Rs. 8.5 billion from local businesses and the public, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said.

Bitter story of Pelwatte, Sevanagala sugar factories

There is a bitter story behind the management of the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories over the years, even though the sugar they produce is sweet, Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today.

Prime Minister returns after successful World Economic Forum visit

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this morning (23) following a successful four-day official visit to Switzerland, where she attended the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.

Colombo Navam Maha Perahera on Jan 31, Feb 1; Sacred Relics exhibition from Feb 4.

The annual Colombo Navam Maha Perahera, along with an exhibition of sacred relics brought from India, will be held at Gangaramaya Vihara in Hunupitiya, featuring grand religious observances, Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera announced.

Court temporarily lifts foreign travel ban on Prasanna Ranatunga

The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, today ordered the temporary relaxation of the foreign travel ban imposed on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.

Namal slams Lalkantha, warns against intimidation of state institutions

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Namal Rajapaksa, yesterday launched a sharp attack on JVP leader Lal Kantha, accusing him of attempting to undermine state institutions through threats and intimidation.

CAASL to introduce licensing system for drone pilots

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is set to introduce, for the first time, a licensing system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators engaged in commercial and professional activities.

Gold tops $4,900/oz; silver and platinum extend record‑setting rally

Gold pushed past $4,900 per ounce for the first time on Thursday, powered by ‌ongoing geopolitical tensions, a softer U.S. dollar and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while silver and platinum prices hit fresh record highs.

Sexual tendencies of MPs make its way into Parliament

The ruling party and the Opposition were engaged in hurling remarks at each other pertaining to sexual tendencies and behaviour.