Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka: Ticket update

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that spectators who purchased tickets for the abandoned 2nd T20I will be issued a free ticket for the 3rd T20I, scheduled to be played on Sunday.

US warns Iran amid growing antigovernment demonstrations and clashes

United States President Donald Trump says Iran is in “big trouble” and again warned he could order military strikes as videos showed antigovernment protests raging across the country, and authorities blacked out the internet to restrain growing unrest.

Department of Examinations issues revised schedule for 2025 G.C.E. A/L exams

Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka has released a revised schedule for the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examinations following disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.

War heroes’ tribute ceremony

Vehicle imports surge strained country’s external sector hit by global uncertainties

Import of vehicles, largely reflecting the release of pent-up demand at a scale much higher than expected, exerted pressure last year on Sri Lanka’s external sector that faced significant challenges amidst elevated global uncertainties, arising from shifts in global trade policies and heightened geopolitical tensions, according to the Central Bank.

Man arrested with narcotics in Negombo

A 32-year-old man from Negombo was taken into custody after police uncovered a cache of narcotics during a search of a suspicious vehicle near the Periyamulla–Eththukala railway crossing.

Nothing to discuss with Govt on grade VI English module controversy: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa on Sunday said there was nothing to discuss with the government over the controversy surrounding alleged inappropriate references in the Grade VI English Language module introduced under the new education reforms.

Saudi Fund grants USD 6m for Ditwah-hit roads

Sri Lanka will receive an additional USD 6 million from the Saudi Fund for Development to rehabilitate roads damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, the Ministry of Transport said.

Controversy erupts over alleged ‘hidden LGBTQ promotion’ at ILO C190 awareness event

As the Sri Lankan government moves ahead with plans to stop violence and harassment at workplaces by ratifying the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190), a controversy has arisen. Critics claim the move is also being used to quietly promote and normalise LGBTQ-related ideas under the cover of labour reforms.

Trump seeks $100bn for Venezuela oil, but Exxon boss says country ’uninvestable’

US President Donald Trump has asked for at least $100bn (£75bn) in oil industry spending for Venezuela, but received a lukewarm response at the White House as one executive warned the South American country was currently ’’uninvestable’’.

Sri Lanka emerges as third fastest growing destination for Australian tourists

​Sri Lanka has secured its position as the third fastest-growing travel destination for Australian tourists in 2025, recording a 19 percent year-on-year growth in arrivals.

Trump says US needs to ’own’ Greenland to prevent Russia and China from taking it

President Donald Trump says the US needs to ’’own’’ Greenland to prevent Russia and China from doing so.

All set for international bidding for oil and gas exploration, development

The energy companies from countries such as Qatar and India have already shown interest in participation in the exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources (oil and natural gas) in four blocks of the Mannar basin, an official said yesterday.

TikTok reveals Sri Lanka’s top searches in 2025

TikTok recently shared the top searched words on the platform in Sri Lanka in 2025, offering a snapshot of what Sri Lankans were most curious about this year — from the celebrities and creators they follow, to the music and dramas they can’t stop talking about, the places they’re planning to visit, and the moments driving conversation across the platform.

Dehiwala hotel owner dies after shooting

The owner of a hotel on Marine Drive in Dehiwala has died after being shot earlier this evening, police said.

Second T20 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka abandoned due to rain

Rain played spoilsport in the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka as the second Twenty20 International at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium was abandoned due to persistent downpours on Friday evening.

Market closes week on strong note with fifth consecutive gain

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its rally on Friday, recording its fifth consecutive session of gains as improving investor sentiment and encouraging macroeconomic signals continued to support market momentum.

Shooting reported in Dehiwala, one injured

A shooting incident was reported a short while ago in the Beach Road area of Dehiwala, leaving one person injured, police said.

Lane closed on Colombo–Kandy road

One lane of the Colombo–Kandy main road will be temporarily closed near Kadawatha owing to ongoing construction work, police said.

US seizes another oil tanker linked to Venezuela, officials say

US forces have seized another tanker in the Caribbean Sea, officials said, as Washington continues its efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil.

Construction halted in Ambuluwawa environmental zone

The Ministry of Environment has directed the Central Environment Authority (CEA) to immediately suspend all construction activities within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone until a comprehensive risk assessment is carried out.

Protests in Iran cause widespread flight cancelations

Major airlines have canceled dozens of flights to and from Iranian cities as a result of widespread protests throughout Iran, fueled by economic hardship.

Multi-vehicle crash at Mawanella leaves one killed, several injured

One person was killed and several others were injured when two buses and a lorry were involved in a collision on the Colombo–Kandy main road in the Palpatha area of Mawanella around 3.30 p.m. today (09), police said.

’’We will not ask people to wait until 2048,’’ says AKD

Although the lives lost in the disaster cannot be replaced, the Government will provide every possible form of assistance to help the affected communities and that he will not ask the people to wait until 2048 for relief, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

Arogya mobile health clinic for Colombo Nattami Community

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media will conduct an Arogya mobile health clinic for the Colombo Nattami community and their family members on January 10, 2026.

Govt publishes amended terrorism designation list

An amended list of designated persons, groups and entities has been published through an Extraordinary Gazette under the United Nations Act, No. 45 of 1968.

Red landslide evacuation warnings issued for several areas

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued Red (Level 3) Landslide Evacuation Warnings for several high-risk areas amid prevailing weather conditions in Sri Lanka.

Cigarette haul: Two arrested in Colombo

Two suspects were arrested in Colombo’s Aluthkade area during a joint operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police on January 8, after around 1,560 foreign-manufactured cigarettes were found in their possession.

Johnston Fernando further remanded

The Wattala Magistrate’s Court has ordered the further remand of five suspects, including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, until January 23.

CAA to expand consumer awareness drive in 2026

Following a landmark year in consumer education, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced plans to further strengthen and expand its awareness programs in 2026, targeting the general public, schoolchildren, and the business community.