Feb 26 (CI) A stunning rearguard from Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie knocked Sri Lanka out of the 2026 T20 World Cup in spite of an electric start for the hosts as New Zealand sealed a crushing 61-run win. At an electric R Premadasa Stadium that crackled with perhaps the best atmosphere of the tournament, Sri Lanka's spinners put New Zealand's top and middle order to the sword, reducing them to 84 for 6. more..

Feb 26 (SO) With the current Govt committed to good governance and anti-corruption reforms, SL now has a unique opportunity to accelerate development and achieve sustained economic progress, said Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva, who arrived in SL last week for a three-day visit, This was her core message during her talks with SL leaders and officials. Georgieva said that SL has faced multiple shocks, including the Northern conflict, the tsunami, terror attacks, more..

Feb 26 (Island) The NPP, led by JVP, came to power promising democratic renewal and long-awaited economic, educational, healthcare, and social transformation. It pledged to build a modern SL rooted in democratic values while steering the country toward its vision of Democratic Socialism. For many supporters, the NPP’s rise to the pinnacle of political power represents a historic opportunity to reset the nation’s direction. Yet recent developments have stirred unease. more..

Feb 26 (Island) CID yesterday arrested former Military Intelligence Chief Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay in connection with the ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks (2019). ASP F.U. Wootler told a hurriedly summoned media briefing that the arrest of Sallay was based on credible evidence. If so, the burden is on the police to prove their very serious charges against the war-time military intelligence officer who played a pivotal role in eliminating LTTE terror. more..

Feb 26 (CT) When the first sod was turned for the proposed Jaffna Int'l Cricket Stadium on Mandaitivu Island last September, it was presented as a moment of hope. Under the patronage of Prez Dissanayake, the ceremony signalled what officials described as a landmark development drive for the Northern Province — the beginning of a grand sports city that would bring investment, tourism and pride to the region. But progress, however well-intentioned, cannot come at the expense of the law. more..

Feb 26 (CT) World Cancer Day, observed annually on 4 February, brings into focus a health challenge that continues to grow. In 2022, the world recorded an estimated 20 million new cancer cases alongside nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths. Models project that by 2050, new cases could reach 35 million annually, marking a 77% increase from current levels, driven by ageing populations, urbanisation, and persistent more..

Feb 26 (ST) Last week, the Sunday Times Business reported that SriLankan Airlines received Rs. 25.2 billion in Dec 2025 through a govt capital infusion. This is hardly new—such bailouts have been a recurring feature throughout the airline’s history. According to the airline’s 2024/25 annual report, accumulated losses had reached Rs. 379.5 billion. On top of this, the company carried heavy bank debt and unpaid international bonds, with interest obligations of about US$ 211.6 million more..

Feb 26 (GV) The root causes of SL’s 26 year civil war have yet to be addressed, resulting in many consequences including exacerbating the issue of land conflicts and contestation related to places of religious worship. Escalating conflicts over land and religious sites, particularly in the north and east, are deeply intertwined with issues of ownership, control and access, which have been persistent drivers of conflict in the region. Land disputes and contestation over religious sites are not new phenomena. more..

Feb 26 (SO) Public confidence in SL’s direction is rising, with a majority now expressing satisfaction with the way things are going in the country, according to the Mood of the Nation survey by Verité Research in Feb 2026. Executive Director of Verité Research Dr. Nishan de Mel said 59% expressed satisfaction with the way things were going in the country, the first time that figure crossed the 50% mark, in four years of polling. more..

Feb 26 (DM) It appears that the latest procurement by Lanka Coal caused a direct loss of LKR 7,668.1 million to CEB. This is a floor, not a ceiling. The direct loss calculation excludes the additional costs that must be incurred to make up for the shortfall in generation caused by sub-standard coal and the remedial measures that may have to be taken to manage increased fly ash volumes. Lanka Coal is a 100% state-owned enterprise that will shortly be a part of Electricity Generation Lanka (EGL), more..

