Jan 6 (TS) For months after his father was beaten to near death by a group of armed assailants while visiting his home village in SL, Ganesh Subramaniam was left asking himself: who would do such a thing, and why? It took more than a year for SL authorities to offer a shocking theory: the attack on Ganesh’s father — who founded the Sri Ayyappan Hindu Temple in Scarborough more than 40 years ago — was allegedly ordered on more..

Jan 6 (TM) The death toll from the tragic house fire in Galenbindunuwewa has risen to three following the passing of the suspect’s wife while undergoing treatment. The incident occurred at around 2 a.m. today in the Padikaramaduwa area of Nuwaragam Colony. A 43-year-old man set fire to his own residence using petrol following a domestic dispute. The man and his 13-year-old daughter died at the scene. Police confirmed that the suspect’s 36-year-old wife, who had been hospitalized with more..

Jan 6 (DM) The Cabinet has approved the purchase of 350 housing units at the Harbour View Residencies project in Colombo 13 for officers serving in the SL Police. The housing project, located on Cyril C. Perera Mawatha, Colombo 13, comprises 452 units across 14 floors and was developed to provide accommodation for officers in govt and semi-govt institutions. Under the approved plan, UDA will also construct sufficient vehicle parking facilities for the units. more..

Jan 6 (DM) Cabinet has approved a resolution submitted by the President to promptly finalize the draft bill for the National Lotteries Board, incorporating proposed amendments. Established under the Finance Act No. 11 of 1963, National Lotteries Board (NLB) is set to undergo legal updates to meet the current demands of the lottery market, nearly 62 years after the original law was enacted. Recognizing the need to modernize the legislation, the Cabinet had approved more..

Jan 6 (CT) Election Commissioner General H.R.P. Peiris said that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that the 2026 voter registration process was carried out without causing disadvantage to any eligible voter. He stated that the Election Commission would take steps to safeguard the voting rights of individuals who had lost their homes due to the Ditwah disaster or other reasons. Accordingly, Peiris said that instructions were currently being issued to Grama Niladharis more..

Jan 6 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that at a time when people are already struggling due to disasters, fuel prices have been increased, and now there are proposals to raise electricity tariffs as well. Premadasa stated that although the current govt came to power promising to reduce electricity bills by 30% within three years by shifting from fuel‑based power generation to cheaper renewable more..

Jan 6 (FT) Hatch Fund Singapore has announced the completion of its first investment backing Cultive8, a fast-growing agri-technology startup with SL roots and a rapidly expanding regional footprint. Hatch is the centre of gravity for SL’s startup and innovation ecosystem, combining co-working, incubation, mentorship, acceleration, partnerships, and venture funding to startups. This milestone investment reflects Hatch’s commitment to supporting high-potential early winners more..

Jan 6 (DM) A person who attempted to save his companion from a crocodile attack in the Gal Oya River in Periyapallakadu, Akkaraipattu, had fallen victim to it himself. He had been swimming with another to the bank across the river to retrieve a canoe when a crocodile that had emerged from the water sprang at one of them and dragged him underwater. The other person who beat the crocodile with a club and saved his friend. Moments later, the crocodile turned towards the rescuer and more..

Jan 6 (DM) SL 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. Minister Vijitha Herath revealed that 2025 marked a historic high for remittance inflows, surpassing the previous peak of US$ 7.4billion recorded in 2016. “By Nov 2025, remittance income stood at more..

Jan 6 (NW) SL Railways has announced the resumption of the Pulathisi Intercity Express Train and the Ella Odyssey tourist train, as well as special trains for school students. According to the Railway Dept, Pulathisi Intercity train service will resume operations from Jan 9, 2026. It will run every Friday from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa, and every Sunday from Batticaloa to Colombo Fort. Plans are in place to increase the number of train compartments in response to passenger demand. more..

Jan 6 (EN) Cabinet has decided to award a Murban crude deal for four shipment to Singapore-based Vitol Asia, the govt said. Out of the five bids received from the registered suppliers of CPC for procurement of 2,800,000 + 5% barrels of Murban crude oil for a period of four months from 15.04.2026 to 14.08.2026, Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. of Singapore has been chosen. The decision was taken based on the recommendation of the higher level standing procurement committee with regard to bids, more..

