Govt. cracks down on illegal foreign-run tourism businesses

Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, have intensified their crackdown on illegal tourism operations run by foreigners, resulting in the apprehension of 75 individuals

No need for panic buying ahead of 2.5% SSCL on imported vehicles: Merenchige

The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) urged the public not to resort to panic buying of vehicles ahead of the Government’s decision to impose a 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) on imported vehicles from April 1, 2026.

Son of Robert Mugabe questioned in South Africa after reported shooting

Police in South Africa have detained the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe after a reported shooting at a property in an upmarket suburb in Johannesburg.

President holds series of bilateral talks at AI Impact 2026 Summit

A bilateral discussion between Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Emmanuel Macron took place this afternoon (19) on the side-lines of the AI Impact 2026 Summit in New Delhi.

Maritime cooperation takes centre stage in U.S.–Sri Lanka talks

The Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, met with the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (19 February).

CEJ raises alarm over Mandaitivu cricket stadium construction

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has formally urged the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to intervene in the ongoing construction of the proposed cricket stadium on Mandaitivu Island, citing serious environmental and legal concerns.

Capital goods sector dominates turnover as market consolidates

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended the session on a negative note, with both the ASPI and S&P SL20 retreating after hitting intraday highs above the 24,000 level.

’Law must take Its course’: King Charles III responds after his younger brother arrested

Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, has publicly reacted to the arrest of his younger brother, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, stating that the law must be allowed to take its course.

Zimbabwe Shock Sri Lanka to Stay Unbeaten

Zimbabwe national cricket team stunned Sri Lanka national cricket team with a commanding six-wicket victory to remain unbeaten at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Sri Pada declared plastic-free: National campaign launches to protect sacred sanctuary

In a landmark environmental initiative, the Sri Pada pilgrimage site was officially launched as a plastic-free zone today (19) at the Nallathanniya and Ratnapura entrances.

CEJ files petition to regulate gillnet industry

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), led by directors Hemantha Withanage and Dilena Pathragoda, has filed a legal petition calling for immediate action to ensure the gillnet fishing industry operates in an environmentally sustainable manner, in line with existing laws and regulations.

Kusal Mendis stumped for the first time in T20 International career

Kusal Mendis experienced a rare moment in his T20 career during Sri Lanka’s clash against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as he was stumped for the first time in 104 innings.

Plans underway to redevelop Talaimannar jetty in phases

A phased development plan has been proposed for the Talaimannar Jetty, with the first phase focusing on constructing a 310-meter-long and 7-meter-wide North Jetty to facilitate easier access for passengers and vehicles from the main road to anchored ships.

UK police arrest King Charles’ brother Andrew, BBC reports

BBC TV reported on Thursday that police had arrested King Charles’ younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

First turtle nesting of the year recorded at Galle Face

The first turtle egg-laying of the year was recorded at Galle Face Green on Tuesday night (17), marking the start of the nesting season along the western coastline.

Provide immediate solutions to gas shortage: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has called on the Government to take immediate steps to address the prevailing LP gas shortage reported in several parts of the island.

New York City Mayor’s chat with Sri Lankan comedian goes viral

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn attention among Sri Lankan social media users after a recent Instagram and TikTok video showed him in a casual street-side conversation with a Sri Lankan comedian.

Canada revises express entry immigration rules, adds military roles

Canada introduced new immigration priority categories on Feb 18 to bring in skilled workers in fields ranging from research and healthcare to aviation, and to include certain military recruits.

Bill Gates pulls out of India’s AI summit amid Epstein files controversy

Bill Gates will not deliver his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, his philanthropic organisation said hours before the Microsoft co-founder was due to speak.

Police warn against renting vehicles to foreign tourists

The Sri Lanka Police has issued a strong warning to vehicle owners and tourism operators regarding the rental or lease of motor vehicles to foreign tourists without valid driving licences. The move comes after several accidents involving unlicensed foreign drivers, including five fatalities in 2025.

Russia’s Lavrov warns against any new US strike on Iran

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in an interview made public on Wednesday (Feb 18), said that any new US strike on Iran would have serious consequences and called for restraint to find a solution to enable Iran to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme.

No gas shortage, only panic buying: Minister

There is no LP gas shortage, but panic buying has created a difficulty brought on by Laugfs Gas delaying its supply, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

South Korea’s ex-president jailed for life for masterminding an insurrection

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of rebellion and abuse of authority over his failed 2024 martial law bid.

Opposition MP calls for adjournment debate on Imran Khan

Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera called for an adjournment debate on former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.

No need for panic buying; Gas stocks secured: Litro Chairman

Litro Gas Lanka Limited assured the public that sufficient LP gas stocks have been secured despite a temporary shortage of cylinders reported in the market.

Army tip-off leads to Rs. 5M illegal beedi leaves seizure

Based on information provided by the Army Intelligence Unit, Navy officers conducted raids in Karukapane, Puttalam, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of a large stock of illegal beedi leaves.

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Koehler’s to visit Sri Lanka

Admiral Steve “Web” Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, will visit Sri Lanka from February 19 to 21, 2026. During his visit, Admiral Koehler will engage with Sri Lankan government officials and military counterparts to discuss shared values of advancing cooperation in maritime security, regional stability, and to enhance collaboration and interoperability.

Special security, traffic plan in place for SL–Zimbabwe clash

Police will implement a special security programme and traffic plan in view of the Sri Lanka–Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo this afternoon (19).

Special cataract surgery drive to reduce patient waiting list

A special cataract surgery programme aimed at reducing the waiting list of patients suffering from cataracts will be held on February 28 and March 1 at Gampola Hospital.

COPE accuses NSB of failing to wind up Daya Group of Companies

Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake in Parliament today proposed a debate on non performing loans at the National Savings Bank (NSB).