Customs records highest-ever revenue

Sri Lanka Customs has recorded a historic high in revenue collection, earning Rs. 2,497 billion during the year, Customs Media Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said.

Government to import seeds, vegetables after Cyclone Ditwah damage: Farmers’ Union

The government is preparing to import seeds and vegetables following the severe damage caused to the agricultural sector by Cyclone Ditwah, National Farmers’ Union Chairman Anuradha Thennakoon said.

Cinnamon Grand clarifies no police complaint filed over Ne-Yo concert

Cinnamon Grand Colombo said that it has not filed, initiated, or participated in any police complaint, legal action, or administrative process in connection with the Ne-Yo concert or its organizers.

Kandy MC decides to remove pavement hawkers

The Kandy Municipal Council has decided to remove all pavement hawkers in the city after December 31. Mayor of Kandy Chandrasiri Wijenayake said the decision to remove payment hawkers had been taken in June this year, but they were given time till December 31 on sympathetic grounds.

Mexico train crash kills 13 and injures almost 100

At least 13 people died and almost 100 were injured after a train derailed in Mexico’s south-western Oaxaca region, the Mexican navy said.

Free Lawyers’ Association to file Supreme Court petition over lack of cyclone “Ditwah” warnings

The Free Lawyers’ Association, representing the Joint Opposition, has announced plans to file a petition before the Supreme Court by January 15, challenging the government’s failure to inform the public in advance about the dangers of cyclone “Ditwah” and to take proper safety measures.

Alongside India, China is set to play role in post-disaster rebuilding process

Alongside India, China is also likely to play a key role in Sri Lanka’s post-disaster rebuilding efforts, according to a top source.

Opposition unite to oppose suppression of media

The opposition political parties have opposed the government’s move to take action against media which had reported on the recent disaster.

700 kmph in 2 seconds: China sets world record with high-speed maglev train

Chinese scientists have achieved a milestone in magnetic levitation technology. Researchers at China’s National University of Defence Technology successfully propelled a one-tonne vehicle to 700 kilometers per hour in just two seconds on a 400-meter test track, setting a new world record for superconducting electric maglev systems.

Jumbo deaths continue, wild elephant electrocuted

The death of another wild elephant in the human-elephant conflict was reported yesterday from Handapanagala in Moneragala. The wild elephant that roamed into the village had been electrocuted when it attempted to enter a cultivated land at Kottagashandiya area in Handapanagala. The carcass had been recovered by the wildlife officers who arrived on information from the residents of the area.

Police intensify raids on illegal brothels disguised as spas in Colombo

Police have intensified raids on brothels allegedly operating under the guise of spas in Colombo, after dozens of foreign women were arrested in December alone for involvement in illegal activities in Sri Lanka.

Jaffna international cricket stadium goes for a six

ITAK General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran told media that the land which was allocated for the international cricket stadium has gone under water during the recent floods.

Why no websites for transparency for billions of donor funds?

Cyclone Ditwah has left in its trail an unprecedented humanitarian and economic crisis involving all 25 districts. Sri Lanka will be hard pressed to get out of this crisis unless leaders from all sections of the polity demonstrate mature leadership and superior management skills devoid of corruption and partisan politics. Given our collective track record, it will be a miracle for this to come to pass.

Irrigation Department to inspect 266 tank aqueducts after floods

The Irrigation Department has begun preparations to carry out an assessment inspection of 266 tank aqueducts following damage caused by recent floods triggered by heavy rainfall.

Sri Lanka ranked fifth among Asia’s best places to visit for 2026

Sri Lanka has secured the fifth position among the Best Places to Visit in Asia for 2026, according to rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, placing the island nation alongside some of the continent’s most iconic destinations such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Palawan, and Seoul.

Mexico train crash kills 13 and injures almost 100

At least 13 people died and almost 100 were injured after a train derailed in Mexico’s south-western Oaxaca region, the Mexican navy said.

All our home matches will be played only at Nittawela: Mahesh Weerasinghe

Kandy Sports Club has issued a firm and detailed response to the recent Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) press release concerning the controversial Kandy SC vs CH & FC Inter-Club League fixture, strongly rejecting allegations of misconduct by its supporters and reaffirming its commitment to player and official safety. The letter has been sent by President, Kandy SC, Mahesh Weerasinghe, as below.

Root says 'silly' to change England management after Ashes loss

Veteran England batsman Joe Root has said it would be ’’silly’’ to change England’s management team after losing the Ashes, with players ’’absolutely committed’’ to the current set-up.

CR overcome Police fightback to secure 46-22 win

CR & FC endured a stern second-half challenge but held their nerve to record a 46-22 bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka Police Sports Club in their Inter-Club League rugby encounter played at Police Park last evening. CR scored through 7 tries, 4 conversions, and 1 penalty to Police’s 2 tries, 1 penalty try, 1 conversion, and 1 penalty.

India reach new highs in build-up towards 2026 T20 World Cup

A power-packed batting display helped India go 4-0 up in the five match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

French cinema actress Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91

French actress Brigitte Bardot, who revolutionised 1950s French cinema and became a symbol of sexual liberation, has died aged 91.

Former England cricket boss Morris dies aged 62

Glamorgan announced the death of Hugh Morris, the former chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), at the age of 62 on Sunday.

State of Public Emergency extended

The State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka has been extended with effect from today (28), according to an extraordinary gazette notification.

Latha laid to rest

Bomb threat prompts search of Qatar Airways flight at BIA

A Qatar Airways flight arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, from Doha this morning (28) was subjected to a comprehensive security search following an email warning claiming that bombs were on board.

War-torn Myanmar voting in widely criticised ’sham’ election

Myanmar is voting in an election widely dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved, many of their leaders jailed and as much as half the country not expected to vote because of an ongoing civil war.

Estate workers donate one-day salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

Estate workers from the N.C. section of the Kotiyagala Estate in Bogawantalawa have donated their one-day salary to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund in support of national recovery efforts.

Eight arrested in Anakapalle for supplying Sheelavathi cannabis to Sri Lanka

Nathavaram police in Anakapalle district have arrested eight people, including a Bengaluru-based software engineer, for allegedly supplying highquality Sheelavathi strain cannabis from Narsipatnam to Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Coast Guard rescues 10 tourists from drowning

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) rescued ten local and foreign tourists from drowning during lifesaving operations conducted across several coastal regions from 24th to 27th December 2025.

Shadab Khan returns as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

All-rounder Shadab Khan has returned to the T20I side as the Men’s National Selection Committee named a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place later next month. Salman Ali Agha, who featured in a record 34 T20I matches — the most by a Pakistan player in this year will continue to lead the side in the forthcoming series.