Hulftsdorp bookfest begins at Sri Lanka Law college

The ‘Hulftsdorp Bookfest’, organised by the Sri Lanka Law Students’ Sinhala Union, commenced today (17) at the Main Hall of Sri Lanka Law College, Hulftsdorp. The four-day event will continue on February 18, 19, and 20.

Temporary lane closures announced on Southern Expressway

Motorists travelling on the Southern Expressway (E01) have been notified of temporary lane closures between the Galanigama and Dodangoda interchanges from tomorrow (18), due to scheduled maintenance work.

IMF should focus on governance issues as well: Opposition MP

While appreciating the support extended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Opposition MP Harsha De Silva said today the IMF should go beyond the financial issues that have been negotiated and agreed upon but also governance issues which are equally important.

Treat Imran Khan fairly in jail, 14 legendary cricket captains appeal to Pakistan government

In a massive development, 14 legendary captains from five countries -including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev and Australian great Greg Chappell, appealed to the Pakistan government on Tuesday about ensuring proper treatment for Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, who has been in jail for more than two years now.

Supreme Court refrains from giving determination on Protection of Occupants Bill: Speaker

The Supreme Court has refrained from making a determination on the Protection of Occupants Bill, as the government has informed its intention to draft a new bill, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne told Parliament today.

Bangladesh PM-to-be Tarique Rahman and lawmakers sworn into parliament

Bangladesh’s prime minister-to-be Tarique Rahman and lawmakers were sworn into parliament on Tuesday, becoming the first elected representatives since a deadly 2024 uprising.

Sri Lanka named most affordable retirement destination for 2026

Sri Lanka has been named the most affordable destination to retire in 2026 by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine.

Low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal brings heavy rains to several provinces

A low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 930 kilometres southeast of Pottuvil, the Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, said today (17).

2,500 urban housing units for low-income families by 2026 under Colombo Revitalization Programme

The Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara, announced that 2,500 urban housing units will be provided to low-income and permanently homeless families by 2026 under the Colombo Urban Revitalization Partnership Programme.

Robert Duvall, ’Tender Mercies’ Oscar winner, dies at 95

Oscar winner Robert Duvall, a versatile actor who made lasting impressions in a range of parts from starring to supporting roles like the napalm-loving colonel of ’’Apocalypse Now’’ or the spectral Boo Radley in ’’To Kill a Mockingbird,’’ has died at age 95, his wife said in a Facebook post.

Wild elephant drowns in well

A wild elephant that roamed in Thanamalwila in search of food had drowned yesterday in an abandoned well, which was about 30ft deep and, its narrowness prevented the elephant from moving about and even raising its trunk.

Rhode Island shooting: 2 killed, 3 critically injured at Pawtucket ice rink

At least two people have been killed, and three others are in critical condition after a mass shooting at a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

High influx of Indian tourists for T20 World Cup boosts tourism for February

Due to the highly anticipated India against Pakistan T20 cricket match, which was held on February 15, a large group of Indian tourists have entered Colombo, which increased tourism for February compared to the previous years, with a total of 18,819 Indians entering Colombo from 1 - 12 February, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Public urged to complain without fear against dirty eateries

Health officials say their hands are often tied when it comes to taking action against unhygienic food outlets, as many customers who raise concerns on social media fail to lodge formal complaints.

Vehicle Importers warns of stealth tax hike on vehicle imports

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has hit back at recent remarks by Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha, warning that changes to the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) could dramatically increase taxes on vehicle imports.

Government faces mounting pressure over public security lapses

The recent cold-blooded murder of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife in Akuregoda, Thalangama, has sparked widespread outrage and pushed public security to the centre of political debate once again.

GCE O/L examination 2025 (2026) begins today across 3,545 centres

The Department of Examinations announced that the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination 2025 (2026) commences today (February 17) at 3,545 examination centres nationwide.

Tense talks at CEB over February 28 dissolution: CEB unions

A high-level meeting between trade unions and top management of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was held yesterday (16) at its headquarters amid ongoing concerns over the institution’s restructuring and impending dissolution.

Sri Lanka greets IMF Chief Georgieva

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on what is a landmark visit, combining urgent disaster assessment with a high-profile economic mission.

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka seal Super 8 berth with Nissanka masterclass

Pathum Nissanka etched his name into the record books on Monday night, smashing the first century of the 2026 T20 World Cup to lead Sri Lanka to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Australia.

Sri Lanka Beat Australia to Reach Super 8 as Pathum Nissanka’s Historic Century Ends Aussie Hopes

Sri Lanka stormed into the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Australia in a decisive Group B showdown, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka, the first hundred of this T20 World Cup. Chasing 181,

Kremlin rejects claim it poisoned Navalny with dart frog toxin, widow says truth is out

The Kremlin on Monday flatly rejected accusations from five European countries that the Russian state had killed Alexei Navalny two years ago using toxin from poison dart frogs, but his widow said the truth had finally been proven.

Namal welcomes Stalin’s appeal over Indian citizenship issue, urges Tamil Nadu not to politicise it

While welcoming the appeal by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking Indian citizenship or long-term visas for 89,000 Sri Lankans residing in Southern India, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has called on the Indian government to ensure that the move is not influenced by the election period or turned into a political exercise.

Hungarian national killed in wild elephant attack

A 64-year-old Hungarian national died following a wild elephant attack in the Pidurangala area at Sigiriya.

Slain lawyer’s batch mates not satisfied with probe into killing

Batch mates of slain lawyer Buddhika Mallawarachchi said today that the progress of the probe into his killing is far from satisfactory.

From humble beginnings to a Rolls-Royce

Businessman Maithripala Lankeshwara, the owner of Rathna Group, has shared the story of his rise from humble beginnings to acquiring what is widely described on social media as one of Sri Lanka’s most expensive vehicles — the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II.

Colombo market opens week strong with broad-based gains

The Colombo stock market commenced the week on a bullish note, with both indices closing firmly in positive territory amid improved turnover and sustained investor interest. The upward momentum was largely supported by renewed buying in banking sector counters, as investor confidence strengthened during the ongoing earnings season, providing clearer signals for value-driven positioning.

Excise Department announces 19 dry days for 2026

The Excise Departmen today announced that the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited islandwide on 19 designated days in 2026, including public holidays and Full Moon Poya days.

IMF Managing Director arrives in Sri Lanka

A special delegation led by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon on a three-day official visit, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Prabath Chandrakeerthi appointed Chief of Staff to President

Prabath Chandrakeerthi has been appointed as the Chief of Staff to the President, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.