Jan 2 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says while millions of people have been displaced by Cyclone Ditwah, the govt is preparing to increase electricity tariffs by 11.57%. He stated that although the present govt came to power promising to build a prosperous country and a better life, instead, it is now laying the foundation for a poorer country and a harsher life by raising electricity bills. Premadasa pointed out that govt members, when in opposition, pledged on every platform more..

Jan 2 (NW) Sri Lanka is set for a busy cricketing year in 2026, according to the Future Tours Programme (FTP), with the national team scheduled to play across all formats, alongside major ICC events and domestic leagues. Some tours and match dates, however, remain subject to rescheduling. The 2026 schedule highlights a demanding year for Sri Lanka, with bilateral series against top teams, participation in a global ICC event, and key Test tours. more..

Jan 2 (TM) Land Ministry stated that when resettling families who lost land and housing due to Cyclone Ditwah, Govt will have to allocate a uniform extent of land for settlement, even in cases where the affected families previously owned much larger plots. Deputy Minister of Land, Aravinda Senarath said that no final decision has yet been taken on the exact size of land to be allocated, as discussions are still ongoing. more..

Jan 2 (Hindu) Former Chief Minister and Congress leader V. Narayanasamy has claimed that spurious drugs manufactured in Puducherry were even smuggled to SL. Addressing a press conference in Puducherry, he said the drugs manufactured illegally in the Union Territory were smuggled to the Island nation. The ongoing CBI-probe should cover smuggling of medicines to SL also, he said. Reiterating the charge of the involvement of ruling party members in the illegal drug business, more..

Jan 2 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to ensure that all housing projects planned under the 2026 Budget allocations are completed within the stipulated timeframes and handed over to the public without delay. Prez also emphasized the need to bring the monitoring and supervision of these projects under a single coordinating institution to ensure efficiency and accountability. Prez made these remarks during a discussion held at the Prez Secretariat today more..

Jan 2 (Island) SL’s latest elephant census must result in immediate policy action, not remain a paper exercise, Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Managing Director Dilena Pathragoda warned, as nearly 400 wild elephants have already died in 2025 alone amid escalating human–elephant conflict. With the national elephant population estimated at around 5,879, Pathragoda said the figures more..

Jan 2 (AD) Investigations have revealed that the suspect who was arrested with heroin in the Gandara area of Devundara is a close associate of the underworld figure Shehan Sathsara, also known as Dehi Bale Malli. Officers of Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) had arrested a suspect identified as Supun Madushan, alias Jore, while in possession of 200 grams of heroin, 23 grams of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), and Rs. 500,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from more..

Jan 2 (AD) The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has collected over Rs. 285 million in fines from raids carried out over the past year. The fines were imposed following 21,000 raids conducted across the island in 2025, the authority said. CAA has also taken steps to test 223 food and non-food product samples to ensure compliance with required standards. These include steel wire, coconut oil, cosmetics, rice, canned fish, chilli powder, milk, hair dyes, cordials, and syrups, more..

Jan 2 (TM) In the wake of the suspension of the newly printed Grade Six English language module over an inappropriate web reference, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) stated that certain issues have been identified in other newly prepared modules and hence called on the National Institute of Education (NIE) to conduct a comprehensive review before they are distributed to students. CTU President, Priyantha Fernando said that teachers have complained of problems in several more..

Jan 2 (FT) Sri Lanka is set to welcome the global gem and jewellery fraternity tomorrow as FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, the country’s flagship gem and jewellery exhibition, opens its doors at The Forum, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo. Taking place from 3 to 5 January, FACETS is recognised as the first major international jewellery exhibition of the year, positioning SL at the forefront of the global gem and jewellery calendar. Now in its 33rd year, FACETS SL has grown into one of the more..

Jan 2 (NW) Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa has issued a legal notice demanding Rs. 1 billion in damages from YouTube content creator Dharmasri Kariyawasam, accusing him of spreading false propaganda linking the Minister’s name to the importation of a controversial medicine and thereby causing public unrest. According to the notice, issued via Jayatissa’s legal team, investigations are already underway into more..

Jan 2 (TM) Ranjan Marasinghe has been appointed as the 35th Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The appointment was made by the Minister of Environment, Dhammika Patabendi. Marasinghe is a long-standing officer of the department, having joined in 1998. He has climbed the ranks from Assistant Director to Director of Operations and Additional Director of Technology. He brings a multidisciplinary academic background to the role, holding degrees in more..

Jan 2 (Island) SL Red Cross Society has announced a nationwide program to remove and properly dispose of debris, including fallen trees, left in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, the organization said. The initiative is set to begin Sunday (4) and will cover all 25 districts across the country. Red Cross Head of Communications Navindra Senarathne said the programme will receive support from the Central Environmental Authority, provincial councils, and other relevant govt agencies. more..

Jan 2 (AD) The CEB has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) requesting a revision of electricity tariffs for the year 2026. In its submission, the CEB has indicated that an 11.57% increase in tariffs will be necessary in the first quarter of the year. The PUCSL has stated that a decision on whether to approve the proposed increase will be made following due procedures and discussions. more..

Jan 2 (Island) The Ministry of Education has yet to clarify whether school hours will be extended by 30 minutes from next Monday (05) under the proposed new education reforms, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin has said. Stalin told The Island that the Ministry should reconsider the planned reforms, warning that decisions taken without adequate study and consultation could have serious repercussions for nearly four million schoolchildren. more..

Jan 2 (NW) Ministry of Ports says Port of Colombo recorded the highest container throughout in its history in 2025, with the annual volume reaching 8,290,000 TEUs. This record achievement was the result of the collective effort of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and East Container Terminal (ECT) operated by the SL Ports Authority, along with South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) managed by a Chinese company, and Colombo Int'l Container Terminal (CICT) operated by Adani Group. more..

