Jan 1 (DM) Education Ministry began the New Year 2026 by contributing a portion of staff salaries to the Disaster Relief Fund, supporting those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. A special programme was held today at the Education Ministry premises to mark the beginning of the new year and seek blessings for the Ministry’s planned activities. During the event, a two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in Cyclone Ditva and members of the tri-services who died during more..

Jan 1 (DM) 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, CECB Engineer Mihira Gunasena said. Gunasena said one of the bridge piers had been continuously leaning at a rate of about six millimetres per day following recent floods. Subsequent investigations by engineers, with the assistance of divers, revealed that a large cavity had formed beneath the middle pier of the bridge. more..

Jan 1 (NW) High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC), appointed to ensure the effective distribution of foreign relief supplies among the disaster-affected population, convened for its sixth session at the DMC on Wednesday (31). During the meeting, media personnel were briefed on the foreign humanitarian assistance received as well as services rendered by foreign relief teams more..

Jan 1 (NW) Sri Lanka’s NBRO has warned of deteriorating air quality across several urban centres, with the latest readings showing conditions slipping into slightly unhealthy levels. According to the NBRO, Colombo 07, Vavuniya, Kandy, Kegalle, Galle, Embilipitiya, and Puttalam recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) values above 100 during the past 24 hours. The situation is forecast to persist over the next 24 hours, with AQI levels ranging between 44 and 112 nationwide. more..

Jan 1 (DM) 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. The approximately 25-year-old bull elephant reportedly fell into the Z-D canal. It was then carried away by the current, became trapped under a sluice gate near Allai Wewa, and was later found dead in a canal sluice. Authorities from the Pimburaththewa Field Office, who recovered more..

Jan 1 (DM) 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 SL Air Force following severe shortages that constrained emergency deployments during the recent Cyclone Ditwah disaster response operations. Despite limited resources, SLAF played a critical role in more..

Jan 1 (AD) Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) has received more than 12,650 complaints related to social media misuse and cybersecurity incidents in 2025. According to CERT, this represents a significant rise in online fraud, digital fraud, and cyber harassment when compared to prior years. A significant proportion of the complaints involve fake accounts, hacked accounts, and financial scams carried out through social media platforms. more..

Jan 1 (CT) Leader of PHU and former MP Udaya Gammanpila alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is deliberately delaying the appointment of a new Auditor General until the expiry of the terms of three independent members of the Constitutional Council on 18 Jan 2026. Gammanpila claimed it was obvious that the President intends to appoint an Auditor General of his choosing once he is able to secure greater influence within the Constitutional Council. more..

Jan 1 (NW) SL will use the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan to assess two or three backup players in both batting and bowling ahead of finalising its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Chief Selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe said. He said the Pakistan series will play a key role in strengthening SL’s reserve bench before the final 15-member World Cup squad is announced. “During the T20I series against Pakistan we will be looking at 2 or 3 backup players in batting & bowling. more..

Jan 1 (FT) Govt has released the National Electricity Policy of Sri Lanka for public comment on or before 9 Jan 2026, setting out a binding framework to reform pricing, strengthen regulation and accelerate renewable energy, while reaffirming cost-reflective tariffs and the financial sustainability of the power sector. Issued by the Ministry of Energy under the amended Sri Lanka Electricity Act, the policy marks a decisive shift away from administratively controlled electricity pricing, more..

Jan 1 (AM) British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has paid nearly Rs. 7 million in Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, including surcharges, to journalist Azzam Ameen after being found in violation of SL’s labour laws. According to the Colombo Labour Office, BBC paid Rs. 6,913,233 following an official order for failing to remit stipulated EPF contributions during Ameen’s period of employment. more..

Jan 1 (AD) Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who is currently visiting Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on Acting Chairman of Bangladesh National Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman on Wednesday night (December 31). The meeting took place at around 8:30 p.m. (Bangladesh Time) at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody, accompanied the foreign minister during the meeting, more..

Jan 1 (AD) The process of transferring Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) assets to six newly established companies must be completed before February 1, 2026, the Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Professor Udayanga Hemapala has notified the CEB. It is reported that Professor Hemapala has issued the relevant directive in writing to the General Manager of the CEB. The CEB has planned to implement it under six companies in the future under the restructuring program. more..

Jan 1 (EN) SL has recorded an US$ 82 million surplus in the external current account in Nov 2025, CB data showed, with the rupee falling faster than the deficit month of October. According to revised data, SL had recorded a US$ 199 million deficit in the current account and US$ 196 million in September. In Sept the rupee fell to 302.61 to the dollar from 302.45 to the dollar with a US$ 196 million current account deficit. more..

Jan 1 (AD) Upgrading of 76 rural roads across the country commenced today under the Punarudayata Maga (Path to Renaissance) programme, which aims to improve the standard of life in rural communities and enhance public transportation facilities. The Ministry of Transport, Highways & Urban Development has allocated Rs. 5,000 million for the first phase of the project. The key objectives of the initiative include strengthening connectivity between villages, more..

Jan 1 (Island) Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasingha has requested IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya to ensure his security and take action against those issuing death threats. Dr. Jasingha, in a letter to the IGP, has alleged that a health official who has been suspended from service is using several persons to issue such threats. Health Secretary has specifically referred to a statement made by civil society activist Asela Sampath on a social media platform to the effect that he should procure more..

Jan 1 (AM) SLMC Colombo Municipal Council member Zohara Buhary has said that, as a woman, she had the courage to stand firm and defeat the opposition by voting in favour of the budget. Speaking about her decision to vote in support of the second reading of the Colombo Municipal Council budget on 31 Dec, Buhari said she backed the budget unconditionally as it contained no flaws. She maintained that she was not subjected to any pressure to cast her vote in favour of budget more..

