Delay in procuring advanced radiotherapy machines raising cancer mortality, warn experts

The lack of modern radiotherapy technology in Sri Lanka is worsening the quality of life for cancer patients and increasing mortality rates, particularly for those suffering from cervical, endometrial, prostate, rectal, anal, breast,

CMC awards NVQ certificates to vocational trainees

A ceremony to award NVQ-level certificates to students who have completed training in various professions, organised for the third time by the Public Affairs Department of the Colombo Municipal Council, was held yesterday at

65 cases withdrawn during previous governments re-filed: PM

The government has refiled a total of 65 cases that had been withdrawn between 2019 and 2024 for various reasons, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament yesterday.

Over 500 people evacuated due to landslide threat

In the wake of the earthquake in Ududumbara area off Kandy, 520 members in 128 families were evacuated from the endangered area.

CID probing evidence destruction in high-profile cases

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said investigations into several high-profile cases are progressing, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducting comprehensive inquiries to identify those who tampered with or destroyed crucial evidence linked to the cases.

Over 177,000 still live with relatives after Ditwah

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, more than 177,000 people are currently living in the homes of relatives and friends, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Demerit system to lead to cancellation of driving licences and route permits – Minister

A demerit system under which driving licences of habitual traffic offenders and route permits of buses will be cancelled is to be introduced soon to enhance road safety, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament yesterday.

Mahagiri Damba Route to Sri Pada safe

The area of the Sri Pada pilgrim route at Mahagiri Damba,which had been affected by earth slips has now been restored and the flight of steps re-constructed to provide a safe passage for pilgrims.

Stash of hidden arms and ammunition recovered at Vakarai

A stash of hidden arms and ammunition including RPG ammunition were recovered by the STF during a search operation at Vakarai yesterday.

50 die daily from tobacco use in Sri Lanka: NATA Chairman

The tobacco industry remains one of the deadliest in the world, responsible for the deaths of one in every three of its consumers, raising serious concerns about its continued influence on public health and policy.

791 cases filed over foreign employment scams – SLBFE

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said that it has recovered more than Rs. 374 million for victims who filed complaints against individuals and unlicensed employment agencies involved in foreign employment fraud during 2025.

Sing-Along Evening at Galadari to support St. Sebastian’s Church, Rukmalgama

St. Sebastian’s Church, Rukmalgama, will host a Musical Sing-Along evening on Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the Galadari Hotel Main Ballroom, bringing together music, fellowship and community spirit in support of an important cause.

Sri Lanka braces for dengue surge amid floods

Sri Lanka is bracing for a renewed dengue surge as cases spike sharply and floodwaters left by Cyclone Ditwah raise fears of fresh outbreaks.

Sungavila–Somawathiya road flooded, traffic disrupted in Polonnaruwa

Vehicular traffic along the Sungavila–Somawathiya Road in Polonnaruwa has been completely disrupted due to the overflow of the Mahaweli River at Manampitiya, police said.

US may probe SL government’s link with Maduro administration: Opposition MP

The Donald Trump administration may carry out a probe on the Sri Lankan government’s link with the former Administration in Venezuela led by Nicolas Maduro, an opposition MP told Parliament yesterday.

Two tragic incidents claim nine lives in a single day

Nine people lost their lives in two separate tragic incidents reported from Wennappuwa and Galenbindunuwewa within a single day yesterday, police said.

Sri Lanka Police go tough on traffic offenders

Amid an increase in road accidents and fatalities, the Sri Lanka Police has intensified measures this year to reduce traffic accidents, which continue to pose a serious threat to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, Police Spokesman

Prof. Namal Wijesinghe elected President of Ceylon College of Physicians

Ceylon College of Physicians has elected Professor Namal Wijesinghe as its 50th president to lead the College for the year 2026.

Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera to be held from January 8 to 10

The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera of the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held on January 8, 9 and 10, 2026, temple authorities announced.

Mild approach by the government on Venezuela issue: Opposition MP

The Government is following a mild approach with regard to US invasion on Venezuela, an opposition MP told Parliament yesterday.

Irredentism and regime change have no place in International Law – Rauff Hakeem

It is noted with deep consternation that several states in Latin America, the Middle East and elsewhere are ominously threatened with military strikes and other forceful measures in potential violation of their respective sovereignty and

Sri Lankan band in UK contributes first concert profits to Sri Lanka Rebuilding Fund

Sri Lankan teen music band Cloud6, based in the UK, has donated £1,500 to the Government of Sri Lanka Rebuilding Fund through the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London.

Disaster warning for Badulla District as heavy rains persist

In view of the Meteorological Department’s weather forecast of heavy rain in the Uva Province in the days to come, people in the endangered areas have been warned to be cautious of any possible disastrous situation and be prepared to leave for safer locations.

Man mistakenly arrested over Kohuwala shooting granted police bail

Police have granted bail to a man who was arrested after being mistakenly identified as a suspect wanted in connection with a recent shooting incident in Kohuwala, police said.

Motorcycle registrations dominate as vehicle numbers surge in 2025

A total of 312,177 motor vehicles were registered during the past year, with the majority being motorcycles, which accounted for 223,228 of the total, JB Securities (Pvt) Ltd reported.

Opposition to question government on Venezuela issue in Parliament

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is to raise a question with regard to development in Venezuela in Parliament this week, the opposition leader’s office said yesterday.

Corrupt police officers aiding crime will face consequences: IGP

Sri Lanka Police have taken disciplinary action against hundreds of officers as part of ongoing efforts to address corruption and drug-related crimes within the force, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya said.

Opposition chorus grows demanding Prime Minister’s resignation over English module mishap

The joint opposition yesterday called on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to resign from her portfolio as Minister of Education, alleging responsibility for what they described as a serious error in the Grade Six curriculum.

Wildlife officials hunt for those who electrocuted a jumbo in Welikanda

In the wake of the burning an elephant to death in Mihintale, the death of another wild elephant as a result of the human-elephant conflict was reported yesterday from Welikanda.

Trawler Owners demand action against Seychelles authorities for burning trawler

All Ceylon Multi-day Trawler Owners’ Association has requested the International Organisations and the Sri Lankan government to hold a formal investigation of destroying a multi-day fishing trawler and the arrest of six fishermen by the Seychelles security authorities.