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).

Two shop spaces in Dambulla economic centre sold by traders illegally: Minister

Two shop spaces of the Dambulla economic centre have been sold by the traders who have rented them, Minister of Trade and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

Chan to officiate in Rugby Grand Finals

International referee Craig Chan who delivered a master class in control and composure, setting true Olympic-level and World Sevens Series standards will blow both the Plate and Cup Grand finals in Sri Lanka.

Sarath Fonseka claims Rajapaksas tried to let LTTE leaders surrender

Dropping another bombshell, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka revealed yesterday that Rajapaksas had negotiated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Amnesty International to allow LTTE leaders including Velupillai Prabhakaran to surrender whereas the army wanted to wipe them out, and claimed that if they were to surrender, Prabhakaran would have been the Chief Minister of the North now.

Sri Lanka Air Force presses ahead with multi- billion rupee fleet modernization

Sri Lanka Air Force is planning a major reinforcement of its fleet at a cost of US $ 18 million (Rs.5.4 billion) by acquiring new aircrafts while overhauling the existing ones as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year amid persistent challenges in maintaining them.

Dog bite cases surge

A controversy has erupted over Sri Lanka’s rabies control and dog population management programmes, with the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population accusing Health Ministry officials of negligence and mismanagement.

Vehicle registrations hit record high in January

Sri Lanka’s vehicle registrations rose to a record high in January, driven by a strong demand for two-wheelers and a steady expansion in the secondary market, while a sharp pickup in truck and tipper volumes pointed to early signs of recovery in the construction-linked activity.

Power and Energy Ministry to set up independent energy regulator as new players strain resources

The Power and Energy Ministry has initiated moves to establish an independent regulatory authority for the petroleum sector, admitting that it currently lacks the resources and manpower to effectively regulate the expanded market, following the entry of global giants Sinopec and R.M. Parks.

Seven chemicals with high risk to national security not regulated under any institution: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) revealed today that seven chemicals identified as high risk to national security are not being regulated under any institution at present.

Fasting month of Ramadan begins tomorrow

The month of Ramadan fasting begins for the Muslim community in Sri Lanka from tomorrow as the new crescent moon has been sighted, the Colombo Grand Mosque said.

“Leave conceit aside and listen to professionals” - Namal urges Govt

aNational Organizer and MP of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Namal Rajapaksa yesterday called on the Government to “leave aside narrow-mindedness and hatred” and heed the advice of trade unions and medical professionals, while raising alarms over national security and economic challenges.

Deputy Secretary General of Parliament files legal action against Speaker

The issue pertaining to the Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne has turned into a legal issue with the former filing a petition against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and General Secretary Kushani Rohanadeera in the Court of Appeal.

Madushanka Replaces Pathirana in Sri Lanka Squad

In a separate development, Sri Lanka have confirmed that Dilshan Madushanka has been approved as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Super Eights Confirmed: Sri Lanka to Face England, Pakistan and New Zealand

The Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is officially set, with groups confirmed as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.

Kandy SC declares reasons for Pakistan-like U-turn

Defending League rugby champions Kandy Sports Club has in a letter signed by its secretary Sujeewa Liyanage declared its reasons why it chose to compromise on its jealously guarded pride and decide to go against its own conviction and play in what is being touted as the “grand final” to determine the winners of the 2025-26 inter club championship.

CSE gains momentum as capital goods lead turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a positive note today, with both the ASPI and S&P SL20 recording modest gains. Elevated turnover and trading volumes supported the upward momentum, as the market gradually climbed within a defined intraday range before settling in green territory.

Mill owners planning to purchase aircraft while poor farmers cannot afford push cycle: Harsha

“I am aware of the issues faced by the people though I wear a coat and a tie. What is happening today is that large-scale mill owners are planning to purchase aircraft while poor farmers cannot afford to purchase a push cycle. This is exactly what is depicted in a cartoon published by a Sinhalese daily,’’ MP Harsha de Silva told Parliament today.

Iran foreign minister says progress made in nuclear talks with US in Geneva

Iran and the United States reached an understanding on Tuesday on main ’’guiding principles’’ in talks aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said.

Prof. Maithree Wickremesinghe to appear before CID on Feb 20

Appearing for the Criminal Investigation Department, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris today informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe has been notified to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department on the 20th of this month to record a statement .

Former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake granted bail

Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththi Kumara today ordered that former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake be released on bail over allegations that he aided and abetted an incident which caused a loss exceeding Rs. 150 million to the Government.

President holds high-level talks during AI impact 2026 summit visit

At the special invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently in New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact 2026 Summit, is scheduled to hold a series of high-level meetings from today (18) until the 20th, alongside his summit engagements.

Government allocates Rs. 1,500 mn to establish 250 new wellness centres

The Health and Mass Media Ministry has allocated Rs. 1,500 million in this year’s budget to establish 250 new health and wellness centres islandwide.

Ukraine-Russia peace talks enter second day in Geneva with pressure on Kyiv

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia were due to begin a second day of talks in Geneva on Wednesday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the United States was putting undue pressure on him to bring an end to the four-year-old war.

14 rabies deaths reported; Public urged to seek early treatment

Health authorities have raised concern over the continued threat of rabies, reporting 14 deaths so far and urging the public to seek immediate medical attention following any animal bite.