Jan 1 (FT) THE main Opposition party, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva criticised the recent comments by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa that broadcasting licences can be revoked if media houses publish news detrimental to public health. Taking to X, Dr. de Silva said: “Is Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa threatening that their NPP Govt which came to office promising to repeal the draconian Online Safety Act will now use the same draconian law to revoke the broadcasting licences of more..

Jan 1 (Island) Highlighting the spirit of global and regional cooperation, SL Navy acknowledged the invaluable support by foreign warships, which had arrived to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, extending much-needed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, during the recent weather disaster in SL. The IFR 2025 was held off the Galle Face seas, marking the milestone 75th more..

Jan 1 (CT) The Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha resolved not to grant approval for meat-based restaurants within the vicinity of the historic Nallur Temple area, including the Chemmani locality in Jaffna, citing the religious and cultural sensitivity of the zone. The decision was taken at the Pradeshiya Sabha meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Chairman P. Mayuran. Members observed that the main entrance to Jaffna, marked by the prominent arch, lies within this area and encompasses several sites more..

Jan 1 (NW) Recalled all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva struck a blistering unbeaten 95 to steer Team B to a six-wicket win over Team A in a practice T20 match organized by Sri Lanka Cricket, as selectors stepped up preparations ahead of the upcoming Pakistan tour and the ICC T20 World Cup. The match was played at the R. Premadasa Stadium. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Team A posted a competitive 206 for 4, powered by captain Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 73 off 33 balls more..

Jan 1 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy this morning, where he paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings for the New Year. Thereafter, Prez called on the Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and received their blessings. Prez also participated in religious observances held at the Temple of the more..

Jan 1 (EN) SL’s construction sector increased in November, registering a value of 66.2, up from the previous month’s 64.3, on a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank. “Most firms reported improved construction activity during the month, despite the weather-related disruptions towards the end of the period,” central bank said. The New Orders sub index expanded at a slower rate, registering 64.7 in Nov from 67.1 in Oct. The Employment sub index rose at a higher rate, more..

Jan 1 (AD) An officer attached to the Ambalantota Police who was on duty on New Year’s Eve has died after being run over by a car driven by an individual who was under the influence, police stated. The fatal accident occurred at around 2.30 a.m. today (01) at a roadblock near the bridge over the Walawe Ganga in Ambalantota. Police said the vehicle, which was heading towards Ambalantota, failed to stop despite being ordered to do so and collide with the police officer on duty. more..

Jan 1 (FT) A refreshing 31,557,600 seconds in 2026 are with us. The sparkling spirit of a new year invites us not only to have brand new thoughts but to convert them into grand actions. As usual, people tend to have New Year resolutions. My suggestion is to go beyond scant resolutions, to have specific reinforcements. As an appetiser for a productive new year, I would like to share twenty-six thoughts for 2026 as essentials for excellence, especially with the SL managers in mind. more..

Jan 1 (FT) In a good part of the island, violent winds and gushing waters left a scene of utter destruction. Bridges were blown away, roads damaged, buildings brought down, rail lines swept aside, houses destroyed and much of the farmland left in ruins. Many a family have lost a dear one while many more are left destitute. A poor nation sees its hopes and aspirations receding further into the horizon. We are inclined to see the earth as bountiful, custom-made for human needs. more..

Jan 1 (NW) As we step into the New Year 2026, we do so as a nation that has shouldered the greatest reform programme and reconstruction effort in our modern history. Despite numerous challenges, the year 2025 laid the foundation for sustainable development rooted in our national aspirations. Among the significant economic achievements of the past year were the recording of the lowest budget deficit since 1977, the highest govt revenue more..

Jan 1 (CT) Minister K.D. Lalkantha accused media institutions in Sri Lanka of focusing excessively on negative developments while overlooking what he described as positive progress made by the govt. Addressing an event, the Minister claimed that media organisations which frequently report on setbacks and shortcomings in the country are themselves flawed institutions. “The media outlets that speak of upsets in the country are themselves upset institutions.” more..

Jan 1 (TM) T Environment Ministry is teaming up with the private sector to promote cloth bags as a sustainable alternative to polythene bags for the Sri Pada pilgrimage, as part of the Govt's plan to make Adam's Peak a polythene-free zone. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said that private sector sponsors have offered to provide cloth bags to replace polythene bags used by pilgrims. The Ministry has also enlisted media help to raise awareness about environmental precautions during pilgrimage, more..

Jan 1 (AD) A Gazette notification has been issued by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, establishing a Rebuilding SL Presidential Task Force. The 25-member task force has been formed to provide strategic leadership, coordination, a unified approach towards and oversight of all post–disaster rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction matters following Cyclone Ditwah. PM Harini Amarasuriya has been appointed as the Chairman of more..

Jan 1 (DN) SL’s top-ranked squash star Ravindu Laksiri once again proved his class by winning his 13th consecutive Men’s Open title, while national women’s number one Chanithma Sinaly secured her second straight Women’s Open crown at the 45th Sri Lanka Senior National Squash Championship 2025 – PSA Satellite Event, organised by Sri Lanka Squash and concluded at the Air Force Squash Complex on Tuesday night. In the Men’s Open final, the undisputed national champion more..

Jan 1 (TM) Right to Information (RTI) Commission stated that although the RTI Act, No. 12 of 2016 provides it with a degree of independence to make staff recruitments, this has not been possible in practice due to limitations imposed by the Treasury, which controls funding. RTI Commission’s Director General (DG) K.D.S. Ruwanchandra said that public sector recruitments have been restricted by the Government, and that this has affected the Commission. He added that the issue is not more..