Pakistan to boycott T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, but play in tournament

Pakistan announced on Sunday that they will participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 but will boycott the match against India. Pakistan were scheduled to face India in a group stage match in Colombo on February 15. The decision was announced by the Government of Pakistan on their social media handle.

Those who lied during ‘Good Governance’ era now using state institutions to justify falsehoods: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has alleged that individuals who spread falsehoods during the so-called “good governance” period are now attempting to use state institutions, including the courts, the Police and the Attorney General’s Department, to validate those lies using public funds.

Eight senior police officers transferred

Eight high-ranking police officers have been transferred with immediate effect, subject to the approval of the National Police Commission (NPC), Police sources said.

Strict ban on bringing cigarettes into Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Customs has reiterated that it is strictly prohibited for any passenger arriving from abroad to bring cigarettes, warning that offenders will face severe penalties under the law.

Former Aviation Chairman removed due to changes in administrative structure: Ministry clarifies

While refuting media reports over the removal of former Chairman of the Airports and Aviation Company, Hasha Abeywickrama, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said the letter sent to Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera has no connection whatsoever to the removal of the former chairman from his position.

Cyclone Ditwah donor conference in Sri Lanka still in limbo

The planned international donor conference to raise funds for rebuilding areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka continues to be delayed, with no fixed date finalised as of yesterday, government sources revealed.

Court upholds 10 years sentence on Pastor for rape of minor

The Court of Appeal upheld a sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment imposed on a Pastor attached to a church at Kottukachchi in the Puttalam District, for raping a 15-year-old girl after developing an acquaintance with her and subsequently inviting her to serve god.

CBSL probes 18 over illegal plantation investment schemes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is investigating 18 institutions and individuals allegedly involved in illegal deposit-taking from the public under the guise of forest and plantation-based investment schemes, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said yesterday.

SL to spend $1.5 bn on vehicles in 2026

The Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, said Sri Lanka spent around US$2.0 billion on vehicle imports in 2025 and could spend a further US$1.5 billion in 2026 as pent-up demand wanes.

First Sri Lankan to earn U.S. Navy SEAL Trident passes away

Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha of the Sri Lanka Navy’s elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS), the first Sri Lankan to complete the U.S. Navy SEAL basic training and earn the coveted SEAL Trident, passed away in the early hours of today at the Walisara Wardroom.

Saman Ekanayake remanded

Former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, also known as Somisara Bandara Ekanayake, was ordered to be remanded till February 11 by Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara.

Harsha Abeywickrama resigns as Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services

Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama has resigned from his position as the Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd.

Sri Lanka mulls social media restrictions for minors

As outrage grows over explicit school-related content spreading unchecked online, the Government is now considering restricting social media access for underage children, raising fresh concerns over digital freedom, censorship, and who ultimately controls what Sri Lankan youth see online.

Select Committee to probe 323 containers, conclude in three months

The Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to inquire into the release of 323 containers from the Port of Colombo without mandatory physical inspection has decided to meet weekly and aims to complete its investigation within three months.

Mandatory seat belt rule comes into full effect

The National Council for Road Safety said that police have begun imposing fines for seat belt violations across the country, following the conclusion of a three-month transition period.

Airports reintroduce COVID-style checks after virus outbreak in India

Airports across parts of Asia have begun tightening health surveillance and travel screening after an outbreak of Nipah virus in an Indian state.

Test tube baby treatment to begin in Govt. hospitals

Sri Lanka is set to introduce test-tube baby treatment, also known as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), at the Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo marking the first time such advanced fertility services will be made available at a government hospital.

Drugs worth Rs. 133.94 million seized at BIA, three arrested

Three passengers attempting to smuggle a consignment of “Kush” and “Hashish” valued at approximately Rs. 133.94 million through the Green Channel at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), were arrested by airport Customs officers this morning (25).

Red notice suspect repatriated from India, taken into custody at BIA

An organized criminal wanted under an international Red Notice has been repatriated to Sri Lanka from India following high-level coordination between Sri Lankan and Indian authorities, Police Headquarters said.

“I am no longer engaged in active politics”: Ranil

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Kandy this morning (23) to pay homage to the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and obtain their blessings.

Anusha Pelpita remanded

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that Anusha Pelpita, a former Ministry Secretary and Director General, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, be remanded till February 6 in connection with an investigation into allegations of amassing illicit assets amounting to Rs. 46 million over a period of two years.

Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission

Former Ministry Secretary and Director General Anusha Palpita has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Dudley Sirisena’s Rolls-Royce gets him into tax mess

While many Sri Lankans struggle with rising prices and a weak economy, some of the country’s wealthy appear to be playing a game of “hide and seek” with tax authorities. The latest case involves business tycoon Dudley Sirisena and his purchase of a Rolls-Royce Phantom 8 Series 2 Extended Wheelbase (EWB, 2025).

Indictments filed against Arjuna Ranatunga, his brother

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that indictments have been filed before the Colombo High Court against former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Dhammika Ranatunga

“When we respond, it’s like a shot from Bruce Lee,” Lal Kantha

Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has said that no group or individual, regardless of their attire or identity, is immune from criticism.

Sri Lanka’s investment climate difficult, bureaucracy complex- Envoy

In what appeared to be a wake-up call for the improvement of the business environment in Sri Lanka, Turkish Ambassador Semih Lutfu Turgut said yesterday that Sri Lanka’s investment climate is ‘difficult’ and bureaucracy is complex.

‘I am not above the law’ - Attorney General responds to social media attacks

Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe (Jnr) PC, today stated that he is not above the law and that any decision taken by him is open to challenge before court if it is wrong.

Ravi flags tourism forex leakages despite record arrivals

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake raised serious concerns in Parliament over what he described as a growing disconnect between Sri Lanka’s record tourist arrivals and the weak flow of foreign exchange into the country’s official financial system.

Consumers to bear Rs. 20 bn Cyclone Ditwah damage to CEB infrastructure

Electricity consumers are likely to be compelled to absorb the cost of nearly Rs. 20 billion in damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah to the infrastructure of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Daily Mirror learns.

BASL calls for protection of Attorney General’s independence

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly emphasised that it is the duty of the Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that there is no unwarranted interference with the exercise of the powers of the Attorney General.