Indian Army Chief to visit Sri Lanka to strengthen defence ties

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka from January 5 to 8 as part of India’s continued engagement to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties with friendly foreign countries.

All temporary driving licenses to be replaced by February 28

The Department of Motor Traffic said that by February 28, all temporary driving licenses currently issued will be replaced with official license cards for all eligible drivers.

Sri Lanka’s juvenile tusker population on the rise

Sri Lanka’s juvenile elephant population with tusks have seen a rise of 9.2 per cent during the period between 2021 and 2024, according to statistics quoted by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi.

SJB, UNP alliance an uphill task

Prospects for a possible electoral alliance between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) remain dampened because of different views uttered by SJB MP Harshana

New Year shock to people: CEB proposes 11.5% tariff hike, PUCSL review underway

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is currently considering a proposal submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to increase electricity tariffs by around 11.5 per cent for the first quarter of

Low-level atmospheric disturbance developing over SL

Showery conditions are expected to enhance in Eastern, Northern and Uva Provinces during the coming days, due to the development of a low-level atmospheric disturbance to the East of Sri Lanka, Department

Energy Ministry to appoint committee to assess reimbursements for preliminary expenses by Adani

The Cabinet has entrusted the Energy Ministry to appoint a committee to assess and determine reimbursements for initial costs sustained by India’s Adani Company following its withdrawal from the

As SL welcomes 2026, Ditwah victims still in the lurch

More than a month after the devastation unleashed by Cyclone Ditwah, more than 24,000 people remain displaced and are still living in tents in the hardest-hit areas of the country while the nation welcomed the New Year.

Rs. 60 million spent for printing Grade VI English module with immoral reference

The Education Ministry has decided to remove what is termed ‘inappropriate references’ in Grade VI English language models and distribute them among school children.

Ranil, Sajith mark New Year with telephone conversation

Gold-infused Ayurvedic medicine for critically-ill patients

The Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Corporation is focusing on producing a gold-infused medicine called ‘Makarajdvajaya’ in large quantities this year.

Parliament to appoint Select Committee to decide on Electoral System to hold PC polls

The government has obtained the approval of the Parliamentary Business Committee to move a resolution in Parliament to appoint a Select Committee to decide on the electoral system to hold the Provincial Council election.

Year ends with another wild elephant death in Maduru Oya canal

An elephant has died after being swept through the Maduru Oya canal system in Polonnaruwa, marking another tragic end for the island’s wildlife as the year drew to a close yesterday morning.

Colombo wrapped in fog

Foggy and slightly hazy conditions were observed across parts of Colombo just ahead of New Year’s Eve, affecting air quality. Authorities say the situation is being monitored, with the condition likely to continue until March 2026.

Ondansetron scandal: Family members demand compensation

Family members of two patients who died after being administered Ondansetron injections have reportedly demanded compensation, Daily Mirror learns.

Highest revenue in 93-year history of Inland Revenue collected in 2025

The Inland Revenue department has succeeded in collecting Rs. 2,203 billion in revenue in 2025, the highest amount recorded in its 93-year history.

Donor conference being finalised; no time frame as yet

In the wake of World Bank releasing its report on damage caused to Sri Lanka due to the Ditwah Cyclone, a Minister said yesterday the process to call for an international donor conference is being finalised by the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) headed by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).

Authorities finally wake up – SLAF to get a modernised fleet

After months of highlighting concerns expressed by the tri-forces over the deteriorating fleet of the air force, army and navy, steps have finally been taken to modernise and upgrade the aircraft fleet of the Sri Lanka Air Force following severe shortages that constrained emergency deployments during the recent ‘Cyclone Ditwah’ disaster response operations.

CMC budget scrapes through with two-vote majority

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) budget was passed yesterday with a razor-thin majority of two votes amid alleged dramatic scenes.

Air quality continues to remain poor across Sri Lanka Sensitive people asked to be cautious

Air quality across Sri Lanka continues to remain slightly unhealthy, according to real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Drug abuse rising among Anti-Narcotic officers: Survey

A significant number of police officers and security forces personnel are addicted to drugs, a recent survey conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau has found.

Ditwah doubles food insecurity to 32%, report finds

A coordinated rapid assessment led by United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners has revealed a dramatic escalation in food insecurity following Cyclone Ditwah, with 32 percent of surveyed households

Probe launched on mails trying to create public unrest: Nalinda

While confirming that an investigation has been launched into the emails received by various government institutions on hoax bomb threats, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday no update is

Corruption allegations galore ahead of CMC budget to be presented second time

Allegations have surfaced that the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has offered monetary incentives to opposition members of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to ensure their absence at council sessions scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, when the budget is to be presented for the second time.

ID office system crashes, applicants asked to return

The newly introduced digital system at the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) experienced repeated technical failures yesterday, forcing applicants seeking National Identity Cards (NICs) to suspend their visits and return another day.

Sri Lanka not healthy enough, falls into bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world

Sri Lanka is ranked as 158 and in the bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world for 2025 with a global health index of 54.55 which is considered below average and unhealthy according to the CEO World Global Health Index 2025.

68 per cent landmass of Badulla District prone to landslides

A recent survey carried out by the National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) has revealed that 68 per cent of the total land area of the Badulla District is vulnerable to any state of landslide.

Beware of Dengue-like Influenza! warns expert

Amid the widespread circulation of seasonal Influenza A and B, medical experts warn that influenza can be mistaken for dengue, as blood count findings may appear similar.

Expect more rains as Northeast Monsoon becomes active: DMC

Enhancement of rainy weather is expected in the coming days as the Northeast Monsoon could become more active, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) which quoted Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Police intensify raids on illegal brothels disguised as spas in Colombo

Police have intensified raids on brothels allegedly operating under the guise of spas in Colombo, after dozens of foreign women were arrested in December alone for involvement in illegal activities in Sri Lanka.