Feb 26 (DM) It is quite ironic to see the incumbent govt showing interests to build an international cricket stadium despite the worrying performances by our own national team. Following pressure from environmental groups, Govt halted the construction of the proposed int'l cricket stadium in Mandaitivu, Jaffna. Mandaitivu Island is an ecologically critical, biodiversity-rich area in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, boasting significant mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and over 150 bird species, more..

Feb 25 (DM) The Wildlife Conservation Dept has announced that it will conduct a formal investigation following reports that tourist bungalows in some national parks are being booked online and used for purposes other than wildlife viewing. According to Sections 3(b) and 2(c) of the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance, the Director General may issue permits for entry into national parks strictly for the purpose of viewing wildlife and flora. The permit does not grant authority for more..

Feb 25 (NW) Police have sought public assistance to apprehend a suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in the Kalutara North Police Division earlier this month. Investigations are underway into the shooting incident reported on Feb 14 at a shop in the Ladiyamankada Junction area in Kalutara North. Police said two unidentified individuals had arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire using a firearm, resulting in the death of a man inside the premises. more..

Feb 25 (AD) Colombo High Court today ordered the release of Daisy Forrest, grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa and a defendant in a case filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara submitted a specialized psychiatric report to the court. The report, compiled by the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer, was requested by the court to determine whether more..

Feb 25 (DM) The commemorative celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC), together with the 2nd Executive Committee meeting of the 11th General Assembly, is scheduled to be held in SL from 28 Nov to 2 Dec. A special discussion regarding the organisational arrangements was held yesterday afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Prez Dissanayake. Prez instructed that a joint committee be appointed, more..

Feb 25 (TM) Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that a report assessing the impact of cyclone Ditwah on the education sector has now been prepared and will undergo verification before further action is taken. Kaluwewa explained that verification workshops would be conducted in all Provinces in the coming days to review and confirm the data included in the report. “We need to verify the information contained in the report. more..

Feb 25 (AD) CEB trade unions have decided to launch a token strike from 12 noon to 6 pm tomorrow, citing the lack of response to their demands from relevant authorities. The trade unions have conveyed this decision in a letter addressed to Minister of Power and Energy, Kumara Jayakody. According to the letter, no positive response has been received so far regarding the eight demands put forward by the trade unions. more..

Feb 25 (NW) Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, met with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul for substantive bilateral discussions. The talks focused on deepening economic cooperation, expanding foreign employment pathways, enhancing development cooperation, and strengthening defence ties, alongside SL’s ongoing economic recovery efforts, including progress on debt restructuring. more..

Feb 25 (CT) All arrangements have been finalised for the 2026 annual feast of St. Anthony’s Shrine in Katchatheevu, Jaffna District Secretary Maruthalingam Pradeepan announced yesterday (24). The final coordination meeting ahead of the festival was held at 9 a.m. at the Jaffna District Secretariat under his chairmanship. The historic feast at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Katchatheevu, is scheduled to take place on 27 and 28 Feb 2026, drawing devotees from both SL and India. more..

Feb 25 (AD) SDIG in charge of the Western Province, Sajeewa Medawatte, says that several new information have been uncovered in connection with the recent shooting and killing of a lawyer and his wife at a supermarket parking lot in Akuregoda. He said the crime had been carried out in a highly organized manner by a criminal gang. He noted that at the initial stage of the investigation, police only had minimum information, with the criminals involved having used various methods to commit more..

Feb 25 (CT) Senior academic Prof Rohan Samarajiva stated that Victor Ivan was among the foremost intellectuals committed to the public good in SL, and that he deserved greater recognition than anyone else for shaping the ongoing national debate on Constitutional Reform. Delivering the keynote address at the first death anniversary commemoration of Victor Ivan, Samarajiva observed that Ivan had consistently argued over a prolonged period that the Executive Presidential System more..

Feb 25 (AD) Organized criminals and drug traffickers were utilized in the past for certain factions to consolidate their political power, Minister Ananda Wijepala stated. he made these remarks while participating in the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Mirigama Police Station. Responding to an inquiry, Minister assured that no factions will be allowed to intimidate or threaten individuals providing information regarding organized more..

