CB Governor gives upbeat assessment of economy with 2026 growth set at 5%

Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe kicked off the New Year with policies aimed at shifting gears from recovery in the economy to an enhanced growth while building resilience.

UK trade reforms open door to tariff-free Sri Lankan garment exports from January 1

Sri Lanka’s garment industry is set for a fresh export boost after sweeping reforms to the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) came into force on January 1, granting tariff-free access to

Sri Lanka, EU ink €8 mn grant to drive green growth in rubber sector

Sri Lanka has secured a €8 million grant from the European Union to accelerate its transition to green economic growth, with a targeted push to modernise and decarbonise segments of the country’s rubber

Surge in fingertip injuries due to motorcycle cleaning, doctors warn

A rising number of injuries to the fingertips of dominant hands have been reported among men while attempting to clean their brand-new motorcycles, Colombo National Hospital’s Plastic and Surgery Department has warned.

Deep depression set to slam Sri Lanka; Landslide alerts issued

Sri Lanka is bracing for a high-impact weather event tomorrow night as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is forecast to make landfall, triggering torrential rain, landslides, and emergency evacuations, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Director General Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena warned.

Venezuela’s interior minister says 100 people died in U.S. attack

(This Jan 7 story has been refiled to fix the last name of Venezuela’s interim president to Rodriguez, from Rodriquez, in paragraph 4)

Mobile drug-testing program begins for public transport drivers

A new drug-testing program for public transport drivers was launched today at the Mattakkuliya depot of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), aimed at ensuring a safer, drug-free transport system across the country.

Minor tremor recorded in Ududumbara, No cause for alarm

A minor tremor with a magnitude of 2.2 was recorded in the Ududumbara area this evening, the Seismic Data and Tsunami Center confirmed.

President appoints Maritime and Supply advisor

Dr. Mahinda Parakrama Disanayake has been appointed as Presidential Advisor on Maritime, Ports, and Supply Affairs, with immediate effect, the President’s Office said.

Sri Lanka tightens financial net on terror funding

Sri Lanka has significantly strengthened its national security framework by placing renewed emphasis on Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), a critical tool used to disrupt the financing of terrorism and safeguard the country’s financial system, the Ministry of Defence said.

Sri Lanka ratifies ILO convention on violence and harassment at work

Sri Lanka formally deposited its instrument of ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment at work this morning at the Labour Ministry auditorium. The event was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe.

Market extends rally on IPO boost

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its upward momentum on Thursday, with both benchmark indices closing firmly in positive territory, supported by renewed investor confidence, strong sector participation, and an exceptional IPO debut.

Government to provide disaster loan relief to businesses affected by Cyclone “Ditwah”

The government is taking steps to provide disaster loan relief to small businesses affected by the minor cyclone “Ditwah,” including flower shops, pet shops, incense shops, lottery outlets, and mobile shops.

Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha Technical Officer remanded

A Technical Officer attached to the Welisara Sub-Office of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha, who is alleged to have solicited and accepted a bribe of Rs. 50,000 to approve a building plan while overlooking its deficiencies, was remanded till 23 January by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today.

Japan offers electrical engineering jobs to Sri Lankan youth

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday (7) at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), opening up job opportunities in Japan’s electrical engineering sector for qualified Sri Lankan youth.

Over 4.4 million students to receive free school uniforms in January

More than 4.4 million students across the country are set to receive free school uniforms in January 2026 under a programme implemented by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

Ministry clarifies regarding EPF pension scheme

The Ministry of Labour has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports misinterpreting remarks made by Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe, about the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).

150mm heavy rain expected in Eastern and North-Central areas

Heavy rainfall exceeding 150 mm is likely at some places in the Eastern Province and in the Mullaittivu, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Polonnaruwa districts, following the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Public transport license to be made compulsory for public transport: Bimal

The government is planning to make the public transport license compulsory for public transport in the future, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said today.

43% of drivers caught for traffic offences in Colombo addicted to ICE

A study has revealed that 43 per cent of drivers caught committing traffic offences in Colombo are addicted to ICE, a government MP told Parliament today.

Release of Indian actor Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan postponed, disappointing fans in Singapore

The worldwide release of Indian film star Vijay’s much-anticipated movie Jana Nayagan has been postponed, disappointing fans in Singapore who had queued for advance tickets to what is widely thought to be the actor’s final film.

Bangladesh to resume direct flights with Pakistan after a decade gap

Bangladesh’s flag carrier will resume direct flights between Dhaka and Pakistan’s largest city Karachi from January 29, restoring non-stop air connectivity between the two countries after over a decade, officials said on Wednesday (January 7, 2026).

Cervical cancer: Over 600,000 cases reported globally each year

More than 600,000 cases of cervical cancer are reported worldwide each year, resulting in approximately 340,000 deaths, making it the fourth most common cancer among women globally.

Opposition to complain to IMF, World Bank over delay in AG’s appointment

The Opposition is planning to complain to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank over the government’s failure to appoint the long overdue Auditor General, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said today.

Monk donates land to support Cyclone Ditwah victims

In support of the government’s rehabilitation programme for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, a monk, Venerable Mavikande Ratanapala Thera, Chief Incumbent of Siyambalapitiya, Yattogoda and Yatahalena Raja Maha Vihara, Justice of the Peace, and National Director of Human Rights, has donated a ten-acre plot of his privately owned land.

‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ housing project to launch tomorrow

The inauguration of the housing project under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ initiative, aimed at constructing new homes and providing compensation to those who lost their residences due to Cyclone Ditwah, is scheduled to commence tomorrow (09) in the Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts.

Remaining 2025 A/L examination subjects to be held from January 12 to 20

The remaining subjects of the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, which were postponed due to Cyclone Ditwah, will be conducted from January 12 to January 20, the Examinations Department announced.

Sri Lanka braces for dengue surge amid floods

Sri Lanka is bracing for a renewed dengue surge as cases spike sharply and floodwaters left by Cyclone Ditwah raise fears of fresh outbreaks.

Those who killed Lasantha Wickramatunga governed SL years ago: Bimal

Those who killed Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickramatunga governed the nation some years ago, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament today.

Bay of Bengal depression expected to enter Sri Lanka tomorrow

The Department of Meteorology warned that a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of Sri Lanka, is likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours.