SLAF dismisses rumours of foreign military jets in Sri Lankan airspace

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has dismissed social media rumours claiming that foreign military jets have been granted clearance to operate within Sri Lankan airspace.

Explosions in Israel, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait

Explosions rocked northern Israel as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles shortly after it attacked Iran. The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defence systems to bring down the Iranian fire. There was no immediate word on any casualties or damage from the ongoing attack.

Airlines suspend Middle East flights after US, Israel strikes on Iran

Global airlines suspended flights across the Middle East on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, plunging the region into a renewed military confrontation.

US, Israel attack Iran: Trump announces ‘major combat operations’

United States President Donald Trump says the US has begun “major combat operations” in Iran after Israel also said it ⁠had launched missile attacks against the country.

After Sallay, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the next - Ex MP

Former Minister and National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa yesterday alleged that the arrest of Major General (rtd) Suresh Salley is a politically motivated move aimed at appeasing elements of the Tamil diaspora while undermining national security.

United States aids Israel in attack on Iran as tensions high over nuclear talks

Israel launched a daylight attack Saturday on Iran’s capital, with a cloud of smoke rising from the city’s downtown. The first apparent strike happened near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

India launches floating dry dock for Sri Lanka Navy

A 4,000-tonne Floating Dry Dock (FDD) constructed for the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) was officially launched last week at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), after several years of negotiations, planning and high-level defence discussions between India and Sri Lanka.

At least 15 killed after military plane carrying banknotes crashes in Bolivia

At least 15 people have been killed and others injured after a Bolivian air force cargo plane crashed in the western city of El Alto, the country’s authorities say.

Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25 percent stake in Spanish second-tier club Almeria

Cristiano Ronaldo has bought a stake in Spanish second-division football club Almeria, according to a consulting firm representing the Portuguese athlete.

Monk faces fraud allegations over fake “Ditwah” relief scheme

A monk from Pilimatalawa, alleged to have fraudulently obtained money by falsely posing as the Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship and claiming that relief would be provided to entrepreneurs affected by the “Ditwah” cyclone, was arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau and produced before court.

Vehicle imports decline in January: Central Bank

The imports of vehicles, including both personal and commercial vehicles, declined in January 2026 to USD 224 million when compared to December 2025, which recorded USD 301 million, the Central Bank said.

Sri Lanka makes presentation on ’’Sri Lanka EXPO 2026’’ in Germany

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said he had fruitful discussions on economic and investment landscape of Sri Lanka, trade relations, tourism and skilled employment opportunities during his visit to Germany.

Energy crisis if coal tender cancelled, Govt weighs options

The country is slated to face an energy crisis if the current coal tender is cancelled over the low quality supplies, an official said.

Paris crowns Sri Lankan baker for best traditional baguette

Sri Lankan-born baker Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan has won the coveted Grand Prix de la baguette de Paris 2026, the best traditional baguette prize, on his first attempt.

Showers and thunder showers expected as Sri Lanka begin withdrawing from Northeast Monsoon

Showers or thunder showers were forecasted in some parts of Sri Lanka as the country is withdrawing from the Northeast monsoon, the Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Trade Unions withdraw from Ditwah relief services

Amidst more than 3,000 individuals still being sheltered in safe centres, trade unions including Grama Niladharis, Disaster Relief Service Officers and Technical Officers attached to the Cyclone Ditwah-related relief services yesterday announced their withdrawal from all relief services citing the government’s failure in adopting a proper mechanism for relief services.

CID detains Suresh Sallay for 90 days

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, has been granted permission to be detained for 90 days for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Sri Lankan exporters to see tariff relief amid volatile US trade environment

​The Sri Lankan exporters could soon experience a measure of relief following a recent US Supreme Court ruling that struck down the reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Salam Ramadan 2026 kicks off in Colombo

Salam Ramadan kicked off this evening at Green Path, Colombo, celebrating unity, compassion and shared heritage.

Lunar eclipse to be visible in Sri Lanka on March 3

Sri Lankans will have the opportunity to witness a lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies said.

Actor-Politician Vijay’s wife files for divorce

Actor-politician Vijay’s wife Sangeetha Sornalingam has filed for divorce in a court in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. Sangeetha wants the marriage dissolved.

Chelsea to face holders PSG in Champions League’s last 16

Chelsea will play holders Paris St-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 while Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the knockout stages for a fifth straight season.

Validity of footwear gift vouchers for school students extended

The validity period of the footwear gift voucher programme for selected school students has been extended.

GMOA announces series of island-wide professional actions

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to launch a series of island-wide professional actions, alleging that the government has failed to honour written agreements aimed at resolving longstanding issues affecting doctors and the public health system.

Nearly 4,700 displaced still in safety centres after Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with nearly 4,700 people still living in temporary safety centres following severe flooding and landslides, according to a recent assessment by the Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Sector.

WhatsApp Web login glitch hits iPhone users, service stable for Android

Many users reported issues accessing WhatsApp Web on Friday morning, with complaints largely centred around difficulties logging in and syncing chats.

AASL calls bids for ads at BIA terminal 01

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) has invited National Competitive Bids for advertising opportunities at Passenger Terminal 01 of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), offering brands a platform at the country’s premier international gateway.

BIA launches Digital Nomad Visa facility

Sri Lanka officially launched its long-anticipated Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) programme at the “Silk Route” passenger terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, positioning the country as a destination for remote professionals seeking long-term stays.

2025 A/L practical exams schedule announced

The Examinations Department has announced the schedule for the practical tests of the 2025 General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination.

World Economic Forum boss quits after review of Epstein links

The president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Borge Brende, has resigned after a review into his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.