Jan 6 (AD) The Cabinet has approved a proposal to expand dialysis services at govt hospitals through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism, in view of the growing demand for renal care services across the country. Although dialysis facilities are currently available in around 80 govt hospitals, it has been observed that existing resources are insufficient to meet the increasing clinical demand. As a result, kidney patients continue to face significant difficulties in accessing more..

Jan 6 (NW) Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, says that in 2026, SL entered into several beneficial agreements with foreign countries, strengthened consular services, and implemented a number of welfare measures for migrant workers. He noted that the decades‑old Foreign Service Appointments Act contains many shortcomings, and announced that this year it will be amended and presented as a new Foreign Employment Act. Speaking further, he said several measures will be taken more..

Jan 6 (AD) SL Police have launched special traffic monitoring strategies for 2026 to curb the rising number of road accidents and to improve public safety in the country, ASP F.U. Wootler said. He stated that traffic accidents have become a serious challenge for the SL Police, affecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Under directives from the IGP, enhanced enforcement and monitoring measures have been more..

Jan 6 (TM) NOLIMIT, SL’s leading Fashion Retail Brand, is proud to announce the grand opening of its 28th store in the heart of Jaffna, a city celebrated for its distinct Northern identity, deep-rooted traditions, and a culture shaped by heritage, learning, and close-knit community life. From its vibrant marketplaces and cuisine to its arts, crafts, and enduring spirit of enterprise, Jaffna stands apart as one of SL’s most culturally significant and fast-evolving urban centers. more..

Jan 6 (CT) The General Secretary of the Graded Principals’ Association, Nimal Mudunkotuwa, said that although schools commenced the 2026 academic year yesterday, the govt had yet to introduce a formal educational plan for Grade 6 students. Mudunkotuwa noted that while authorities had scheduled the official start of the Grade 6 curriculum for 21 January, the absence of academic activities until that date had placed teachers and principals in a difficult position. more..

Jan 6 (DN) Govt has already allocated Rs. 20 billion to fill job vacancies in the public service, said Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando. In addition to the Rs. 110 billion spent on salary increases for public servants effective from 2025, Treasury has had to bear an additional Rs. 110 billion to increase the salaries of public servants this year, Minister added. Govt has decided to fill the 72,000 job vacancies currently existing in more..

Jan 6 (AD) Cabinet has granted approval to proceed with the implementation of a project aimed at building a resilient, high-quality maize-based food system to enhance the Thriposha programme in SL. WFP, as part of its national nutrition interventions, is supporting the enhancement of the Thriposha programme and has prepared a project proposal titled Building a resilient high quality maize-based food system for an improved Thriposha program in SL: Let’s sow, let’s grow. more..

Jan 6 (NW) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva endorsed the wearable medical device developed by SL-born entrepreneur Shavini Fernando, and discussed the possibility of integrating it into the 1990 Suwa Sariya free emergency ambulance service, saying it could help monitor patients’ oxygen levels during transport. De Silva met with Fernando, founder and chief executive officer of OxiWear Inc., in Colombo this week to discuss the device and its potential applications beyond individual patient use. more..

Jan 6 (FT) Dear Governor, We write to you as co-organisers of the statement endorsed by 121 economists and academics from around the world. The signatories include Joseph Stiglitz, who is a Nobel laureate and former chief economist of the World Bank, former finance ministers of their countries (Martin Guzman, Yanis Varoufakis), former employees or advisers to high-level UN bodies and other govts. Many of the signatories have direct knowledge and/or experience of the harmful more..

Jan 6 (FT) Cyclone Ditwah has imposed a severe humanitarian and economic shock on SL. With World Bank estimates placing direct physical damage at around US$4.1 billion (around 4% of GDP), the need for rapid public action is undeniable. Emergency shelter, rehabilitation of agriculture, and the repair of damaged infrastructure require fiscal space and foreign exchange at a moment when SL’s macroeconomic position remains extremely fragile. It is within this context that Verité Research more..

