Supreme Court to resume operations at refurbished original building from January 26

The Supreme Court will resume operations at the newly refurbished original Supreme Court building at the Superior Courts Complex with effect from January 26, 2026, the Registrar of the Supreme Court announced.

Government to establish prison in Welisara

The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has issued an extraordinary gazette notification to establish a prison in Welisara.

Turkish Airlines introduces A350-900 on Istanbul–Colombo route

Turkish Airlines has upgraded its Istanbul–Colombo route with the introduction of the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) announced with delight.

Court revises bail condition of Ex Moratuwa Mayor

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered the modification of a bail condition imposed on former Mayor of the Moratuwa Municipal Council Saman Lal Fernando who has been produced before court as a suspect in a corruption related case.

Ashoka Chakra used in Buddhism book instead of Dharmachakra: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said another serious error has been reported in the Buddhism subject where the Ashoka Chakra has been used instead of the Dharmachakra in the Buddhism book.

Gampola labour office to be temporarily closed Jan 9

The Department of Labour announces that the Gampola Labour Office, located at P.B. Panabokka Mawatha, Gampola, will be temporarily closed with effect from 9 January 2026.

65 cases withdrawn during previous governments re-filed: PM

A total of 65 cases that had been withdrawn between 2019 and 2024 have been re-filed by the present government, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Awarding of NVQ-level certificates…

Douglas Devananda released on bail

Former Minister Douglas Devananda, who was remanded in connection with an investigation into a missing firearm, was granted bail by Gampaha Magistrate Seelani Perera.

Govt to build 31,000 houses following $4.1 bn disaster losses, Says President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government plans to build 31,000 new houses after the World Bank estimated Sri Lanka’s disaster-related losses at USD 4.1 billion.

Elephant calf killed in lorry collision in Galgamuwa

A two-year-old elephant calf was killed after a herd of elephants collided with a lorry on the Anuradhapura–Padeniya road in the Galgamuwa Mee Oya area, wildlife officials said.

Sri Pada Hatton route declared safe after NBRO inspection

Pilgrims can now safely access Sri Pada via the Hatton route, as the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has confirmed that there is no longer a risk of landslides in the Mahagiridamba area, Venerable Dorapane Sumanajothi Thera said.

Demerit system to lead to cancellation of driving licences and route permits – Minister

A demerit system under which driving licences of habitual traffic offenders and route permits of buses will be cancelled is to be introduced soon to enhance road safety, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament yesterday.

Protest over medicine access

Harini’s justifications of her errors disgraceful: Lihini Fernando

While categorically and vehemently rejecting the vile, personalised attacks that have been directed at Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Moratuwa Municipal Councillor of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Lihini Fernando said the Prime Minister failed as the Minister of Education and disappointed and disgusted with her disgraceful justifications of her errors.

Over 177,000 still live with relatives after Ditwah

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, more than 177,000 people are currently living in the homes of relatives and friends, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Internet blackout in Iran as large anti-government protests held across country

Iran was plunged into a nationwide internet blackout Thursday evening as mass anti-government protests spread around the country, with Iranians shouting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime as anger mounts over economic turmoil and security crackdowns.

SLAP and NAITA Join forces to boost skilled workforce for Sri Lanka’s printing industry

In a significant move to strengthen Sri Lanka’s printing industry, the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) recently held discussions to develop industry-focused training programs aimed at producing a future-ready workforce.

Deep depression path shifts: No cyclone expected, Meteorology Department confirms

The path of the deep depression approaching Sri Lanka has shifted, and it is no longer expected to develop into a cyclonic storm, the Director General of the Meteorological Department, Athula Karunanayake, said today.

Speaker rejects Opposition request for select committee on judicial appointments

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today dismissed a request by the Opposition to appoint a select committee to probe the appointments, transfers and promotions of judicial officers.

Have the right to ensure correct information is disseminated to people: Media Minister

Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today that he is committed to ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public.

Uva Province schools to cose early due to adverse weather

All schools in the Uva Province will close at 11:45 a.m. today due to the risk of adverse weather conditions, Chief Secretary Anusha Gokula Fernando said.

CID probing evidence destruction in high-profile cases

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said investigations into several high-profile cases are progressing, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducting comprehensive inquiries to identify those who tampered with or destroyed crucial evidence linked to the cases.

India awaits Sri Lanka’s response to detailed project report request

India awaits Sri Lanka’s response to the proposal for a detailed project report on land connectivity between the two countries, an official said yesterday.

An official and a few NGOs behind Grade Six module issue: MP

An official named Dharshana Samaraweera and few NGOs promoting homosexuality are behind the crisis pertaining to the Grade Six module issue, an opposition MP told Parliament yesterday.

Divisional Secretary probed over alleged fake marriage documents

Police have launched a special investigation following a complaint alleging that a Divisional Secretary currently serving at a Divisional Secretariat in the Ratnapura District had prepared fraudulent documents in connection with her marriage.

Deep depression crossing Sri Lanka, be vigilant for flash floods, landslides - Met. Dept.

A depression which occurred in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is crossing Sri Lanka today and warnings have been sent out by the Department of Meteorology to be prepared for flash floods, crop destruction, power cuts, damage to huts and uprooting of trees.

D.V. Chanaka challenges energy minister over alleged coal tender corruption

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP D.V. Chanaka has publicly challenged Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody to a televised debate over alleged corruption in a recent coal import tender.

Delay in procuring advanced radiotherapy machines raising cancer mortality, warn experts

The lack of modern radiotherapy technology in Sri Lanka is worsening the quality of life for cancer patients and increasing mortality rates, particularly for those suffering from cervical, endometrial, prostate, rectal, anal, breast, head, neck, and skin cancers, medical experts warn.

Public urged to take action as cyclonic conditions build near Eastern coast

Authorities have urged the public to take action as a developing weather system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to several parts of the country.