Parliament to debate disaster situation tomorrow

Parliament is set to debate the current disaster situation tomorrow, according to a decision taken by party leaders, the Office of the Leader of the House said today.

Youth who confronted Namal in Matale surrenders

A youth who confronted Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa during his visit to disaster-affected residents in Matale yesterday later surrendered after explaining his concerns.

R. Sridhar appointed Sri Lanka National Team fielding coach

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that R. Sridhar has been appointed as the Fielding Coach of the Sri Lanka National Team, effective until the completion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Pope Leo XIV appoints new Bishop for Anuradhapura

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Nishantha Sagara Jayamanne as the new Bishop of the Anuradhapura Diocese, the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka announced today.

NMRA orders temporary withdrawal of 10 medicines until safety checks completed

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has directed local hospitals to temporarily stop using ten medicinal products until their manufacturing processes are verified to meet required standards, NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said.

Ondansetron suspended over quality concerns: GMOA

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced that the use of a specific batch of the drug Ondansetron, commonly used to prevent vomiting, has been suspended in Sri Lanka due to quality concerns.

Sri Lanka’s youth environmental resolution adopted at UNEA-7

Sri Lanka’s draft resolution on enhancing youth participation in environmental processes and education has been adopted at the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi.

Injured wild elephant burnt alive in Mihintale

A wild elephant found lying in a home garden at Seeppukulama in Mihintale died yesterday afternoon after being set on fire with burning torches, wildlife officials said.

Fifa brings in new £45 ticket for 2026 World Cup

Fifa has introduced a small number of ’’more affordable’’ $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of its pricing structure for the tournament.

Probe launched into Ondansetron batch after deaths, use suspended

The investigations are underway into a batch of the anaesthesia-related drug Ondansetron, following reports of two deaths that raised concerns over its safety, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni said.

15-hour water cut in Mahara and Gampaha today for maintenance work

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 15-hour water disruption in the Mahara and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas today (17).

Sri Lanka’s current growth level insufficient to create jobs - World Bank experts say

Sri Lanka’s current economic growth rates will not be sufficient to create jobs for one million people entering the workforce in the next decade, a leading World Bank economist said.

Police beef up security at religious sites

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has instructed all Senior DIGs and DIGs to take necessary measures to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful environment during the upcoming festive season, with special focus on religious sites.

Trump expands US travel ban to five more countries

President Donald Trump has expanded a US travel ban, barring nationals of five additional countries and people travelling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents from entering the US.

Chinese NPC Vice Chairman arrives in Sri Lanka

Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China, arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday for a three-day official visit.

Construction sector momentum continues with 12.2% growth in 3Q

The Sri Lankan construction sector recorded a robust double-digit growth of 12.2 percent in the third quarter of 2025, maintaining its recovery momentum and catalysing broader activity across the real estate and professional services sectors.

EU delivers €5million disaster relief to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka received a significant boost to its disaster relief operations on December 17, as a special cargo plane from Germany and Luxembourg landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) carrying 69,000 kilograms of essential supplies valued at €5 million.

16th Jaffna Trade Fair announced...

IRD records highest-ever revenue, surpasses 2025 target

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has generated additional tax revenue of Rs. 50 billion, surpassing its 2025 revenue target of Rs. 2,195 billion, and recording the highest revenue performance in its recent history.

Turkish airlines flight makes safe landing at BIA

A Turkish Airlines passenger flight safely landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake last night after reporting a landing gear malfunction, airport officials confirmed.

BIA on standby as Turkish Airlines flight reports landing gear issue

The runway at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has been readied for an emergency landing after a Turkish Airlines passenger flight reported a landing gear malfunction, airport officials confirmed.

Goods train successfully operates from China Bay to Seeduwa

A goods train operated successfully from China Bay to Seeduwa today, despite disruptions to rail services on the Eastern Line caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Railways Department said.

Books & Stationery Fair at SLECC

PSG ordered to pay Mbappe 60m euros

Paris St-Germain have been ordered to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe 60m euros (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses by a French court.

Sri Lanka Unveil T20I Squad for India Tour Ahead of Women’s World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming five-match Women’s T20 International series against India, marking an important step in their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.

Japan extends $2.5 million emergency grant to Sri Lanka

The Japanese government has decided to provide an emergency grant of $2.5 million to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by a cyclone that struck the country in late November, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday.

Pathum Nissanka picked by Delhi Capitals for INR 4 Crore

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been signed by the Delhi Capitals for INR 4 crore at the IPL 2026 player auction held in Abu Dhabi.

Pramodya Wickramasinghe appointed chairman of National Cricket Selection Committee

Pramodya Wickramasinghe has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Cricket Selection Committee.

NPP-led Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha budget defeated by one vote

The inaugural budget of the Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated at a council meeting held today.

Red landslide warnings lifted; amber alerts extended

Previously issued Level 3 (Red) landslide warnings have been lifted, while Level 2 (Amber) and Level 1 (Yellow) warnings have been extended in several districts after authorities reviewed current ground conditions and recent rainfall.