Ukraine says Russia drone attack hits Chernobyl nuclear plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a Russian drone struck the destroyed nuclear power plant at Chernobyl on Thursday night.

SLPP meets Julie Chung: Discusses USAID funding to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) briefed U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung on the SLPP’s proposal for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate into the use of USAID funds by both registered and unregistered NGOs in Sri Lanka, with a focus on ensuring transparency in the allocation of U.S. taxpayer resources.

Judge orders US to restore funds for foreign aid programmes

A federal judge ordered the administration of US President Donald Trump to restore funding for hundreds of foreign aid contractors who argued that they were negatively impacted by a 90-day blanket freeze, a court filing showed late on Thursday.

’’Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Strengthening global ties with Diaspora leadership

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation’s growth and development. This year’s theme, ’’Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,’’ underscored the importance of the global Indian community in shaping India’s future.

CID launches probe into MP Rajapaksa’s Law College exam

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into allegations surrounding MP Namal Rajapaksa’s participation in an examination at the Sri Lanka Law College.

Businessman nabbed for attempting to smuggle phones, tablets

A 45-years-old businessman who illegally brought a stock of mobile phones and tab computers worth Rs. 300 million was arrested by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Shipping company seeking control of Colombo Port’s Eastern Terminal: Union claims

A major shipping company is attempting to acquire the Eastern Container Terminal of the Colombo Port. Altering the terminal’s route plan under the present government can be the preliminary step toward handing it over to another party, said Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions Co-Convenor Shyamal Sumanaratne.

Speaker assures action on allegations of USAID funding in Sri Lanka

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament that he was planning to take necessary action over the requests made by MPs regarding the allegations of USAID funding in Sri Lanka.

Foreign investors leaving country: Sajith raises questions in Parliament

In the wake of Indian billionaire businessmen Gautam Adani pulling out of the wind energy project from Sri Lanka, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today raised concerns that foreign investors are leaving the country and that it is a serious situation.

Another power disruption any time: Sajith

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa today questioned in Parliament as to what action the government had taken to prevent another power disruption.

No more daily power cuts as Norochcholai unit rejoins national grid

The Power Minister announced today that the daily power cuts will no longer be imposed from today (14 February) following the successful addition of a Norochcholai Power Plant unit to the national grid.

Local Authorities Special Provisions Bill inconsistent with Constitution

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today announced that two judges out of the bench of three have held that the Local Authorities Special Provisions Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution.

A group of Opposition MPs to visit CEB main control room today

A group of Opposition MPs are to visit Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) main control room today, Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera said.

NPP MP’s brother arrested over fatal road accident

Police arrested the brother of National People’s Power (NPP) Puttalam District MP, Muhammad Faizal, over a fatal road accident.

ADB reaffirms support for Sri Lanka with US$ 900mn planned for 2025 funding

Manila-based lender, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has earmarked an indicative envelope of US$900 million for Sri Lanka’s development in 2025.

Horana perfume factory fire fully contained

The Kalutara Disaster Management Unit confirmed that the fire at the perfume manufacturing factory in Horana has been completely brought under control.

Sri Lankan among 250+ freed from Myanmar telecom fraud centers, taken to Thailand

More than 250 people from 20 nationalities, including a Sri Lankan, who had been working in telecom fraud centers in Myanmar’s Karen State, have been released by an ethnic armed group and brought to Thailand.

PM Modi meets Musk

More customers to buy fresh red roses, a single red rose costs Rs.200

Florists on Ven Baddegama Wimalawansa Mawatha in Town Hall, Colombo, claimed more customers are purchasing roses for Valentine’s Day as compared to previous years.

Government, Adani likely to meet next week to re-discuss pulled out project in Sri Lanka

Hours after news broke out that Adani Green Energy, founded by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, had decided to withdraw its wind energy project from Sri Lanka yesterday, the Daily Mirror learns that both the Indian side and Sri Lankan government had decided to go in for another set of discussions next week, signaling that the deal may not be entirely off.

SL faces potential US anti-dumping duties on paper file folders

Sri Lanka, along with Cambodia, face possible anti-dumping duties over alleged less than fair value (LTFV) imports of paper file folders into the United States.

Fire engulfs perfume factory at Boralugoda industrial zone

A perfume manufacturing factory located in the Boralugoda industrial zone in Horana caught fire last evening.

LGBTIQ rights groups urge new Govt. to decriminalize same-sex affairs between SL women

Social activist groups lobbying for LGBTIQ rights yesterday urged the new government to make necessary legal reforms to decriminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adult women in Sri Lanka, as stated by the NPP policies to improve welfare of the LGBTIQ community.

Ruwanpura expressway suspended

The new government has suspended the construction of the Ruwanpura expressway which is meant to link Kahathuduwa in the Western Province with Pelmadulla via Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province, due to financial constraints, an official said.

Don’t rush to fix date for LG polls; Opposition tells EC

Opposition parties who met the chairman of the Election Commission and other members have informed them not to rush to fix a date for the Local Government election thus indicating that they are looking for a postponement of the election.

Tragic accident claims life of student in Polonnaruwa

A sixth-grade student from Palugasdamana Maha Vidyalaya tragically died after an iron pipe from a soccer goal net fell on his head while watching a cricket tournament at Thopawewa Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa, according to police.

Boyfriend takes his own life

A 29-year-old man from Puliyampokkanai in Kilinochchi, tragically ended his life after his girlfriend reportedly refused his Valentine’s Day proposal to visit Jaffna together.

Verité Research unveils Sri Lanka’s grant data worth USD 8.9 Bn

Since its independence, Sri Lanka has been a recipient of bilateral and multilateral grants, which have supported a range of initiatives such as knowledge transfers, health and education improvements, infrastructure development and vital humanitarian assistance.

President holds final phase of discussions on Budget draft

A preliminary discussion on the final phase of drafting the Budget 2025, which is scheduled to be presented to Parliament on February 17, was held this afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Another contingent departs for UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan

The 11th contingent of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) has embarked on its mission to serve at the Level-2 SRIMED Hospital under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday (13).