Turkish Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Barcelona after ’threat’ alert

A Turkish Airlines flight made an emergency landing Thursday at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport after a passenger created an in-flight wireless network whose name contained a bomb threat, an airlines spokesperson said.

New luxury tourism bus ‘Bustaurant’ launched in Dambulla

A new tourism venture called “Bustaurant,” offering all the facilities of a luxury bus, was launched today (15) to provide a unique travel experience for local and foreign tourists.

Veteran singer Raju Bandara passes away

Veteran singer and musician Raju Bandara passed away today at the age of 65, family sources confirmed in Colombo. His death marks the end of a career defined by his soulful contributions to Sri Lanka’s music industry.

Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station

Four astronauts evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) have landed back on Earth after their stay in space was cut short by a month due to a ’’serious’’ medical issue.

Singapore company donates USD 10,000 to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

A Singapore-registered company and supplier to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has contributed USD 10,000 (approximately LKR 30 million) to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to support relief efforts for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Cancer Radiation treatment at Galle hospital comes to a standstill

Radiation treatment for cancer patients at the Galle National Hospital has been halted owing to the breakdown of both radiation therapy machines at the facility.

Struggling for basic rights...

Work on Kasikote elephant tunnel to resume on January 19

Work on the Kasikote Elephant Tunnel project is set to resume on January 19, following a comprehensive review of the existing structure and its impact.

President launches 50MW wind power project in Mannar

In line with the government’s policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a 50-megawatt wind power project in Mannar was officially launched this morning (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka exceeds renewable energy targets: Minister

Sri Lanka has made significant progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity and has already surpassed several national targets, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody revealed yesterday.

President commissions 20MW windscape Mannar power plant

The 20-megawatt ‘Windscape Mannar’ wind power plant, constructed by CEYLEX Renewables in Mannar, was officially connected to the national grid this morning under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Protestor climbs electric pole at Galle Face alleging police injustice

A person launched a protest by climbing an electric pole along Galle Face Centre Road, claiming that he has been treated unfairly by the Kelaniya Police.

Four space station crewmates, one ailing, begin emergency return flight

A SpaceX capsule departed the International Space Station on Wednesday carrying a four-member crew on an emergency return flight to Earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition afflicting one of the astronauts aboard.

Rain expected after 4 p.m. in four districts

The Meteorological Department has forecast showers or thundershowers in a few areas of Kalutara, Galle, Matara, and Rathnapura districts after 4:00 p.m. today.

National Thai Pongal festival celebrated...

Academics call on Government to safeguard credibility of education reforms amid online attacks on PM

A group of academics, professionals, and social activists have issued a joint statement urging the government to preserve the integrity of ongoing education reforms, warning that recent online attacks against the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, risk undermining a transformative agenda for the country’s education system.

X to stop Grok AI from undressing images of real people after backlash

Elon Musk’s AI model Grok will no longer be able to edit photos of real people to show them in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal, after widespread concern over sexualised AI deepfakes.

CAA raids Beruwala filling station for selling Euro 3 instead of 92 petrol

A filling station in Beruwala was raided last night (14) after the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) received reports that some fuel stations were selling Euro 3 petrol at higher prices at night while claiming that 92 petrol was unavailable.

SPC’s contribution to government rises by 173 percent compared to 2024: Health Ministry

The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) has contributed Rs. 1.118 billion to the government through income tax and treasury levies in 2025, which is an increase by 173 percent compared to 2024, the Health Ministry said.

Fire breaks out at shop in Maligawatta

A fire has erupted at a shop in Maligawatta, prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

FAO seeks USD 16.5m to aid Sri Lanka

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has appealed for USD 16.5 million in international assistance to support the early recovery of livelihoods and food security for communities devastated by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Welisara court fines three traders Rs. 300,000 for overpricing rice

The Welisara Magistrate’s Court has fined three traders in the Gampaha district a total of Rs. 300,000 for selling rice above the government’s maximum retail price, after they pleaded guilty to the charges filed by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA). The ruling was delivered yesterday (14).

Detainee dies after falling ill while in court cell

A detainee who was being held in a court cell while awaiting production before the Hingurakgoda Magistrate’s Court died after falling ill and being admitted to hospital, police said.

UK couple donates £2,000 to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

A British couple residing near the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom has donated £2,000 to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to assist communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Thai Pongal celebrated...

U.S. transfers 10 TH-57 helicopters to Sri Lanka Air Force

The United States has transferred ten TH-57 (Bell 206) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force on January 7, strengthening the country’s aerial capabilities in pilot training, disaster response, and emergency operations.

Strict action on local fishermen as Indian fishing issue persists

While authorities are yet to find a lasting solution to illegal fishing and repeated incursions into Sri Lankan territorial waters by Indian fishermen, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) has taken strict action against local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing practices and the deliberate tampering of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).

Environment Ministry to look into Chinese company pulling out of Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project

Claiming that he was concerned after the China-based Amber Adventures (Private) Limited pulling out of the Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project, Environment Minister Dammika Patabedi said yesterday he instructed the Ministry to look into the matter, saying that the government is not at all keen on any investors leaving the country.

Drug usage among rich and elite rises in Sri Lanka

In a worrying twist to Sri Lanka’s ongoing battle against narcotics, recent data and law enforcement reports reveal a notable increase in drug use among affluent communities and high-socioeconomic groups in districts across Sri Lanka, a trend that has alarmed policymakers and the law enforcement officers alike.

Iran warns of retaliation if Trump strikes, US withdraws some personnel from bases

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.