Feb 25 (DN) Court of Appeal today dismissed two writ petitions filed by Avant-Garde Maritime Services and its employees, which sought to overturn an order issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence to remove three of the company’s armouries. The court issued the order following a preliminary consideration of the petitions. By dismissing the cases without a full hearing, the court has effectively declined to interfere with Ministry of Defence’s directive regarding the weapons more..

Feb 25 (DM) A train halted near the Ulapane–Warakapitiya Railway Station has remained stranded for four months after a landslide triggered by heavy rains associated with the Ditwah cyclone caused severe damage to the railway line, railway dept sources said. Train was operating from Colombo to Nanu Oya via Kandy and Nawalapitiya at the time of the incident. It comprises nine compartments, including an air-conditioned coach. The locomotive alone is valued at around Rs. 200 million, more..

Feb 25 (TM) A faction of trade unions attached to the CEB has announced plans to launch strike action from 27 Feb if their eight demands are not met and authorities proceed with a proposal to restructure the utility. The warning comes as the GCE O/L Exam concludes tomorrow (26). Kosala Abeysinghe, President of the CEB Technicians’ Union, said the unions had formally notified Ministry of Energy of their decision. more..

Feb 25 (AD) Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Paulo Rangel, has met with the PM Harini Amarasuriya, at the PM’s Office for bilateral discussions. During the discussion, held on Tuesday (24), attention was drawn to exploring potential collaborations across multiple sectors of mutual interest, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector. Climate change and its impacts were also discussed extensively, with emphasis on shared vulnerabilities and more..

Feb 25 (NW) Sail Training Ship INS Tarangini of the Indian Navy will arrive at Trincomalee on Friday (27), beginning a goodwill and training visit that will continue until 02 March. The ship will then call at Colombo from 6–9 March, providing ocean sailing training and experience to SL Navy trainee officers during both harbour and sea phases. The ship commanded by Commander Nitin Gajjar is on return passage from Visakhapatnam after taking part in the International Fleet Review 2026. more..

Feb 25 (AM) Several opposition political groups met former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning with the stated aim of uniting around a common purpose. The discussion took place at the UNP office on Flower Road. Udaya Gammanpila said the initiative was not merely an attempt to form a political alliance, but a collective effort to safeguard the people’s right to live with dignity. He stressed the need for all opposition parties to work together in addressing the common challenges faced more..

Feb 25 (DM) A sex centre operating under the guise of a homeopathic treatment clinic in the Ambatale area of the Mulleriyawa Police Division was raided by officers of the Western Province (South) Crime Division. Police said three suspects and a homeopathic doctor, who is believed to be the owner of the establishment, were arrested during the operation. The suspects are scheduled to be produced before court. Investigations revealed that the premises had allegedly been used to more..

Feb 25 (DM) The govt has not taken any decision to stop the construction of the proposed international cricket stadium in Jaffna, and that construction work will go ahead as planned, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday. He said that the project will be implemented with the coordination and support of all the ministries. “We will continue the construction work of the Jaffna Int'l Cricket Stadium. more..

Feb 25 (NW) Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will visit Germany from Feb 26 to 27 to strengthen economic and political ties. Herath is scheduled to take part in a series of meetings focused on trade and foreign employment, following an invitation extended by the German-Asia Pacific Business Association (OAV) Bremen Chapter. During the visit, the minister will attend events marking the 125th anniversary of the Bremen Chapter of the Asia Pacific Business Association as the Guest of Honor and more..

Feb 25 (EN) Sri Lanka plans to issue its first digital national identity card (digital ID) by the third or fourth quarter of 2026, with the government currently finalizing the procurement process, deputy minister Eranga Weeraratne said. “Instead of carrying a physical card to various locations, citizens will be able to verify their identity with 100% certainty using biometric data,” Weeraratne said. The digital ID project is being developed to streamline interactions between citizens and more..