Jan 2 (AD) The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya has decided to auction about 70% of the gold items currently stored in the Devalaya’s safes, excluding those bearing images of deities, and to donate the proceeds to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund. It has been reported that the auction will be conducted under the supervision of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA). Basnayake Nilame also stated that the gold donated by devotees in recent years will be handed more..

Jan 2 (NW) Saudi Energia Company has donated eight high-capacity tower light generators valued at USD 43,000 to support recovery operations and reconstruction efforts in areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. The donation has been made in response to an initiative by the Embassy of SL in Riyadh, while the Embassy is making arrangements to dispatch the generators to SL for use in ongoing relief work. Managing Director of Energia, Mahammed Mohin Shaikh, more..

Jan 2 (Island) Govt Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned of renewed and intensified trade union action if the govt fails to fulfil its promise to resolve the ongoing crisis in the health sector within the next few days. GMOA Executive Committee member Dr. Prasad Colombage said his association was hopeful that commitments made by the govt, including those formally stated by Minister of Health in Parliament and recorded more..

Jan 2 (FT) This article is Part II of the article published under the same headline with a broader analysis of the events surrounding Cyclone Ditwah, with particular emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of relevant Govt agencies, as well as the collective responsibility of the public, in managing and mitigating the impacts of the disaster. The NBRO issues highly accurate early warnings by integrating meteorological data with its own landslide early‑warning sensor networks and more..

Jan 2 (CT) National Authority on Tobacco & Alcohol (NATA) is in discussions with the Ministry of Environment and other key stakeholders to draft a proposal recommending that the Govt take steps to ban cigarette filters, citing serious environmental and public health concerns. Chairman of the Authority, Dr. Ananda Ratnayake, said the institution is currently engaged in consultations to prohibit cigarette filters, which are among the country’s major non-biodegradable waste products. more..

Jan 2 (Island) Milk Industries of Lanka Company (MILCO) has recorded the highest profit and sales revenue in its history, driven by strong performance under the flagship Highlands brand, Minister Lal Kantha said. Addressing a Performance Incentive Awards Ceremony held at the MILCO Head Office in Narahenpita on Dec 31, Minister said the achievement marked a decisive turnaround for the state-owned dairy enterprise, more..

Jan 2 (SLN) During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 01 Jan 26, the SL Navy seized 01 Indian fishing boat and apprehended 11 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in SL waters, off Kovilan of Kareinagar, Jaffna. Northern Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into SL waters. In response, naval craft of the Northern Naval Command were deployed to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters off more..

Jan 2 (NW) India has agreed to play additional T20 international matches during their tour of Sri Lanka in August as part of efforts to support relief and recovery work following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Shammi Silva said. Silva said the additional T20Is will be played when the India national cricket team tour SL for their ICC World Test Championship series later this year. He said the decision was taken as a gesture of solidarity with SL in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, more..

Jan 2 (EN) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved amendments to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) listing rules to provide greater flexibility regarding the minimum public holding (MPH) requirement for companies listing through the introduction method, the regulator said. The flexibility is given to boost the share liquidity in the market under its one of 12 key strategic initiatives, SEC said. “The amendments reflect a joint effort by the SEC and CSE, underscoring more..

Jan 2 (FT) Over the past eight years, SL has been hit by a series of severe crises that have tested the country’s resilience. Beginning with the Easter Sunday terror attacks, followed by the prolonged disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation has now faced another major blow with Cyclone Ditwah. Striking in late November, the cyclone stands out as one of the most intense and destructive events in SL’s recent history, affecting nearly two million people and about 500,000 more..

Jan 2 (DM) A recent English Language module introduced by the Education Ministry for Grade Six students, under the new education reforms, has raised alarm among parents and teachers over the inclusion of an immoral website which directs children to details promoting same sex activities and LGBTQ rights. While open discussions on same sex activities are socially taboo in SL and our laws do not permit such activities, more..

Jan 2 (NW) Education Ministry has decided not to extend school hours during the 2026 academic year, citing disruptions caused by recent disaster conditions and damage to school and transport systems in several provinces. School hours for Grades 5 to 13 will remain unchanged from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until the education and transport systems return to normal. Govt schools, govt-approved private schools and pirivenas are scheduled to begin first term on Jan 5. more..

Jan 2 (DM) Nearly 40% of the Kadawatha–Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway has been completed so far, Minister Bimal Ratnayake said today. He instructed officials to pay close attention to traffic congestion issues previously identified along the Colombo–Kandy road and at expressway entry and exit points during the construction process, in order to minimise inconvenience to motorists. He made these remarks while inspecting the ongoing development work on the Kadawatha more..

Jan 2 (AM) Deputy Transport Minister Prasanna Gunasena has instructed railway authorities to remove gates and boundary walls within one month from a vacant plot of land belonging to the Railway Dept along the Nawalapitiya–Ginigathhena main road, where a building operating under the name of former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s foundation is located. The directive was issued during the Nawalapitiya–Pasbage more..

Jan 2 (CT) Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said that employees of profit-making Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots will be awarded bonuses, while staff at loss-making depots will receive a special allowance, subject to Cabinet approval. Deputy Minister said steps would be taken to obtain Cabinet approval for the proposed scheme, aimed at improving staff motivation and overall performance within the State-run transport service. He made these remarks during an inspection more..

Jan 2 (TM) Police have informed that Police officers addicted to drugs can seek Departmental help for rehabilitation. Police Media Spokesperson F.U. Wootler said that if a Departmental officer is found guilty of being a drug addict, the immediate action taken will be suspension, and then, with the consent of the victim, the Govt will direct them to the nearest rehabilitation centre. He detailed that the Police have not executed a separate rehabilitation programme for Police victims yet, more..