65 cases withdrawn during previous governments re-filed: PM

A total of 65 cases that had been withdrawn between 2019 and 2024 have been re-filed by the present government, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Deep depression crossing Sri Lanka, be vigilant for flash floods, landslides - Met. Dept.

A depression which occurred in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is crossing Sri Lanka today and warnings have been sent out by the Department of Meteorology to be prepared for flash floods, crop destruction, power cuts, damage to huts and uprooting of trees.

Ministry clarifies regarding EPF pension scheme

The Ministry of Labour has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports misinterpreting remarks made by Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe, about the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).

Bay of Bengal depression expected to enter Sri Lanka tomorrow

The Department of Meteorology warned that a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of Sri Lanka, is likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours.

Academics, civil society condemn ‘vicious’ hate campaign against PM Harini

A group of academics, professionals and civil society members has strongly condemned what they describe as a vicious smear campaign and personalised attacks targeting Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya.

SL on high alert as low-pressure area forms in Bay of Bengal, emergency operations ready

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has placed the country on high alert as a low-pressure area develops in the Bay of Bengal, with emergency operations ready for rescue and evacuation if needed.

Public Security Minister says Sarah Jasmine may be alive

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that information uncovered during investigations suggests that Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sarah Jasmine and linked to the 2019 Easter attacks, is not dead.

Seaplane crashes into Gregory's Lake

A seaplane preparing to land crashed into the Gregory’s Lake in Nuwara Eliya this afternoon (07).

A hyped up opposition and a weakening government!

To the Opposition - It is with a certain sense of humour that I have been patiently watching your remarks before the media in recent days, as well as in Parliament, where collectively you have been calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya over the mess up in the Grade Six English Language module.

Johnston, son face charges over providing Sathosa driver to family company

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his son, Jerome Kenneth Fernando, face charges of abetting the criminal misuse of government property and misappropriation of government funds. The case, reported yesterday (05), involves allegations that they provided a Sathosa lorry and driver to transport ethanol to a private company of which the sons were directors. They were remanded in custody until January 9 by Wattala Magistrate Kanchana Silva.

Police housing project gets cabinet nod

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the purchase of 350 housing units at the ‘Harbour View Residencies’ project in Colombo 13 for officers serving in the Sri Lanka Police.

Government to introduce pension for EPF holders instead of paying EPF in one pay

The government has focused attention to formulate a mechanism to introduce a system where private sector employees who are entitled to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) to receive the fund as a pension rather than receiving the EPF in one payment, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe said today.

Sri Lanka eyes 350,000 foreign employment departures in 2026

Sri Lanka has set a target of securing 350,000 foreign employment opportunities in 2026, aiming to build on a record-breaking financial performance in 2025, where workers’ remittances reached an estimated US$ 7.8 billion.

Fake Colombo Stock Exchange scheme defrauds depositors of over Rs. 17 million

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after a fraudulent company defrauded depositors of more than Rs. 17 million by misusing the CSE’s name and logo.

Johnston Fernando, his youngest son remanded

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his youngest son, who were arrested this morning, were remanded till January 9 by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court today.

Johnston Fernando, his youngest son arrested

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his youngest son, Gerome Kenneth Fernando were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning (05) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

IMF acts as biggest impediment in drawing FDIs to Sri Lanka

While Sri Lanka has managed to push its Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) slightly atop the billion dollar mark in 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies have put the country in a bind in having polices, particularly when it comes to taxation in making the country an attractive destination for international investors.

Internal committee submits report on Grade 6 textbook module

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the internal committee appointed to review the controversial Grade 6 textbook module has submitted its report.

Private airline employee arrested for smuggling jewellery, gold

A 27-year-old private airline employee has been arrested by the Katunayake Airport Customs officials for allegedly bringing in jewellery and gold biscuits worth over Rs. 40 million into the country.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 opens at Cinnamon Life

FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 was officially inaugurated at Cinnamon Life - The City of Dreams, marking a significant milestone for Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition. Now in its 33rd edition, the exhibition opens with a bold, future-focused vision that celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich gem heritage while positioning the industry for its next phase of global growth.

Trump says Venezuela’s President captured after strikes

The U.S. struck Venezuela overnight and captured its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump said early on Saturday after months of pressuring him over accusations of drug-running and illegitimacy in power.

Gun violence spills into New Year

Continuing the gun-related violence that plagued Sri Lanka throughout 2025, the New Year began with a fatal shooting allegedly linked to rival underworld groups.

Health Minister seeks Rs. 1 bn damages over alleged false propaganda

Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa has issued a legal notice seeking Rs. 1 billion in damages from YouTube content creator Dharmasri Kariyawasam, alleging that false and misleading content was circulated linking the Minister to the importation of a controversial medicine, leading to public unrest.

CEB proposes 11.57% electricity tariff hike for early 2026

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) requesting an electricity tariff revision for the first quarter of 2026. The proposal seeks an 11.57% increase in electricity charges.

One year on, Sri Lanka’s largest FDI project yet to see the light of day

Despite the lapse of almost one year after signing the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding), the proposed US $ 3.7 billion investment by Sinopec is yet to see the light of day.

40% of Kadawatha–Mirigama Central Expressway section completed

Nearly 40 per cent of the Kadawatha–Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway has been completed so far, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Ratnayake said today.

Devil’s Bridge restoration to be completed within three months

The restoration work on the Yaka Palama, popularly known as the Devil’s Bridge in Peradeniya, is expected to be completed within the next two to three months, Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) Engineer Mihira Gunasena said.

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.

TRCSL blocks website referenced in grade 6 English module

Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) has blocked access to a website that was referenced in a Grade 6 English language module, following mounting public concern over its inclusion in printed school learning material.

Colombo Municipal Council budget approved

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) budget was approved today by a majority of two votes.