Jan 6 (TM) A Food and Beverages Department has been launched for the first time at a Govt hospital, a senior spokesperson for the Health Ministry announced. It was to be launched as a pilot project where in-ward patients in Govt hospitals would be provided with high-quality, nutritious and tasty meals — served on a special plate with rice, fish, curry and accompaniments kept separately for each patient. Project is to be launched today more..

Jan 6 (AD) Parliament is scheduled to convene today for the first time this year. Parliament will meet at 9.30 a.m. under the patronage of Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. During today’s sitting, regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and regulations under Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, are scheduled to be taken up for debate. In addition, a resolution related to the proclamation issued under more..

Jan 6 (Island) All Ceylon Multi-day Trawler Owners’ Association has urged relevant international organisations and the government to probe the recent destruction of a multi-day fishing trawler and the arrest of six fishermen by the Seychelles security authorities. Secretary of the Association, Ruwan Fernando, said the trawler that left Wellamankara harbour, in Wennappuwa, with six men on board, had been seized by the Seychelles security forces on December 30. more..

Jan 6 (TM) In the wake of calls by Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) for a comprehensive review of the newly prepared school modules, the Education Ministry stated that the matter has come to their attention, and that possible options would be studied. Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said the Ministry is paying attention to the matter and accepts there could be issues in modules that need to be addressed. more..

Jan 6 (EN) Sri Lanka will implement its already announced visa free scheme from the first quarter of this year, Minister Vijith Herath said. The scheme was announced last year, but it is yet to be implemented. “It will be implemented from the first quarter of this year,” Minister said. In July last year, Sri Lanka announced that it will add another 33 countries to the list of countries exempted from paying ETA visa fees in a bid to facilitate recovery in its tourism sector. more..

Jan 6 (FT) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said, within the prevailing financial constraints, Budgetary allocations for 2026 have been made by identifying national priorities, and emphasised that it is the responsibility of all Ministry Secretaries and public officials to utilise these funds with maximum efficiency for the benefit of the people. Dissanayake made these remarks during a discussion with Ministry Secretaries held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, more..

Jan 6 (CT) Mallakam Magistrate’s Court heard the controversial case concerning protests at the Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara yesterday involving around 30 individuals, including members of Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils and local residents, who had protested against the established Vihara. Police filed the case in connection with the protests. Among those involved, Velan Swami and five previously detained individuals, along with others who had received summons, appeared in court. more..

Jan 6 (FT) Industry & Entrepreneurship Development Ministry said business registration for export, manufacturing, and other enterprises affected by Cyclone Ditwah has resumed under a second phase and will be extended until 16 January. Ministry said the registration was restarted following requests from manufacturing and small-scale industrial operators. It also said a disaster relief grant of Rs. 200,000 will be extended to small and medium-scale factories that have yet to more..

Jan 6 (ST) A loan sought by the SL govt from the Exim Bank of China as part-funding for Stage 1 of the Central Expressway Project (CEP 1) has still not come through despite protracted negotiations, official sources said. The govt has allocated Rs. 66.15bn through the 2026 budget to resume work on CEP 1, which runs 37.1 km from Kadawatha to Mirigama, and work continues amidst the long lag in obtaining a new loan from more..

Jan 6 (AD) CPC has announced a revision of fuel prices effective from midnight today (5). Accordingly, the price of Petrol 95 Octane has been increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 340 per litre, while the price of Kerosene has been increased by Rs. 2 to Rs. 180 per litre. The price of Auto Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 2 to Rs. 279 while the price of Super Diesel has been increased by Rs. 5, bringing it to Rs. 323 per litre. Meanwhile, there will be no change in the price of Petrol 92 Octane. more..

Jan 6 (DN) All rounders Dhanajaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka have been recalled for the SL T-20 squad while 21 year old Traveen Mathew is the only uncapped player in the 18 member squad for the Pakistan T-20 match series which will commence tomorrow at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium. The selection committee headed by Promodya Wickramasinghe has selected 18 players from their previously named 25 member preliminary squad and they are expected to name a 15 member more..